Posted on: November 4th in Destinations, Europe, Travel Ideas by Becky.
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If you are yearning for all things festive here is our guide to some of the best European Christmas markets. Europe has a wide range of Christmas markets so whether you are searching for the ultimate Christmas tree topper or if you’ve just developed a strong liking for mulled wine, you are sure to find something here to your taste. Many Christmas markets offer goods at discounted prices in December so be sure to shop around for the best price.
Best for Atmosphere – Cologne Christmas Market
The Cologne Christmas market in Germany is actually six markets in one town, 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 2 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.
Cologne Christmas market: 22nd November – 23rd December 2010
Nuremberg Christmas market: 26th November – 24th December 2010
Dresden Christmas market: 26th November – 24th December 2010
Munich Christmas market: 26th November – 24th December 2010
Best for Children – Prague Christmas Market
There is a strong emphasis on fairy tales and folk-lore at the Prague Christmas markets and the organisers really go that extra mile to create a realistic “Winter Wonderland” setting. Here you will find a nativity style petting zoo, a very large (and very illuminated) Christmas tree, singing concerts and horse carriage rides. Traditional seasonal foods, decorations and gifts are also on offer.
Prague Christmas Market: 27th November – 23rd December 2010
Best for Budget – Bratislava Christmas Market
Bratislava Christmas market is a traditional but 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 and 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 just fruit-filled pancakes and apple pies.
Bratislava Christmas Market: 1st November – 1st January 2011
Most Unique Shopping Experience – Valkenburg Christmas Market
If you’re after something a little bit different then perhaps the Christmas market in Valkenburg, Holland would appeal. The whole market takes place in a cave underneath the city and visitors particularly 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: 19th November – 23rd December 2010
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 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 there is also a great range of Belgian chocolates.
Brussels Christmas Market: 26th November 2010 – 2nd January 2011
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 even more lively entertainment, artists and music.
Santa Lucia Christmas Market: 1st – 24th December 2010 or 28th December 2010 for “Holy Innocents’ Day” (the Spanish version of April Fools Day).
Best all rounder – Vienna Christmas Market
The “Christkindlmärkte” in Vienna, Austria is a popular seven hundred year old Christmas market. It’s a very traditional event with an emphasis on 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 which can be found in the City Hall. Vienna’s atmospheric streets and town square 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: November – December 2010
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5 January, 2010
Incluso asГ
7 November, 2009
I went to Cologne last year and it was a lovely place to visit, I would love to go to the Christmas market.