Is it too early to start talking about Christmas? No, if you want to ensure a wonderful trip to one of the the most beautiful winter destinations in Europe and enjoy that magical atmosphere that only Christmas and the pre-Christmas period can give. In this article we will find out which are the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe and which ones are the best to visit.
Il European continent has always been considered the most beautiful and characteristic during the Christmas period, this especially in the big cities of northern Europe that for the occasion organize delicious Christmas markets where you can fully enjoy the magical Christmas atmosphere.
Da mid-November and throughout December traveling throughout the European continent you can discover some spectacular Christmas Markets, with beautifully decorated log cabins and inviting lounges where you can pamper yourself with a glass of mulled wine. They are the ideal place to choose handmade gifts, ornate decorations and tasty and distinctive sweets.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe
If you want to better enjoy the pre-Christmas period, here are the ones best destinations in Europe to visit the beautiful Christmas Markets. Any of these destinations will be perfect for where to go for spend a wonderful weekend at the end of November or during the month of December 2022.
Brussels (Belgium)
Christmas a Brussels it seems every year getting bigger. The Christmas market stretches through the streets from Grand'Place to Ste-Catherine, and covers nearly 2 kilometers. Each of the 240 market stalls is a small covered wooden hut that mainly sells hand-made products, delicious treats and drinks.
As you walk among the quaint stalls you will notice a large Ferris wheel illuminated by 18.000 lights and, of course, the 200-foot-long skating rink.
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Lilac (france)
A giant Ferris wheel is the centerpiece of the wonderful Lille Christmas market, which takes place in the picturesque square Place Rhiour. The French city sums up the magic of Christmas, with rows and rows of fantastic stalls, where you'll find everything from artwork to handcrafted wooden toys.
After deciding what to put in Santa's sack, visit one of the many bars or restaurants to enjoy a plate of authentic French cuisine - cooked Camembert is a must.
Where sleeping in LilleDubrovnik - Dubrovnik (Croatia)
The Croatian coast of Dalmatia may not seem like the most obvious destination for a trip to the Christmas markets, but the region resurrects beautifully during the winter months.
One of the best features of the Christmas markets in Dubrovnik is the fabulous decoration and displays, which illuminate the city's historic buildings, UNESCO sites and the XNUMXth-century city walls. The market itself boasts a wide range of stalls and shops specializing in handmade gifts, sweets and authentic Croatian foods.
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Stockholm (Sweden)
All snow lovers can visit Stockholm during the holiday period. Fortunately, snow is almost always guaranteed in the Swedish capital.
Stockholm's Christmas markets are a must if you are looking for a magical atmosphere for your winter holidays; all accompanied by traditional dishes such as Swedish meatballs and pear cider.
Combine your visit to Stockholm with a tour of the best attractions in the city, including the Nobel Museum Riddarholm Church and the fantastic ABBA museum, a tribute to the four of the nation's greatest stars.
Find out where to sleep in StockholmMadrid (Spain)
Are you looking for something slightly different? Why not put a Spanish touch in your Christmas holidays by visiting Madrid? The lively capital of Spain is a great choice for a winter vacation; its climate is relatively mild considering the time of year.
During the festivities, the city transforms itself, comes alive with impressive shows and dresses up in sparkling lights. Madrid is a fantastic choice for tasting gastronomic specialties, with a delicious selection of Spanish cuisine, Spanish wines and beers, chorizo and tasty churros.
Find your hotel in MadridBerlin (Germany)
Germany has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe - the ones in Cologne, Nuremberg and Frankfurt are very beautiful. Berlin could easily be described as the capital of the traditional Christmas markets if you judge the quantity. During the Christmas holidays, the German capital will host around 60 markets across the city.
Il mercato di Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church it is the largest and most popular, in fact it welcomes around 2 million visitors every year. Not to be missed Winter World at Potsdamer Platz in the city center which will be transformed into a vast winter landscape with the largest slide in Europe.
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Verona (Italy)
Every year, from mid-November to January, Verona it is illuminated by hundreds of lights, as it hosts a large Christmas market offering handmade decorations and regional specialties and products. And don't forget to head toArena di Verona to enjoy the surprising spectacle of over 400 nativity scenes, displayed in a context of lights and music.
Discover the best hotels in VeronaParis (France)
Why not combine elegant shopping in the French capital with visits to magical Christmas markets that sell traditional products and handmade items? With over 350 wooden chalets, the market of La Defense is the largest while Champs-Elysees claims to host the most beautiful market in the city. And to taste the traditional sweets of France you can reach the market located at the foot of the Torre di Montparnesse.
Discover the best neighborhoods to sleep in ParisInnsbruck (Austria)
From mid-November to January, the market in the old town of the Tyrolean capital becomes a truly festive destination. Surrounded by medieval houses, the Christmas tree lights twinkling under the famous Golden Roof, with the Nordkette mountain snow-capped, as a seasonal backdrop, you can stroll through more than 60 stalls displaying wooden toys and hand-carved sculptures. Be sure to see the fairy tale figures come on shops of Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen that adorn the alleys.
Find your ideal hotel in InnsbruckStrasbourg, France
First held in 1570, the Christmas Market in Strasbourg is the oldest in France and one of the most famous and popular in all of Europe. According to the organizers, the market welcomes more than two million visitors every year.
There are 300 stalls scattered around 11 different locations in the city center, mostly around the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and along the Place Austerlitz, Place Gutenberg e Place Kléber. You can shop for beautiful decorations, sample lots of traditional delicacies, or head to the book market and the Belgian Village.
Where sleeping in StrasbourgVienna, Austria
Vienna can claim to be the main center of Christmas markets in Europe, with numerous markets scattered throughout the city, such as the market Karlsplatz, the market Stephensplatz and the old historic market of Freyburg which dates back to 1772.
The most romantic of the Viennese markets, however, is located in front of the magnificent Palazzo Schönbrunn, a neoclassical palace once owned by the Imperial family. The facade is illuminated and provides the perfect backdrop for around 60 stalls, filled with handicrafts and traditional food. There's also a giant Christmas tree and treats like chocolate-covered strawberries, sweets, and gingerbread cookies.
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