One month before Christmas day you have absolutely read this.
You love Christmas ?? Love to spend days in Christmas markets ?Enjoy the adventure..
Antwerp, Belgium
Location(s): The Grote Markt (and nearby, Suikerrui, Groenplaats, Hendrik Conscienceplein, Handschoenmarkt and the Operaplein) in Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp, in the Flemish region of Belgium, is for shopping, and notably, one of Traveler’s 2024 Best Places to Go. In winter, the Christmas Market in Antwerp lights up the city’s charming, medieval Grote Markt (or, Grand Place) and over 100 market stalls extend through various local streets, all within walking distance from the grand and gothic Antwerp Central Train Station. Head to the Central Station’s ice rink, where skaters can glide around the Rubens statue in Groenplaats and next to the Antwerp Cathedral. In front of the same Cathedral is the “Magical Winter Forest” offering a stroll through the lights, natural moss, and festive tree sculptures. In Steenplein, next to the River Scheldt the beloved seasonal ferris wheel that overlooks the Scheldt and Winter Fun Fair along the river, below. Stately and historic townhouses, many dating back to the 17th century, are adorned with stepped gable ends and light up along the square where walking through the streets feels similar to a children’s Christmas tale. Travelers can keep warm through indulging in Belgium’s musts: moules frites with small fried potatoes and bacon, also known as spekpatatjes and of course Belgian chocolates and a spiced mulled wine. Antwerp’s Christmas Market traditions offer a wide variety of delights from abroad, too from Vietnamese pho to the fish n’ chips.
Glasgow, Scotland
Location(s): George Square; St. Enoch Square in Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow Winterfest is one of the newest Christmas markets in Europe returning only for its second year. thanks to last season’s demand and stellar reviews. The season has begun with a much-anticipated switch-on of festive lights, signaling a Christmas countdown in the city center of George Square. Alongside more than 50 chalets and food vendors with traditional Scottish pies and Yorkshire pudding wraps, are heaps of rides for all ages really, the main attraction to this winterfest is the family-friendly and carnivalesque fun. There’s a huge ice rink in George Square (with DJ set parties on Fridays), a 80m high drop tower, a carousel, a wave swinger and ride for toddlers called Santa’s Runaway train (as well as Grinch train), as well as a separate, mini, kid’s carousel. If you’re headed to Glasgow at the end of November, head to Ashton Lane, on the West End, on the 24th for the city’s iconic Winter Wonderland Street Party. With indoor and outdoor venues the seemingly endless street is filled with all locals and travelers from afar hopping from one pop up bar or shop to the next.
Nuremberg, Germany
Location(s): Central square of Hauptmarkt; Sister Cities Market; Hans-Sachs-Platz in Nuremburg, Germany.
The Christkindlesmarkt is all about tradition (with origins tracing back to the 16th century), located in the Old Town Nuremberg, or “the little city of wood and cloth,” complete with wooden, red, and white colored booths in front of the steps to the grandiose Church of our Lady, or ‘Frauenkirche.” The booths are adorned with homemade Christmas decorations, many of which sell the warm and regionally-classic gingerbread and “Spekulatius” almond cookies. There’s 5 self-guided tours recommended by the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt organizers all showcasing the heart of the souvenirs and products crafted by locals with creative minds, as well as indulging in even more traditional festive delights including “gluhwein” (a hot, spiced red wine) and the city’s famous bratwurst sausages. You can also kick-it old school and ride through the city in a stage coach tour with live, nostalgic Christmas music by the coachman on his trumpet. An opening ceremony kicks off the start of the season to which the “Nuremberg Christkind,” a symbol of the Christmas Market for decades (who is formally elected every two years by a jury from the media, associations, and municipal offices) recites a now famous Christmas speech in a white and golden dress. Nearby the main market in Hauptmarkt is the Sister Cities Market. Here, 12 of Nuremberg’s “sister cities” (selected cities from around the globe) offer a taste of international traditions bringing in crafts and goods local to their city. There’s also a separate children’s market, or “Kinderwihnacht” for more fun and games including a carousel and steam train rides. It’s certainly one of the oldest, and world’s well known Christmas Markets for a reason.
