Top 10 European Christmas Markets to visit
Molly Kilday December 1, 2022
Molly Kilday December 1, 2022
Europe is renowned for its stunning Christmas markets, and with so many different cities to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to go. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of our top 10 European Christmas markets that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit!
Considered the ‘Capitol of Christmas’, Strasbourg is France’s oldest market, dating back to 1570. The first market was open three days prior to Christmas Eve, where they sold spiced bread, herbs and candles.
Today, they have hundreds of stalls where you can shop for handmade ornaments, toys, and Christmas decorations. You can find 13 Christmas markets spread across the Old Town, and a few others on the Grand ÃŽle.
As the fourth largest city in Germany, Cologne has a variety of Christmas markets. The Cathedral Christmas market is a must-see, with the impressive backdrop of Cologne’s most famous landmark. With 150 stalls, you can shop for wintery treats, artisanal crafts and intricate wood carvings.
If you’re after something a little more unique, try The House Elves’ Winter Fairy-tale Christmas Market. This winter wonderland pays tribute to whimsical house elves (Heinzelmännchen). These elves can be spotted all over the market, nestled among fairy lights and Christmas decorations. There are lots of elaborate alleys in this market, with an ice rink at the centre – so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore!
Watch this city come to life with the fairy-tale magic of Christmas! The main winter market is located on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein, in the city centre, filled with gifts and local specialities.
Don’t forget to also visit Bruges Winter Glow! Follow the gorgeous light experience trail, or go ice skating with your loved ones on the Minnewater (also known as the Lake of Love).
The largest Christmas markets in Amsterdam can be found next to the ice skating rink on Museumplein. With over 45 Christmas stalls, you can grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine to keep you toasty whilst you browse!
What’s more, the central location of this Christmas market makes it easy to combine your festive trip with visiting a few of Amsterdam’s famous museums – most of which are open during the Christmas weekend.
Nuremberg is a traditional festive market in Germany, where you can find hand-crafted Christmas decorations and homemade gingerbread. Embrace its historic ambience, and try yuletide treats including Nuremberg’s famous bratwurst sausages!
Metz has five Christmas markets spread across the city, in a ring around the great Gothic Cathedral. From toboggan rides to Ferris wheels, nativity scenes to Christmas pyramids – there is plenty to see and do in Metz!
Metz also holds a mesmerising Lantern Trail every year. These ‘lanterns’ are giant sculptures of gingerbread men, snowflakes, toy soldiers, teddy bears and more. Let yourself be enchanted by the lights, and discover the magic of a Christmas in Metz.
The Brussels Christmas market takes place around Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons, and has over 200 gingerbread house-style chalets. It is also home to a vintage merry-go-round, and a special projection, mapping the Church’s exterior.
Brussels is also the perfect place for food lovers! Try some of the local delicacies including, oysters & Flemish stew with fries. For dessert, indulge in rich Belgian waffles and chocolates!
There are seven different Christmas markets in Dusseldorf – all within walking distance from each other. For those that want to feel like they’re wandering through a Christmas village, try The Handwerker-Markt in Marktplatz. There are dozens of stalls here selling handmade decorations and stocking fillers. With a gorgeous Christmas tree and a hand-carved Nativity scene, this is the perfect market to wander around and find your festive spirit!
The Royal Christmas fair in The Hague holds some of the great Christmas classics. Full of original festive gifts, twinkling lights and Christmas carols, the Hague has a beautiful atmosphere this time of year. Treat yourself to some cinnamon pastries and roasted almonds, while you warm your hands with a cup of spiced mulled wine.
Berlin is the perfect place for a more modern take on Christmas. Discover the Christmas botanical garden, wander through a thousand lights at Tiepark or feel like royalty in the Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace.
The Christmas market on Gendarmenmarkt is considered one of the most beautiful markets to see in Berlin. With indoor heated tents, you can warm up and explore the stalls full of food, drinks and local crafts. Plus, there are various dance and music performances throughout the day outside!
And there you have it! With Christmas just around the corner, now is the time to start planning your festive getaway. So, grab a mug of mulled wine, put on your comfiest walking shoes and explore some of the best Christmas markets Europe has to offer.
Take a look at our latest Winter Wonders offers here and spend your holiday exploring festive Europe. Merry Christmas!
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