The best Christmas markets to visit in Europe
The Best Christmas Markets in Europe
The best Christmas markets in Europe are all listed right here in one place. Be sure to consult this page before you make plans to visit a Christmas market this year.
Photo by Pablo Soriano
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London
Hyde Park will give you an experience that you aren't likely to forget, and it is free to the public! The producers of this Christmas market brought the story of "A Christmas Carol" to life with ice sculptures. You will be walking through this attraction full of full-size sculptures that are sure to delight you and the kids. The wonderland also has the largest ice rink in the UK, so you must make sure to take your ice skates when you go.
This year, Hyde Park has the tallest observation wheel in the world where you will have the pleasure of seeing the city from the highest point in the air. One of the best times to take a ride on this observation wheel is at night. The lights will add something special to the view. One area that you must see if you have kids is "Santa Land" where they will be able to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus.
The fun begins on November 21 and will end on January 5.
Altweiner Christkindlmarkt in Freyung, Bavaria
This market gives you the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Christmas market, but it prides itself on not going overboard with that sentiment. The atmosphere at this market is particularly calm and peaceful, and of course, it makes it obvious that Christmas is in the air. This market makes it easy to find a gift for everyone on your Christmas list with handmade options available. A market such as this wouldn't allow you to go away hungry, so it has plenty of food selections that will delight even the pickiest eaters. The market gives you a chance to try all of the traditional dishes of Germany and Vienna.
You can enjoy this market starting from November 20 until December 23.
Photo by Diogo Palhais
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
There are other Christmas markets in this city, but the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is the largest. This is where you will find the tallest Christmas tree in the Rhineland. It isn't any wonder that it requires 50,000 LED lights! This is the place to find gifts for anyone on your list because the presents you can get here can't be found anywhere else. Even walking around is a pleasure. You will enjoy the sight of all of the lights and listen to the sounds of Christmas. You will even smell the aroma of sugar and spice. That's so nice!
This market takes place from November 25 until December 23.
Weihnachtzauber Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin
This is the place to be if you are in search of unique, handmade gifts for your friends and family. It is an opportunity for manufacturers from all over the world to show their goods. This market doesn't leave anybody hungry because there are stands with all types of foods all around you. You can sample some white chocolate milk if you are craving it, but you can also find exotic options. For example, the market will have cheeses from all over the world and even fried apples.
It opens on November 25 and ends December 31 and is open on the 24, 25 and 26 of December!
The Christmas Market on Cathedral Square in Salzburg, Austria
This Christmas market must be something special because it takes place in the city where one of the greatest Christmas songs was written. "Silent Night, Holy Night" was written in Salzburg, Austria, and the market that takes place every year on Cathedral Square first took place in 1491. This makes it the oldest market in the city.
Visiting this city has been described as walking into a fairy tale, and it has another connection to music because it is the city of Mozart's birth. The cathedral's fortress is in the most opportune place at the top of the city, so the cathedral sits nicely as a backdrop for the market. Here is where you will be treated to smells of baked goods and cotton candy in the air.
The market starts on November 22 and ends on December 26.
Photo by Annie Spratt
Manchester Christmas Market in England
This Christmas market has a reputation for being the best Christmas market in the country! The market has 300 stalls for you to find hand-made gifts and food and drinks from all over the world. There is even a place designated specifically for people with young children where you will find rides, magicians, and LED light shows. On top of all of that, you will be in full view of the Manchester cathedral.
The market begins on November 9 and ends on December 22.
Belfast Christmas Market
The Belfast Christmas Market that has taken place every year for 14 years is coming to Ireland again. This is the place where you can go to experience what it is like in Italy, France, Spain, and Germany at Christmas time. The market couldn't be in a more beautiful place. The City Hall is famous for its gardens, and they fit perfectly behind the Christmas decorations. You will feel as if you are shopping all over Europe as you walk the streets in this market.
Photo by Alisa Anton
Spittleberg Christmas Market in Vienna
This Christmas market is known for being very romantic, so it is the perfect place for you and your sweetheart to visit. The focus of this market is on local artisans. Their arts and crafts are on display here. It also has the great fortune to be in a prime location where the architecture of the Biedermeier quarter will surround you. While you are there, make sure that you visit Gutenbergasse Street for the best food that you will find in this country. This market is also an excellent place for the kids.
The market will be open on November 16 and will end on December 23 of this year.
Along with Irish hospitality, you will also encounter French tarts, Belgian chocolates, and Italian nougat. The Yuletide Market will welcome you to sample the foods as you walk by. If you are in an adventurous mood, you can try exotic treats, like wild boar, alligator, impala, and kangaroo. If you aren't that brave, you can settle on the crepes, Spanish Paella, giant Bratwurst, and Dutch pancakes with a variety of toppings.
The market opens on November 16 and ends on December 22.
Photo by Stephen Doyne
Christmas Market in Krakow, Poland
The Krakow Christmas market is the place to find unique Christmas gifts, such as jewelry handcrafted in Bohemian glass and Baltic amber. You can also find the usual fare in abundance here that includes Christmas decorations, wood carvings, sweets, and mulled and warm beer. You wouldn't want to miss a chance to purchase some of the traditional Polish sausages and the soups and stews that they have in abundance. This market will also treat you to folk dancers and Christmas carols. They even have their own nativity scenes and historic buildings that they made from colored leaves, wood, and paper.
The market begins on November 29 and ends on December 26.
Christmas Market & Ice Rink at Champs de Mars in Paris, France
The Christmas market & Ice Rink at Champs de Mars is the best place to hold a Christmas market because it is in Paris, one of the most romantic cities in the world! It also takes place at the most desirable locations in the world at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. You will find a wide selection of gifts in the 120 chalets as well as Christmas decorations and Christmas sweets as well. This is also the best time to skate arm in arm with your honey in full view of the Eiffel Tower as it gives you a "must-see" light show every hour.
The market will open on December 15 and will close on January 6.
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