7 of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe

All over Europe, during the entire month of December, the Christmas spirit can be seen, smelled and tasted. The lights and carols, combined with the taste of freshly baked Christmas sweets attract everyone who visits the Christmas Markets. The tradition is very old and each year new Christmas Markets pop up all over Europe. But there are some cities which are known as the homes to some of the best Christmas Markets in Europe.

So how about buying some ornaments from each one of them and trying some of the local Christmas specialties?

1. Austria – Vienna

While there are several Christmas Markets in Vienna, one of the best known and most visited in Europe takes place in the square in front of the beautiful Town Hall (Rathhausplatz). The Christkindlmarkt is also one of the oldest in Europe, with a history of over 700 years. It opens in mid-November so if you plan to avoid the crowds right before Christmas, this is the best place to start the early shopping. There are plenty of traditional things to buy there, including the lovely scented natural beeswax candles. Christmas cookies and hand made ornaments are also among the tourists’ favorites. Be a child and try again your favorite childhood treats such as cotton candy or glazed fruits.

Since the public transport system is well organized in Vienna, when looking for a place to stay it’s not necessarily to find something very close to the Town Hall. Since this time of the year is considered high season, a very good idea is to book a private room in a hostel (€39.50 per person per night at DoStepInn, right near Westbahnhof).

2. Germany – Nuremberg

One of the oldest and most famous Christmas Markets in Germany takes place each year in Nuremberg. It dates back to 1628 and has a rather weird tradition going on. Every two years a young woman or man is named “Christmas child”. The Christmas child opens the market and then rushes on the streets to spread the Christmas cheer. The costume is glittery and they wear a large golden crown.

The market opens on November 28 and closes on December 24. It is mostly known for its food. The steaming Glühwein and grilled Nürnberger Bratwurst along with other spicy sausages are everyone’s favorites. Don’t forget to try the gingerbread either.

Nuremberg boasts a lot of hotels and guesthouses and many offer special packages around this time of the year. A good idea, however, is to look for a budget hotel or guesthouse located bit further from the city center. In a 3-star hotel located at about 10 min from the Christmas Market, a double room costs €76 per night.

3. Germany – Munich

There are several Christmas Markets around the city in Munich but the largest and oldest is located in Marienplatz, the heart of the old center. The market opens on the Friday before the first Advent (that’s the first Friday in December) when the huge Christmas tree lights up for the first time. There are about 140 stalls and you can buy Christmas decorations, arts and even jewelry here. Those who love food aren’t forgotten either. Plus, each evening at 5:30 pm, Alpine choirs perform in the Town Hall’s balcony.

The hotels tend to have good prices during this time of the year, but over the weekend you’ll always pay a little extra. For example, if you plan to stay in a 2-star hotel on the way to Marienplatz, expect to pay about €31 per person per night in a double, during the weekdays, while during the weekends the same room costs about €52 per person per night.

4. Czech Republic – Prague

The Christmas Market held in Prague’s Old Town Square is one of the most famous in Central-Eastern Europe. Its low key and very friendly atmosphere combined with the many cultural events and folk displays make it a great place to enjoy the Christmas spirit.

At this time of the year tourist should expect a lot of snow in Prague, which makes the place even more idyllic. At the lovely decorated wooden huts there are plenty of things to buy, including candles, jewelry and wood-carved puppets.

Prague is still an affordable destination, no matter when you plan to visit. So although this time of the year you should expect to find high season prices, you’ll be amazed by the bargains available. If you travel in a group (max 5 persons) you can rent an apartment close to the Old Town Square and pay €62 per night. Or you can stay in a 2-star pension in the same are for €43 per person per night in a double room.

5. Denmark – Copenhagen

The annual Christmas Market in Copenhagen takes place in the Tivoli Gardens, Europe’s oldest amusement park. It opens on November 14 and closes on December 30. Beautiful trees and Christmas lights decorate the entire setting, making the park look like a fairy tale land. The lake becomes an immense skating rink and the main attraction of the market. The children will love the pony rides and taking photos with Father Christmas.

There are plenty of things to buy, from crafts and decorations to traditional food. Make sure to try the Danish mulled wine mixed with liquor and spices and the hot apple dumplings.

There are plenty of hotels located near Tivoli and Central Station but since we are talking about the high season, it’s a good idea to look for budget places. A night in a 2-star hotel costs about €74 for a double room.

6. Germany – Berlin

If you already got used to the traditional feel of the German Christmas Markets, you are in for a surprise. Just like the city which hosts it, the Christmas Market in Berlin has a contemporary feel. There are actually several markets around the city, but the most popular is the one around the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche (or Memorial Church).

Everything is housed in traditional wooden huts and you can find Christmas decorations, arts and crafts, but you can also find very modern (and shall we say “radical”?) artworks, jewelry and decorations.

Berlin can be surprisingly cheap if you plan to stay in a private room in a hostel located bit further from the city center. For example, in a hostel located at about 2 km from the city center, you’ll pay €37 per night for two persons. The public transport works great so you won’t need to worry about getting to the Christmas Market fast and easy.

7. Switzerland – Basel

Basel has a long history of honoring the Advent celebrations. In this town you’ll find the longest Christmas street in Europe and a Christmas Market with such a lovely atmosphere that you feel like you are living in a fairy tale. The market opens on November 29 and closes on December 23. It is located right in the city’s heart, guarded by the Old Town. There are 130 stalls filled with interesting crafts, decorations as well as a lot of traditional food.

There are concerts taking place pretty much every day and you can enjoy everything from traditional Christmas songs to classical rock or pop music.

Since Basel is not the cheapest destination in Europe – double rooms in 2-stars hotel easily go for €110 a night during the peak season – a good idea is to book a private room in one of the hostels. A double private room at a YMCA Hostel costs €33.75 per person per night.

Photo credits:

1 – Brian Ritchie on Flickr ; 2 – haryoung on Flickr; 3 – niko3518 on Flickr; 4 – Rich pick on Flickr; 5 – Rabulist on Flickr; 6 – oceanbaby on Flickr; 7 – sabrina b on Flickr

Author: Cristina Dima

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