6 Christmas markets for more sustainable gifts

Those filled with Christmas spirit during the month of December have many tasks on their hands: revisit the French Toast recipe, decorate the Christmas tree, organise dinners with friends and family, and of course, take care of the gift list – a mission that requires time and dedication to avoid being impersonal and find something that says “I thought of you”. The easiest path is, of course, to stick to the usual gifts (socks or chocolates, for example) or place an order that will travel thousands of kilometres to reach you. These choices come with a cost to the local economy and the planet.

With small actions, such as shopping locally, making your own gifts, recycling wrapping paper, or choosing low-energy lighting, you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support your community. Christmas markets are great places to find inspiration for more sustainable gifts.

These are some of the reasons why Christmas markets are so special:

• Support for local businesses

  These markets often feature small producers, with artisanal and locally sourced brands and products. Each purchase is likely to contribute to the local economy and supports entrepreneurs.

• Reduced ecological footprint

  By choosing local products, you cut the emissions needed to transport your Christmas gifts. If you choose products made from recycled or more sustainable materials, the gift to the planet will be even greater.

• More conscious consumption

  Adding items to a shopping cart (real or virtual) is easy, but it can lead to impulsive buying. Visiting a market and shopping on the spot, where you can see, ask questions, compare, or try things out, helps make a more thoughtful and conscious decision.

• Educational activities

  Many markets offer workshops or talks on sustainable practices, such as making eco-friendly gifts and tips for reducing waste during Christmas, raising environmental awareness for all ages.

From sunny Portugal to the snow-covered landscapes of Slovakia and Poland, making a brief “getaway” to Colombia (countries where the Jerónimo Martins Group is present), we’ve put together a list of six Christmas markets with more sustainable options for this season.

1. Campo Pequeno Christmas Market, Lisbon (Portugal)

With ten years of history, this is one of the most anticipated markets in the Portuguese capital. The Campo Pequeno Christmas Market brings together artisans, designers, and independent creators who exhibit design pieces, jewellery, clothing, books, toys, plants, and home decor items.

The purpose is the same each year: in a more sustainable way and to value the union that the season inspires. Here, you can find exclusive, handmade gifts, stalls with traditional sweets, liqueurs, and many other local delicacies.

2. Lisbon Vegan Market – Christmas edition, Lisbon (Portugal)

Lisbon hosts this market every month, and in December, there is a special Christmas edition. The Lisbon Vegan Market showcases sustainable brands, projects, and solutions focused on a vegan lifestyle. In addition to around 60 stalls with vegan food, cosmetics, clothing, and crafts, you can participate in workshops, talks, and cooking demonstrations, all emphasizing veganism and sustainability. For the little ones, the programme includes activities such as story time. Pets are also welcome, as the event is pet-friendly.

3. Cabeça Christmas Market, Serra da Estrela (Portugal)

If you are in the Central region of Portugal during the festive season, set your GPS to Seia, in Serra da Estrela. This is where the small village of Cabeça, known as Aldeia Natal, is located. Every year, its picturesque streets are filled with locals and visitors, eager to see the Christmas decorations and bask in the village’s holiday spirit. In this great celebration, sustainability and tradition take centre stage – natural resources, coming from the clearing of forests, are used for decoration and the approximately 170 residents of the village are responsible for transforming the area into a true Christmas tale.

There are stalls with the best that the region has to offer – like the delicious Queijo da Serra – as well as handmade products, street performances, workshops, and hiking tours through the mountains. Fun fact, Cabeça was the first LED village in the country, so expect thousands of lights to illuminate the narrow streets, in stark contrast with the blackness of the schist – a typical stone of this region. Nearby, Serra do Açor is one of the largest forest areas in Portugal, and is also worth a visit.

4. Porto Belo Market – Christmas edition, Porto (Portugal)

From the centre, we travel to the north of Portugal. The Porto Belo Market takes place every Saturday in the city of Porto and is known for its distinctive offer, such as vinyl records, illustrations, clothes and organic products. In December, there are special dates to visit this market and find even more special Christmas gifts, supporting the local economy and artists.

5. Christmas Market in Bratislava (Slovakia)

One of the main Christmas markets in Bratislava, Slovakia, takes place at Hlavné Námestie Square and stands out for its eco-friendly initiatives, such as reusable cups, compostable tableware, and returnable packaging. Recycling is a top priority – several recycling bins and qualified promoters will be on-site to help visitors sort their waste properly.

In addition to the traditional stalls, the programme includes concerts, workshops, and a Christmas Forest, which displays trees decorated by children with recycled and natural materials. Several non-profit organizations are also participating in the market, so people can contribute onsite.

Try the country’s gastronomic delights, such as lokše (potato pancakes), trdelník (dough covered with sugar and cinnamon), and varené víno (hot wine), and enjoy the Slovak music and dance performances.

6. Christmas Market in Kraków (Poland)

The Rynek Główny Christmas Market is one of the largest and ancient Christmas markets in Kraków, Poland. In December, the main square is transformed into a magical scene, illuminated with thousands of LED bulbs for greater efficiency. The decorations consist of natural wreaths and garlands made from biodegradable materials.

There are over 80 stalls where you can find more sustainable Christmas gifts to suit every taste, including traditional Polish handcrafted products made from wood and ceramics. Some pieces can even be personalised on the spot.

As you stroll through the market, you can smell the aromas of traditional Polish dishes, such as Pierogi (dumplings filled with potato, meat, fruit, or other ingredients) and Oscypek (smoked cheese served with cranberry sauce). If the cold gets too intense – temperatures in the city are often below freezing at this time of year – find shelter in the stalls offering vodka shots, one of Poland’s most typical drinks, and mulled wine.

Whether you are looking for unique, handcrafted gifts, taste local delicacies, or take a stroll and discover new projects, Christmas markets showcase the best of what each city or country has to offer. If you want to embrace a more sustainable holiday season and inspire friends and family to do the same, Christmas markets are excellent alternatives to crowded shopping malls, with unique options that avoid mass production, such as the fast fashion industry.

A more sustainable Christmas isn’t just about the gifts: make the most of leftover food, choose recyclable materials, or donate items you no longer use to those in need. Celebrate the season with more meaning and less impact – because the magic of Christmas can, and should, be kind to the planet.