Berat is a picturesque UNESCO-listed city in southern Albania, with Ottoman-era homes overlooking the Osumi River. Having spent many months here, I consider it my home away from home, and I hope you’ll visit and experience it for yourself.
During winter, the Berat Christmas Market is a newer event that’s growing in popularity each year. Read on for dates and what to expect during your visit.
Berat Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Unconfirmed
Berat Christmas Market dates: Waiting for 2024 dates.
Expected Update: Last year’s dates were announced in November. Want to know when dates are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the event organiser’s website, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Bulevardi Republika, the main pedestrian street near Ura e Varur, the Hanging Bridge.
Opening times: 10am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Discover Berat’s history on a walking tour with a local guide.
Where to stay: Bujtina Kodiket Guesthouse is located a restored Ottoman building.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Reason to visit: The unique mountain and castle backdrop and the interesting architecture.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Some options.
Vegan: Limited.
Gluten-free: Very limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialties: Tave kosi (baked meat dish), rakija (strong alcohol), local cheese, Berati wine, pickled salads.
Accessibility
Accessible: It can be difficult or impossible in the historic Mangalem district or up around Berat Castle.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Convenient Hotels
Berat is a very small city with many family-owned hotels and guesthouses. The beautiful old stone houses overlook Berat from the district known as Mangalem.
This is the area where you’ll most likely want to stay as it is so unique and close to everything. Note, that it’s not accessible if you have restricted mobility, in which case you could stay on the main street.
I recommend staying at Bujtina Kodiket Guesthouse. I’ve met the owner and been inside this lovingly restored guesthouse. The stone walls, exposed timber beams and cobblestone courtyard are typical of this style of historic house.
Recommended Tours
If you want an introduction to the local culture, I recommend this walking tour of Berat.
On a tour, you’ll get to discover various neighbourhoods and attractions, such as the Mangalem district and Berat Castle.
Event Location
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
Christmas in Berat
Start your visit to Berat by exploring Mangalem and the Kalaja districts, which are known for their cultural, ancient, and historic sites, mosques and churches.
The city’s white Ottoman houses, with large windows, earned it the nickname “The City of a Thousand Windows.”
Make sure to visit the Onufri Museum, which houses a collection of ancient Byzantine and Albanian icons.
Food Specialties
- Embelsira: This term encompasses a wide range of Albanian desserts, including biscuits, cakes and pastries. Examples include trilece, a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk, and sheqerpare, a type of cookie.
- Baklava: This sweet dessert is made with layers of phyllo pastry, chopped nuts and sugar syrup. It’s very common in the Balkans region.
- Kadaif: Similar to baklava, this sweet dessert is made with shredded phyllo pastry instead of sheets.
- Flija: This traditional dish is made with layers of pancake-like batter that are cooked over an open flame and served with yogurt and honey.
- Roast lamb or pork: A popular slow-cooked meat dish served during holidays and special occasions.
- Pite me mish: A savoury meat pie.
- Almonds coated in sugar: Candied nuts are a popular snack.
- Byrek: Typically a spinach and feta pie, but other varieties exist, like with leek or cheese on its own.
- Qebapa: Grilled sausages made with beef or lamb are a staple of Albanian cuisine and are often served with bread and onions.
- Tavë kosi: This traditional Albanian dish of either baked lamb or beef with a custard-like yogurt sauce. It can be found all over Albania, not only in Berat.
Travel Information
Berat Tourism (linked above) has some basic information regarding events and festivals. You can contact them about tours or specific points of interest.
I can also help with some questions. Just leave a comment below and I”ll respond.
Sustainability Tips
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle, and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
If you want to leave a review of the Xmas market, please comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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