{"id":32692,"date":"2021-12-10T10:49:14","date_gmt":"2021-12-10T09:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/touristear.com\/?p=32692"},"modified":"2023-11-02T15:46:07","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T14:46:07","slug":"european-christmas-markets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/touristear.com\/en\/european-christmas-markets\/","title":{"rendered":"Magical European Christmas Markets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Visit these beautiful and charming Christmas Markets in Europe. Discover why millions of people embark every year on their European winter-wonderland vacation during the holiday season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can travel this year, let your imagination guide you through the stalls of magical European Christmas markets<\/strong> in some of Europe\u2019s most beautiful cities<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close your eyes, feel the cold on your nose, and a hot cup of mulled wine in your hands. Then, start planning your next Christmas trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

European Christmas Markets You Want To Visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Discover these beautiful Christmas markets. They are ordered from A to Z. Please, in the comments, tell us which one is your favorite, and if it is not on the list, we will add it!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aachen, Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Aachen<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Each year in early December, the holiday season descends on Aachen. The Cathedral area is revamped into a haven of twinkling lights, vibrant colors, and holiday aromas<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This magical European Christmas market is sensory heaven for visitors of all ages.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to its awe-inspiring and festive charisma, the Aachen Christmas Market has gained fame far outside the Aachen region. People from all over Europe come to mingle, purchase handmade crafts, and indulge in traditional foods from the area.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The children will fall in love with the carousel (and the adults will take comfort in the copious amounts of mulled wine). Potato fritters are a popular snack option, and Christmas sweets and marzipan bread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to 1.5 million visitors find joy in the Aachen Christmas Market each year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bath, UK<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Bath<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You will find one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in England, in Bath. The beautiful city becomes even more charming during the winter holidays. The entire center is dressed with lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The streets are taken over by stalls selling traditional crafts, handmade gifts, and, of course, food and drinks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the main attractions of the Christmas market in Bath is the Victorian merry-go-round, which spreads joy among both children and adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the festive period, the streets of Bath become an open-air performance stage of singing and dancing. In addition, the Cathedral in Bath also organizes carol concerts during this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will find many traditional Christmas market foods borrowed from mainland Europe when it comes to food. You\u2019ll have no problem finding bratwurst and mulled wine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also find hog roasts and hot toddies, which make wonders in warming you up. You can easily explore the Christmas market during a day trip to Bath<\/strong><\/a>, as it\u2019s so close to London. With trains leaving Paddington station several times an hour, it takes around 1.5 hours to reach Bath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Berlin, Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Berlin<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Did you know that the Christmas market (Christkindmarkt<\/em>) originated in Germany? Every year, the Christmas cheer and spirit fill the air during the four weeks of advent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visitors love the local food, handicrafts, decorations, and festivities. Soon the tradition spread all over Germany and many other countries throughout Europe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few Christmas markets in Berlin, and they are as diverse and exciting as Germany\u2019s capital city<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gendarmenmarkt<\/em> stands among some Berlin classic monuments,<\/strong><\/a> concert halls<\/strong>, and French & German Churches. It has a more elegant and classic vibe with the backdrop of magnificent architecture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Berliner<\/em> Weihnachtszeit am Roten Rathaus<\/em> takes place right in front of the Red City Hall and Berliner Fernsehturm<\/em>. Families gather here to enjoy a great time with a good sausage, ice skating ranch, and a Ferris wheel ride. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many Christmas markets open up until New Year\u2019s Eve but check the opening hours before visiting. Some may close early during Christmas. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Berlin<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Also worth noting is that stalls usually charge you a deposit for the mugs when you purchase beverages. This is because they have a unique design and are nice collection items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may return the mug and get your deposit back, or you could keep them as a souvenir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bolzano, Italy<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Bolzano<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Bolzano Christmas Market is Italy\u2019s most significant in the region of South Tyrol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Established almost twenty years ago, the Bolzano Christmas market is fairly well-established. Visitors from near and far gather to admire the splendor of lights and festivities in Piazza Walther. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Piazza Walther even boasts an indoor area where local artisans can be observed in action creating their handicrafts<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Festive foods abound, with products ranging from mulled wine to apple fritters. Children will adore the miniature train, carousel, and horse-drawn carriages that meander through the city streets.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The market lasts for about a month in total. The town is brimming with holiday smells and sounds, the romantic glimmer of lights and candles, and an overall magical aura.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re lucky enough to see snowfall, Bolzano truly transforms into a winter wonderland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bratislava, Slovakia<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Bratislava<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Come visit the Slovak capital to enjoy the most romantic time of the year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many different Christmas markets in the city, so spend a few days. You can explore all the festive wonder Bratislava has to offer \u2013 an excellent addition to your Slovakia bucket list<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The city center squares (Hviezdoslav Square, Eurovea) allow strapping on some skates and hit the ice. Try not to enjoy too <\/em>much-mulled wine before doing so!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the Christmas market stages, enjoy performances by local singers and dancers. For example, the Advent concert in Bratislava showcases holiday songs, arias, Slovak, and world carols performed by the choir L\u00fa\u010dnica<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A unique feature of Christmas in Bratislava is the special addition of the lit-up tram. Its interior is decked out in festive reds and greens, complete with a fireplace and carols being sung by locals.