It is chilly, it is snowing, the glühwein is countless – how laborious it’s to beat Christmas in Europe. In case you’re visiting Europe throughout December and also you’re celebrating Christmas, you will in all probability wish to go to a few of the greatest Christmas markets in Europe.
Embellished with twinkling lights and bursting with festive power, these enchanting markets provide a fascinating mixture of conventional crafts, fragrant sweets and cheerful songs that transport you to a vacation wonderland. From tasting contemporary gingerbread to discovering distinctive handmade ornaments, these Christmas markets actually sum up the magic of the vacation season.
From Spain to Austria, let’s discover a few of the greatest Christmas markets in Europe.
The very best Christmas markets in Europe
1. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park (London, England)
London’s well-known Hyde Park additionally hosts town’s annual Christmas market, which known as the “Winter Wonderland of Hyde Park.”
Every year, hundreds of thousands of holiday makers get pleasure from adorning a lot of the park with hundreds of twinkling lights and distributors place their wares in tons of of quaint wood chalets.
Distributors provide presents, sizzling chocolate, mulled wine, sausages, and lots of different scrumptious Christmas presents. Guests also can get pleasure from an ice skating rink and varied fairground rides, together with a blizzard-themed curler coaster. There are additionally common reside performances to maintain everybody within the festive spirit, with Christmas reveals and concert events.
2. Christmas in Winterland (Oslo, Norway)
Oslo has lengthy been a favourite winter vacation spot, so it ought to come as no shock that town additionally has its personal Christmas market. the Christmas in Winterland (Translated: Christmas in Wonderland) The Christmas market is often arrange across the metropolis corridor sq., Rådhusplassen, proper within the coronary heart of Oslo.
Along with having fun with seasonal delicacies resembling roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, gløgg (Norwegian wine), elk dishes, caramelized apples, and curries, guests also can discover distinctive Norwegian handicrafts, clothes, equipment, and presents.
Guests also can get pleasure from reside performances with Christmas events, people dancing and different cultural actions that make the expertise even higher.
3. Liseberg Christmas Market (Gothenburg, Sweden)
Liseberg Amusement Park in Gothenburg, Scandinavia’s most well-known amusement park, additionally glows with greater than 1,000,000 lights in the course of the Christmas season, with the Liseberg Christmas Market.
All the market is adorned with tons of of Christmas timber, even on boats floating throughout the waters of the neighboring port. Guests can go to Santa’s workshop or go skating on the ice rink and in addition get pleasure from scrumptious treats resembling sizzling chocolate, mulled wine and saffron buns (recognized domestically as ‘Fluffy cats).
4. Funchal Christmas Market (Funchal, Portugal)
- location: 9000-054 Funchal, Portugal (World Positioning System)
- Dates: December 1, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Though it isn’t fairly a winter wonderland, because of the sub-tropical local weather, Funchal nonetheless has the Christmas spirit and the Funchal Christmas Market is a superb instance of this. The market is adorned with lights and uncommon flowers, and each evening Christmas carolers and people teams carry out on stage for guests.
For food and drinks, you may be handled to scrumptious Portuguese delicacies together with grilled meats marinated in wine and native Madeira punch. Guests also can get pleasure from varied cultural actions, re-enactments and exhibitions that replicate the area’s wealthy historical past and traditions.
5. Budapest Christmas Markets (Budapest, Hungary)
Budapest hosts 4 Christmas markets and is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Europe within the winter. One is in Vörösmarty Sq., the nation’s oldest Christmas market, the second is outdoors St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the third is in Városháza Park, and the final is within the historic Úbuda district.
All of those Christmas markets have tons of of stalls, however St. Stephen’s Cathedral Market and Varoshasa Park Market are those which have skating rinks, and there are additionally Hungarian people dance performances in the course of the weekend at St. Stephen’s Cathedral Market.
There are numerous seasonal dishes on provide, in addition to an exquisite gentle and sound present projected onto the entrance of the church.
6. Helsinki Christmas Market (Helsinki, Finland)
Helsinki Christmas Market, recognized domestically as Christmas market in HelsinkiIt’s the annual Christmas market that takes place within the coronary heart of the Finnish capital, Senate Sq. in Helsinki.
The market receives greater than 300,000 guests every year, who get pleasure from greater than 120 chalets that includes scrumptious delicacies, handicrafts, arts and decorations, and lots of types of leisure for all ages.
