Must-Visit european christmas markets
European Christmas Markets are a bucket list item for many travelers, and with so many to choose from, it can be daunting to decide which to visit.
Of course, a whirlwind tour of all of them is the Christmas dream, but if that is not in your timeline, here are some travelers’ favorites to help you narrow down your choice.
Must See Christmas Markets
German Christmas Markets
When anyone mentions “European Christmas Markets”, Germany is usually the first place to come to mind. With multiple cities hosting huge, festive, markets it is clear why Germany is the top destination for Christmas lovers.
Here are where you will find the most famous der Weihnachtsmarkts in Germany.
Cologne, Germany
🗓️November 18 to December 23, 2024
A long-favored Christmas destination, Cologne features several markets throughout the city. This German City market is famed for having the most variety of markets, all adorned with twinkling lights, serving up local fare and artisan goods.
Here you will find Nikolausdorf (St Nicholas village) which is aimed at children and family fun, and tells the story of the real St Nick.
You can also enjoy outdoor ice-skating at the famed Heinzels Winter Fairytale on Heumarkt.
Berlin, Germany
With 80 Christmas markets, and even one specifically for dogs, Berlin is a top destination for trendy and modern Christmas Markets.
With so many markets, it is near impossible to cover them all, but these are some of Berlin’s most highly rated.
“If you’re after scale, Spandau is the biggest.
For looks, Weihnachtszauber, in magnificent Gendarmenmarkt square, is the prettiest, with plenty of arts and crafts on offer.
Get your pulse racing at Winter World on Potsdamer Platz — it’s less about shopping and more about winter sports, with tobogganing, curling and ice-skating with free lessons for kids.”
Nuremberg, Germany
🗓️November 29 to December 24, 2024
“When it comes to sustainability, this popular German market is second to none. ”
With vendors using a reusable cup system, efforts to avoid disposable containers, and markets powered regenerative energy from regional hydroelectric plants and photovoltaic power plants, it is easy to see why this market ranks at the top of sustainability.
This market is also highly revered for its childhood-charms, packed with tinsel, lights, and overall merriment.
Austria Christmas Markets
Austria comes in at a close 2nd when thinking of European Christmas markets, and for good reason. With stunning all-year-round backdrops and architecture, the country’s most vibrant cities become even more magical at Christmas time.
Vienna
🗓️November 15 to December 26, 2024 (Rathausplatz)
Vienna, any time of year, is a city filled with stunning architecture and old-world charm. This capital city takes on a whole new magic at Christmas time with vendors lining the winding streets selling traditional toys and artisanal gifts, food, and mulled wine to keep you warm in Vienna’s cold winters.
Easily walkable, visitors can take in all the beauty, delicacies and charm of this Austrian city on foot, or by hopping on the Christmas train.
Innsbruck, Austria
📆15 November to 23 December 2024
Despite being a considerably smaller city than Vienna and Salzburg, Innsburck boasts 6 Christmas markets. Being such a small city, it packs a serious Christmas punch with so many markets in one place.
Just 2 hours by train, the festivities in Innsbruck include the Krampus Parade, and you can take a stroll through Swarovski Crystal Worlds. Both are worth the Trip Alone.
Christmas Market Poland
Gdansk, Poland
🗓️November 22 to December 23, 2024
Voted the best Christmas market in Europe by more than 90,000 people, this market is a must-visit for any winter holiday lover.
Held in Gdansk’s Targ Weglowy square, this Polish Christmas market has been growing in popularity amongst travelers due to consistently low-cost flights and accommodations.
The market features handmade gifts, an international food court, Ferris wheel, and different themes every day, including karaoke Wednesdays.
Gdansk Christmas Market is also on out list of Best Christmas Markets for the Smart Spender, due to it’s relative affordability
Top UK Christmas Markets
London, England
📆Individual Markets Vary
London is home to numerous Christmas Markets, including Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Covent Garden Christmas Market, and Southbank Centre Winter Market.
Each market has its own magic and charm which, in combination with stunning light displays, makes London a top choice to enjoy holiday merriment.
Edinburgh, Scotland
📆 15th November 2024 to 4th January 2025
What happens when one of the most beautiful cities in the world comes live with Christmas lights and markets? It is voted the most beautiful market in world.
With four main sites to explore – East and West Princes Street Gardens, George Street and St Andrew Square, the Edinburgh Market has something for everyone and is packed with family fun.
From food vendors, waltzers, lights and music, and endless entertainment, you will find something to be in awe of at every turn.
No matter where you choose to travel for Christmas market cheer, one destination or a whirlwind tour, the team at GWATC is here to help you plan the most magical trip with the least stress.
Let us start planning your 2025 Christmas Market vacation now.
Qin Xie, Contributor |Mary Novakovich| Maria Realf, The London Times, “29 of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2024” Tuesday November 05 2024
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