Searching for the greatest Christmas Markets in Europe this yr? Questioning which European metropolis is greatest at Christmas? Don’t worry- we’ve performed the arduous be just right for you. Listed below are 10 of the most important (and greatest!) European Christmas Markets to get you within the festive spirit.
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That are the perfect & greatest Christmas Markets in Europe?
Arms up for those who love Christmas Markets?
Arms up if making an attempt to determine which European Christmas market is greatest makes you’re feeling slightly overwhelmed?!
I do know precisely how you’re feeling. I keep in mind making an attempt to decide on our FIRST Christmas market expertise; eager to get it ‘excellent’ and ensure we weren’t lacking out on something. However then got here the selections.
Do you decide the most important Christmas market in Europe? Or the oldest? Or probably the most well-known? Significantly, how are you alleged to determine these things when spending Christmas in Europe?
So, right here’s a fast run-down on a few of the greatest & greatest Christmas Markets in Europe and what makes them superior. After which it’s important to select one.
Sorry.
In case you’re in or visiting the UK, listed here are a few of the greatest UK Christmas markets (up to date for this yr).
Which is the most important Christmas market in Europe?
Consider it or not, Nuremberg in Germany is residence to the greatest Christmas market in Europe, and actually the WORLD. (Or not less than, it was final yr. I suppose somebody could possibly be constructing an even bigger one someplace this yr!)
Why do you have to go to the Nuremberg Christmas Market, Germany?
In addition to being the most important Christmas Market in Europe, for me, the Nuremberg Germany Christmas market is likely one of the most intriguing! I LOVE the story about how the locals decide a lady to be the ‘face of Christmas’ (Christkind).
She should be blond, native, 16-19, and never afraid of heights!! On the opening day of the Market, she is crucial individual there. Santa who?
What’s going to you discover at Europe’s Greatest Christmas Market?
Aside from that, you’ll discover a whole bunch of gorgeous picket market stalls, promoting every thing from traditonal Christmas items, handmade crafts, native delicacies, meals (mmmmm) and glühwein (like mulled wine).
The Glühwein mugs are distinctive every year and change into collector’s items. Additionally they make nice stocking fillers for folks again residence! (After you’ve completed the wine, after all!)
RELATED: Weird European Customs and traditions that you simply’ve by no means heard of!
The most effective factor about visiting the most important Christmas market in Europe is the ambiance. Germans know tips on how to celebration anyway, however the scale of the festivities offers it a uniquely superior contact.
All of the locals collect within the city corridor sq. after work and celebration into the evening- it turns into a enjoyable place to hang around, which is why that is simply probably the greatest Christmas markets in Germany. We extremely suggest planning a motorhome journey to Germany to go to here- there’s loads of parking close by.
When is the Nuremberg Christmas Market open?
You will discover all of the dates and opening instances of the Nuremberg Christmas market right here, together with the opening ceremony
The place is the oldest Christmas market in Europe?
Dresden, Germany boasts the title of the oldest Christmas market in Europe. It’s apparently additionally the oldest Christmas market within the WORLD- relationship again to 1434!
Strasbourg (see beneath) is often (and wrongly!) touted because the oldest Christmas market in Europe, however its Christkindelsmärik solely goes again to 1570. Pfft.
Why do you have to go to the Dresden Christmas markets?
Dresden has over 11 completely different Christmas Markets and every one has its personal enchantment. I notably like you could watch the artisans at work – glass blowers creating Christmas baubles, bakers plaiting Christmas wreaths- it provides to the ambiance and conventional really feel.
Additionally they boast the World’s Tallest Christmas Pyramid and the world’s greatest Nutcracker! So positively make sure you go to probably the greatest Christmas markets in Germany throughout November and December.
Dresden can also be simply over 2 hours from Berlin so, for those who’re fortunate, you’ll be able to go to the Berlin Christmas Markets as effectively. Winner.
When is the Dresden Christmas Market open?
You will discover all of the opening instances and dates for the Dresden Christmas Market right here.
Which is probably the most well-known Christmas Market in Europe?
This can be a robust one, as fame fluctuates, however the market referred to as the ‘Capital of Christmas‘ is Strasbourg, France. I’ve requested a number of folks which is the perfect Christmas market in Europe and so they’ve talked about Strasbourg and Christkindelsmärik each time.
The sheer scale of it makes it one of many greatest Christmas markets in Europe, and each road is stuffed with picket stalls, lights, lovely decorations and festive cheer!