One of many highlights of the Helsinki Christmas Market is that it does not simply give attention to conventional merchandise. One instance of that is meals; Whereas there are conventional sausages and mulled wine, there are additionally many vegetarian choices for individuals who do not wish to eat animal merchandise.
7. Bratislava Christmas Market (Bratislava, Slovakia)
Bratislava is one other metropolis devoted to Christmas celebrations, with many squares across the metropolis remodeled right into a Christmas wonderland lit up with fairy lights. Bratislava additionally holds a tree lighting ceremony that marks the official begin of the Christmas and market season.
Whereas having to discover the a number of market areas across the metropolis might seem to be quite a lot of work, it is made simpler because of Bratislava’s official Christmas tram, which travels between all of the totally different squares.
Native Christmas treats that guests can get pleasure from embrace ‘lokše’ (potato pancakes), roasted sausages and honey muffins.
8. Prague Christmas Markets (Prague, Czech Republic)
Prague is one other metropolis that hosts two Christmas markets, one within the Previous City and the opposite in Wenceslas Sq.. Once more, each markets are situated inside strolling distance of one another, and each are value a go to.
Lights adorn each the Previous City and Wenceslas Sq., and guests will discover stunning kiosks nestled between buildings of Gothic and Renaissance structure, making for a really visible and aesthetic expertise. Native desserts resembling trdelník (cylindrical cake rolled in cinnamon sugar) and citrus wines could be loved whereas watching themed reveals.
9. Christmas in Edinburgh (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Edinburgh is an enthralling European metropolis, and its magic turns into much more so in the course of the winter because of “Christmas in Edinburgh”, the annual Christmas market. Guests have an exquisite expertise as East Princes Road Gardens, St Andrew Sq. and different elements of town heart are remodeled right into a winter wonderland.
Whereas every market has reward and meals stalls, there’s additionally loads of leisure. The market at East Princes Road Gardens may be very fashionable due to the Ferris wheel which affords improbable views of Edinburgh Citadel and the Magic Metropolis itself. If you wish to go ice skating, head to St. Andrew Sq. Market.
10. Poznań Christmas Market (Poznań, Poland)
Poznań is without doubt one of the oldest cities in Europe and has traditionally robust Christmas traditions and celebrations, welcoming and entertaining friends from all around the world for hundreds of years. Poznań’s Christmas Market retains these traditions and this spirit alive, because the Previous Market Sq. is remodeled right into a winter wonderland.
The Poznań Christmas Market additionally takes place across the similar time because the annual Worldwide Ice Sculpture Competition, offering a really distinctive winter expertise.
Distributors occupying tons of of stalls promote all types of products together with winter dishes, handmade ornaments, and handmade toys and decorations. The spotlight is the meals with scrumptious smoked cheese, goulash and pierogi.
11. Bathtub Christmas Market (Bathtub, UK)
The historic metropolis of Bathtub additionally has an annual Christmas market which is a sight to behold. The already beautiful cobblestone streets are made much more stunning with wood chalets and golden lights lining the streets surrounding Bathtub Abbey and the Roman Baths.
What stands out on the market just isn’t the scrumptious meals or handmade homewares and presents, however the assist given to native charities. The group behind the market provides chalets to charities at the marketplace for free, permitting them to unfold consciousness of their points.
Whereas studying concerning the superb work these charities do, you’ll want to cease by The Lodge on Stall Road if you wish to get pleasure from some nice cider.
12. Christmas Market in Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen, Denmark)
One of many oldest and most well-known theme parks on this planet, Tivoli Gardens transforms right into a magical winter wonderland in the course of the vacation season.’Christmas at Tivoli“, Tivoli’s annual Christmas market. Decorations, lights, Christmas timber and conventional bands enjoying festive songs fill Tivoli Gardens to unfold the enjoyment and spirit of Christmas.
With a lot of charming stalls promoting a variety of Christmas presents, crafts, decorations and festive items, guests also can get pleasure from some conventional Danish and Scandinavian treats, resembling ‘æbleskiver’ (Danish Christmas cookies), toasted almonds and sizzling chocolate. Scorching wine, and different scrumptious issues.
13. Cologne Christmas Market (Cologne, Germany)
It is a well-known German proven fact that the nation celebrates Christmas effectively, and this basic German metropolis is to not be outdone in the case of the Christmas spirit. Whereas wood stalls start to look in several areas of town on the finish of November, it’s the Cathedral Christmas Market that stands out each time.
