Best Christmas Markets in Europe

November 7, 2018

“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

The best time to visit Prague is undoubtedly December when you can enjoy the many Christmas markets that Prague has to offer. The Old Town Square Market and Wenceslas Square Market were named two of the top Christmas markets in the world by CNN so you should check these out first.

In Old Town Square you’ll find plenty of wooden huts selling traditional Christmas decorations as well as lots and lots of food stalls and even some stable animals! You absolutely must try trdelnik, a typical Czech pastry, which is perfect for the colder months. It’s a doughy pastry covered in sugar, sometimes filled with Nutella or cream too.

Wenceslas Square market is a little smaller but its worth checking out for the wonderful Christmas decorations that sweep the entire street. Good King Wenceslas was actually born in Prague in the 10th century so making this market all the more special at this time of year.

The markets are open each year from the 1st of December to the 6th of January and are dotted all around the city. To make the most of your time in Prague, here are another ten things to do in Prague in December.

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

London has lots of Christmas markets, but the biggest and most famous one is Winter Wonderland. It attracts lots of visitors every year. Locals and tourists enjoy spending hours there alike. There is something for every age group. There are lots of rides that people can go on including roller coasters, Merry-go-round, Haunted House, Ferris Wheel, pirate ship and Mirror Maze. Winter Wonderland is also a foodie paradise. There are lots of stalls selling tasty dishes. I always go for the German sausages with mustard and Hungarian chimney cake with cinnamon.

There are several other attractions as well. There is a lovely ice rink set up around a Victorian bandstand, which is very romantic. If you want to have a good laugh you can visit the comedy club. The circus performance and the Magical Ice Kingdom is very popular with families. If you are looking for a challenge the Ice Sculpting Workshops might be for you. You can try creating your very own ice sculpture under expert guidance.

Winter Wonderland is located in Hyde Park and will be open from 22 November 2018 to 06 January 2019. It is free to visit, but you will have to pay extra for the rides and performances. Visit the market during the week to avoid the crowd!

Kassel – Lindsay

Small town Germany might not be what first comes to mind when you think of European Christmas markets, but I swear that’ll change after you visit the Kassel Christmas Market. In the heart of Hessen, Kassel is the capital of the Fairy Tale Trail in Germany. This trail is dedicated to the iconic Brothers Grimm tales which have taught so many life lessons to children as well as inspired a number of classic films!

What makes Kassel’s Christmas Market so unique is that every year they theme it around a different Brothers Grimm fairy tale. This adds an extra level of magic to the whole experience. While this tradition only started in 1975, the Kassel Christmas Market has been happening since 1767! Enjoy the sights and sounds as you stroll through Rumpelstiltskin Alley and Little Red Riding Hood’s Path. Don’t forget to indulge in at least one of the many varieties of Glühwein and their Champignons mit Knoblauchsoße (mushrooms with garlic sauce) are to die for. Perfect for families, a romantic outing and more, you’ll be in the holiday spirit as soon as you step foot inside!

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.