No December would be complete without a visit to a Christmas market.
With bright lights illuminating festive decorations and the buzz of a crowd, it’s enough to get you feeling sentimental. So here are 10 of the best Christmas markets in Europe for you to consider.
Prague, Czech Republic
Head for Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square to see why this beautiful city does Christmas so well.
The two main Christmas markets (Vanocni trhy) are a short walk from each other and open from the 30th November to the 6th January, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
There are other markets at Republic Square, Kampa Island and Prague Castle. Try a Czech sausage (klobása) washed down with Czech beer, and if a white Christmas excites you, odds are you won’t be disappointed!
Strasbourg, France
This historic city in eastern France holds one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, dating back more than 440 years.
It opens from the 22nd November to the 30th December, with more than 300 stalls across 10 locations in the city centre.
The giant Place Kleber Christmas tree is a sight to behold, and away from the markets, Strasbourg is packed with cultural and historical sights.
Winchester, England
Historic Winchester is worth a visit at any time of year, but it has an extra sprinkle of magic when the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is on.
It runs from the 1st November to the 22nd December in the imposing setting of the Cathedral’s Inner and Outer Close.
There are more than 100 stalls to browse for the perfect gift. Then you can test your skills at the ice rink or sit back and watch the crowd skating en masse.
A tour of the city and the Cathedral itself – founded in 642 and one of Europe’s largest – is a must.
Berlin, Germany
The Germans are Christmas market masters, and as most cities stage one, you are spoiled for choice.
Two of the best are Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarket (19th November – 24th December) and Berlin’s Lucia Christmas Market (24th November – 24th December).
Nuremberg’s 700-year-old market is a feast for the eyes and senses with its sea of lights and the smell of bratwurst and gingerbread in the air.
Berlin’s Lucia market, named after the Nordic goddess of light, has a Scandinavian flavour, with traditional crafts, food, drink and entertainment.
Barcelona, Spain
The 232-year-old Fira de Santa Llúcia started as a one-day celebration of the feast day of Santa Llúcia.
It now takes over the entire Avenida de la Catedral from the 29th November – 23rd December.
More than 300 stalls jostle for business in front of the Cathedral, selling decorations, jewellery, handmade puppets, craft items and musical instruments.
Food and drink are always to the fore here – treat yourself to great tapas and a glass or two of rioja after a hard night’s shopping.
Florence, Italy
They love markets all year round in Florence and pull out all the stops for Christmas with a whole string of them.
The city’s stunning squares are taken over by markets selling seasonal gifts, food and drink amid elaborate nativity scenes and twinkling lights.
Best known is the German-themed Piazza Santa Croce Christmas Market (30th November – 18th December), but there are so many to choose from!
They include Firenze Noël at the former Stazione Leopolda railway station, ‘Fierucola’ in Piazza Santissima Annunziata and the Benefit Market in Piazza Santa Maria Novella.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Tivoli Gardens are a legendary attraction in Denmark’s laid-back capital – and they really step up a gear at Christmas.
Children will love the many rides, and parents will have a plethora of shops and stalls to keep them happy.
Take the Elf Train, enjoy one of three light shows or join a twilight tour of the gardens, festooned with thousands of Christmas lights and decorations.
Christmas season runs from the 16th November to the 5th January, with fireworks on display from 25th – 27th December.
Krakow, Poland
This ancient city escaped the worst ravages of World War II, meaning its stunning architecture was preserved while other Polish cities were destroyed.
Against this beautiful backdrop, the city’s Christmas market takes place in the central square, Rynek Glowny, from 29th November – 7th January.
The market is regularly in the top ten of Europe’s best, and snow is almost inevitable.
So, wrap up warm to browse stalls jammed with Christmas decorations, toys, gifts and lots of food and drink.
Zagreb, Croatia
Eat, drink, shop and even dance to your heart’s content at Advent in Zagreb, named Europe’s best Christmas market for three years running by travel site European Best Destinations.
The entire Croatian capital gets in on the act, with activities radiating from the city’s Jelacic square (30th November – 7th January).
Music plays a big part in art and cultural exhibitions, street food and bars, ice sculptures and an ice rink.
Be sure to take a tour through the city streets with Santa and his elves on the Christmas tram.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Scottish capital is a great festive destination, and its bustling Christmas Market runs from the 16th November – until 4th January.
Located in the heart of the city at East Princes Street Gardens, tightly-packed stalls sell everything from arts and crafts to gifts and plenty of food and drink.
Take time to explore some of the city’s other sights while you’re there, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle that dominates the landscape.
While there is a lot of excitement and anticipation around travelling this time of year, comprehensive medical Travel Insurance is just as important during the holiday season.
