It’s that time of year! Who else is ready to listen to Christmas music non-stop, watch alllll of the Netflix Christmas movies, burn Christmas-scented candles and bake millions of Christmas cookies? Me!
It’s pretty clear that I LOVE Christmas and if you’re reading this, then I’m sure you do too. Let me tell you a little secret: nothing puts me in the holiday mood more than a good Christmas market. Christmas markets are a guilty pleasure of mine and the ones in Europe are THE best. If you haven’t been to a European Christmas market yet, let me paint a picture for you so that you understand my slight obsession:
Imagine strolling through a charming historic town decked out in Christmas lights & holiday decor. You are wearing your coziest winter garb and holding a mug of hot mulled wine in one hand and some cheesy, carb-y goodness or a sweet treat in the other hand. All the while, your favorite Christmas songs are playing as you peruse the market stalls. You are surrounded by locals and tourists alike having fun and celebrating the Christmas spirit. You shop for local gifts for your friends and family and you end the night with a Christmas light show or a skate on the ice rink.
THIS IS REAL GUYS. I repeat, THIS IS REAL! Christmas markets in Europe are next-level and I was soooo excited to finally experience them when I was living in France. If you have the chance to travel around Europe during December, take it! I promise, you will not be disappointed. To help convince you, I’ve gathered some of my favorite Christmas markets in Europe below :
1. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague is one of my favorite European cities and it’s even better during Christmas time. The Christmas market in Prague is not as big as some of the others in Europe, but that is something that I love about it. The main market is centered around the medieval Old Town Square, making it feel a bit less overwhelming than some of the larger ones. Prague is a great destination to go to during Christmas time if you are looking to explore a Christmas market, but also take in a dose of culture and explore the attractions in the city. Bonus: you might catch snow like I did when I was there!
2. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Advent Feast at the Basilica in Budapest is one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe. With a central ice rink, hearty Hungarian specialties and a light show on the Basilica itself, you are sure to get the most out of your time here. Try a Hungarian Chimney Cake, they are roasted over the fire and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar! Plus while you’re in Budapest, you can also soak in the warm thermal baths, which are perfect during the wintertime!
3. COLMAR, FRANCE
Located on the Northeastern border of France next to Germany, Colmar is a hidden Christmas gem that needs to be on your list. The small village of Colmar looks like a scene from a fairytale, especially when the candy-colored town gets all dressed-up during Christmas time! Colmar is one of the best places to spend Christmas in France- with six different Christmas markets, an ice rink, Alsatian specialties and buildings that look like real-life gingerbread houses!
4. TALLINN, ESTONIA
The Christmas market in Tallin is one of the oldest in Europe and has been voted as one of the absolute best. Set in a beautiful medieval town, the market is centered around a giant Christmas tree surrounded by stalls selling Estonian holiday specialties and hand-crafted gifts. The decorations of the Christmas market are even more breathtaking here when it is covered under a blanket of snow!
5. PARIS, FRANCE
Paris is ALWAYS a good idea, even during Christmas time. Small Christmas markets are set up around the city, but there is a large one set up in the Jardin des Tuilieries next to the Louvre which is the most impressive. Seeing the city of lights covered in Christmas lights is truly an experience, so grab a raclette sandwhich (melted Alpine cheese) and stroll along the nearby streets filled with Christmas light displays. There is also a small market on the Champs de Mars next to the Eiffel Tower, so you can enjoy your market finds with a view of an iconic monument!
6. DRESDEN, GERMANY
Christmas markets in Germany are like no other and the one in Dresden is the oldest in Germany, dating back to the 1400’s. The light displays and decorations are top-notch and have been around for hundreds of years, with different themed sections surrounding the main Dresden Striezelmarkt. With so much history, the market is full of traditional local handicrafts, regional food and the famous Dresden Christstollen (German Christmas Cake) – a must to try when you are here!
7. BRUGGE, BELGIUM
Brugge is a Christmas market destination that is a bit off-the-radar, but it should still be on your list! The ENTIRE old town transforms into a Christmas market heaven, set against pink and red Flemish buildings that look like perfect gingerbread houses. This is definitely one of the most photogenic Christmas markets in Europe and the ice rink around the central Market Square is an extra-special touch. Tip: Belgians are experts in chocolate, so make sure to try a Belgian hot chocolate while you’re here!
8. MOSCOW, RUSSIA
The Christmas market in Moscow is at the very top of my list. Why? Because Moscow turns into an actual winter wonderland during Christmas time. Covered in a thick blanket of snow and filled with more extravagant light displays and Christmas decorations than anywhere else in Europe, Moscow is the perfect place to spend a white Christmas. Just be sure to dress warm while exploring the market in the Red Square because it will definitely be freezing!!
9. WROCLAW, POLAND
Wroclaw is a destination that you’ve probably never heard of, but it is a great quick and inexpensive trip to make if you’re looking for a small weekend getaway to visit a Christmas market in Europe. Wroclaw was one of the nicest surprises for me out of all of my trips last year. This small Polish town is covered in pastel shades of pink, green and yellow and the Christmas markets are rather impressive for its size! Pierogis and homemade vodka are a staple here and are sure to keep you warm while you browse the stalls.
10. VIENNA, AUSTRIA
With a long history of Christmas markets AND over 20 markets in the city, Vienna does not disappoint as a Christmas destination. This city is magical during the holidays and you are sure not to get bored with so many different markets to visit combined with all of the wonderful cultural activities that this beautiful city has to offer! Check out the Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung in the city center for traditional delights or Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz for the giant skating rink!
11. LILLE, FRANCE
Lille has the largest Christmas market in northern France and it has been a local tradition for centuries. Located next to Belgium, Lille is a unique combination of French and Flemmish tradition. The market is filled Christmas light displays, stalls serving regional specialties, and a giant ferris wheel that gives you an amazing view over the Christmas market and the Flemish city!
12. COLOGNE, GERMANY
There are many different themed Christmas markets in Cologne, making it a great place to experience a true German Christmas market since there is always something to explore! The main Christmas market in Cologne is focused around the icon of the city, the Cologne Cathedral. With the Gothic cathedral as a backdrop to festive booths surrounding one of the largest Christmas trees in Germany, it does not disappoint!
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