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View of the Christmas tree and the Ferris Wheel in Wonderland Lisboa, the Christmas fair at Eduardo VII Park Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images If you’re keen on festive markets but dread freezing temperatures and prefer palm trees, there are plenty of Christmas markets in sunny, warm European destinations. From Athens to Valletta, European Best Destinations has just released a survey of travel experts, tour operators, and thousands of travellers that ranks the most magical Christmas markets in warm European destinations. 1. Wonderland Lisboa, Portugal. 28 November-4 January 2026 Wonderland Lisboa, Portugal Christmas market Wonderland Lisboa Celebrating its 10th year in Parque Eduardo VII, Wonderland Lisboa has become one of Portugal’s most popular festive events. The free-entry holiday village features a towering Ferris wheel, an ice rink, a bustling Christmas market, and plenty of seasonal street food. Drawing over a million visitors in 2024, it’s a go-to destination for those looking to enjoy Christmas cheer under Lisbon’s blue skies rather than snow. You will find artisanal gifts, sweet treats and crafts at the Christmas Market, a food court and live music and performances. As well as enjoying Wonderland in one of the sunniest capital cities in Europe, you can explore Lisbon’s famous seven hills that lead to viewpoints such as Senhora do Monte, Santa Catarina and Santa Luzia, each with great views across the city and the Tagus River. 2. Valencia, Spain. 13 December-6 January 2025 Valencia, Spain, Christmas market installed in the city of arts and sciences Valencia’s iconic City of Arts and Sciences, the sprawling cultural complex designed by Spanish architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela transforms into a vibrant Christmas Market every year. For sunlovers, you’ll enjoy the futuristic setting, bathed in sunlight, surrounded by palm trees. The Paseo de Arbotantes del Umbracle becomes a lively hub filled with craft stalls, creative workshops and family-friendly performances. Artisanal stalls offer handmade gifts and gourmet food trucks serve regional specialties, sweet treats and festive drinks. or join in one of the many activities on offer. Children can paint nutcrackers, decorate mugs, design masks, or make their own candles, while adults can watch master artisans at work — from woodcarvers and ceramicists to glassblowers and blacksmiths. The festivities also include a live nativity scene, storytelling, musical performances from the Canta’m Project, and a chance to visit Santa Claus’s house. 3. Madrid, Spain. 29 November- 31 December 2025 Christmas market set up in Madrid's Plaza Mayor Europa Press via Getty Images Celebrate Christmas beneath Madrid’s clear blue skies at the city’s grand 15th- century Plaza Mayor, where the festive season arrives bathed in sunlight. From late November through December, this historic square transforms into a lively Christmas market filled with twinkling lights, decorated stalls and food stands. Visitors can browse handmade gifts, sample turrón (a nougat confection) and hot chocolate and enjoy live performances surrounded by one of Europe’s most dazzling light displays. With its mix of history, atmosphere, and sunshine, Madrid offers a joyful twist on the classic Christmas market—perfect for couples, families, and anyone chasing a little winter warmth. 4. Valletta - Malta, 6 December 2025 to 5 January 2026 Valletta, Malta From late November to early January, the UNESCO-listed city of Valletta becomes one of Europe’s most distinctive Christmas destinations. The Valletta Christmas Market 2025 blends Mediterranean sunshine with the sparkle of festive lights, live entertainment and the charm of Malta’s historic streets. Visitors can stroll through rows of wooden stalls offering handcrafted gifts, local delicacies and Maltese Christmas treats, surrounded by palm trees and sea views. Highlights include glittering lights illuminating Valletta’s baroque squares and narrow lanes, outdoor cafés and sunny promenades overlooking the harbor, mulled wine and traditional food and artisan crafts and one-of-a-kind souvenirs made by Maltese makers More than just a market, Christmas in Valletta is a cultural celebration. Explore museums and churches, listen to seasonal concerts, or simply relax with a glass of Maltese wine as the city glows with festive warmth. 