Looking for unique holiday gifts? Stop by one of these European Christmas markets this November!
The hardest part about visiting these European Christmas markets will be choosing which to go to—and when! Be prepared to find things you didn't even know you needed at these traditional holiday gatherings representing Norway, Iceland, Ukraine, and more.
Though most vendors will be prepared to take checks or credit cards, you'll want to hit the ATM before you go for a bit of cash. You may also want to read up on the authentic food and drink that will be served, so you know which line to get into before the favorites sell out.
Norwegian Christmas Bazaar
- WHEN: Friday, November 8, 2019, 1 to 6 p.m. | Saturday, November 9, 2019, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- WHERE: Emmanuel Lutheran Church | 7730 Bradley Blvd. | Bethesda, MD
- WEBSITE: Norwegian Christmas Bazaar
- PARKING: Free surface lot
You've got two days to explore this traditional Norwegian Christmas bazaar. Browse the stalls for authentic baked goods, ornaments, textiles, and more—all straight from Norway!
Courtesy of the Norwegian Society
Annual Danish Christmas Bazaar
- WHEN: Saturday, November 9, 2019 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- WHERE: Saint Elizabeth's Church | 917 Montrose Road | Rockville, MD
- WEBSITE: Annual Danish Christmas Bazaar
- PARKING: Free surface lot
Have you ever tried Danish ebelskiver, or pancake puffs? See how they're made and try all sorts of delicacies while you shop!
Courtesy of The Danish Club of Washington, D.C. on Facebook
Czech Christmas Market
- WHEN: Saturday, November 9, 2019 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- WHERE: Embassy of the Czech Republic | 3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW | Washington, D.C.
- WEBSITE: Czech Christmas Market
- METRO: Van Ness is the closest Metro station.
You'll find beautiful Czech crystal, glass ornaments, and more as the Embassy of the Czech Republic welcomes you to this highly anticipated annual event. Children will love seeing the animals of the living Nativity scene. Be prepared to show a photo ID at the door and leave large bags at home.
Courtesy of the Embassy of the Czech Republic on Facebook
Icelandic Christmas Bazaar
- WHEN: Saturday, November 9, 2019 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- WHERE: American Legion Post 177 | 3939 Oak Street | Fairfax, VA
- WEBSITE: Icelandic Christmas Bazaar
- PARKING: Free street parking and surface lot
I can personally attest that the food and hand-knit items at this bazaar are excellent. You simply won't find gorgeous wool sweaters like this anywhere in a shop. Don't miss out on the unique hot dogs (get them with all of the toppings) and open-faced sandwiches—they're scrumptious!
Courtesy of the Icelandic Association of Washington D.C.
Finnish Christmas Bazaar
- WHEN: Saturday, November 23, 2019 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- WHERE: River Road Unitarian Church | 6301 River Road | Bethesda, MD
- WEBSITE: Finnish Christmas Bazaar
- PARKING: Free surface lot (park and enter from Whittier Road)
This annual bazaar has been delighting Finns in the DMV for over five decades! With a wide array of Finnish baked goods, gifts, ornaments, and more, you'll find everything you need to get ready for the holidays. You can bid in a silent auction or even enter a raffle for $1,000 toward a trip to Helsinki!
Courtesy of Finn Spark
Ukrainian Christmas Bazaar
- WHEN: Saturday, November 23, 2019, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Sunday, November 24, 2019, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- WHERE: Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family | 4250 Harewood Road, NE | Washington, D.C.
- WEBSITE: Ukrainian Christmas Bazaar
- PARKING: Free surface lot
When you come to this annual market, you'll want to come hungry for the traditional flavors of the Ukraine. They'll be serving a full authentic lunch with delicacies like borscht, perogi, and crepes. Vendors will be on hand with holiday gifts, books, baked goods, and ornament, so bring plenty of cash!
Courtesy of the Ukrainian Catholic Shrine of the Holy Family
Will you be going to one of these European Christmas markets this year? What are some of your favorite traditional holiday foods that first-timers shouldn't miss? Let us know in the comments!