During Christmas, all cities in Europe are filled with light, color and magic. One of the favorite activities for those who are traveling on these dates, is to visit the Christmas markets, a strong tradition in areas such as Central and Northern Europe, although it is possible to find lots of markets in countries like Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.
The Christmas markets are a good option to visit the country’s culture, mingle with the locals, find Christmas decorations, local handicrafts typical gastronomical products. Here, we show the Top 10 Christmas markets in Europe.
It is the most famous Christmas market in the city, attracting nearly 5 million visitors a year. Located in the Roncalliplatz, at the foot of the cathedral. It has about 160 stalls where we can find different options like handmade items and delicious international cuisine.
Other Christmas markets in Cologne are: Neumarkt, Alter Markt, Rudolfsplatz, Mittelalterliches Weihnachtsmarkt am Schokoladenmuseum. Dates: November 27 – December 23.
It is the beautiful Christmas market that takes place in Vienna since 700 years ago. It is one of the most popular and picturesque markets in Europe, because it has a large number of wooden stalls surrounded by a park decorated with hundreds of lights and gingerbread. Dates: November 22 – December 26.
It is one of the most famous markets of Europe to visit at Christmas. Nestled in a beautiful setting, this market whose history goes back to 1628, has nearly 200 stalls located in the cobbled square of the Frauenkirche. In addition to crafts and wooden figures, it is known for its food as it has several places where you can taste the typical sausages. Dates: November 28-December 24.
It is the oldest Christmas market in Germany, dating from the year 1434. It is a place of great traditions, and the locals come here to try the Striezelmarkt, a delicious fruit cake. Other objects that are available are crafts such as glass, ornaments, ceramics … The second Sunday in December, the Stollen Festival takes place when a giant of 3,000 kg wanders around the city. Dates: November 25 to December 24.
Located on the famous Grand Place in Brussels, it is one of the most beautiful markets in the European continent due to its wooden houses and its hundreds of lights. Each stall represents a country in Europe and it is an ideal place to taste the typical food of the area, such as chocolate, steamed mussels or snails. Dates: November 27 – January 3.
The heart of Munich, the Marienplatz, is filled with Christmas stalls since the seventeenth century. In the 150 stall that are installed we can purchase wood carvings, Christmas ornaments, crystal balls, jewelry, art and all kind of crafts. If you want to live an authentic Christmas experience, we recommend you to go to the Town Hall every evening at 17:30, when several bands plays to liven up the evenings. Dates: November 27 – December 24.
7. Vánoční trhy
In the Czech Republic, Christmas is very important, so Prague held a big number of cultural events in December. Christmas Markets in Prague, known as Vánoční trhy, are located throughout the city, although one of the most important is located in the main square of the Old Town. Dates: November 28 – January 1.
This market is one of newest markets in Europe . Held in the picturesque Raekoja plats, the old Town Hall since 1991. It is a magical place, because there is always snow in winter, a huge Christmas tree and stalls where you can find almost anything. Dates: November 29 – January 7.
9. Copenhagen Christmas Market
The oldest amusement park in Europe, the Tivoli Gardens, hosts an annual Christmas market with over half a million lights in the area of Hans Christian Andersen.
The lake becomes an outdoor ice skating rink surrounded by more than 60 colored stalls that sell locally produced items such as porcelain or wooden dolls. It is also possible to taste the Danish cuisine. Admission price: Adults: 75 DKK, Children (3-11): DKK 35, children under 2 years: Free Dates: November 20 – December 30.
Christmas markets in Berlin have a more contemporary style than other markets in Germany. Perhaps the most popular is the one located around the Kaiser Wilhelm square. It has about 100 stalls, located in rustic wooden cabins. Dates: November 23 – December 31.
Have you been in any of them? What Christmas markets would you recommend to visit?
Tags: christmas, christmas markets, europe, germany, prague, tips, vienna