5. Salamanca, 6 December 2025 to 6 January 2026 Dolores Giraldez Alonso Set in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Plaza Mayor, the Salamanca Christmas Market 2025 blends centuries of history with a warm, authentic holiday atmosphere. The market features around 60 wooden stalls filling the square with handcrafted gifts, festive ornaments, and regional delicacies. Visitors can sample Spanish Christmas favorites such as turrón, mantecados, and polvorones and browse artisanal creations made by local makers.Beyond the market, you’ll find carol singing and nativity scenes, and an unmistakable sense of community spirit. 6. Athens - Greece, 1 December 2025 to 6 January 2026 This is a photo of the Christmas tree in Syntagma square of Athens, Greece. One of Europe’s most inviting Christmas destinations, offers a blend of festive charm, ancient heritage and mild Mediterranean weather. The city’s main celebrations take place in Syntagma Square, where twinkling lights, a towering Christmas tree, and rows of market stalls fill the square with color and energy, all framed by neoclassical architecture and blue winter skies. Visitors can browse handmade crafts, sample Greek holiday sweets, and enjoy live performances, children’s activities and open-air concerts. The festive atmosphere stretches across the city — from lively squares to rooftop cafés overlooking the ancient Acropolis. 7. Malaga, Spain. 1 December 2025 to 5 January 2026 Malaga, Spain Matthieu Cadiou, European Best Destinations If you’re looking for festive magic by the sea, Málaga is ideal with its combination of beachside relaxation, Andalusian charm and spectacular seasonal displays. From late November to early January, the city glows with lights, markets, and open-air celebrations. Visitors can explore several markets, from Paseo del Parque—home to more than 90 stalls selling crafts, nativity figures, and local treats—to the waterfront Muelle Uno. The city’s famous Calle Larios hosts dazzling light-and-music shows every evening, while the festive program includes concerts, nativity scenes, ice rinks, and a Chinese lantern festival in Parque del Oeste. 8. Sao Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, 10-31 December 2025 Sao Cristobal de la Laguna - Tenerife Balate.Dorin San Cristóbal de La Laguna, in the Canary Islands, offers a unique Christmas experience where festive spirit meets warm, sunny weather. The city’s Christmas Market is set among charming colonial streets lined with palm trees, creating a cheerful holiday atmosphere perfect for families and travelers seeking a sunny seasonal getaway. UNESCO-listed for its historic center, La Laguna combines rich cultural heritage with festive magic. Stalls overflow with handmade crafts, local delicacies and seasonal gifts, while streets sparkle with Christmas lights and the sounds of traditional music. Visitors can enjoy holiday activities, explore the historic architecture, and soak up the sun during their festive strolls. 9. Dubrovnik, Croatia, 29 November 2025 - 5 January 2026 Dubrovnik Winter Festival Dubrovnik Winter Festival Another Christmas destination by the sea with sunshine and historic charm is Dubrovnik. The Dubrovnik Christmas Fair is set in the beautiful atrium of the Convent of St. Claire, in the heart of the historic old town. The market brings together local craftsmanship, traditional treats and festive music. Stalls feature handmade ornaments, ceramics, candles, embroidery, toys, and glassware, while visitors can enjoy Croatian holiday delicacies such as quince cheese, candied orange peels, roasted almonds and classic Dubrovnik Christmas cookies. With the sparkling Adriatic Sea as a backdrop, Dubrovnik offers a rare chance to celebrate Christmas under clear skies. 10. Nice, Provence - France, late November -early January Nice, France Francesco Bonino What better Christmas getaway than on the French Riviera in Nice? With its mild Mediterranean climate, palm-lined boulevards and vibrant festive atmosphere, Nice Noël offers a unique blend of sunshine and holiday magic in the heart of the Côte d’Azur. And the Christmas Village at Place Masséna is really lovely with more than 60 chalets filled with artisanal crafts, festive decorations and gourmet gifts. Other highlights include an open-air ice-skating rink, a giant Ferris wheel with stunning views of the city and coastline, Santa’s House with daily children’s shows and a dedicated tasting area featuring mulled wine, regional treats, and holiday specialties. Other top sunny European festive markets in the European Best Destinations 2025 survey include: 11. Fira de Santa Llucia, Barcelona; 12. Vigo, Spain; 13. Milan, Italy; 14. Zaragoza and 15. Seville, Spain. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
