In Europe, the streets are full of dazzling lights, Christmas cheer and the tasty smells of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts during the winter. The best way to get into the holiday spirit is to visit the most stunning Christmas markets in Europe. People who want to have fun and see magic over the holidays will love these markets. There are cute shops selling homemade goods and antique town squares with fairy lights on them. The Christmas markets in Europe are a great place to escape the cold in the winter whether you’re going with your partner or your family.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is famous for its imperial architecture, but around the holidays, the city turns into a wintry paradise. One of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe is the Christkindlmarkt, often known as the Vienna Christmas Market. There are around 150 stalls at the market that sell seasonal decorations, typical Austrian food and handmade decorations. It is right in front of the beautiful City Hall.
People can drink Glühwein, look at the beautifully adorned wooden cottages and listen to live classical music and choral performances. There are also several special markets in the city, such the Art Advent Market and the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt, that are great for people who want to observe how things used to be done.
Travel Tip: To really enjoy the magical Christmas atmosphere in Vienna, take a horse-drawn carriage trip through the city’s old streets.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is frequently called the “Capital of Christmas” and its market is one of the biggest in Europe. The Christkindelsmärik, which has been going on since 1570, covers the entire historic center and makes the city look like a holiday paradise. People may look at Christmas decorations, buy handmade gifts and try unique Alsatian foods like bredele biscuits and mulled wine in more than 300 wooden chalets.
The market’s main attraction is the beautiful Christmas tree in front of Strasbourg Cathedral. A lot of people like to take pictures there especially Instagram users. There are Christmas songs, nativity displays and fun carousels for kids in the streets.
It’s easy to get to Strasbourg by train from Paris or Frankfurt. This is a great site to stop on a Christmas market trip to Europe.
Prague, Czech Republic
Two of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Prague are in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The Gothic buildings, cobblestone streets and sparkling lights make the storybook effect even stronger. People can eat Trdelník, a delicious pastry with cinnamon as well as typical Czech sausages and hot wine.
People who adore handmade products like wooden toys, glass ornaments and Bohemian crystal will love the markets in Prague. There are live shows, carolers and a giant Christmas tree all across the city which makes it a great place for holiday tourists.
Tip for travelers: Visit the grounds of Prague Castle to see the city’s holiday lights from above and get a different view of the winter wonderland below.
Munich, Germany
The Christkindlmarkt in Munich, which takes place at Marienplatz, is one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany. Visitors can learn about local culture and Christmas traditions at antique stalls that sell gingerbread, sausages and other typical Bavarian items. There is also a stunning nativity scene and a fun carousel at the market that people of all ages appreciate.
The Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz is another great place to visit in Munich. There are shows with a medieval theme, fire demonstrations and real Bavarian food. The city’s Christmas spirit continues to adjacent castles, which are beautiful to walk around in the winter.
Neuschwanstein Castle is only a short drive from Munich and it will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale around Christmas.
Copenhagen, Denmark
At Christmas, Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, brings the idea of hygge to life. The historic Tivoli Gardens turns into a magical place with thousands of lights, thrilling rides and cozy booths. While walking through the wonderfully decorated gardens and themed sections, visitors can enjoy traditional Danish foods like aebleskiver and mulled wine.
Copenhagen’s Nyhavn Christmas Market is a beautiful place next to the canal, with boats between the colorful houses and streets. The city is all about cozy, private encounters, which makes it a great place for couples to spend a romantic winter vacation.
You can find great one-of-a-kind presents and handmade decorations at the Danish Design Market. It’s a great place to get Christmas gifts with a Scandinavian touch.
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels’ Winter Wonders festival turns the city center into a holiday wonderland with a huge Christmas tree, an ice skating rink and more than 200 market stalls. People know Brussels for its gastronomy and it’s a great place for chocolate lovers to go. While they look at the festive lights and listen to the music, people can enjoy Belgian pralines, waffles and hot chocolate.
