December is here and that can only mean one thing – the Christmas market season is on! This year, even more festive markets seem to be organised, here’s our pick of where to find some Christmas spirit

RE-Merry Christmas-The Other Market: December 1

The final day of a festive market with a sustainability focus and environmentally friendly products. Held at Neptune Ballroom of the Poseidonia Beach Hotel in Limassol, a charming indoor market with over 40 local artisans selling creations from 11am to 7pm. Apart from browsing eco-focused Christmas gifts, the market also has activities for children, talks and live festive performances.

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Traditional Christmas Market Pyla: December 6-8

This is one of the Larnaca district’s most well-known and long-standing Christmas markets. Taking place on Dhekelia Road in Pyla, the three-day market will be a massive festive extravaganza. Over 200 stalls each night will showcase their creations selling unique Christmas gifts, decorations, and baked goods. Apart from having more vendors than ever before, a larger food market will be on as well. To add to the spirit of the season, visits by Santa and his elves will spread the holiday cheer while a live link by Mix FM Radio will add tuneful melodies. 5pm to 10pm on Friday and from 3pm to 10pm on the weekend.

Facebook event: Traditional Christmas Market Pyla

Christmas at Ermou 272: December 7-8

In one of the most traditional and picturesque neighbourhoods of downtown Nicosia, artists and friends of Ermou Street host their annual two-day Christmas event. The neighbourhood’s artists will open their studio doors whilst stalls showcase handmade local gifts and street food fills the air. DJs will also be present as well as face painting, a bouncing castle and an art corner for children. 10am to 7pm.

Facebook event: Christmas at Ermou 272

Festive Christmas Market: December 8

The Home Café at the Home for Cooperation will bring a touch of Christmas fun to Nicosia’s Buffer Zone on Sunday, December 8. From 10am to 5pm, local vendors will sell their crafty creations as Christmas workshops welcome participants of all ages. Delicious festive drinks and food will be prepared by the Café while DJ Vanesha will add jolly, upbeat tunes.

Facebook event: Festive Christmas Market

German Christmas Fayre: December 8

The Cypriot-German Cultural Association returns this year with its annual traditional German Christmas Fayre. On December 8, between 12pm and 8pm, plenty of German spirit will fill Eleftheria Square in Nicosia. Think glühwein, German sausages, goulash and German beers! Of course, the market will feature a large variety of handcrafted products and Christmas decorations. That is not all. Live performances of traditional and jazzy Christmas tunes will offer entertainment throughout the day.

Facebook event: German Christmas Fayre

Handmade in Cyprus: December 14-15

Happening for the fourth time but in a new location is the Christmas Handmade in Cyprus market which will be its biggest edition yet. 50 local artists per day have been carefully selected, showcasing creations from all industries. From 11am to 8pm on both days, the European University Cyprus Cafeteria will fill with tables and stalls but the weekend event will be more than just a market as it will include arts and crafts for children, workshops for adults, festive food and drinks and live music performances. What’s more the Magic of Christmas Parade, an independent event which will begin from Kyriakou Matsi on the Sunday, will pass by the European University around 12.30pm.

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Christmas Fair Pyrgos: December 14

Avli tu Meze in Pyrgos will host a festive day full of fun and some 70 stalls displaying a selection of handmade crafts, fresh produce, gifts, cakes, food and beverages. The event will be on from 10am to 4pm with plenty of surprises throughout the day. Expect kids’ activities, Christmas music by DJ Andi and live carol performances from the Achord Community Choir. The market will support the Malcolm Cat Sanctuary by offering raffle tickets whose proceeds will go towards the sanctuary.

Facebook event: Christmas Fair

Prozak Kristmas Market: December 20-22

15 artists will display ceramic creations, jewellery, prints, accessories, clothing items and bags, books, greeting cards and more at Prozak’s annual Kristmas Market on December 20, 21 and 22. The event will be held next door at the Common Room from 4pm to 9pm on all three days and the café-bar will serve soup.

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/prozak.kafeneio

Kolla Christmas Market: December 21-22

This will possibly be Limassol’s biggest December market and the event goes beyond just being a market. With interactive activities for children and adults, installations, top-class DJs, tasty street food, bars serving signature cocktails and holiday drinks and of course, a specially-decorated venue, the Kolla Christmas Market is an event not to miss. Over 100 artists will take part and even more will offer street performances. It will open at 2pm on both days but on day one it will end at midnight and on day two it will wrap up at 10pm.

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/kolla.CY

Limassol Old City Xmas Fest: December 21-22 and 28-29

For two weekends, Agora Anexartisias in Limassol will fill with Christmas cheer as the Limassol Old City Xmas Fest takes place with a rich agenda. A market with local vendors selling arts & crafts, balloon fun, messy play zones, DJ performances, puppet shows, craft workshops and even stand-up comedy shows.

Facebook event: Limassol Old City Xmas Fest

Platres Christmas Market: December 21 – January 6

Up in the chilly village of Platres, the Platres Community Council in collaboration with the Agro Cyprus team is preparing a Christmas village and a multi-week market this year. Live music, Christmas traditional beverages and Santa Claus giving away free gifts will be some of the highlights (December 21-22 and 28-29). The Christmas Market will go on for even more days – weeks even – as it will run from December 21 to January 6, spreading the holiday cheer from hilltop to hilltop. Happy shopping and happy holidays!

Facebook event: Platres Christmas Village

There are, of course, many more markets throughout December, including the Christmas Villages. On the weekend of the 14 and 15, CyHerbia Botanical Park & Labyrinth will host its Christmas Festival, Larnaka Agora will organise The Xmas Pop Up Bazaar on Sunday 15 as will Misfit.Sundays with a sparkly festive market on the same day. It does not end there, New Division will host a Christmas Sustainable Bazaar on Saturday 21, filling the whole month with colourful, joyous market occasions!