Christmas is an extremely festive time of the year where everyone can’t help but grin from ear to ear. Whether it is the glimmering Christmas lights, the lovely smell of the enchanting Christmas tree, or the constant thrill of receiving presents and giving them, the plain news “Christmas is coming!” is already enough to make us smile.
Winter in Europe is a delicate and alluring scene, which is no surprise why people around the world flock over during the festive season. Europe has the quintessential Christmas feel; from the cold air and snow, to the brightly lit decorations and, of course, the main highlight of many major cities - the festive Christmas Markets. Get ready to feast your eyes on the fine handmade crafts, the elaborate pastries straight out of mediaeval cookbooks, and of course, the festive hustle and bustle that you are for once glad to be part of.
Prague, Czech Republic
A fairytale city in the day, Prague twinkles to life every Christmas with its vibrant and enchanting Christmas markets.
1. Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
The prettiest, busiest, and most popular of the ones in Prague, the Christmas Market at the Old Town Square is dominated by a splendid Christmas tree selected each year from a different region of the Czech Republic. Admire the stage-set nativity scene, and enjoy the daily performances from the live folk bands and choirs.
Read more here
Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
Address: Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město, Czech Republic
Website: Prague Christmas Markets
Takes place: November to January
2. Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)
Another famous market located just 5 minutes away from Old Town Square is the Christmas Market at Wenceslas Square. Dominated by an artificial Christmas tree, this market is quite similar to the one in Old Town as they sell the same snacks and products. Look out for the red-canopied wooden huts for wooden toys, embroidered lace and traditional Christmas decorations. Treat yourselves to barbecued sausages (klobasa) and mulled wine, as well as the trdelnik - a hot, sugar-coated pastry.
Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)
Address: 110 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic
Website: Prague Christmas Markets
Takes place: November to January
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Brussels, Belgium
Christmas in Brussels gets bigger each year, and you are invited this year to find out why!
Germany Tour Guide
Thomas Boeer
Dear travellers, since 1992, when I began my studies as an expert in tourism at the International School of Tourism in Zürich, my life has been completed thanks to representing this wonderful country to people from all over the world. Today we work for the most important companies from this country as a guide and driver. we know every corner of this beautiful paradise made by hand. We know their traditions and customs, their best routes and the best places that few tourists have had the opportunity to enjoy. We have had the great opportunity to guide very important people of different cultures and we have excellent references. Our passion for this job will offer you an unforgettable experience for a lifetime. We will make you feel at home. Welcome to Switzerland, the whole year around! The slowness gives us the time to enjoy what we do.
Tours by Thomas
3. Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d'hiver)
Brussels’ iconic Christmas Market is back with a bang! With an extension now stretching up to Ste-Catherine which covers almost 2 kilometres (1.2 miles), enjoy five weeks of joy and lights at this lively and happening place. Explore the 240 market stalls that look like a little wooden-roofed hut, and feast your eyes on the various traditional arts and craft. Let the rich scent of Belgium chocolates tempt you from store to store, and for once we make an exception. This is the time of the year to let loose!
Winter Wonders’ attractiveness is now considered legendary, for there is so much more to see and do apart from eating and shopping. Admire the brightly lit fairy lights as they twinkle every time the ferris wheel makes a turn, couples and friends as they glide on the shiny skating-rink, the huge Christmas tree which was a beloved gift from the city of Riga, and the Sound and Light show at the Grand Place UNESCO World Heritage site!
Read more here
Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d'hiver)
Address: along the streets from Grand’Place to Ste-Catherine, Brussels, Belgium
Website: Winter Wonders
Takes Place: November to January
Lille, France
A passionate Christmas Market for a gourmet’s delight!
4. Christmas Market at Place Rihour
Lille, located in Northern France, has approximately 80 chalets set up all fully adorned with vibrant lights and colour. A Ferris wheel stands proudly with glittering Christmas lights - and this town square is magically transformed into a winter wonderland - the 18-metre (59 feet) Christmas tree giving it the complete festive look. The French have always been very passionate about their food, and Lille’s Christmas Market will show you just why. Sip on the vin chaud (mulled wine); nibble on a nougat, and breeze through the stalls decked with potential gift ideas. There are various craft works from regional countries such as Russia, Canada, and Poland. If your foodie heart is still screaming out, head down to the many bars or eateries just around the corner to enjoy some authentic French food.