Cologne, Germany
Location: Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany
This market has everything you’d expect of a classic German spread. Glühwein, crafts, twinkling lights. One thing that stands out, though, is its entertainment more than 100 stage performances throughout the festival, including Christmas swing music and gospel, puppet shows, and performances for children. After you’ve had your fill of tunes (and food), head toward nearby Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse, two of Cologne’s well-known shopping areas, or make your way to Heumarkt for a spot of ice skating.
Helsinki, Finland
Location: Senate Square in Helsinki, Finland
This market scores major points for its mix of contemporary and traditional as well as its commitment to sustainability. Though visitors can do everything from playing bingo for a vegan ham to watching a holiday outfit contest for dogs, it’s not all quirky: Choirs sing Christmas carols on the weekends, and visitors can stroll illuminated market stalls while drinking hot mulled wine. Try some artisan cheeses or munch on candied nuts and jam-filled pastries. Not feeling Finnish enough for you? Relax in the wood-heated unisex sauna, smack in the middle of the market in Senate Square.
Málaga, Spain
Location(s): Muelle Uno, Paseo de Parque, and light displays on Calle Marques de Larios in Málaga, Spain
Want to escape the cold and try out a Mediterranean winter? Head to the south of Spain for one of Andalucia’s most famous Christmas market destinations. Stroll from the old port and Santa’s Grotto to Paseo de Parque to buy some local crafts. Nibble on traditional shortbread, nougat, and borrachuelos (wine-flavored fried pastries) as you make your way to Calle Marques de Larios to see the elaborate light displays. Best of all? You can even soak up festive cheer after the main holidays end, as the markets run into early January.
Brussels, Belgium
Location: Grand-Place in Brussels, Belgium
Every December, “Plaisirs d’Hiver” takes over the open areas around the Bourse stock exchange, the Place de la Monnaie, the Place Sainte-Catherine, and the Marché aux Poissons, transforming the city into a winter wonderland. With more than 200 wood chalets, a covered ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and a light and sound show projected onto the Grand-Place, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Indulge in crisp fries with mayonnaise, tartiflette (a French potato casserole), Belgian chocolate (obviously) and waffles dotted with pearl sugar before doing a spot of Christmas shopping at the many stalls selling locally-crafted and artisan goods.
Prague, Czech Republic
Location: Old Town and Wenceslas Square, with smaller markets at nearby Havel’s Market and Republic Square, in Prague, Czech Republic
Just five minutes apart by foot, Prague’s Old Town and Wenceslas markets are the best in a city that already tops our list of places to spend Christmas. (Chalk it up to the Gothic architecture and mulled wine stalls.) Fill up on traditional fish soup cooked in steaming vats, langoš (flatbreads) topped with cheese, and smoked meat dumplings. Don’t miss the roast ham and trdelník, otherwise known as chimney cake a hot, rolled pastry rolled in cinnamon and sugar and cooked over a grill. Also, pack your hat and gloves: It gets cold here in December.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Location: Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark
The real-life inspiration for Disneyland, this twinkling theme park is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world and beloved by tourists and locals alike. Come winter, it gets decked out in more than 500,000 fairy lights for the festive season. Enjoy music by the Tivoli Youth Guard while you warm up by a log fire. Kids can enjoy the rollercoasters before heading inside for family-friendly stage shows at the Glass Hall Theater and Tivoli Concert Hall. And don’t miss delicious Danish treats like aebleskiver, small pancake puffs topped with powdered sugar, or honninghjerter. Similar to German gingerbread, this dense honey cake is sometimes filled with jam and buttercream and topped with a chocolate glaze. Hygge, indeed.
Frankfurt, Germany
Location: Römerberg, Paulsplatz, Mainkai, Hauptwache, Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, and Roßmarkt in Frankfurt, Germany
Spread over the old city center and dating back to a winter market first held in the 14th century, Frankfurt’s Christmas market is one of Germany’s largest and oldest. Pick up Lebkuchen (Germany’s traditional gingerbread), roasted chestnuts and smoked salmon while browsing handicrafts to find the right gift for everyone on your list. From Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz you can find the city’s LGBTQ+ “Pink Christmas” market, where all the stalls are decorated in you guessed it pink. Be sure not to catch the chiming of the church bells or the Advent concerts that take place every December weekend until Christmas. Grab a bratwurst and a locally-produced Apfelwein (apple wine) as you take in the huge scale of this Weihnachtsmarkt.