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a ride into the city center on the holiday tram, one of the most beautiful in all of Europe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Come to Bratislava to soak in the realm of child-like simplicity and infinite reverie.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immerse yourself in the world of childhood innocence and boundless fantasy at the Bratislava Christmas markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brussels, Belgium<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re visiting the land of chocolate and waffles during the holiday season, you MUST check out one of the city\u2019s numerous Christmas markets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Christmas markets in Brussels<\/a><\/strong> are among the most magical in Europe.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on your preference, there are Christmas markets for everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From traditional and classic to artisanal, gastronomy-focused \u2013 Brussels has it all. The Belgian capital even boasts alternative and vintage markets<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Christmas markets in Brussels are scattered throughout the city. These span the cobblestone streets of the Grand Palace to the green city quarters, to the city\u2019s fairytale castle.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wander through enormous tents with covered stalls, enjoy the warm flavors and aromas of the season, and don\u2019t forget to pick up some chocolate gifts for your loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budapest, Hungary: The Best Christmas Market of 2023<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Budapest<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Budapest<\/strong> boasts two main Christmas markets, one at St. Stephen\u2019s Basilica and one at Vorosmarty Square. Both markets have food stalls and handicraft shops, but each has its own distinct season flavor.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Vorosmarty Square, you\u2019ll find the oldest, most beautiful, and internationally-recognized market offering free concerts. Hang out by the Basilica for Hungarian delicacies like chimney cake and enjoy a Christmas laser projection on the Basilica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The festive Christmas markets highlight local talents of Hungary, who infuse their products with love and personalization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artists take pride in carrying on traditions of blown glass, knit goods, wood carvings, homemade candles, handcrafted pottery, as well as leather trade and traditional Hungarian embroidery and lacework. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best part of the Hungarian Christmas markets is preserving genuine folk art and traditions<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This goes hand-in-hand with the production of excellent quality handicrafts instead of more commercial, kitsch Christmas gifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the Budapest Christmas markets, enjoy sipping steaming cups of mulled wines, snacking on traditional Hungarian pastries, nibbling authentic street foods (sausages, snacks, a roast chestnut, etc.), and getting the best-quality gifts for friends and family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colmar, France<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Colmar<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Christmas Market of Colmar is one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Alsace<\/strong>. Colmar is a lovely city to visit all year round.<\/a><\/strong> It\u2019s consistently voted one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but Colmar at Christmas time is pure wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Christmas Market of Colmar is divided into six different locations, usually linked through a path of light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that there are no significant concentrations of people in one site, and the festive atmosphere is everywhere in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everywhere, there are wooden chalets selling all kinds of handmade products. The artisans are carefully selected, which means you are buying only quality and regional products<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also chalets selling beer, mulled wine, and food and sweets. Alsace\u2019s traditional snacks include pretzels, bredeles<\/em> (Christmas biscuits), and mannele<\/em> (brioche gingerbread men). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colmar is also well-connected to some of the prettiest villages in Alsace. If you have the time, you can visit other neighboring Christmas markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Copenhagen, Denmark<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Christmas<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As in many other European capital cities, Christmas is a magical time in Copenhagen. Bask in the streets tastefully adorned with twinkling lights and friends & family gathering with beaming smiles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing else quite embodies the spirit of \u2018hygge\u2019 <\/em>like Denmark during the holidays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the temperatures are markedly lower than other times throughout the year, enjoying outdoor activities is still doable.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are so many things to do in Copenhagen during the colder months! Still, among the most popular remain to visit the city\u2019s iconic Christmas markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several markets are held from early November \u2013 to late December. One of the local favorites is the Nyhavn Market in the harbor.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The festive decorations and docked boats make for a unique Christmas environment exclusive only to Copenhagen.<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rows of little wooden stalls house vendors selling traditional Danish handicrafts, authentic food, and hot drinks.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stroll along the pier and take in the surroundings.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aromas of freshly baked goods and hot wine linger in the chilly winter air as local musicians fill the waterfront with sounds of traditional Christmas songs<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christmas markets in Copenhagen are among the most magical (and the most romantic) in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dresden, Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Dresden<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

No list of most magical European Christmas markets would be complete without mentioning the oldest Christmas market in Germany<\/strong> \u2013 Dresden. Locally referred to as Striezelmarkt<\/em>, Dresden\u2019s Christmas Market dates all the way back to the 15th century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name is derived from Hefestriezel<\/em>, a sweet treat known as \u201cDresden Christstollen<\/em>\u201d (German Christmas Cake).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dresden Striezelmarkt <\/em>is situated in Altmarkt Square, in the old city center. It is surrounded by various Christmas Markets of different themes, spanning all the way up to the train station and the Albertplatz<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many authentic German Christmas gifts and d\u00e9cor were originally created centuries ago in the Erzgebirge <\/em>(Ore Mountains). The Erzgebirge <\/em>is located just a couple of kilometers outside Dresden, near the border of Czechia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Presently, many of the Christmas Markets in Germany are still supplied with handicrafts from this area. Striezelmarkt,<\/em> with its whimsical and convivial appeal, is a splendor in itself, an aggregation of traditional handicrafts and authentic gastronomy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each visitor will discover something to suit their taste. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n