Place Rihour
Address: Place Rihour, 59800 Lille, France
Website: Christmas Market at Place Rihour
Takes place: November to December
Vienna, Austria
Throughout the Advent period, Vienna was a city of nostalgia and romance, concerts, nativity displays and, most importantly, traditional Christmas Markets.
5. Viennese Christmas Market
With more than 10 Christmas markets in Vienna every year, the most popular and happening one would have to be the Viennese Christmas Market located at the large town square between Rathaus (City Hall) and Burgtheater. Here, witness more than 150 stalls selling miniature wooden houses, puppets, gingerbread hearts, leather clothing, and woolen hats.
Viennese Christmas Market
Address: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria
Website: Viennese Christmas Market
When: November to December
6. Christmas Village Belvedere Palace
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Enjoy Christmas with an impressive Baroque background, the latest edition to Vienna’s lively Christmas Markets. Indulge in the traditional hand-crafted goods and the culinary delights that will leave you wanting more. This 40-stall Christmas Market is a workable option for those who prefer a more intimate and tranquil site; a place where there will be lesser crowds for you to push through.
Christmas Village Belvedere Palace
Address: Belvedere Palace, Prinz Eugen-Straße, Vienna, Austria
Website: Christmas Village Belvedere Palace
Takes place: November to December
7. Christmas Market at Spittelberg
Fun meets culture as Christmas now takes place in the idyllic streets from the Biedermeier era; the city’s second-largest pedestrian zone. Get ready to experience an artisan Christmas, with more than 100 stalls that offer you a unique set of gifts - objects d'art, ceramics, warm jumpers, rugs and jewellery made of silver, enamel and brass - all decked and ready to wish you a splendid Christmas.
Christmas Market at Spittelberg
Address: 1070, quarter between Stiftgasse and Breite Gasse near U2/U3 Volkstheater, Vienna, Austria
Website: Christmas Market at Spittelberg
Takes place: November to December
Cologne, Germany
Feel the magic of Christmas as you embark on a journey to discover this festively decorated historic city!
8. Cathedral Christmas Market
One of the most beautiful and most popular Christmas Markets in Cologne, this 160 wooden chalet-Christmas Market is held at the elegant Cathedral Square. Look out for the high-quality gourmet food, a wide selection of regional toys, and the varied stage programme with 100 Christmas performances of music and entertainment; a unique approach compared with the other Christmas Markets.
Cathedral Christmas Market
Address: Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln, Germany
Website: Cathedral Christmas Market
Takes place: November to December
9. Heavenue Cologne
Small, sophisticated, and totally different from anything you have ever seen before, flock to Christmas Avenue for a one-of-a-kind experience. Everyone from all sexualities is welcome to join in the fun! The pink and purple chalets sell everything from purple pottery ware to a pink nutcracker! A performance stage with an extensive programme of events can be found at the far end of the market.
Read more about Cologne’s Christmas markets here
Heavenue Cologne
Address: Schaafenstraße, 50676 Köln, Germany
Website: Heavenue Cologne
Takes place: November to December
Budapest, Hungary
The sky lights up as the festive lights from the seven different Christmas Markets start to glow, as if it was saying: Christmas is coming!
10. The Budapest Christmas Fair
Listed as one of the top 10 prettiest Christmas Markets in Europe, be sure to enjoy The Budapest Christmas Fair, an extremely popular market amongst locals and tourists alike. Purchase some of the classic Hungarian gifts like folk-music instruments, decorative baskets, and intricate ceramics. Also be sure to try some regional delicacies, such as the goulash with prunes and mutton sandwiches with roasted paprika cream.
Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect at this magical fair:
The Budapest Christmas Fair
Address: 1051 Budapest, Vörösmarty tér, Hungary
Website: The Budapest Christmas Fair
Takes place: November to December
11. Advent Feast at the Basilica
Budapest’s biggest church, the St. Stephan’s Basilica, includes a miniature skating rink centered by a tall Christmas tree. Be sure to catch the spectacular light show every night in which the Basilica will be so beautifully illuminated. Stroll along the glimmering fairy lights as they flutter above you, and watch as visitors stop to browse through the various craftwork being sold at the many stalls.