Why do you have to go to the Strasbourg Christmas Market?
Strasbourg actually goes ‘all out’ at Christmas. Each store, road and alley has christmas decorations, lights, ornaments, and infrequently some kind of nativity scene or animation. It’s a feast for the senses in each manner, all set in opposition to the backdrop of the gorgeous metropolis of Strasbourg and the unimaginable Strasbourg Cathedral!
Strasbourg is one of many greatest Christmas markets in France and dates again to 1570.
It’s also probably the greatest Christmas markets in France since there are over 300 picket chalets unfold throughout the town in 10 completely different places, promoting conventional meals, drinks, goodies and an abundance of cheese! There may be additionally an ice rink, stay music performances and cultural occasions organized all through the festive interval.
Dates is the Strasbourg Christmas Market
You will discover all dates and opening instances for the Strasbourg Christmas Market right here.
In case you’re visiting Strasbourg with a motorhome, this web page could be very useful!
Need to tie in a visit to a Christmas Market with one other exercise? Why not rent/ deliver your motorhome or camper and go motorhome snowboarding!
Different greatest & greatest Christmas Markets in Europe to go to this yr
Munich, Germany
Ahhhh, Munich. My very first Christmas Market vacation spot in Europe and it was AWESOME! The sheer overwhelming measurement (Munich is unfold out throughout a number of websites within the metropolis), the quantity of meals and beer being consumed and the happiness of everybody was completely addictive.
Munich is a good first Christmas market to go to. It’s not TOO massive and there’s one thing for everybody. The previous city sq. is stuffed with your conventional stalls, bratwurst sausages, gingerbread, glühwein, desserts, waffles and beer. The HUGE introduction Christmas tree is a incredible backdrop to all of the festivities, and you’ll want to cease and watch the Glockenspiel while you’re there too.
We additionally liked the Munich medieval Christmas market, which was a LOT of enjoyable and had a special vary of stalls and items for those who’re searching for that excellent present whereas strolling by probably the greatest Christmas markets in Germany- it was like a fairytale.
Dates for the Munich Christmas Market
You’ll be able to see all of the dates and opening hours for the Munich Christmas Market right here.
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has the most important Christmas Market in Denmark, at Tivoli Gardens winter wonderlands. Annually, they use over 120,000 Christmas lights!! (Simply consider the electrical invoice!!!)
I really like the backdrop of this Copenhagen Christmas Market in opposition to the water of the ocean, canals and the lakes – the entire metropolis shimmers. There are round 100 stalls and also you’ll see a distinctly Nordic vary of items, clothes and meals being supplied!
There are additionally carousel and fairground rides and lightweight exhibits happening within the park and infrequently stay music all through the vacation season.
Don’t miss St Lucia’s Day, the place there’s a procession by the town by ladies carrying candles and singing.
How a lot does it value to go to Tivoli Christmas Market?
Copenhagen Christmas Market Entrance to Tivoli Gardens is round £20
When is the Tivoli Christmas Market open this yr?
You will discover all of the opening hours and dates for the Christmas Market right here.
Basel, Switzerland
The Basel Christmas Market is the most important in Switzerland, with 160+ fairly picket stalls and chalets promoting all types of delights. You’ll discover a variety of meals, together with genuine Basel Lackerli (a neighborhood model of gingerbread), conventional sausages, festive fondue & raclette, plus scorching chocolate, heat spiced wine and loads of beer.
There are two completely different areas to explore- Barfuserplatz and Munsterplatz. Barfuserplatz is known for handmade toys and native crafts, whereas Munsterplatz has a festive forest straight out of a fairytale, filled with actions for youths, (equivalent to gingerbread adorning and xmas carols.)
Dates and Different Info
You will discover all of the opening hours and dates for the Christmas Market right here.
Edinburgh, Scotland
There are many nice UK Christmas markets, however Edinburgh has a beautiful edge because it brings Christmas and Hogmanay collectively.
Within the metropolis centre you’ll discover an enormous quantity to get pleasure from, together with fairground rides, an ice rink, Santa’s Grotto and loads of stalls promoting all method of products and items.
There’s additionally a Christmas Tree Maze with a particular shock hidden inside and native delights equivalent to Harry Potter-themed items and mulled Irn Bru.
In case you’re there later within the day, you’ll be able to get pleasure from illuminations and particular projections, musical performances and the well-known , and fairy lights of George Road. Don’t miss a visit to the Royal Botanic Backyard to marvel on the Christmas illuminations.
