The most beautiful and affordable Christmas markets you can visit without a visa

Towards the middle of November, markets for Christmas began to be set up in many parts of the world. These traditional markets, which span from November to January, carry the spirit and excitement of the New Year to its peak.

In every country where a Christmas market is set up, it offers examples of that country's culture, cuisine, and handicrafts. If you enjoy experiencing different cultures, you can also consider these markets as a bit of a cultural tour.

Here are the Christmas markets you can visit without a visa...

Montenegro, Podgorica and Kotor (December 1, 2024 – January 6, 2025)

Montenegro, which hosts many tourists from Turkey during the summer months, is now preparing to host them with its Christmas markets. The market in Podgorica will be set up in Independence Square. In addition to the capital, a market will also be set up in Kotor, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Christmas market here is held in the Square of the Arms.

Serbia, Novi Sad (November 25 – December 26, 2024)

Novi Sad, which was among the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2019, has begun welcoming visitors with its winter festival known as “Novosadski Zimzolend.” When you think of Serbia, the capital Belgrade might come to mind first, but aside from Belgrade's enchanting beauty, Novi Sad's impressive Christmas market has a special importance and beauty of its own. The Christmas market in Novi Sad also holds the distinction of being the oldest Christmas market in the country.

The market is set up in Liberty Square, opposite the Novi Sad Cathedral. The market plans to feature local food, souvenirs, and concerts.

Montenegro, Budva (December 10, 2024 – January 7, 2025)

The coastal city of Budva in Montenegro has begun preparations to set up its Christmas market. The market will be established in the historic old town area. Located in the Square of the Arms, this market will offer the opportunity to shop and have fun with a sea view.

At the Budva Christmas market, you can find local handicrafts, regional delicacies, and hot drinks unique to Montenegro. You can also feel the New Year spirit with stage performances, concerts, and street artists.

North Macedonia, Skopje (December 12, 2024 – January 12, 2025)

Although Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, does not celebrate Christmas with as much enthusiasm as some European cities, it has venues that make you feel the New Year atmosphere. Steaming chestnuts and salep, the indispensable drink of winter, are among the options that will warm you up while wandering through these markets. Skopje, an old Ottoman city, also offers its visitors a pleasant experience with its historical texture on cold winter days. You can find the Christmas market on Makedonija Street.

Kosovo, Pristina (December 7 – December 30, 2024)

Kosovo's largest Christmas market is set up in Pristina. The Christmas market will be established in Mother Teresa Square. Kosovo offers a cultural feast with its traditional handicrafts, regional delicacies, and hot drinks.

Georgia, Tbilisi (December 25, 2024 – January 14, 2025)

Colorful lights, pine trees, and New Year-themed decorations adorn the city at various points in Tbilisi. As for fireworks, Georgians start celebrating with fireworks almost every hour of the day in the last week before the New Year. You can watch these firework displays from Narikala Hill, which overlooks the city.

You can come across Christmas markets that last throughout December on almost every corner. A large Christmas market will be set up in First Republic Square. A puppet theater, open-air cinema, and concerts will continue in this square throughout December. On the morning of Christmas, which they accept as January 7, a traditional Christmas procession called Alilo is held.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo (December 1, 2024 – January 7, 2025)

Sarajevo is one of the cities that combines the enchanting atmosphere of the Balkans with the Christmas period. In this city that smells of history and culture, the markets set up during Christmas offer a very impressive experience. The Christmas market in Sarajevo is located around Ferhadija Street and the Eternal Flame Monument.

In this market, you can discover the traditional cuisine, hot drinks, and handmade products of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is worth remembering to try local desserts accompanied by Bosnian coffee. Also, for those looking for souvenirs, Bosnia's famous copperware products can be a great option.

Concerts, light shows, and events for children organized throughout the Christmas market have attracted great interest from both locals and tourists for years. These events, combined with the city's historical texture, add a fairy-tale atmosphere to Sarajevo.

Albania, Tirana (December 1, 2024 – January 6, 2025)

Tirana, the capital of Albania, stands out as a destination that becomes a center of attention during the Christmas period. During this time, the city gains a colorful and energetic atmosphere for both locals and visitors. The center of the New Year enthusiasm in Tirana is the Christmas market set up in Skanderbeg Square.

Handmade souvenirs, local flavors, and hot drinks unique to Albanian cuisine await visitors at this market. While a full program is offered, from events for children to stage performances and concerts, the square takes on a fascinating appearance with Christmas lights.

Moldova, Chisinau (December 15, 2024 – January 15, 2025)

Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, turns into a fairy-tale land during the Christmas period. The Christmas market set up in the city center offers an atmosphere that does not fall short of Europe's large markets. The square, decorated with colorful lights, is overflowing with delicacies from local cuisine, handmade souvenirs, and various cultural events.

One of the most prominent features of the market is the concerts given by local music groups and traditional folk dance performances. In addition, Moldova's famous wines are among the flavors that must be tried at this market. You can fully feel the New Year spirit with the warm and friendly atmosphere of Chisinau.