The Grand Place has a wonderful music and light show that makes the city seem great at night. Brussels markets are great for families since they have a lot of fun things for kids to do like puppet shows and merry-go-rounds.
While you’re at the market, don’t forget to taste speculoos biscuits and some unusual Belgian beers.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a one-of-a-kind winter vacation spot since it has famous hot springs and beautiful Christmas markets. The Christmas Market in Vörösmarty Square is the biggest in Hungary. There are more than 100 kiosks selling holiday drinks, traditional Hungarian food and handmade presents.
While watching folk artists and live music, people can eat chimney cakes, sausages with paprika and drink mulled wine. The Chain Bridge and the Parliament Building are two examples of the city’s gorgeous buildings that are beautifully lit up, making the holiday season even more special.
Tip for travelers: After you go to the market, go to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath for a fun and soothing winter experience.
Tallinn, Estonia
One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe is in Tallinn’s medieval Old Town. The Tallinn Christmas Market on Town Hall Square has historic buildings, cobblestone streets and a warm festive atmosphere. People can enjoy Estonian dishes including marzipan, gingerbread and smoked fish as well as gifts made by local artisans.
There are also a lot of exciting things for families to do at the market such as riding in a horse-drawn carriage and skating on ice. Tallinn is a great place for anyone who wants a tranquil and magical Christmas break because it has a fairy-tale backdrop and nice people.
Travel Tip: To find hidden courtyards decked with lights and winter cheer go through the city’s small lanes.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, where Mozart was born, has fun music festivals and fairs that happen at different times of the year. The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt takes place in the historic Cathedral Square. There are traditional Austrian crafts, seasonal foods and live music. While they look around the holiday stalls, visitors can eat roasted chestnuts, gingerbread and Austrian sweets.
The baroque buildings in the city and the snow-covered mountains around it make for a beautiful winter scene that is great for taking pictures and gazing at things. There are also smaller, more specialized markets in Salzburg, including the Stern Advent Market, which gives visitors more options.
Go to a classical music concert at one of Salzburg’s ancient venues if you want a vacation you’ll never forget.
Nuremberg, Germany
The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is one of the oldest and most traditional Christmas markets in all of Europe. People know the market for its seasonal decorations, gingerbread treats and toys crafted by hand. While roaming around the historic market square, people can eat bratwurst, drink mulled wine and roast nuts.
The Nuremberg market is full of fun things for families to do, like puppet shows, carousel rides and a children’s market with hands-on workshops. The old buildings in the city make it feel more like Christmas, so it’s a great place to visit over the holidays.
Tip for travelers: Try the famous gingerbread from Nuremberg and buy one-of-a-kind handmade ornaments to give as gifts.
Tips from people who have traveled to Christmas markets across Europe
- Plan ahead: Christmas markets in Europe are quite popular, so book your travel and accommodations early to avoid paying too much or missing out on sold-out options.
- Wear garments that are warm. In the winter, it can get exceedingly chilly in Europe, especially in the north. Wear comfortable shoes, scarves, gloves and layers.
- Try the food: Each market has its own delicious treats. Don’t forget to eat the local cuisine, such pastries, mulled wine and sausages.
- Plenty of small vendors only take cash, so bring plenty. Most stores do take cards.
- Take the train: The train system in Europe is beautiful and works well, so it’s easy to get from one market to another in different countries.
European Christmas markets are more than just locations to buy things. They are full of magic and happiness that make the holidays come to life. Each market shows you a different way that people celebrate festivals and follow local customs. For example, the imperial beauty of Vienna and the fairy-tale lanes of Strasbourg. People of all ages can enjoy memories that will last a lifetime in Europe’s winter wonderlands. They can enjoy the historical beauty of Prague, the delicious Belgian chocolates in Brussels or the Danish hygge in Copenhagen.
Get into the Christmas spirit by making plans to visit these beautiful places. With warm kiosks, pretty lights, and delicious delicacies the continent is full with holiday cheer. It’s a terrific winter vacation spot every time you visit.