16 Best Christmas Markets In Europe

 In christmas, Christmas / New Year, Europe, Places To Visit, Shopping, shopping, Travel, travel guide

Christmas is just around the corner, and we are pretty sure you have already started planning for the holidays, but if you are planning to have a Europe Trip, then you are at the right place for we have some really cool suggestions for some of the best Christmas Markets in Europe for families and friends, serving a healthy dose of festive spirit. 

You can explore the dazzling markets, offering some of the best gifts to buy at Christmas Markets, home decor, and some really unique stuff to take back home. But first things first, take the best Christmas and New Year Tour Packages and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. 

European Christmas Markets Tour

Let’s take you on a European Christmas Markets Tour, for you to decide which country to choose from, during your Christmas and New Year Vacation, and go for the best European Christmas markets to visit this holiday season.

List of Best Christmas Markets In Europe:

1. Cologne, Germany

christmas-market-in-cologne-germany

Cologne in Germany has been long considered as the best festive destination for being one of the Magical Christmas markets of Europe. 

The Christmas market in Cologne is the largest Christmas market in the city center, right beneath the cathedral. 

The market is adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights, suspended overhead, and looks like stars twinkling from above and participating in the merriment of the festive season. The best part about these Christmas Markets in Europe is that they come up with some really unique ideas, in the Saint Nicolas Village, the story of the real Saint Nick of the 13th century is narrated, targeting the youngsters. In fact there are a few markets dedicated to mythical gnomes and maritime history, making it one of the best European Christmas markets to visit this holiday. 

2. Salzburg, Austria

christmas-market-in-salzburg-austria

Salzburg is among the top Christmas markets in Europe, welcoming visitors with ancient traditions and Christmas Carols. As the Silent Night plays during the not-so-silent night, you will witness markets that are ancient styled and look exactly what they used to look like in the 15th century, making it one of the most magical Christmas markets of Europe.

You can expect hand-knitted socks, instead of the novelty candles that are generally used for stocking fillers, and plenty of other gifts to buy at Christmas Markets.

If you wish to be a part of this celebration, you can even join the concerts that takes place at the cathedral at 5 p.m. or the Tuesday singalongs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., making Salzburg one of the best European Christmas markets to visit this holiday season, and is also one of the best Best Christmas markets in Europe for families.

3. Berlin, Germany

christmas-market-in-berlin-germany

If you are on the lookout for the best Christmas markets in Europe, then you can’t miss out on Berlin, as the city centre features a total of 80 Christmas markets, with Spandau being the largest among all. In fact there is one market specifically for dogs, how amazing is that? 

If you are more into arts and crafts, then this is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas markets in Europe for Weihnachtzauber, located in the Gendarmenmarkt Square offers plenty of arts and crafts. 

You can also go for winter sports at the Winter World at Potsdamer Platz, which is less about shopping, and more about getting your heart rate up, as you indulge in winter sports, including ice skating and more such activities. 

The best time to visit is 10 a.m. when the place is quiet, and you can make the most of it. 

4. Budapest, Hungary

christmas-market-in-budapest-hungary

Get ready for an illuminated Christmas, right from mid-November in Budapest. Budapest offers two of the best Christmas Markets in Europe, Vorosmarty Square and Basilica. 

Vorosmarty Square, located right in the heart of Budapest, is the oldest Christmas market here, with plenty of food stalls, free concerts, and handicraft shops. Basilica on the other hand, has everything that is present at the Vorosmarty Square, but it takes the celebration up a notch with a laser projection on the Basilica, and there is an ice rink that surrounds the Christmas tree, making it one of the best European Christmas markets to visit this holiday.

Suggested Read: 11 Unique Christmas Traditions Around The World

Affordable Christmas Markets In Europe

5. Prague, Czech Republic

christmas-market-in-prague-czech-republic

Prague is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe for open air concerts during the festive season, with a magnificent setting with the 14th-century church on one side and the 15th-century Astronomical clock on the other. 

The food here is a must-try, and it will leave you glued to this place, with its fresh pancakes, garlic and cheese flatbread, fatty sausages, and more. Besides that, it is surprisingly one of the most affordable Christmas markets in Europe.

6. Strasbourg, France

christmas-market-in-strasbourg-france

Christmas celebrations in Strasbourg, France looks like a fairy tale coming to life straight from the books, with its 300 traditional markets that take over the city’s central square, hand-made Christmas decorations, and plenty of other things that make it one of the affordable Christmas markets in Europe. 

7. Gothenburg, Sweden

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Head to Liseberg for the chich vibes, for it is the largest and most popular amusement park here. It is not like some regular amusement parks with Creaky wheels, and Christmas trees made of plastic. 

