So, If you’re wondering where to find the best Christmas markets in Europe then read on …..
Best Christmas Markets
For a shot of festive spirit and gifts that you won’t find on the UK high street, why not discover one of these incredible Christmas markets in Europe.
Sibiu, Romania
The run up to Christmas brings a transformation to the medieval city of Sibiu, known as the gateway to Transylvania with a spectacular marketplace held in its Grand Square. There are more than 100 stalls under a canopy of lights and seasonal illuminations. Creators from across Romania sell ceramics, handmade jewellery and beautiful wood-carved gifts. The food highlights include caramelised fruits and nuts, langos fried flatbread served with garlic, and pork-based dishes such as cracklins and stuffed cabbage rolls.
Market dates: 15 November to 3 January 2020
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Salzburg, Austria
Beautiful Salzburg has hosted a Christmas Market for more than 500 years. The present-day event is located at the foot of Hohensalzburg fortress and overlooked by the city’s cathedral for a stunning setting. As the birthplace of Mozart it is little wonder that there is an extensive music programme of more than 80 events, with choral and folk singing featuring regularly. The market is split into six colour-coded zones for decorations, food and drink, fashion, jewellery, sweet treats and toys, with a focus on quality over novelty.
Market dates: 21 November to 26 December
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Berlin, Germany
Berlin offers a staggering number of indoor and outdoor Christmas markets – more than 70 in total. Spandau is the biggest, Gendarmenmarkt the prettiest, Opernpalais has crafts people from across the world, Domäne Dahlem showcases traditional smiths, potters and instrument makers, and Adventiamo is made for children. For a break from bargain browsing head to Winter World on historic Potsdamer Platz where they are winter sports including tobogganing, curling and free ice-skating.
Market dates: 25 November to 31 December
More: Berlin Christmas Market
Strasbourg, France
France’s oldest Christmas market is in Strasbourg, where there are more than 300 wooden stalls. There are speciality markets with craftsmen and artisans still using centuries-old skills, and a recycle and exchange “Off Market”. Vendors from a guest country take part too – this year it is Lebanon. The city’s Christmas lights are world famous, with lots of seaonally decorated houses, churches and buildings. More than 600 distinctive stars light up the Quai des Bateliers. Place Klébe is home to a 30-metre high Christmas tree decorated with toys from the past.
Market dates: 22 November to 30 December
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Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s two main markets include one at Wenceslaus Square, named after the ‘good King’ himself. To be honest, it’s one of the best Christmas markets around! The second is at Old Town Square, where there is a mighty Christmas tree. Moreover, there’s a stable of sheep, goats and donkeys providing a traditional nativity scene. Both squares have daily switch-on ceremonies for their impressive light displays. Locals keep warm with hot honey wine or grog (a mixture of rum, water, lemon and sugar), and spit-roasted hams, barbequed sausages, potato pancakes and hot sugar-coated pastries. Incidentally a Prague Short Break is always fun!
Market dates: 30 November to 6 January 2020
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Stockholm, Sweden
The world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen, has hosted a Christmas Market for over 100 years. It has become a favourite of festive Swedes. Stalls selling traditional sausages, cheeses, spices and essences fill the Market Square. The historical houses and farmsteads are decorated to show how families celebrated in years gone by.
Market dates: 30 November to 22 December
More: Stockholm Xmas Market
