Christmas Markets are a wonderful way to enjoy the festive season. In Europe, there are numerous markets to choose from. These markets are usually held in the city centre. These are a great way to meet locals and buy gifts. You can also enjoy Christmas carols and hot chocolate. Some cities also have outdoor skating rinks. To experience a truly European Christmas, consider spending a day or two in a city that has numerous Christmas markets.
Luxembourg City
Christmas markets are a traditional tradition in Europe, signalling the start of the holiday season. Hundreds of wooden chalets line the streets in these winter wonderlands, offering everything from carved wooden toys to hand-blown glass ornaments. There’s also mulled wine and a variety of mouth watering treats. The tradition has roots dating back to the late Middle Ages.
Strasbourg
For the Christmas season, Strasbourg transforms its open air market into a festive living room. While the food options are mainly traditional Austrian dishes, you can also enjoy mulled wine and different types of crafts. In the main square, known as the Farberplatz, you can find handmade goods made from wood, clay, and metal, including jewellery, clothing, and pet accessories. If you’re looking for a special gift for someone, consider spending the afternoon shopping for one of the many stalls that line the street.
Bruges
If you are looking for a festive holiday, Bruges is the place to go. The city hosts a six-week Christmas market in its main square, the Grote Markt, which is situated around the 15th-century belfry. You can browse through stalls and buy handmade Christmas ornaments. You can also try mulled wine, beer, gin, and cheese. Aside from the Christmas market, Bruges also hosts a number of romantic activities, such as ice-skating on the Lake of Love and strolling along the canals.
Lille
When it comes to the holiday season, there are many great markets to visit. Visiting a Christmas market in Europe is a wonderful way to celebrate the season, and it is even more enjoyable if you can visit a market that is located in an historic town. For example, the Christmas market in Trier, Germany, is described as “romantic, with an excellent atmosphere.” It also offers many opportunities for festive arts and crafts.
Vienna
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Christmas market or something more innovative, Europe has several places to offer you. In Germany, Christmas markets are a tradition throughout the country, with every town and village putting on extravagant displays. Dresden’s Christmas market is the oldest in Germany and has been in operation since 1434. The city’s historic centre is home to a Christmas tree that stands 30 meters high.
Tallinn
If you’re traveling to Europe over the Christmas season, you will no doubt want to spend time at one of the best places for Christmas markets. There are a variety of festive celebrations that take place around the world, from small local markets in cities to huge festivals in other countries. No matter what your preference, you’ll find the perfect place for a European Christmas.
Gdansk
Christmas markets are an enchanting way to celebrate the holidays. These seasonal celebrations feature local gastronomy, mulled wine, ice skating, and twinkling holiday decorations. Germany is home to some of the best Christmas markets in the world. Dresden hosts the oldest Christmas market in Germany, which has been running since 1434. The historical city center serves as the perfect setting for this holiday tradition.
Paris
The Christmas markets in Strasbourg are known as Marche de Noel, and feature over 300 wooden stalls, dotted throughout the historic centre. Visitors can browse a variety of gifts and buy delicious treats, including gourmet cakes, gingerbread and nougat. There’s also a festive atmosphere thanks to illuminations and warm drinks.
Cologne
There’s nothing quite like the ambiance of a European Christmas market during the holiday season. Visitors from around the world flock to the crowded, illuminated streets to get in the holiday spirit. These markets are filled with gastronomic delights, a plethora of gift items, and impressive Christmas decoration arrangements. Plus, the atmosphere and live performances add a special touch to the experience.
Madrid
If you’re planning a holiday to Europe this holiday season, be sure to check out one of the many Christmas markets. These festive markets are all about community, food, and entertainment. Some of them even have carnival rides, artisan craft shops, and pop-up bars. In addition to shopping, the markets are a great way to meet other tourists and experience the holiday spirit.