Discover the Best Sustainable Christmas Markets in Europe, the Most Eco-Friendly Destinations for a Green Christmas this winter.

The Best European Sustainable Christmas Markets are offering local products, are using green electricity, recycled packaging, multi-use cups, low-energy Christmas lights, Christmas trees from eco-managed forests, deposit system for cup and glasses.

You will also find in Sustainable Christmas Destinations a lot of magic, flavors, emotions, everything that makes Christmas a magical time of the year while respecting nature and supporting the local economy, artisans, the short circuit and sustainable trade.

Did you know that Santa Claus is traditionally dressed in green? Go green this Christmas too by discovering the best sustainable Christmas markets in Europe!

Book your activities and tours in these exceptional destinations as well as your accommodation at the best price for a magical Christmas.

1. Essen - Germany

From 15th November to 23rd December 2024

In addition to be awarded the title of Best Christmas Markets in Germany and several times among the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe, Essen won this year the title of Best Sustainable Christmas Market in Europe ahead of Vienna, Munich or Stockholm.

During Essen Magical & Green Christmas Market 100% of the electricity use is green. All caterers will dispense with disposable plastic tableware for consumption on site, there is an absolute ban on plastic bags and there is a deposit system for cups and glasses. There is also an absolute ban on plastic bags.

In addition to this the organisers attach importance to regional, fair trade and organic products as well as good ecological balance when choosing traders. 

The uniqueness of the International Christmas Market Essen is not only due to its variety of goods from all over the world, but also to its very special glow of lights. Since the 1920s, the Essen Light Weeks have been providing a very special Christmas stroll at Advent time with changing light motifs.

 Opening dates: From 15th November to 23rd December 2024, look forward to the largest and most beautiful markets in the country, which will make your pre-Christmas season that much more beautiful and magical.

 How to get there: For a Green Christmas this winter book your public transport to Essen (if you have to take a flight think of thicking the carbon compensation box) for Essen Christmas Market.

 Where to stay: “The ATLANTIC Essen” has been supporting Plant-for-the-Planet for several years and the ATLANTIC forest has currently over 2,500 trees.

2. Maribor - Slovenia

From 28th November to 31st December 2024

Experience Maribor’s Enchanting and Eco-Conscious Christmas Market

As European Best Green Capital 2025, Maribor offers a festive season unlike any other, with sustainability and community spirit at its heart.

Maribor’s Christmas Market goes beyond traditional holiday decor, showcasing natural and recycled materials throughout the town. Decorated Christmas trees and other ornaments, largely crafted from eco-friendly materials, light up the streets, while so-called "living trees" planted in special pots line the pathways, bringing enduring greenery to the celebrations.

Children from local schools and kindergartens join in the festivities by helping to decorate these trees, adding a personal touch to Maribor's enchanting town center.

Shopping for holiday gifts is a joy in Slovenia, especially in Maribor, where festive fairs highlight a growing selection of local, homemade, and handmade products. From cozy woolen hats and scarves to intricate ceramics, woodwork, jewelry crafted from natural materials, and artisanal food products like homemade jams and honey, Maribor offers a wide array of unique, quality items to make your holiday season special.

Many of these Slovenian-made treasures can also be found online or in boutique shops featuring local designer products, allowing you to support small businesses and sustainable shopping.

 Opening dates: From From 28th November to 31st December 2024.

 How to get there: Opt for a Green Christmas journey to Maribor this winter by choosing public transport. If flying, consider ticking the carbon compensation box for an even greener trip.

 Where to stay: In the spirit of sustainability, many hotels in Maribor actively support green initiatives, with several contributing to local reforestation and conservation projects.

3. Budapest - Hungary

From 15th November 2024 to 1st January 2025

Supporting local economy but also charity and using recycled and recyclable materials is a commitment of Advent Feast at the Basilica, one of the Best Eco-Friendly Christmas Markets in Europe.

This Green Christmas Market in front of St. Stephen's Basilica in one of the most impressive, beautiful and breathtaking in Europe. It has been awarded three times the title of Most Beautiful Christmas Market in Europe.

True to the tradition, it promises a unique festive atmosphere around 100 domestic craft exhibitors, real gastronomic adventures with a lot of traditional Hungarian dishes, heart-warming musical and charity programs with so much more surprises.

 Opening dates: From From 15th November to 1st January 2025.

 How to get there: Many trains are connecting EU cities to Budapest.

 Where to stay: “Four Season Gresham Palace Budapest”. Why? Organic waste diverted from landfill and converted to biodiesel for transportation

4. Ljubljana - Slovenia

From 1st December 2024 to 1st January 2025

This winter discover one of the Best Sustainable Christmas Market in one of the Best Green Capitals in Europe.

From December 1st to early January, Ljubljana hosts an event as magical as it is eco-friendly in the heart of the medieval and pedestrian city.

It is on Preseren Square that this Eco-Friendly Christmas Market is held as well as along the romantic river of Ljubljana.

Fully lit using green energy, with LED lighting for reasonable consumption, in addition to being a pet-friendly Market, it is also a Sustainable Christmas Market offering many Vegan and Vegetarian options.

This Sustainable Christmas Market also supports the local economy and Slovenian artisans by offering numerous sustainable products and products from Slovenian creators (designers, decorators, jewellery creators, handcrafted goods and local treats).

For a Green & White Winter, discover Ljubljana, one of the Best Sustainable Christmas Destinations in Europe!

 Opening dates: From 1st December 2024 to 1st January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your train to Ljubljana.

 Where to stay: "One 66 Hotel Ljubljana" Aim to reduce waste and plastic, to save energy, and to cut down on water usage.

