Brrrr….is the thought of Winter making you shiver? Maybe a hot glass of mulled wine can warm you up. Because what could be better than to visit one of the many beautiful Christmas markets this winter season.
Whilst Germany is rightly known for having some of the biggest and most incredible Christmas markets in the world,such as the Nuremberg Christkindlsmarkt, nevertheless, the rest of Europe also has some great markets worth exploring.
Perhaps our list will inspire you to head off on a spontaneous short trip this year?
1. Munich, Germany: Munich Christmas Market
Photo: muenchen.de/Dan VauelleFrom 27.11.2018 to 24.12.2018, you can experience the Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz in Munich. Surrounded by the beautiful old town, this is probably the most popular Christmas market in Munich. Stroll through the stands, listen to the music and enjoy a hot mulled wine in the company of your friends and family.
2. Vienna, Austria: Christmas market at the Spittelberg & Altwiener Christkindlmarkt
Photo: Verein der Freunde des Altwiener Christkindlmarkt
With 17 different Christmas markets in Vienna visitors can be spoilt for choice, however the Spittelberg and the Altwiener Christmas market is a real insider tip. Both of these markets are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. The highlight of the Altwiener Chistkindlsmarkt is without question the “largest nativity scene in Austria”. The Spittelberg market captivates with its 100 exhibitors who among other things offer jewelry, ceramics and arts and crafts, but also tease the palate with plenty of culinary delights.
3. Prague, Czech Republic: Christmas market at Wenceslas Square
Photo: Taiko, a. s.If you really want a beautiful place to enjoy the Christmas spirit, then head to Prague! This incomparable city impresses with its beautiful buildings which, with some help from the light of the Christmas illumination, make everything seem like a fairytale.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Christmas village on the ice
Photo: Andrea RossignoliEvery year, Amsterdam’s Museumplein turns into a charming Christmas village. However, it is not just a Christmas market with stalls selling delicious food and hot drinks. The centerpiece of the market is an ice skating rink, where you can spend a few laps with your loved one and enjoy the breathtaking atmosphere.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland: European Christmas Market
Photo: Fraser Cameron
Not many can compete with this city during the Christmas season. In a nutshell, the Scots have transformed the area in the new-town into a large German Christmas market. From mulled wine to fried sausages, here there is no shortage of anything. And if you do not feel like eating and drinking then why not take a spin on the Ferris Wheel or enjoy the skating rink!
6. Stockholm, Sweden: Christmas market in the market square
Photo: Michael Caven
If you want to go to a Christmas market in Stockholm, do not miss the oldest city on Stortorge Square. It has been around since 1837! The small red stalls sell Swedish sweets, sausages, reindeer and elk meat and of course glögg (mulled wine). It also sells handmade jewelry. So, what are you waiting for?
7. Brussels, Belgium: Winter Wonders Christmas Market
Photo: Eric Danhier
This special Christmas market doesn’t just run until January 6, 2019, it even spreads throughout the city! Every year, Brussels turns into a “winter wonderland” full of lights, decoration, markets and even a parade. The Christmas market has been awarded one of the best in Europe. Eat one of the famous, fantastic Belgian waffles or just let yourself drift in the crowd. Wouldn’t a trip to Brussels be a great Christmas present?
8. Barcelona, Spain: Fira de Santa Llúcia
Photo: http://www.hlloret.com/barcelonahotelramblasblog/fira-de-santa-llucia/
When you think of a Christmas market, it’s not necessarily Spain that comes to mind, let alone Barcelona. But beware, the Spaniards are very fond of Christmas and Christmas markets. Anyone who does not feel like the icy cold weather in Germany, Switzerland or Austria, yet still wants to experience Christmas spirit should head straight to Barcelona!
9. Rome, Italy: Christmas market in Piazza Navona
This Christmas market is in Piazza Navona, one of the most famous in Rome. Here you will find a large selection of local stalls, Christmas cookies, traditional toys, street artists and rides. Furthermore, this market runs until 06. January 2019, so that there is still time to book a spontaneous trip to Rome.
10. London, England: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Photo: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/Lastly, but by no means any less special is the “Christmas Market” in Hyde Park, London. We highlight the words “Christmas Market” because it almost resembles a big folk festival. With 14 million visitors a year, it is one of the largest in the world and offers over 100 rides, shows, food and souvenir stalls, an ice rink and even a “Bavarian village”. If all the rustic Christmas markets in central Europe are too small for you, then this is the place for you.
If you need any help or advice with booking and finding hotels whilst exploring Europe’s Christmas markets, then we can help you! Just contact us at www.secretplaces.com, by email to info@secretplaces.com or by phone +351214647430.
