Best Christmas Markets in Europe
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” Ok, I know that its is only the first week of November, but it is definitely not too soon to be planning your Christmas travels and adventures. One of my favourite Holiday activities is visiting Christmas markets! Christmas markets are magical places, filled with unique gifts, delicious food and warm feelings. From the moment you first step into a Christmas market, every one of your sense is stimulated – your nostrils fill with the smell of fresh, warm baked goods, you hear Christmas carols playing, everything you see is decorated in beautiful Christmas lights, you feel the warmth from a nice warm cup of hot chocolate, and you are filled with wonder as you sip it, slowly walking from vendor to vendor.
Europe is home to some for the best Christmas markets in the world. If you haven’t been to Europe in the winter season I highly recommend you do, and while you are there stop by a few Christmas markets. Here are some of my travel blogger friends’ favourite Christmas markets in Europe – if these aren’t already on you bucket list you should add them all now.
Manchester – The Globetrotter Guys
We have been to many Christmas markets around the UK but Manchester has to be one of the best!
At the end of November each year, Manchester holds the Christmas lights switch on. The evening is full of performances, thousands of people and ends in a beautiful firework display. The following day the city is transformed in to a winter wonderland as the Christmas market stalls descend.
The Christmas markets stretch and wind throughout the entire city. So much so that there are maps of the markets available so that you can follow a walking route from start to finish. These are not just your basic stalls. You can expect to see entire buildings erected in the style of alpine lodges with multiple floors for you to enjoy your mulled wine.
The choice of options is endless. Here you can get your selection of cheeses, cured meats, waffles, sweets, coffees, bratwurst, mulled wine, warm cider, the list goes on. You will also find lots of stalls offering beautifully made crafts to decorate your home, you could do your entire Christmas shopping here.
The Manchester Christmas markets are incredibly popular and you can easily make a full and magical day out here in December.
Prague – Laura, What’s Hot Blog
Madeira Island – Edyta
Madeira Island is a very popular destination during Christmas and New Year season. Each year Madeira attract fans of a Christmas without snow, delicious Christmas dishes, beautiful decorations and special events that occur all around the island. Those loving Christmas Markets should arrive before the 23rd of
December. On that evening a “Noite do Mercado” – Market Night in Funchal takes place in the Old Town and around the historic Mercado dos Lavoradores (Farmers’ Market). Not only it is one of the last chances to buy anything needed for the holidays, but also to enjoy listening to Christmas carols and have a nice night out. The city centre is closed to car traffic, there are many concerts and attractions. If you miss the Market Night, there is no reason to worry. On one of the main streets of Funchal – Avenida Arriaga, a small “Mercadinho de Natal” – Christmas Market is being set up for the entire Christmas season. You will find there many wooden cottages selling local products and serving guests local food and drinks, such as the famous Poncha or a cherry liqueur. Would you like to know more about Christmas and New Year’s Eve in
Madeira, please visit my post.
Sibiu – Iuliana from Authentic Travels
Sibiu is a medieval town in Transylvania and it was founded by Saxon settlers 800 years ago. The town has
been very popular for tourists since its nomination as a European Cultural Capital in 2007. The historic centre of the town has a peaceful atmosphere and the Saxon architecture has created a very picturesque urban scenery. Vaulted corridors at the ground-floor of the old houses, sloping cobblestone streets, and churches of various confessions are just a few of the secret wonders of Sibiu. The ensemble of the three medieval squares of Sibiu is a unique composition of great value for the urban planning and architectural setting of the town. Each year, the Christmas Fair is set up in the Large Square – just in front of the Catholic Church and of the City Hall. Stalls with local traditional food, sweets, books, and carols create a lively atmosphere. You can feel the smell of hot wine everywhere. If you haven’t taken a photo with Santa Claus when you were little, then you still have time for one at the Xmas market in Sibiu. A tip for photographers, if you want a great shot of the Christmas Fair, climb up the Council Tower (between
the Large Square and the Small Square) and from there you will have a great panorama of the whole market. It’s recommended to go there especially at night when the fair is colourfully lit.
London – Eniko
Kassel – Lindsay
Edinburgh Christmas Market – Scotland Bucket List
The beautiful city of Edinburgh is transformed into a Christmas wonderland around the middle of November, starting with the grand festive illumination switch on. This marks the beginning of the glorious Christmas festival which lasts right up until New Year. There are so many things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas with the majority of the entertainment focussed around Princes Street Gardens.
The Castle and Scotts Monument provide a spectacular backdrop and it’s in this dramatic location that the sprawling Christmas market, made up of alpine style huts, sets up camp every year. There are two distinct neighbourhoods, with one selling all things continental from Gluhwein to bratwurst, and the other suppling the best of local Scottish products. As always food and drink are well catered for, but if you’re looking for that perfect gift you also are in luck. You can expect to find a good selection of unique arts and crafts for sale.
If you feel the need for some excitement post shopping, or you have the kids in tow, then the adjoining funfair is brilliant. There is something for everyone including the impressive 44ft high Ferriss wheel, which provides amazing views over the city.
Of course, no Christmas market experience would be complete without an ice rink, Edinburgh does not disappoint as there are two. The largest and busiest is located a stone’s throw from the market, while the second is a 5-minute walk away in St Andrews Square. The Dome restaurant/bar, famous for its amazing Christmas decorations, is just around the corner.
The Christmas market is best visited at dusk when the lights come on, there is a magical atmosphere.
All of those sound magical! What is your favourite Christmas market?
Wish you save and happily travels this holiday season,