5. Stockholm - Sweden

From 24th November to 23rd December 2024.

Discover one of the Best Green Christmas Destinations as well as one of the Best Sustainable Christmas Markets in Europe.

Stockholm Christmas Market is magical, it's festival of lights that starts at the end of November and illuminates the entire old pedestrian city centre of Stockholm is eco-friendly since the energy used is 100% from renewable energy, the lamps are low energy consumption and that the materials of the garlands and Christmas decorations are made of environmentally friendly material.

In addition, this Sustainable Christmas Market highlights local products and thus supports the artisans of Stockholm and its surrounding areas for a sustainable economy that respects residents and provide visitors with unique handcrafted gifts.

Many vegan and vegetarian options are available for a reduced impact on the environment.

 Opening dates: From 24th November to 23rd December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your train to Stockholm.

 Where to stay: "Grand Hotel Stockholm". The Grand Hotel is committed to reducing energy consumption and minimizing waste, ensuring all aspects of the hotel's operation are as eco-friendly as possible.

6. Berlin - Germany

From 24th November 2024 to 5th January 2025

Berlin is home to one of the largest Eco-Friendly Christmas Markets in Europe. If you like Christmas and sustainable tourism you will love this Sustainable Christmas Market.

Here 100% of the foods are organic, but that's not all, 100% of the products are fair trade and 100% are vegan. There are therefore no products from animal exploitation, no honey, leather bracelets, furs.

This is probably the only Christmas Market in Europe that wants to save the planet. Forget pieces of pineapple and strawberries dipped in white chocolate, here all the products are local and seasonal. The cosmetics are organic and are obviously not tested on animals, even the DJs are local, because when it's local it's more fun.

This Eco-Friendly Christmas Market also organizes debates and tries to show that making lifestyle choices that respect animals and the planet can be healthy for your life and good for your wallet while being a good choice for a Magical Christmas at the same time.

 Opening dates: From 24th November 2024 to 5th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your train to Berlin. 

 Where to stay: "Hotel Berlin", 100% of the energy comes from renewable sources.

7. London - England

From 21st November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Being Eco-friendly does not necessarily mean being boring and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is living proof.

One of the Best Christmas Markets in the United Kingdom is also one of the Best Vegan-Friendly Christmas Markets in Europe.

Want to reduce your carbon footprint? Come to London by train and book a sustainable hotel by checking the "sustainable acommodation" cache in our filters. For an even greener Christmas choose the vegetarian or vegan option at the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

Here you will find vegan mulled wine (yes there is often fish glue in other wines, it's not vegan and it's disgusting), vegan donuts (which are not cooked in beef oil but sunflower oil), vegan burgers and a whole range of products and drinks suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Did you know that a beef-based meal requires 20 times more carbon than a vegan plate? For a Sustainable Christmas, choose Hyde Park Winter Wonderland this winter!

 Opening dates:  From 21st November 2024 to 5th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your train to London.

 Where to stay: "The Landmark London Hotel" aims to create a harmonious balance between luxury and environmental consciousness.

8. Bolzano - Italy

From 29th November 2024 to 6th January 2025

It is ranked among the Best Christmas Markets in Italy but also among the Best Eco-Friendly Christmas Markets in Europe.

Bolzano Christmas Market is truly one of the Best Sustainable Christmas Markets. This is the Best Sustainable Christmas Market for foodies too with cured ham, Tyrolean liqueurs, cinnamon cakes, mulled wines,… 100% local products await you in this Eco-friendly Christmas Market.

All the Christmas trees that decorate the Piazza of Bolzano are taken locally from eco-managed forests. Car parks are installed outside the city to make the Christmas Market carfree and invite visitors to use public transport.

The Christmas lights are low consumption and the energy used is renewable energy. All products are local and for an even more sustainable offering, many vegetarian and vegan dishes are offered.

  Opening dates: From 29th November 2024 to 6th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your train to Bolzano.

 Where to stay: "Hotel Citta". Respecting the environment is always a duty, but when working in Bolzano, a few steps from the woods, trails, mountain peaks, and the most beautiful streams in the world, being eco-sustainable becomes an ethical imperative

9. Vienna - Austria

From 13rd  November to 23rd December 2024

With organic catering but also locally produced work of art, Art Advent in Vienna is one of the Best Sustainable Christmas Markets in Europe.

In addition to organic food stands you will find free concerts and local artists selling hand-crafted gifts for an Eco-Friendly Christmas.

Everything here is eco-friendly, even the Children's carousel is. It is built from recycled materials and runs on pedal power for a true Magical & Green Christmas.

 Opening dates: From 13rd  November to 23rd December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your train tickets to Vienna. Vienna Train station is well connected to other Christmas Destinations as Bratislava and Budapest.

 Where to stay: "Boutiquehotel Stadthalle" is a true model for sustainability – the first city hotel anywhere in Europe with a zero energy balance.

10. Manchester - UK

From 8th November to 22nd  December 2024

If Manchester is one of the Best Christmas Markets in the UK it is also one of the Most Sustainable Christmas Markets in Europe.

As Strasbourg in France, Manchester Christmas Markets produces collector's reusable mugs every year that you can use on all the stands for a small deposit of 3 pounds.

In addition to this, the Christmas huts are built from recyclable materials and the Christmas decorations used in the Christmas Market are energy-efficient.

The Christmas market could go even further by selling 100% local products and having a greater offer of vegetarian and vegan products but it is already a commitment to a Green Christmas that we can all appreciate and encourage.

How to get there: Book your train tickets to Manchester.

 Where to stay: "The Lowry Hotel". Sustainability at the Lowry hotel includes packaging used, the choice of suppliers they choose to work with all the way through to customer service.