Read more about Budapest’s Christmas markets here
Advent Feast at the Basilica
Address: 1051 Budapest, Szent István tér 1, Hungary
Website: Advent Feast at the Basilica
Takes place: November to January
London, England
London’s magical Christmas Markets and festive fairs are worth wrapping up and stepping into the cold for; the ultimate spots for a very merry Christmas!
12. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland returns to London this Christmas. This free-to-enter family event includes Winter Wonderland ice-skating, big dramatic shows, a circus, a ferris wheel, spectacular rides, and many more. Get ready to see wooden chalets with unusual and unique items, including arts and crafts, trinkets, jewellery, and decorations.
Here’s a sneak peek to brace yourself for the ultimate experience at Winter Wonderland:
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Address: Hyde Park, Rangers Lodge, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
Website: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Takes place: November to January
13. Southbank Centre Winter Market
Southbank Centre Winter Market returns with wooden chalets filled with hand-crafted trinkets, wooden toys, jewellery, candles, ceramics, clothes and glass ornamental Christmas tree decorations. Potential gift ideas aside, feast on sausages, hog roasts, candy floss, chocolates and sweets. Christmas is a joyous occasion that should be celebrated with good food, and Southbank Market will do just the trick!
More on London’s Christmas Markets here
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Address: Queen’s Walk, Royal Festival Hall Riverside
Website: Southbank Centre Winter Market
Takes place: November to December
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark’s historic and cosmopolitan city Copenhagen sparkles to life every Christmas; and we are not surprised why!
14. Christmas in Tivoli Gardens
Located in the famous theme park Tivoli Gardens, join the Copenhageners as they celebrate Christmas in this enchanting place. Stroll through the 60 wooden chalets filled with handmade ornaments and craftwork. Look out for Santa as he welcomes you to try the 27 exhilarating rides, the alluring park adorned with beautiful fairy lights, and the fireworks explosion is a must-see.
Christmas in Tivoli Gardens
Address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V
Website: Christmas in Tivoli Gardens
Takes place: November to January
15. Christmas Market at Nyhavn Harbour
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Set in the charming old harbour of Copenhagen, the stalls in Nyhavn Christmas Market are all neatly lined near the pier. Be entertained, indulge in delicious and mouth-watering delicacies, and shop for unique Christmas souvenirs, all in this cosy Christmas Market along the canal.
Christmas Market at Nyhavn Harbour
Address: Nyhavn, 1051 Copenhagen K
Website: Christmas market at Nyhavn Harbour
When: November to December
Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia hopes its flagging economy will be boosted by the Christmas tourism, and the Christmas markets in Zagreb are exactly what they rely on.
16. Advent in Zagreb
Declared as one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe, Zagreb has been getting some attention because of its stunning Christmas Markets. The market has been spread out in numerous locations, which is good as you can see this magnificent city on foot. The main square of Ban Jelačić has a small winter village on one side, which makes you feel like you are in a snowy village in the middle of Lapland. The highlights of the market would have to be the white wooden cottages, selling mulled wine and traditional food.
Advent in Zagreb
Address: Ul. Ivana Tkalčića 7, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
Website: Advent in Zagreb
Takes place: November to January
Stockholm, Sweden
Whether you enjoy a traditional or contemporary Christmas, Stockholm has always something exciting that awaits you!
17. Skansen Christmas Market
The oldest market in the city since 1910, enjoy this traditional Christmas Market filled with Swedish handicrafts, sweets, and lovely food. Be sure to try the smoked reindeer meat (strongly recommended) and glögg (mulled wine). Go shopping under the dazzling Christmas lights as you feast your eyes on the handmade craft such as a range of Swedish handicrafts and decorative arts of high-quality workmanship.
Skansen Christmas Market
Address: Skansen Open-Air Museum, Djurgårdsslätten 49-51 11521 Stockholm
Website: Skansen Christmas Market
Takes place: November to December
Have yourself a very merry Christmas!
And so, we hoped these Christmas Markets gave you a sense of how Christmas is like in Europe. The dazzling fairy lights, shiny ice-skating rink and the feeling you get when you are on the ferris wheel…. It is not everyday we get to experience something like this, which is probably why Christmas is such a special occasion! Indulge in the elaborate activities and stunning decorations, and have yourself a very merry Christmas!
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