European Christmas Markets
No one does Christmas Markets like the Europeans. German markets are probably the most known, but all of Europe knows how to put on a great Christmas market season. Each city market combines its holiday tradition with local foods, drinks, gifts, activities and arts. Visting European Christmas Markets is a great way to experience the winter season. With the centuries-old traditions and medieval squares, Christmas carolers and snow-covered buildings, and more twinkle lights than you can dream, it’s pure magic.
1. Basel, Switzerland
When we think Switzerland our minds first reaction is a winter wonderland. So, it’s no wonder that the country has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Located west of Zurich, Basel’s Christmas market features hundreds of vendors selling everything from handmade toys to Swiss treats. Basel’s Christmas lights make for great photos as well. Make sure to pick up some local Lackerli (Basel’s twist on gingerbread).
2. Berlin, Germany
There are so many different European Christmas markets in Berlin, around 80. It’s impossible to do them all. The different markets have something for everyone…even the dog. From hot chocolate to carousels to arts and crafts to winter sports. If you are looking for the biggest market, try Spandau. Make sure to get you some Flammkuchen, a German flatbread topped with potatoes, bacon and cheese.
3. Brussels, Belgium
Every year around December the city turns into a winter dream. With an ice rink, Ferris wheel, mile-long walk of wooden chalet vendors, and projection show, it’s easy to see how this European Christmas market can appeal to the whole family. And then there is the food! Casseroles, waffles, Belgian chocolate, fries, mulled wine and beers. So, grab a bite to eat before you hit those shopping stalls.
4. Budapest, Hungary
Over 150 vendors each year selling food and hand-crafted goods. They also put on free concerts. You can also find an ice rink, folk dances, and laser light shows.
5. Cologne, Germany
A very classic German Christmas market. This very festive European Christmas Market is a must…and there are several spread out around the city. You can look forward to over 100 different stage performances, ice skating, hundreds of twinkle lights hanging from above, crafts, and food. And don’t forget to stop by and hear the story of the real St. Nick at Saint Nicholas’s village.
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Go shopping for souvenirs, Danish pancakes, a swing carousel, hand-crafted goods, and an Elf Train in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens. The theme park was the inspiration for Disneyland and is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world. And when the season comes, they bring out all the lights…like 500,000 lights. Listen to music while you sit around a warm log fire, let the kids ride the rollercoasters, see a show, and fill up on all those delicious Danish treats. Shop for wooden toys, knits, and ceramics. Go ice skating, munch on caramelized almonds and drink mulled wine. Make sure to ride the Ferris wheel so you can dazzle at all the lights from above. It’s magical!
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
Are you ready for some traditional Scottish holiday treats? This is where to find them. Venison burgers, Scottish brews, and hot toddies are a favorite during the holiday season. You have to take a ride (or two) on the 108-foot-tall Ferris wheel. From atop you can see the Edinburgh Castle all lit up. Enjoy some carols, go ice skating, enjoy a fairground ride, pick up some wooden toys, see a projection show or a live performance, see the elves’ workshop, make your way through a Christmas tree maze and go do a bar crawl. Head over to the Royal Botanic Garden when night falls to drink some warm spiced cider and see the place lit up.
8. Frankfurt, Germany
This market dates back to the 14th century, it is one of Germany’s oldest and largest European Christmas markets. Snack on some traditional German gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, brats, apple wine and smoked salmon. Shop for gifts and hand-crafted souvenirs.
9. Gdańsk, Poland
Over 150 vendors, this European Christmas market is a winter wonderland of romance with places set up so you can kiss under the mistletoe. From shopping for nutcrackers, hand-made candles, wool hats, jewelry and ceramics to eating some of the best food at the international stalls like pierogi, smoked cheese, Spanish churros, Alsatian pancakes, tofu, and Greek bougatsa. You can also see a talking moose, the Snow Queen, elf parades, ride a carousel and carolers. And of course, you should have a nice warm mug of mulled wine or hot chocolate.
10. Helsinki, Finland
Looking for something that has both traditional and contemporary? How about watching a holiday outfit contest for dogs? Or playing a game of bingo to win a prize? If you enthusiastically said YES, this is the right European Christmas market for you. It also has your traditional Christmas market feel as well. With Christmas carols, illuminated streets, cheeses, mulled wine, candied nuts and pastries filled with jam. Oh, by the way, you can also relax in a wood-heated sauna right in the middle of the market.
