EUROPE’S BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Whether you’re ready or not, December is in sight and with that, the holiday season has arrived. One of the things that we love is the traditional Christmas Markets. So where can you stroll for hours and drink the best glühwein in Europe? We’ve selected the best Christmas Markets in Europe where you can do it all in 2022 and 2023.
1. Dresden Christmas Market, Germany
When? 23rd November – 24th December 2022
Leading the pack is this German Christmas market that has been around since 1434(!) Named after a sweet Christmas cake, this market has it all. The highlight is without doubt the largest wooden pyramid with carved wooden figures that stands tall at 40 meters. It has a romantic feel about it and this is how a Christmas market should be. Additionally, you can watch craftsmen at work or buy pottery, gingerbread, and other Christmas decorations.
2. Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market, Copenhagen
When? 19th of November 2022 – 2nd of January 2023
With 60 stalls, this is a market full of lights. For children and adults, you shouldn’t miss this one if you’re visiting Copenhagen in Nov-Dec. There are concerts, decorations, lights, and sweets to feast your eyes on. Adults need to pay about 13 euro’s admission but kids are free. www.tivoli.dk
Christmas Markets originated in Germany, Austria, South Tyrol in Northern Italy and the eastern French regions.
3. Berlin Christmas Markets
When? Check here for the different opening dates and times
Not one but 60 markets in one city! Berlin is the capital of the German Christmas markets. Big and smaller, you won’t be bored in and around Berlin if you visit the German capital during the winter months. The most famous ones are; the Potsdamer Platz Christmas Market for ice-skating, smell the sweet scent of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Christmas Market and spent hours at the large Spandau Christmas Market.
4. Christmas Market at Rathausplatz, Austria
When? 19h of November – 26th of December 2022
This fairytale Christmas Market is located right in front of the city hall and makes the backdrop a one of a kind. The market is also very suitable for kids as they have a dedicated kids area, where they can create Christmas cookies and candles. Check all the info here.
5. Old Town Christmas Market, Prague
When? 26th of November – 6th of January 10am-10pm 2022/2023
At this Christmas Market you can find a variety of foods at this market like barbecued meat, Czech muffins, conkers, beer, mull, mead and other typical gastronomical specialties from Old Czech cuisine. If you don’t feel the Christmas spirit, then you will get it when you go here. Christmas carols are sung throughout the day by different performers. Another market worth checking is Wenceslas Square, which is about a 5 min walking distance from old town square.
6. Bruges Christmas Market, Belgium
When? 25th of November 2022 – 8th of January 11am-10pm 2023
Bruges already looks amazing because of the historic buildings, cobbled streets and medieval sights. But when it’s Christmas, this town really blooms. The magical shopping streets are lit up with colourful lights and there’s an ice skating ring on the “Grote Markt”. For a fairy-tail Christmas feeling you’re at the right address. Shop unique findings, eat waffles and drink delicious hot chocolate to top the day. More info here.
7. Christmas in Paris, France
When? up until the 8th of January 2023
La Défence is a ginormous Christmas village at the end of Metro Line 1. As soon as you walk out of the station, you’ll see hundreds of Christmas stalls lining up side by side, offering delicious mulled wine and hot chocolate for only €3! Grab yourself a raclette sandwich or a tartiflette, you’ll need the energy to power through all that Christmas shopping! In the city centre, you’ll find a smaller version of the English Winder Wonderland at Jardin des Tuileries, outside of the Louvre.
You will also find Christmas markets along the street of Place Saint-Germain des Près from now until the New Year. Fancy some more iconic Parisian locations? You can surround yourself in a festive atmosphere outside the Christmas markets at Notre Dame Cathedral or the one outside Hotêl de Ville until 8th January 2022.
8. Advent in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Salzburgerland
When? 19th of Nov – 18th December
One of the most romantic Christmas Markets in the region and the perfect place to end the holiday season with! From the wood stands, scents of regional delicacies rise in the nose. Handicraft and many other traditional things are available for purchase. Admission is free!
Salzburg Residenzplatz
So which of the above Christmas Markets will you be visiting this year?
Love,
Wander-Lust
P.S: If you’re looking for the Christmas Spirit in Amsterdam, you should check out these Christmas markets in Amsterdam this month!
Neni
Posted at 11:24h, 01 DecemberSo many amazing markets and I really love Tivoli around Christmas! For this year I planned to visit so many markets. 🙂
Dionne
Posted at 12:12h, 05 DecemberKerst is pas compleet als je naar een Kerstmarkt bent geweest. Ondanks dat het vaak rommel is dat ze verkopen, is de sfeer heel erg tof!