Cities in our region once again show their most magical festive face – our mulled-wine-in-hand selection!
Gdańsk’s record-breaking festive buzz, Tallinn’s beloved tradition, Budapest’s award-winning Advent wonderland, the family-friendly České Budějovice and Warsaw’s sky-high Christmas – Central and Eastern European cities are once again bringing out their very best for the Advent season. Our selection – best enjoyed with a cup of mulled wine.
The Biggest – Gdańsk, Poland
This year, the Pomeranian city of Gdańsk has launched the festive season more spectacularly than ever before: the largest Christmas market in the city’s history awaits visitors in the heart of the Old Town. The charming wooden stalls stretch from the historic Great Armoury all the way to the former prison building, transforming the centre into a festive maze of light with its 222 stands. The air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and punch while visitors can choose from the culinary delights of 22 different countries: from classic Polish pierogi to Asian noodles and Mediterranean sweets. The handmade products reflect local traditions, making it easy to find the perfect Christmas gift for the whole family!
The market has something especially for families, too: every Saturday a festive parade livens up the programme, featuring the return of the much-loved talking moose, Lucek – with his characteristic humour. Thursdays are dedicated specifically to children and parents, with games, competitions and fairy-tale characters – including the Snow Queen and Santa Claus – making the experience even more magical. The Gdańsk Christmas Market is open daily from noon: until 8 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, welcoming all those seeking festive spirit right up to 23 December.
A Quarter-Century Celebration – Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s Christmas market celebrates its 25th anniversary this year in the historic Town Hall Square, the cosy Raekoja plats. Surrounded by the medieval town hall and narrow, snow-covered streets, the market opened on 21 November and has become a true gastronomic pilgrimage site for lovers of winter flavours. If you visit, make sure to try the Finnish-origin glögi while sampling classic Estonian dishes: juicy Baltic sausages, sauerkraut and the characteristic roasted potatoes, as well as richer specialities such as confit duck or roasted salmon. Prices are not low, although the portions are generous.
Tallinn’s market is not only about flavours but also about sustainability: food and drinks are served in returnable plates and mugs, for which a small deposit is required. A little secret: glögi is available in countless varieties, from the classic version to those reminiscent of apple pie or sea buckthorn – and there are even stronger, liqueur-enhanced versions. The novelty of this year is the stuffed pretzel, offered in both sweet and savoury variations. The Tallinn Christmas Market remains open until 27 December, offering a festive experience full of flavours and scents, where Estonian Christmas traditions create unforgettable memories.
The Best – Budapest, Hungary
One of Budapest’s most iconic Christmas markets is set in front of the stunning St Stephen’s Basilica, where historical surroundings and a modern festive atmosphere blend in perfect harmony. A true spectacle of the market is the light show projected onto the basilica’s façade every evening from half past five, dazzling visitors every 30 minutes. The light tunnel and multilingual selfie booth further enhance the magic, offering not only gastronomic but also spectacular visual experiences for all ages.
The food selection is remarkably diverse: alongside classic sausages and burgers, countless seasonal treats, sweets and hot drinks await visitors. The stalls now extend not only across St Stephen’s Square but also into the surrounding small streets, making it one of Budapest’s largest and most varied festive events. Insider tip: every stall offers a budget-friendly set menu for just 1600 forints (approx. €4), making the Christmas atmosphere accessible to everyone – while the 1500-forint (€3.9) mulled wine is among the cheapest in Europe!
It is no coincidence that the international organisation European Best Destinations has named the Advent market in front of the Basilica the best European Christmas market of all time. The jury particularly highlighted the event’s commitment to sustainability and its charitable programmes during the Advent period. Thus, the Budapest market is not only spectacular and atmospheric but also a true community and cultural experience in the heart of the city. The market runs from 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, open until 10 pm every evening.
The Family Friendly – České Budějovice, Czech Republic
My personal favourite: the Advent market in České Budějovice, South Bohemia, fills the city’s historical main square, the monumental Přemysl Otakar II Square, as well as the town hall courtyard with festive lights from 18 November to 6 January. Surrounded by beautiful Baroque and Renaissance buildings, the square transforms into a true Christmas fairy-tale world: a multitude of wooden stalls offer handmade gifts, traditional Czech treats and hot drinks, while Christmas carols, live music and dance performances make the festive atmosphere complete every day. Visitors can also gain insight into old Christmas customs and traditional crafts.
The market’s charm lies in its spectacular and diverse programme: a carved nativity scene, a Christmas photo corner, a lookout tower, a wishing bell tower and an ice-skating rink set around the Samson Fountain all await visitors. Children can enjoy a carousel, a giant slide and Santa’s workshop, while the Advent spirit is further enhanced by a festive Ferris wheel and historic dolls displayed around the fountain. The event offers experiences for all generations – families and romantic couples alike will easily find their own magical Christmas moments here.
From a gastronomic perspective, the Budějovice market is a real heavyweight: the city offers more than 60 types of punch – from classic Viennese varieties to special creations made with Tatra tea, matcha or white chocolate. Alongside trdelník, mead and traditional Christmas sweets, flavours from around the world also appear: churros, corn dogs, kimchi and other international treats feature on the menu. The novelty of this year is a section dedicated specifically to vegan and gluten-free specialities, making the market attractive to an even wider audience. The České Budějovice Advent market thus preserves old traditions while showing a modern, international face – all at affordable prices!
The Highest – Warsaw, Poland
This year, Warsaw has taken the Christmas market experience to a whole new level: the European Union’s highest-located Christmas market has opened its doors on the 49th floor of the city’s iconic Varso Tower, standing 310 metres tall. At around 230 metres above ground, the HighGarden space is transformed from 1 December to 31 January into a festive wonderland where visitors are treated to a fairy-tale atmosphere, Alpine-style wooden chalets decorated with blue and white lights and breathtaking panoramic views. Alongside mulled wine and seasonal delights, highly Instagrammable photo spots have been set up, and organisers say the venue will offer a more intimate and exclusive experience than the city’s traditional, larger Christmas markets.
The experience does not end there: a second market level is located on the 46th floor, where visitors can choose from Warsaw-themed souvenirs and Christmas decorations. Admission for adults is 70 zloty (approx. €16.50), or 45 zloty (approx. €10.60) when purchased online, while children under 3 enter free and those aged 3 to 11 can enjoy discounted tickets. Since its opening in 2022, the Varso Tower has not only been the tallest building in Poland but also in the entire European Union, and it has already become one of the most defining symbols of modern Warsaw – and now it is set to make history as one of the most extraordinary festive destinations of the Christmas season.
Cover: Réka Pisla x Fortepan