11. Krakow, Poland
Poland makes the list twice. They have to because Krakow has live camels at their Christmas market. You can also go ice skating, see candle lit churches, drink mulled wine and eat gingerbread. With the largest medieval town square in Europe, you’ll find loads of stalls selling kielbasa, wooden toys, Christmas decor, and some really cool souvenirs.
12. Manchester, England
I’m throwing Manchester into the mix because of their very well-done international food stalls. If you can’t train hop around Europe to experience different countries Christmas markets, stop at this one. You’ll find Dutch pancakes, German sausages, Hungarian goulash, and French macarons. With 8 different markets spread out over the city you are sure to find something you like. Shop for handcrafted leather bags, bird houses, amber jewelry, and even bonsai trees. And of course you have your pick of hot chocolate or even spike Christmas punch.
13. Merano, Italy
This is the definition of what winter wonder looks like. Merano is located in the Alps of northern Italy with beautiful snowy mountains and Austrian looking chalets that are all lit up for the holiday season. What more can you say about this spa town? Well, you can get homemade crafts, gifts, toys, listen to choirs sing, and walk along the Passirio river with a mug of mulled wine and your choice of Sudtriol cakes or apple strudel.
14. Nuremberg, Germany
Around 2 million people visit this market each year. Yes, you read that correctly. This European Christmas Market has some serious world fame. There are tons of wooden stalls decked in red and white cloth that occupy the center square of Nuremberg’s old town. Do some shopping for ornaments, candles, angels, nutcrackers and plum people (I’ll let you research that one). Enjoy gingerbread, mulled wine, fruit loaves, grilled sausages and crackling pork. They really go all out because the prettiest stall wins an award.
15. Prague, Czech Republic
There are many European Christmas markets around the Czech Republic, but the best ones are held in Prague’s Old Town Square. Enjoy garlic and cheese flatbread, gingerbread, steamed dumplings filled with smoked pork, thick European hot chocolate, honey wine, Czech beer, fish soup, roast ham, chimney cakes, sausages and pancakes. You’ll also find plenty to do with things like animal stables, concerts and traditional nativity scenes. Shop for hand-blown glass, Christmas decor and fun souvenirs. Not to mention the setting is stunning in this gothic city lit up for the season.
16. Salzburg, Austria
Here you will find more than your average Christmas market. Let’s talk about the fun things to do. With daily choral performances, wind music, gingerbread baking, Christmas market tours and sing-alongs, Salzburg keeps with ancient traditions. You’ll also find mulled wine, roast pork sandwiches, fried pastries, roasted almonds and gifts like hand-knitted socks to fill your stockings. This is a quality market worth checking out.
17. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets. The first one was held in 1570. There are hundreds of vendors selling something for everyone. Get traditional holiday gifts, handcrafted items and hand-painted wooden Christmas decor. Enjoy sweet treats like spaetzle, gingerbread, hot white wine and Alsatian Christmas cookies. Head down to see concerts or go ice skating. The city looks especially storybook-like when lit up for the holiday season.
18. Tallinn, Estonia
This Christmas market is small but mighty. Around 50 wooden stalls you can find some really neat treasures such as wooden bowls, wool hats, buckwheat pillows, local honey, handmade wreaths and eve sheepskin rugs. Munch on sausages, sauerkraut, marzipan, black pudding and gingerbread all while sipping on mulled wine. Enjoy the brass bands, bell ringers and dance performances. Watch Santa arrive by a reindeer-pulled sleigh and walk the market with his elves in tow. Tallinn can also lay claim to the oldest displaying of a Christmas tree in Europe, being displayed since 1441. And make sure you do a few turns on the merry-go-round.
19. Vienna, Austria
Another European Christmas market that is a little on the small side is the market in front of Schönbrunn Palace. But this place is magical covered in snow and lit up for the Christmas festivities. 70 or so vendors selling things like handmade Christmas decor, advent wreaths, tin toys, wooden toys and handmade soaps. Foods are epic at this Christmas market ranging from cheese stuffed sausages, raclette cheese served with bread and potatoes, hot chocolate, crepes, wines, vanilla crescent cookies, roasted chestnuts and baked pretzels. You can also go ice skating, curling, ride the Ferris wheel, take a turn on the merry-go-round or ride a reindeer.
20. Zagreb, Croatia
These European Christmas markets spread throughout the whole city. You can partake in ice skating, concerts and a live nativity scene. Shop at some of the craft stalls to pick up that perfectly crafted gift or souvenir. But the main focus at this market is the food. Snack on pork sausage sandwiches, apple strudel, chocolate-covered fritters, spicy sausages and cabbage rolls. Don’t forget to grab a glass of plum brandy, wine or rakija.