Snack on smoked reindeer and drink Glogg, which is a Scandinavian mulled wine, and also make the most of free Children’s entertainment at one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. 

8. Bratislava, Slovakia

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Fairy lights draped around trees, market stalls with traditional wooden toys, and food treats including sausages, cakes, and pancakes. 

Christmas in Slovakia will bring back nostalgic memories, and the best part is that it is one of the most affordable Christmas markets in Europe. 

9. Bohemia, Czech Republic

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If you are looking for Christmas lights and decor, you can head to the Bohemian cities of Cesky Krumlov or Ceske Budejovice, as they are one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The city centre square of Ceske Budejovice features classical as well as Gothic architecture and is home to bustling Christmas markets, offering wooden toys, and spicy mulled wine, with fairy with lights decorations twinkling throughout the night, making it one of the best places to visit during Christmas.

10. Vienna, Austria

christmas-market-in-vienna-austria

Vienna sparkles with fairy lights as the festive season begins, with snowy streets, lights spilling out from palaces, icicles hanging off the houses and city that is full of merriment and joy, making your Christmas celebrations worth every penny spent at one of the magical Christmas markets of Europe.

European Christmas Markets For A Festive Vibe

11. Copenhagen, Denmark

Let the festive joy take over the market of Copenhagen as the season begins to turn the city into pretty hues of merriment. Head to the Christmas market of Tivoli Gardens which is the heart of Copenhagen, with fairy lights draped on lifeless trees, and a Ferris wheel spins during the night. 

12. Krakow Poland

christmas-market-in-krakow-poland

Head to the picture-perfect capital of Poland, Krakow, and get your skates ready on the snowy squares of Krakow, and experience the serene surroundings while making the most of your Christmas celebrations in Poland. You can get plenty of gifts to buy at Christmas Markets here.

13. Seville, Spain

If you are looking for an immersive festival retreat, then Seville is the best choice for you. Seville Christmas Market offers an artistic, and cultural experience to all the visitors with its street exhibitions and some performances to keep the visitors entertained and to maintain the festive vibe. It is one of the best places for gifts to buy at Christmas Markets. 

14. Lille, France 

christmas-market-in-lille-france

Get the taste of a French Christmas at Lille, which is the biggest city of Northern France. The market takes over its two main squares including Grand Place with the Giant wheel stealing the show. Offering a Christmassy vibe the place lures tourists with its scents of melting cheese, and sugary waffles. 

15. Merano Italy

What’s better than celebrating Christmas at the Christmas market that overlooks the Alps? Nothing, right? Head to the beautiful town of Merano that offers twinkling chalets, running along the Passirio River, forming the backdrop of a mountain, making the most of your European Christmas Markets Tour.

16. Bruges, Belgium

christmas-market-in-bruges-belgium

Bruges remains beautiful all year round but during the winter season, the place takes a few gears up and looks absolutely stunning. There are two major Christmas markets, one is the Main Market Square, and the other is Simon Stevinplein. Both these markets sparkle with Christmas lights draped all over the place. 

The food, mulled wine on the drinks stall, plenty of Christmas gifts, glittering lights, and festive vibes make it all very romantic, especially with the outdoor skating rink if that is something you are interested in.

Tips For Exploring European Christmas Markets

There are plenty of Christmas markets to make the most of your European Christmas markets tour, so let us give you a few tips so that you can have the best time during the festive season. Let’s check out some of the best tips for exploring European Christmas markets:

  • Try the various types of coffee because the taste will linger on your tongue for a long time. 
  • Don’t forget to treat yourself to the European cuisine. 
  • Try to be a part of the singalongs that take place in various Christmas markets.
  • Visit the malls, witness the decor and feel the festive vibe all around you. 
  • As we have mentioned the hot mulled wine an infinite number of times, there is no reason why you shouldn’t try it atleast once. 
  • Visit the main squares of all the places that you will explore to make the most of your Christmas trip to Europe
  • Take as many pictures as possible
  • Make sure you don’t create chaos or make anyone uncomfortable.

Are there any famous food specialties at European Christmas markets?

Baked potatoes, Raclette, Chimney Cakes, Candied Roasted Almonds are some of the food specialities at the European Christmas Market.

What unique items can you find at European Christmas markets?

Sweetened German Cakes called Lebkuchen, Decorative boots, Candles for boot fillers, and plenty other unique stuff are found in the European Christmas market.

When do Christmas markets typically start in Europe?

Most Christmas markets in Europe start from mid to late November.

Which European cities have the best Christmas markets?

Cologne in Germany is said to have the best Christmas market in all of Europe.

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