Wrocław, Poland
Location: Market Square and Plac Solny in Wrocław, Poland
While recent years and soaring energy prices have seen the range of light displays scaled back somewhat, the Christmas market in the main city square of Wrocław remains a destination for visitors from all over Central Europe. This classic Christmas market officially comes to life around December 6, when Santa Claus greets visitors and the tree lights get switched on. But you don’t have to wait until December to start sampling treats from the wooden stalls: we’re talking potato pancakes, bigos (hunter’s stew),sausages, pierogi, chocolate gingerbread, waffles (in various flavors), and all the mulled wine you can handle.
Vienna, Austria
Location: City Hall (on Rathausplatz) in Vienna, Austria
Some cities just look better covered in snow, and Vienna is one of them. Add some white lights against the backdrop of the city’s imposing City Hall, and you’ll see why this market is called the Viennese Dream. It has everything from reindeer rides to an ice rink for skating and curling, plus a ferris wheel and old-fashioned merry-go-round. Fill up on sausages stuffed with cheese, vanillekipferl (vanilla crescent cookies), and mulled wine. This is about as classic as it gets, folks.
Gdańsk, Poland
Location: Targ Węglowy in Gdańsk, Poland
This port city on the Baltic Sea boasts an unexpected claim to fame: Its Christmas market recently beat out hundreds of others to become Europe’s second best (see Budapest, above, for the top spot). The whole center of town transforms into a festive fair with over 150 stalls. You’ll find everything from nutcrackers to wool hats and handmade candles. After tasting Polish classics like pierogi and smoked cheese, you can indulge in everything from crispy tofu to fresh churros at its international food stalls. Kids can enjoy the Christmas storytelling sessions or even nature talks from the region’s forest rangers.
Colmar, France
Location: Place des Dominicains, Place Jeanne d’Arc, Place de l’Ancienne Douane, Koïfhus, Petite Venise, and Gourmet Market Place de la Cathédrale (all six markets are in and around Old Town) in Colmar, France
With its timbered houses and canal-lined streets, Colmar is basically a fairytale come to life year-round. But tack on some twinkle lights, an ice skating rink, and an early-1900’s carousel, and you have yourself one of the most charming Christmas destinations in all of Europe. Each market offers its own version of holiday cheer, from nativity scenes to children’s choirs, so be prepared for some serious stall-hopping. And foodies needn’t worry: The gourmet market will have you satisfied with oysters and Alsatian wines.
Dresden, Germany
Location: Altmarkt Square in Dresden, Germany
Founded as a one-day market in 1434, the Dresden Striezelmarkt is widely considered Germany’s oldest though Frankfurt and Munich have also tried for the title. Age aside, Dresden’s market is certainly the most traditional: think handmade wooden toys, a festive train for the kids, and boughs of fragrant pine decorating every wooden stall. The annual focal points here are typically the 45-foot-tall Christmas pyramid and the stollen, buttery fruitcake dusted with powdered sugar and packaged with a special seal depicting the city’s famous former king, August the Strong. Don’t miss the market’s annual gingerbread fest on December 10th.
Stockholm, Sweden
Location: Skansen Open-Air Museum in Stockholm, Sweden
If you’re looking to get really traditional, visit this open-air museum on the island of Djurgarden in the center of Stockholm, where all of the historic homes and farmsteads are decorated accordingly. Tuck into smoked turkey and sugared almonds at the market, or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, participate in traditional dances around the festive tree at Bollnäs Square and make your own Christmas decorations in the workshop. And if that hasn’t gotten you in the festive mood yet, there are Christmas concerts in the Seglora church each weekend. Make sure to catch the candlelit Lucia procession on December 13.
Strasbourg, France
Location: Place de la Cathédrale, Place Kléber, Place Gutenberg, Place Broglie, Place du Château (all near the city center) in Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, a fairytale-like town in the Alsace region of France, becomes even more magical during the holiday season, branding itself the “capital of Christmas.” Its Christkindelsmärik (the oldest Christmas market in France) attracts several million visitors each year, thanks to its charming wooden chalets, nightly concerts, and ice skating rink not to mention all that foie gras and hot white wine. Make sure to try some bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies) and don’t forget about the city’s other seasonal claim to fame: the Great Christmas Tree illuminated in the central square of Place Kléber.