The gothic architectural backdrop, hundreds of fairy lights and red-roofed gables present a very magical environment, with stalls promoting all types of meals and items. The town has made efforts to be very inclusive in its celebrations. One instance is “Christmas Avenue,” an LGBTQ+ market that options reside performances.
14. Vilnius Christmas Market (Vilnius, Lithuania)
The Lithuanian capital’s annual Christmas market is a masterpiece of design and probably the greatest issues to do in Vilnius in the course of the holidays. Praised yearly for his or her magnificence, the dazzling Christmas tree and fairy gentle shows on the Vilnius Christmas Market are an expertise one mustn’t take flippantly.
Attractive chalets and igloos are scattered all through the market, promoting many scrumptious treats resembling honey muffins, gingerbread and quite a lot of comforting teas.
15. Basel Christmas Market (Basel, Switzerland)
Basel celebrates Christmas in model, with its annual Christmas market kicking off with a lighting ceremony for the towering Christmas tree within the heart of Münsterplatz, one of many metropolis’s squares. The annual Christmas market, referred to as Basel Weihnachtsmarkt, takes place on Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz with hundreds of twinkling lights and rustic wood chalets.
One of many major points of interest is the fairytale forest the place youngsters can discover and even adorn their very own gingerbread homes. Additionally, you will be handled to many scrumptious Swiss specialties resembling raclette, fondue, sausages and Swiss chocolate, in addition to Glühwein, a sizzling Swiss mulled wine.
16. Santa Croce Christmas Market (Florence, Italy)
- location: Piazza Santa Croce, 32R, 50122 Florence, Florence (World Positioning System)
Florence is one other metropolis already well-known for its architectural magnificence, however in the course of the winter it turns into much more stunning with the Weihnachtsmarkt Santa Croce. Though we’re speaking about Italy, this Christmas market takes on a festive German-style really feel and is ready up within the sq. outdoors the Basilica of Santa Croce.
Probably the most well-known delicacy at this market is the chimney cake coated with cinnamon and chocolate. The market dates again practically 500 years, and there are greater than 50 stalls the place artisans promote their wares.
17. Strasbourg Christmas Market (Strasbourg, France)
Regardless of the wonder and romance of Paris, in the case of Christmas, Strasbourg is the Christmas capital of France. The town’s squares and slender alleys are closely adorned with fairy lights, and greater than 300 wood chalets have been arrange for distributors to promote their meals and items.
Within the heart of Strasbourg is a superb wanting tree that provides to the Christmas cheer of town. Within the spirit of Christmas, guests also can go to the Sharing Village, a spot that permits folks to donate to native charities. Make sure you go to the stalls of hand-blown glass ornaments and check out the native Alsatian wine.
18. Sibiu Christmas Market (Sibiu, Romania)
The Sibiu Christmas Market held within the Previous City of Sibiu in Transylvania is without doubt one of the most picturesque markets in Europe. The market is brightly adorned and situated in Piata Mare, surrounded by stunning cobblestone streets and medieval Baroque structure.
The ice rink gives quite a lot of enjoyable, and with its baroque backdrop, provides you the chance to get some Instagram-worthy images. Distributors promote varied items, presents, handicrafts, wood toys, decorations, leather-based merchandise, and Romanian delicacies resembling “mămăligă” (polenta), “ciorbă” (soup), and “sarmale” (stuffed cabbage rolls).
19. Frankfurt Christmas Market (Birmingham, England)
One other instance of a German-themed Christmas market out of the country, the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham, England, affords a enjoyable expertise. With greater than 120 stalls promoting wine, winter beer, pastries, schnitzels, sausages, delicate crystal lamps, jewellery, handicrafts and lots of different varieties of items.
Whereas the meals and presents are glorious, the slightly quirky and distinctive attraction that youngsters will get pleasure from is Chris the Singing Moose on the nook of Waterloo Road.
20. Krakow Christmas Market (Krakow, Poland)
Krakow is without doubt one of the most cost-effective locations to go to in Europe, and through Christmas, Krakow’s historic Previous City, with its historical medieval streets, magnificent St. Mary’s Church, and the well-known Fabric Corridor, kinds the backdrop to probably the most charming Christmas markets in Europe. .
