begüm One of the most enchanting experiences of the winter months is without doubt the Christmas markets. With streets decorated with colourful lights, the smell of mulled wine, handmade gifts and traditional treats, these markets bring a truly magical atmosphere to many European cities.
But which are the most beautiful Christmas markets, and when do they take place?
If you don’t want to deal with visa procedures, we have great news for you: thanks to visa-free Christmas markets, you can easily visit cities where you can enjoy Europe’s most festive New Year spirit.
What’s more, with the 2025 list of visa-free Christmas markets, it’s possible to discover this magical atmosphere with a short trip and without straining your budget.
Visa-Free Christmas Markets Map
- 1Serbia Belgrade
- 2Montenegro Podgorica and Kotor
- 3Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarajevo
- 4North Macedonia Skopje
- 5Georgia Tbilisi
- 6Kosovo Pristina
- 7Albania Tirana
The Best Visa-Free Christmas Markets
Serbia – Belgrade Christmas Market (December 2, 2025 – January 6, 2026)
The Christmas Market in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is known as “Beograd Zimska Bajka” (Belgrade Winter Fairy Tale) and usually runs from early December until mid-January. Set around Knez Mihailova Street, one of the city’s most popular squares, the market offers a charming atmosphere with mulled wine stalls, local dishes, handmade crafts, and festive decorations.
Enjoying the local flavours at the Belgrade Christmas Market is another highlight; you should definitely try rakija (fruit brandy), ćevapi (grilled meat rolls), and traditional desserts from Serbian cuisine. In the evening, under the lights, the market becomes even more romantic and lively.
The warm and welcoming atmosphere of Belgrade makes it a great choice for a visa-free New Year holiday.
Montenegro – Podgorica and Kotor Christmas Markets (1 December 2025 – 6 January 2026)
Podgorica Christmas Market
The Christmas Market in Podgorica, the capital city, usually begins in late November or early December and continues until the end of the year. Set around Trg Nezavisnosti (Independence Square), it is one of the city’s largest events. Here you can enjoy local delicacies, hot drinks, handmade gifts, and live music, making the most of the winter season. Don’t forget to try the specialities of Serbian and Montenegrin cuisine!
Kotor Christmas Market
With its historic atmosphere, the Christmas Market in Kotor offers a completely different experience. Held in the narrow streets and squares of the Old Town, the market starts in December and usually continues into the first days of January. Alongside mulled wine, Montenegrin sweets, and gift stalls, the lights and various events make the town even more enchanting.
During the New Year period, concerts and traditional dance performances also take place, making the market experience truly unforgettable. Celebrating Christmas in the historic setting of Kotor is a truly unique experience!
Bosnia and Herzegovina – Sarajevo Winter Festival and Christmas Market (1 December 2025 – 7 January 2026)
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, offers a magical atmosphere during the winter months with the Sarajevo Winter Festival and Christmas Market. The Sarajevo Winter Festival usually begins in December and continues into the first weeks of the New Year. The festival is held across the city’s main squares and streets, filled with sparkling decorations, concerts, theatre performances, dance shows, and local artists.
The Sarajevo Christmas Market, in particular, is set in the Baščaršija area and is enriched with traditional handmade gifts, mulled wine, and delicacies from Bosnian cuisine such as ćevapi (grilled meat), burek (pastry) and tufahija (stuffed apple dessert).
North Macedonia – Skopje Christmas Market (12 December 2025 – 12 January 2026)
In the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje, the city turns into a winter fairy tale during the Christmas season. The Skopje Winterland Christmas Market is usually set around Macedonia Square and welcomes visitors from early December until New Year’s Eve. Sparkling decorations, a giant Christmas tree, and colourful stalls allow you to taste local delicacies with mulled wine, while handmade gifts offer a delightful shopping experience. Combined with Skopje’s historic setting and friendly atmosphere, this market is a great choice for a visa-free winter holiday.
Georgia – Tbilisi Christmas Market (25 December 2025 – 14 January 2026)
The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, offers a magical experience during the Christmas season with its sparkling streets and joyful atmosphere. The Tbilisi Christmas Market usually opens in early December and hosts events across several squares in the city until New Year’s Eve. The markets, especially around Rike Park and Tbilisi Square, look like a winter fairy tale with colourful lights and traditional Georgian decorations. Local crafts, gifts, mulled wine, and delicious Georgian cuisine provide visitors with an unforgettable Christmas experience. With both its historic charm and modern atmosphere, the market in Tbilisi is a great choice for those looking to celebrate the festive season in a warm and peaceful way.
Kosovo – Pristina Christmas Market (7 December – 30 December 2025)
In the capital of Kosovo, Pristina, the Christmas season is celebrated with colourful lights and a joyful atmosphere. The Pristina Christmas Market usually opens in December and brings cheer to the city until the days before New Year. The market is set around Martyrs’ Square and nearby areas, filled with hot drinks, traditional Kosovan dishes, handmade gifts, and Christmas decorations. In addition, performances by local artists and music groups add extra vibrancy to the market. The Christmas Market in Pristina offers a small but warm atmosphere, making it a great experience for those who want to shop and feel the festive spirit.
Albania – Tirana Christmas Market (1 December 2025 – 6 January 2026)
In the capital of Albania, Tirana, the Christmas season is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. The Tirana Christmas Market usually opens in early December and stays open until the days before New Year. The market is located around Skanderbeg Square and is filled with decorations that light up the city, mulled wine, traditional Albanian dishes, and handmade gifts. This market in Tirana is a great opportunity for those who want to experience the Christmas spirit and taste Albanian cuisine. Traditional flavours like baklava, sarmale (cabbage rolls), and raki offer visitors an unforgettable experience. With its friendly atmosphere and streets full of Christmas decorations, Tirana provides a warm setting for a winter holiday.
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