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The Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2011 – If you are yearning for all things festive why not head out to one of the great Christmas markets in Europe? Europe has a wide range of Christmas markets so whether you’re searching for the ultimate Christmas tree topper or if you’ve just developed a strong liking for mulled wine, you’re sure to find something here to your taste. Here are the best Christmas markets in Europe chosen for their quirky stalls and unique atmospheres:-

Best for Atmosphere – Cologne Christmas Market

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The Cologne Christmas market in Germany is actually six markets in one town with the four largest and the most impressive are located right outside the town’s beautiful Gothic cathedral. The markets are a huge event and every year they attract around two million visitors. The half-timber stalls, the temporary ice-rink, the floating market and the Medieval Christmas market (located outside the Chocolate Museum) are just a few of the reasons why Cologne has charmed so many visitors into returning year after year. In fact nobody does a Christmas market quite like Germany, and Nuremberg, Dresden and Munich are also considered some of the most beautiful and atmospheric Christmas markets to visit in Europe.

Cologne Christmas market: 21st November – 23rd December 2011
Nuremberg Christmas market: 25th November – 24th December 2011
Dresden Christmas market: 24th November – 24th December 2011
Munich Christmas market: 25th November – 24th December 2011

Best for Children – Prague Christmas Market

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Head out to Prague these Christmas Holidays and find a seasonal market themed on fairy tales and folk-lore. Here the organisers really go that extra mile to create a realistic “Winter Wonderland” setting. You’ll find a nativity style petting zoo, a very large (and very well lit!) Christmas tree, singing concerts and horse carriage rides. Traditional seasonal foods, decorations and gifts are also on offer.

Prague Christmas Market: 26th  November – 8th January 2011

Best for Budget – Bratislava Christmas Market

Bratislava Christmas market is a traditional but much less commercial market in Slovakia. It might not be the most famous seasonal fair but it’s a great choice for the more budget-conscious traveller. Popular with tourists and locals alike this Eastern European market offers everything from locally crafted gifts, winter clothing to ceramics (as well as everything in between). Watch live entertainment as you fill up on bread with dripping and onion, potato pancakes stuffed with goose liver or for the less adventurous, fruit-filled pancakes and apple pies.

Bratislava Christmas Market: 26th November – 26th December 2011

Most Unique Shopping Experience – Valkenburg Christmas Market

If you’re after something a little bit different then definitely consider the Christmas market in Valkenburg, Netherlands. The whole market is housed in a cave lying underneath the city and visitors travel for miles to enjoy the atmospheric grotto-esque shopping experience. Wander the candle-lit labyrinth of passageways and caverns for gifts and decorations and make sure you also see the impressive mural carvings and sculptures also located there.

Valkenburg Christmas Market: 18th November – 23rd December 2011

Best for Food Lovers – Brussels Christmas Market

Food and chocolate addicts would almost certainly enjoy the popular Christmas fair in Brussels in Belgium. The “Winter Wonderland” is located in Place Sainte Catherine and organisers also set up an illuminated Big Wheel, street activities and a skating rink here. As well as culinary delights such as steamed snails, oysters, gingerbread and forest mushrooms on toast, as expected you can also fill up on mouth watering Belgian chocolates.

Brussels Christmas Market: 25th November 2011 – 1st January 2012

Coolest Christmas Market – Barcelona

The Catalan capital is often considered one of the coolest European cities and Christmas in Barcelona is no exception. The weather is still warm enough to walk comfortably around at night and the lively street artists on Las Ramblas add to the great atmosphere. The fun Santa Lucia market is located near the cathedral in the Gothic quarter in Barcelona and here you can buy local crafts, unusual gifts (including Caganer, a Catalan “pooping” statue) and the traditional Spanish Christmas sweet turron. If you plan your stay around the 28th December, you’ll be treated to the Spanish version of April Fool’s Day when the streets will be filled with music, artists and even livelier entertainment.

Madrid also has a great Christmas market located in the main Plaza Mayor. If you’re thinking of visiting why not check out our best hotels in Madrid post.

Santa Lucia Christmas Market: 1st – 24th December 2011 or 28th December 2011 for “Holy Innocents’ Day” (the Spanish version of April Fools Day).

Best all rounder – Vienna Christmas Market

The “Christkindlmärkte” in Vienna, Austria is a very popular seven hundred year old Christmas market. Here you’ll find a traditional event with plenty of nostalgia, fun and romance. As well as the usual concerts and nativity displays there is also a crowd-pleasing live advent calendar display and a children’s Christmas workshop located in the City Hall. Wander through Vienna’s atmospheric streets and town square which are filled with the aromas of candied fruits, cotton candy, Christmas punch and roasted chestnuts – surely the perfect way to get you in the Christmas mood?

Vienna Christmas Market: 19th November – 26th December 2011

If you enjoyed our best Christmas Markets in Europe, please check out our other seasonal posts.

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