Korca is one of the prettiest cities in Albania, with cobblestone streets and historic grand villas dating from the 20s and 30s. The city has many popular festivals, including Korca Christmas Market, which takes place each December. This guide shares dates, locations and what to expect while you’re there.
Korça is located in Eastern Albania, not far from Lake Prespa. The city has some great cafes, restaurants and traditional bakeries.
There is also a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs for late-night drinks and dancing.
Not to mention interesting museums like the recently renovated National Museum of Medieval Art.
Bulevardi Republika is where you’ll find the cool cafes and top restaurants, all busy with young people who are working and studying in Korca.
While on the other side of town is the renovated Old Bazaar, an old market with boutique shops, a mix of traditional and modern restaurants, and little bakeries and cafes.
Korca Christmas Market 2022
The Christmas market in Korca features a variety of crafts, gifts, food and drinks, as well as traditional Albanian music and dancing.
The city is known for its local food specialities such as lakror, a type of leek burek that you’ll only find in Korca. You can find it sold by the slice at the Christmas markets.
The Christmas festivities begin on the 3rd December with Light Fest which includes:
- Turning on the Christmas lights.
- Parade of Santas and Elves.
- Korcar music concert.
Dates and Locations
Korca Christmas Market dates: 3rd December to 24th December 2022.
Opening times: 11am to 7pm.
Location: In front of the cathedral on Boulevardi Republika.
Reason to visit: The stunning location with a mountain backdrop and high chance of snow.
Recommended tour: Discover Korca during a walking tour with a local guide.
Specialities: Lakror – leek pie and Korca beer.
Where to stay: Trésor Art Boutique Hotel is a highly-rated hotel, 3 minutes from the Christmas market.
Hotels near Korca Christmas Market
There are many excellent hotels in Korca. I’ve stayed in both the Old Bazaar area and on Boulevardi Republika, and either would be a good choice.
The be closest to the Christmas markets, I suggest staying at Trésor Art Boutique Hotel as it’s very central and the hotel is in an old historic house that has been restored.
If you want to be near the Old Bazaar and all its bars and restaurants, then Hani I Pazarit is a great choice as it’s right in the bazaar area and the hotel is in a lovely old stone building.
Location of Korca Christmas Market
For more ideas, read my guide to the best Christmas markets in Albania. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience Albanian food, history and culture.
Visit Albania is the main tourist site for the country and they provide some useful information on getting around, current events and the best ways to experience Korca at Christmas.
Sustainable Travel Tips
The choices we make have an environmental and social impact on the places we visit. Try to implement these responsible travel measures when visiting the Christmas markets.
- 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.
FAQ
Korca Christmas Market starts on 3rd December 2022 and ends on Christmas Eve.
The Christmas markets in Korca are held in front of the cathedral on Boulevardi Republika.
Korca is a vibrant Albanian home to many cultural sights and surrounded by beautiful mountains and nature. It’s well worth visiting at any time of the year and is especially stunning when it snows in December.
If you would like to leave a review of Korca Xmas Market, feel free to comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Korca, Albania. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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