The ultimate guide to Christmas markets

Buy local this year: a plethora of markets bring you handcrafted gifts and festive cheer says Eleni Philippou

With just three Sundays left until Christmas, it is high time to get Christmas shopping. If you like buying local, handmade items and supporting small businesses, there are a plethora of festive markets to choose from.

From the enchanting streets of the big city to the charming corners of Cyprus’ villages, the island comes alive with the spirit of the season. These markets are some of the biggest ones happening in December so get ready to fill every weekend with artsy, festive outings.

Ninth Christmas Art Market – December 3

A charming market is on at Technopolis 20 today in Paphos. The ninth annual Christmas Art Market ‘3 Weeks to Christmas’ hosts artists, designers, organisations and vendors showcasing their work. Handmade creations such as jewellery, Christmas decorations and ornaments, ceramics, handbags, scarves, books, traditional products, greeting cards, sweets and more are at the market, from 10am to 5pm.

Facebook event: 9^th Christmas Art Market at Technopolis 20

10th Annual German Christmas Market – December 6 & 7

Next week is a German-inspired Christmas Fair at Larnaca’s The Tudor Inn Bar & Restaurant on December 6 and 7. The market will feature ample German beer and of course, gluhwein, pretzels, chilli and German sausages. Art stalls will operate where local businesses will showcase and sell their products including handmade arts and crafts, and sweet treats amongst other items. The fun will begin at 6pm on both days.

Facebook event: 10th Annual German Christmas Market

12th Annual Traditional Christmas Market Pyla – December 8-10

Over 150 stalls make up this market in the Larnaca district that has become a staple for Christmas lovers over the last 12 years. The forest on Dhekelia Road in Pyla is the setting for this winter wonderland that apart from more local artists than meets the eye and world cuisine also includes visits by Santa. This year, to avoid queues at the entrance, market-goers can purchase the €2.50 general admission ticket online and book a visit with Santa.

It will be open from 5pm to 10pm on December 8, 3pm to 10pm on December 9 and 3pm to 9pm on the Sunday.

Facebook event: Traditional Christmas Market 2023

Kato Drysmas – December 9

The Larnaca district village is getting ready for its own Christmas event. The Kato Drys Community Council hosts the Kato Drysmas event next Saturday – a day of fun, music, games and crafts for the whole family. The festivities will take place at the Alternative Artistic Activities and Sports park of the village from 11am onwards and will have a €5 entrance. The ticket includes participation in games such as survivor-themed tracks, bouncy castles, a theatre performance, storytelling and competitions. An art market, bingo games and visits by Santa will complete the all-day event in the village.

Facebook event: Kato Drysmas

Handmade in Cyprus Christmas Market – December 9 & 10

The Third Handmade in Cyprus Christmas market relocates to the Cultural Centre of Strovolos, Nicosia this year for its biggest edition yet, sponsored by GAP Vassilopoulos Group, Mica Copy Centre, Kykkos Natural Mineral Water and Supernatural Gym. 30 different artists per day will set up stalls from 11am to 8pm, offering a large variety of festive gifts with a focus on being handmade in Cyprus.

Wanting to offer more than just a shopping experience, the market will also have raffle prizes and children’s activities from 11am to 3pm on both days. A pet photographer will also be present. On Saturday afternoon, at 3pm, the Acropolis Music Academy will serenade visitors with a Christmas performance. What’s more, the market will also include food vendors (Omni Honest Food, Churros Amigos, Mango Loco and Theopisti Nut Butters) and a cocktail bar by Shaky Drops.

Facebook event: Handmade in Cyprus Christmas Market

Christmas Market Pyrgos – December 10

Also happening next Sunday is a festive market in Pyrgos, Pareklisia, Limassol. From 10am to 6pm, I Avli Tou Meze will transform into a festive ground featuring Santa and his grotto, Christmas carols performances by the Achord Community Choir, children’s activities and around 60 stalls with Christmas gifts and an assortment of homemade cakes and biscuits. There, you’ll be able to find gifts ranging from jewellery and candles to hats, books, clothes and essential oils. Wanting to embrace the spirit of giving, the market will also have a charitable cause, accepting donations to support pound dogs for adoption. Those contributing will enter a raffle to win prizes.

Facebook event: Christmas market Pyrgos

Xmas market at Prozak – December 15-17

In Nicosia, the Common Room of Kafeneio Prozak will host 13 local vendors for a three-day market. Handmade ceramics, cyanotype cards and prints, handmade dolls, accessories, handmade candles, jewellery, books and clothing will all be on sale at the market from 4pm to 9pm. Next door, Prozak will serve its legendary mulled wine and brandy sours – hot or cold.

Facebook event: Christmas market at Prozak

Seven Days of Xmas – December 15-21

Yfantourgeio TheWorkplace will host the Seven Days of Xmas from December 15 to 21, turning the coworking space into a festive hub. An arts and crafts market will run from December 15 to 17 with 60 local vendors. In the days to follow, Yfantourgeio will team up with local artists and children’s organisations to offer fun activities and events. Expect open mic nights, jazz and children’s choir performances. Their Xmas Activity Calendar will be announced on their socials throughout the month.

Facebook event: The 7 Days of Xmas

Christmas at Ermou 271 – December 16 & 17

The artists and shop owners at Ermou Street in old Nicosia are joining forces again for their annual Christmas event. On December 16 and 17, the workshops, coffee shops, art stores and houses of the neighbourhood will welcome visitors showcasing festive creations and serving hot food and drinks. Participating in the event from 10am to 7pm will be Souzana Petri Crafts, Vagabond handcrafted – Genny’s Thoughts, Kafeneio Ermou, Ro store, Ermou 261 Rock Bar, A+ Multipurpose Event SpaceArchtube Multipurpose Event Space, Ate Olan word game, Katerina Procopiou Cyanotype Workshops, ROTS, Mika scenography and Ermina Emmanouel Art, filling the old commercial centre with local, holiday cheer.

Facebook event: Christmas at Ermou 271