With its lively atmosphere, cool neighborhoods and a calendar full of events, it’s not surprising that Tirana is becoming one of the top travel destinations in the Balkan Peninsula. From Christmas markets and outdoor adventures to cool workshops, read our list of the top five things to do here during the most magical time of the year.

1. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square is the place to be during this year’s Christmas festivities! At this time of the year, the huge and recently renewed square is turned into a magical world with a giant Christmas tree located right in the middle of it. Take a ride on the carousel, enterntain yourself with other games or just sit in one of the several wooden cottages to sip mulled wine or hot chocolate. Don’t forget to come here in the late afternoon, when the sun goes down and the lights turn on to admire the square at its best!

Skanderbeg Square, photo by IntoAlbania.

2. Shop at the Artisans’ Christmas Fair in the New Bazaar

The New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri) is one of Tirana’s highlights and, during the Christmas festivities, holds the Artisans’ Christmas Fair. If you are looking for the perfect gift for your family or friends, there is no better place to go than this. After a shopping session, you can relax and taste some traditional Turkish coffee and baklava with nuts at Kafe Mehemeti, one of the best cafés in town.

The New Bazaar, photo by IntoAlbania.

3. Learn how to create festive decorations at Nji Mar, Nji Mrapsht shop

One of the prettiest activities to do before Christmas is to create festive decorations. At Nji Mar, Nji Mrapsht, a cozy shop with original souvenirs and artisanal objects owned by two sisters, you can learn how to create Christmas decorations, like garlands, cards, ribbons, and so on. The shop has two locations, with the newest and largest one at Islam Alla Street. Until the 29^th of December, the shop hosts the event 100 Minutes for Christmas Decorations.

Nji Mar, Nji Mrapsht decorations, photo by IntoAlbania.

4. Outdoor Adventures at Mount Dajti

Take the table car that connects Tirana to Mount Dajti and prepare yourself to live a great outdoor experience. Tirana has sunny weather throughout the year, but just twenty minutes from the city center, Dajti offers the ideal winter atmosphere as well as several fun outdoor activities like hiking and horse riding, or even skiing if you have the equipment.

Dajti Mountain, Tirana, Source: wikimedia.org Fation Plaku.

5. Visit the new Tirana Castle

A new great place to add to your Albanian travel itinerary is Tirana Castle (Kalaja e Tiranës). Situated along the main promenade (Pedonalja) in town, near the ruins of the old castle of Justinian, Kalaja is a new multi-functional area with a restaurant, hotel, art galleries, artisans’ shops and street food trucks that will open its doors the days before Christmas.

Tirana’s Promenade, photo by IntoAlbania.