Guests can get pleasure from native specialties resembling pierogi (Polish dumplings) and grilled sausages.Oskibek cheese(smoked cheese), gingerbread biscuits, and different scrumptious desserts. There are many different stalls too, promoting a variety of products resembling handmade Boleslawiec pottery, boiled sweets, contemporary pine wreaths, handmade ornaments, textiles and toys.
Make sure you attend the Kraków Christmas Crib Contest, a contest wherein members convey again adorned creations of crib beds, that are then paraded across the sq. for judging.
21. Nuremberg Christkindelmarkt (Nuremberg, Germany)
The Nuremberg Christmas Market is without doubt one of the oldest in Europe and the entire world. It has a novel function within the crimson and white striped material surfaces of the 180 wood stalls unfold all through the market.
It’s notably well-known for its gingerbread cookies, referred to as “Nuremberg ginger“, however there are different meals together with Nuremberg sausages, roasted almonds, mulled wine (Glühwein) and different seasonal specialties.
One other distinctive function of the market is the plum folks, that are collectible figurines fabricated from dried plums which have appeared yearly at the marketplace for a long time. These statues are thought-about good luck charms.
22. Tallinn Christmas Market (Tallinn, Estonia)
Tallinn’s Christmas Market has a historical past relationship again to the fifteenth century and appears nothing lower than a Christmas film set. A layer of snow covers the cobblestone streets, lights illuminate the whole lot, and the scent of gingerbread floats within the air.
The Tallinn Christmas Market has the glory of displaying the primary Christmas tree ever in Europe, within the yr 1441. Tallinn can be one of many few Christmas markets the place an actual Santa seems in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, making for an unforgettable expertise for a Christmas market. Born in Tallinn. youngsters.
23. Vienna Christmas Dream Market (Vienna, Austria)
Vienna is without doubt one of the greatest locations to journey in December as town hosts 20 superb Christmas markets, however the jewel in its crown is the Vienna Christmas Goals Market in entrance of the Metropolis Corridor. The sq. has a towering, magnificent Christmas tree, with many Christmas lights and decorations.
This market options over 150 charming wood stalls promoting a variety of presents, crafts, decorations and festive items. From handcrafted ornaments and equipment to conventional Austrian merchandise and souvenirs, guests can discover all of it. Guests can get pleasure from many Austrian specialties resembling Wiener Schnitzel, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cookies and Glühwein.
There are additionally reside performances, concert events, carol singing and different leisure that guests can get pleasure from.
24. Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor (Madrid, Spain)
Spain isn’t any much less aggressive in the case of Christmas markets, and the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market, recognized domestically as… Plaza Mayor Christmas Marketwithin the nation’s capital and has obtained acclaim a number of occasions prior to now.
The market’s distinctive decor consists of hand-painted and adorned nativity statues, vibrant Christmas lights and ornaments. Distributors provide scrumptious Spanish fare and desserts like churros with chocolate, roasted chestnuts, marzipan sweets, and different scrumptious Spanish vacation treats.
The market additionally hosts a big show of a nativity scene, referred to as a “belén” in Spanish.
25. Winter Wonders (Brussels, Belgium)
In terms of dimension and energy, the winter wonders of Brussels deserve a point out on our checklist of the very best Christmas markets in Europe. First, there are 240 chalets the place distributors provide handmade trinkets, presents, trinkets, crafts, festive items, clothes, and different artisanal merchandise.
Then there’s an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, carousels, and a Christmas parade full with holiday-themed floats and characters. Lastly, the central sq. is the location of a surprising sound and light-weight present projected onto the facades of historic buildings.
Christmas Markets in Europe FAQ
What’s the largest Christmas market in Europe?
The well-known Vienna Christmas World Market on Rathausplatz dominates the festive scene, not solely because the world’s most expansive Christmas market, but additionally as one of many world’s most well-known. Situated near the historic metropolis corridor, the Rathaus captures the essence of Vienna’s vacation spirit.
Which European international locations have Christmas markets?
Many European international locations host Christmas markets as a convention in the course of the vacation season. Among the most well-known international locations which have notable Christmas markets embrace Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, the UK, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Hungary, Sweden, Denmark, and others.
Which European nation has the most important variety of Christmas markets?
Just about each German city and metropolis has its personal Christmas market, incomes Germany the excellence of getting the most important variety of markets in all of Europe.