7 Christmas Markets in Albania (2025)

If you’re planning a winter trip and want something cosy, festive, and a little bit different from the usual European capitals, you’ll love exploring the Christmas markets in Albania.

Tirana, Korça, Gjirokastër, Saranda, and other major cities in the country have their own way of celebrating the season. The markets here may be smaller than the famous ones in Germany or Austria, but they’re full of warmth, local food, handmade crafts, and a sense of community that makes the whole experience feel special.

Here are some of the Christmas Markets in Albania to consider visiting this year:

Tirana

Placering: Scanderbeg Square

📍 Where to stay in Tirana

Tirana: Magical Christmas Walking Tour with a Drink

Tirana turns into a lively winter village every December, filling Skanderbeg Square with lights, wooden cabins, music, and the city’s giant Christmas tree.

It’s the heart of the celebrations and one of the busiest places in Albania during the holidays. Besides the main market in the square, smaller festive spots pop up around Blloku, Toptani, and Pazari i Ri, giving you plenty of places to taste seasonal food, buy handmade gifts, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

The Christmas Market usually opens in early December and stays until after New Year’s. Albanians celebrate New Year even more enthusiastically than Christmas, so the city gets especially vibrant toward the end of the month; with concerts, family gatherings, and a huge fireworks show on December 31st.

Tirana Christmas Tour by Open Bus

Around the city, you’ll also find Caféer serving winter drinks, street food stalls roasting chestnuts, and vendors selling warm pastries, and traditional dishes.

If it’s your first time visiting or you want to explore more than just the Christmas market, you can also consider joining a walking tour of Tirana, to explore the main areas and other must-see spots while soaking in the holiday mood.

Korça

Placering: Bulevardi Republika

📍 Where to stay in Korça

Korça is one of Albania’s most beautiful (and popular) winter destinations, and its Christmas Market brings the whole city to life every December. Set along Boulevardi Republika, right in front of the cathedral, the market creates a festive atmosphere with wooden stalls, warm lights, traditional food, and local crafts.

Visitors can try Korça’s famous lakror, sip a warm drink, browse handmade goods, and enjoy concerts and seasonal events throughout the month.

Remember to book early, Korça gets super busy during this time of the year.

Berat

Placering: Bulevardi Republika, the main pedestrian street

📍 Where to stay in Berat

Berat is a lovely city (and one of tourists’ favourites in Albania) located around 2 hours away from Tirana by car. This UNESCO-listed town turns into a cosy, festive corner filled with lights, music, and that end-of-year magic everyone loves.

From November 1st to January 6th, the magic of the holidays comes to Berat with the “Christmas Market,” featuring DJ performances, live music every weekend, artisan markets, traditional food, and more.

It’s also a great place for families; kids have their own activities to participate in and fully enjoy the atmosphere.

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Gjirokastër

Placering: Çerçiz Topulli Square

📍 Where to stay in Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër has its own way of making winter feel magical, and this year’s Christmas Lights Festival will be one of the highlights of the season. The event takes place in the newly reconstructed Çerçiz Topulli Square, which turns into a bright, festive space filled with music, colour, and holiday spirit.

Visitors can stroll through a cosy winter market featuring handmade products, local specialties, warm drinks, and traditional food. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is one of the most anticipated moments, followed by live music, performances, and lots of activities designed for children.

Families can also take photos with Santa Claus, a sweet tradition that adds to the holiday atmosphere.

Shkodër

Christmas Market and City Walking Tour

📍 Where to stay in Shkodër

Shkodra also brings plenty of festive charm with its own Christmas Market, one of the most atmospheric winter spots in northern Albania. The city fills up with twinkling lights, wooden stalls, handmade crafts, warm drinks, and seasonal treats that make the whole centre feel lively.

If you want to explore the markets with a local guide and try traditional food and drinks along the way, you can also consider joining a Christmas Market Walking Tour, which includes tastings, stories about the city, and a relaxed stroll through Shkodra’s decorated streets.

It’s a lovely way to experience the holiday mood, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

Saranda

Placering: Saranda Embankment and Mother Teresa Square

📍Where to stay in Saranda

Saranda may be known for its beaches and sunny summers, but it also has an interesting, festive feeling during the Christmas season. Like the rest of Albania, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th and is an official public holiday.

In Saranda itself, the season officially begins when the city lights up its huge Christmas tree, usually placed along the main boulevard at the start of December.

Over the last few years, the promenade has also hosted a small Christmas market with stalls, music, and decorations, adding a warm holiday atmosphere to the seaside.

Pogradec

Placering: Bulevardi Europa

📍 Where to stay in Pogradec

Pogradec is a peaceful place to visit in winter, especially if you want a quieter Christmas atmosphere by the lake. The city sits right on Lake Ohrid, so the whole area feels extra scenic when the mountains are covered in snow and the lights reflect on the lake.

In December, the main boulevard near the waterfront is decorated with festive lights, a Christmas tree, and a small market that adds a cosy touch to the season.

The Christmas Market here is smaller than in cities like Tirana. Locals come out for evening walks along the boulevard, enjoying warm drinks, simple holiday treats, and the relaxed winter mood.

Experience Albania in December

If you’re around in December, take a little time to explore the Christmas markets in Albania. Each city does things in its own way, but they all share the same warm feeling; lights, music, good food, and people just enjoying the season together.