Skanderbeg Square turns into a winter village in December for the annual Tirana Christmas Market. The centrepiece is a huge decorated Christmas tree surrounded by classic winter chalets.
In this guide, you can find dates, locations, opening times and winter activities.
Having visited Tirana on many occasions over the years, I can assure you that the city is always changing and never boring.
Tirana’s many attractions include the Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum and the Bunk’Art 2 contemporary art museum.
Tirana Christmas Market
The market is located in the city centre at Skanderbeg Square and opposite the Et’hem Bej Mosque. It is open throughout December.
You can also find a smaller Christmas Market on Toptani Street, a busy pedestrian street with seasonal food and handmade Albanian gifts for sale. There is another market at Pazari i Ri.
Dates and Locations
Tirana Christmas Market dates: 2nd December to 31st December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Skanderbeg Square.
Opening times: 10am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 5th December from 5pm to 7pm (unconfirmed).
Santa: Possibly.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, some options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten free: Yes, but very limited.
Accessible: Generally, but not everywhere.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Reason to visit: Great atmosphere in the main square and delicious Albanian food. This market is much quieter in comparison to other European destinations.
Recommended tour: A fantastic walking tour of Tirana, ideal for first time visitors.
Specialities: Winter pickled salads, suxhuk from Kosova (spicy sausage), locally brewed beer, Albanian-style mulled wine and Fergese e Tiranes me Piperka (a kind of baked vegetable dish with cheese).
Where to stay: Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana is a highly-rated hotel, located 2 minutes from Et’hem Bej Mosque.
There is a small festive market at Pazari i Ri, the new bazaar. This is a great market for fruit, vegetables, household goods and clothes.
It’s well worth visiting the bazaar on any trip to Tirana. This market is located at Avni Rustemi Square, a 7-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square.
Convenient Hotels
Tirana is a safe, walkable city with a vibrant city centre district. The historic central district surrounds Skanderbeg Square, and this is where you’ll likely want to stay on a short visit.
I’ve stayed at several hotels in Tirana and always return to the Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana.
In addition to its ideal location near all the main sights, it’s a beautiful hotel with large rooms, a great restaurant, and a gym that overlooks Skanderbeg Square and the mountains.
Considering the hotel’s quality, it’s a brilliant value for money compared with other European capitals.
Event Location
Interesting Tours
I highly recommend taking this walking tour of Tirana to explore all the city’s highlights or try a food tour to discover the local cuisine and culture.
On a city tour, you’ll visit some of Tirana’s most iconic landmarks, such as the National Historical Museum, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and Skanderbeg Square, named after the national hero.
This food tour takes you to nearby Durres and the hilltop town Kruja for a unique experience outside the city.
Christmas in Tirana
Regional Specialties
In Tirana, traditional dishes include:
- Qofte: Albanian meatballs made with minced beef, onion, garlic, and spices.
- Fergese: A baked dish made with peppers, tomatoes, cheese, and spices.
- Bakllasarmë: A savoury pie filled with rice, minced meat, and herbs.
- Byrek: A savoury pastry filled with cheese or spinach. A class Balkan dish.
At the markets and the Old Bazaar, you can find a wide variety of food and drinks, including:
- Mulled wine: A warm, spiced wine perfect for chilly winter evenings.
- Kallmet wine: A type of red wine from Albania.
- Rakia: A traditional fruit brandy that’s popular in the Balkans.
- Roasted chestnuts: A classic winter snack perfect for warming your hands and stomach.
- Fried doughnuts: A sweet treat that’s popular during the holiday season.
- Grilled meats: Various meat dishes, including sausages and kebabs, are grilled and served with different sauces. This is hugely popular in Tirana.
- Pita: A type of bread often stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Similar to what you might find in Greece or Turkey.
- Falafel: A vegetarian option made with ground chickpeas and spices, served in a pita or as a snack on its own.
- Langos: A popular international specialty, a Hungarian deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic sauce.
Visit Tirana has further information regarding events, things to do and the best ways to experience Tirana at Christmas.
Sustainability Tips
Shop mindfully by choosing locally-made crafts or goods made from sustainable materials. For example, consider purchasing handmade ornaments from local artisans.
Reduce your carbon footprint by walking, cycling, or taking public transport to get around. Tirana’s bike-sharing program allows visitors to explore the city while minimising environmental impact.
Stay in a sustainable hotel that gets its energy from renewable sources, such as solar or hydropower. There are currently only a few sustainable hotels in Tirana.
Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic. Instead, bring your reusable bags and containers when shopping and eating out.
Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible. There are plenty of options in Albania, and if you prepare food yourself, you can always head to a local food market for ingredients.
To reduce your carbon footprint, consider limiting your consumption of meat and dairy. Try vegetarian dishes like the traditional Albanian dish of fërgesë or the vegetarian version of the popular street food qoftë.
Explore more than just the main tourist areas and support the local arts by attending events like the Tirana International Film Festival or the Christmas concerts at the National Theater.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.
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