European Christmas Shopping Guide

There’s no better place to do some Christmas shopping than Europe, with its vast array of beautiful cities filled with festive markets and delightful shops. There are plenty to choose from to suit your style (and your budget), but most importantly they’re all sparkling with festive atmosphere. Here’s our pick for the best Christmas shopping destinations in Europe.

Hamburg, Germany

This beautiful and culturally rich city is one of Germany’s treasures, and a great place to do some Christmas shopping. The main market is in front of the grand city hall, with a huge array of stalls offering food, local crafts, and no end of Christmas decorations. There are also smaller and more intimate markets like the Jungfernstieg, which offers an upmarket selection of gifts and food.

Paris, France

One of Europe’s most glamorous and glittering shopping destinations, Paris is full of gorgeous boutiques and historic department stores, as well as some of the best food money can buy. Stick to buying gifts in the many Christmas markets and keep the boutiques for window shopping for a budget-friendly getaway.

Aachen, Germany

Just across the border from Belgium and the Netherlands is the beautiful city of Aachen. The stunning cathedral and town hall become surrounded by a bustling Christmas market in the festive season, with  food, treats, and toys on offer. There’s mulled wine and gingerbread, as well as rides and attractions for the kids. It’s the perfect place to pick up some unique Christmas presents and soak up some festive atmosphere.

Brussels, Belgium

If you have a sweet tooth, there’s really no better place to shop for Christmas treats than the Belgian capital. Here you’ll find the biggest assemblage of chocolatiers anywhere in Europe, with some truly skilled and special artists selling beautiful and delicious creations. You also have the lavish Christmas markets and decorations adorning the city, centred on the breathtaking Grand Place.

Gothenburg, Sweden   

Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg is a sophisticated and contemporary destination with the perfect mix of old and new. It’s also home to Sweden’s largest Christmas market at Liseberg amusement park, as well as many scattered around the city offering crafts and food and all manner of festive gift ideas. There’s also the city’s plentiful shopping streets, including the popular, boutique-lined ‘Avenyn’.