In case you can, keep till the top of December to expertise a very Scottis welcome for the New 12 months, together with fireworks, a ceilidh and Hogmanay road celebration and the New 12 months’s Eve live performance in Princes Road Gardens.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is likely one of the most lovely and romantic Christmas markets in Europe. Set within the coronary heart of the town, with views over the well-known Fifteenth-century astronomical clock and the dual spires of Our Girl, it’s straightforward to see why it’s so common.
You’ll discover all the normal issues; picket chalets, handmade items and conventional christmas decorations plus loads of scrumptious meals (together with pancakes, gingerbread and cinnamon buns), plus the native festive drink svarak- a citrus model of grog (rum, water, lemon and sugar) as an alternative of mulled wine.
You probably have kids, don’t miss the Outdated City Sq. the place there’s typically a stay nativity and animals together with a donkey, goats and sheep pleased for pats and a spotlight from vacationers.
Dates and Different Info
You will discover all of the opening hours and dates for the Christmas Market right here.
Budapest, Hungary
In order for you festive lights and Christmas illuminations- head to Budapest.
There are two Christmas markets within the metropolis: Vorosmarty Sq. and Basilica.
Vorosmarty Sq. is true within the metropolis centre and is Budapest’s oldest Christmas market. Right here, you’ll discover loads of conventional stalls and handicrafts, plus meals stalls and free music concert events.
The Basilica Christmas Market has one thing slightly completely different: laser projections and illuminations onto the Basilica itself and a fantastically festive ice-skating rink that encases a grandly adorned Christmas tree.
Dates and Different Info
You will discover all of the opening hours and dates for the Christmas Market right here.
Winter Wonders, Brussels, Belgium
The Brussels Winter Wonders is the greatest Christmas market in Belgium and has probably the greatest celebration atmospheres of all of them! There are greater than 200 chalets serving glühwein, crepes, bratwurst and naturally tons and many Belgian beer!
The wonderland is unfold throughout a number of areas in Brussels and features a Ferris Wheel, ice skating, gentle exhibits and a HUGE Christmas tree to enchant the two.5 million Christmas guests!
In case you’ve by no means been. Brussels is a wonderful European metropolis anyway, however the true draw of probably the greatest Christmas markets in Europe is that you’ve the prospect to see the…err… Smurfs??!!! (Nope, I do not know why they’re the star attraction – however they’re!)
When is the Brussels Winter Wonders Christmas Market open this yr?
You will discover all the knowledge for the Brussels Christmas Market right here.
Rathausplatz In Vienna, Austria
Vienna has the largest Christmas Market in Austria and receives almost 3.5 Million guests per yr! There’s a Ferris wheel, truthful floor rides, ice skating rink, and a whole bunch of stalls promoting presents and meals. Additionally they have probably the greatest gentle shows in Europe!
What are the Vienna Christmas Market dates this yr?
There are a number of markets in Vienna. You will discover all of the opening instances and dates for visiting right here.
Most markets are open between noon (some open at 10am) and shut round 9pm.
Talinn, Estonia
Picture courtesy of Go to Estonia
Thought-about one of many prettiest Christmas markets in Europe, Tallinn’s Christmas Market is ready within the coronary heart of the medieval city, typically with a dusting of snow masking every thing.
You’ll discover the City Corridor Sq. filled with over 60 picket stalls, promoting every thing from handmade wreaths and candy, native crafts, and likewise music. There’s often a brass band or bell ringers gamers and numerous conventional dance teams.
Santa may typically by discovered greeting the youngsters at his winter grotto (with an genuine reindeer sleigh!)
You can too marvel at Estonia’s greatest Christmas tree. One has been put up in entrance of the city corridor yearly since 1441- making it one of many first Christmas bushes to be displayed in Europe.
Dates and Different Info
You will discover all of the opening hours and dates for the Christmas Market right here.
So, which metropolis is residence to the BEST Christmas market in Europe?
I’m sorry, however there’s no manner I’m making that call. I extremely suggest you go to them ALL and determine for your self. After which let me know!
However severely, don’t fear an excessive amount of. Simply decide one. Choose the one with the most cost effective flights, or the perfect deal or the one closest to you for those who’re driving! (Heck, for those who’re driving, you would go to all of them and make an actual street journey out of it! whilst you go to a few of the greatest European cities to go to in winter or uncover a few of the warmest locations in Europe in February!)
Both manner, you’ll have a incredible time. I promise.
Merry Christmas!
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