Winchester, England
Location: Winchester Cathedral in Winchester, England
From mid-November to the week before Christmas, Winchester’s Gothic cathedral plays host to a carefully curated festive market. After checking out the region’s stunningly green South Downs National Park, you can head to the market to warm up. Fancy posh macaroni and cheese, a hog roast, or a rich Scotch egg? You’ll be able to indulge as you browse sustainable crafts, stationery, wooden toys, and garden decor. Sip a mulled wine and pick up some chutney and local cheese for your Christmas feast before heading into the cathedral for one of the renowned choral performances.
Basel, Switzerland
Location: Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz in Basel, Switzerland
We all know Switzerland is a winter wonderland, but it also happens to host some of the best Christmas markets in Europe including Basler Weihnachtsmarkt in the Rhine-side town of Basel. The market features more than 150 vendors selling handmade toys and local treats like Swiss raclette and läckerli (traditional Swiss gingerbread) from their wooden stands, plus enough twinkle lights and trees to fill a million Instagram feeds. Don’t miss the view of the festive scene from St. Martin’s tower, open for admission throughout the Advent period, and be sure to write your Christmas wishes in the Basel Wish Book
Tallinn, Estonia
Location: Town Hall Square in Tallinn, Estonia
In addition to Estonian Christmas dishes like black pudding and sour cabbage (it’s better than it sounds, promise), Tallinn’s market a quaint fairy-tale village of stalls dusted with snow and twinkling with lightsalso has a Santa who arrives by reindeer-pulled sleigh. The highlight, though, is its Christmas tree, which the city has been displaying in front of its town hall since 1441 making it the first Christmas tree to ever be displayed in Europe. Enjoy some gingerbread and mulled wine after taking a spin on the merry-go-round.
Salzburg, Austria
Location: Residenzplatz and Salzburg Cathedral in Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg’s famed Christkindlmarkt in the center of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City isn’t just mulled wine and market stands: There are daily choral performances, sing-alongs (Tuesdays from 6–8 p.m.) and traditional wind music performed above the square on Thursday and Saturday nights. You can even try your hand at baking gingerbread or head out on a Salzburg Christmas tour to learn all about the market’s history while indulging in goodies like roast pork sandwiches and roasted almonds along the way. We’re not mad about the bauernkrapfen (fried pastries), either.
Sibiu, Romania
Location: Piața Mare in Sibiu, Romania
Romania might get a lot of hype around Halloween, but the country embraces Santa Claus just as much as Dracula. See: Sibiu Christmas Market, a glittery sprawl of stalls and fairy lights located in the Sibiu city center. Here you’ll find more than 100 merchants, Santa’s workshop, and an ice rink, plus a new 72-feet-tall Ferris wheel, a new addition to last year’s market. Be sure to enjoy some mămăligă (polenta), cabbage rolls, and mulled wine and don’t miss out on meeting Moș Crăciun that’s Romanian for Santa Claus.
Oslo, Norway
Location: Spikersuppa in Oslo, Norway
Jul i Vinterland, located in Oslo’s city center, has all the elements you’d expect from a classic European Christmas market, from decorated stalls to a tree-lined ice skating rink. But what makes this particular festival stand apart is the food. Be prepared for coconut cupcakes and caramel apples, gløgg and warm porridge, currywurst and smoked salmon from the Lofoten Islands as well as a chocolate wheel to spin if you’re feeling lucky. As if the culinary delights aren’t adventure enough, there’s a ferris wheel and carnival rides to boot.
Berlin, Germany
Location: KulturBrauerei in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
While Berlin has more Christmas markets than we can count, this small Scandi-themed market in an old brewery courtyard is a real neighborhood favorite. Blend in among the locals meeting for after-work Glühwein as you enjoy a piping hot Flammkuchen (German flatbread) topped with potatoes, bacon, and cheese. Test out Finnish Glögi and Icelandic Jolagløgg (or any of the other mulled wine varieties featured) before diving into raclette or Mutzenmandeln (tiny cone-shaped fritters). Kids can enjoy a hot chocolate in a yurt before taking a ride on the swing carousel, while adults warm their hands by the many wood fires dotted around the site.
Don’t forget..
Dress well because it’s terribly cold…..
Xoxo…
Julia
