Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Five of the best European Christmas Markets
As soon as Summer is over and the leaves start to fall and the evenings start to draw in, my thoughts immediately turn to Christmas.
Christmas in Europe is a time for magical fairy lights, mulled wine, delicious pastries, midnight masses in gothic churches, Christmas wishlists, candle-lit evenings spent with family and friends, and of course – Christmas markets.
If you haven’t yet experienced a European Christmas market, you really should add one to your bucket-list.
Most markets start on the Friday before Advent (4 weeks before Christmas) and run through to December 24th, although some keep on until Epiphany (January 6th).
Typically, a Christmas market consists of a series of beautiful wooden chalets that are centred around one or more of the town’s main squares.
You will find a selection of handmade Christmas items, woollen sweaters, Christmas decorations, candles and jewellery, as well as an enticing array of food (typical to the region) and steaming hot mulled wine.
The general atmosphere appeals to all your senses with the beautiful twinkling lights, the seductive smell and enticing taste of the delicious cooking, the sound of Christmas music and the feel of the different handmade gifts.
There are so many markets to choose from across Europe, (in France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the United Kingdom……), you are sure to find one that fits your requirements.
Here are my top 5 Christmas Markets, but wherever you go, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Five of the best European Christmas Markets
Vienna Christmas Market, Austria
17th November to 26th December 2021.
Why Go
Of all the Christmas markets, I have to say that Vienna is my favorite! There can be no better place to get into the Christmas spirit than at the Christmas markets in Vienna. “Have a look at this post for more about why I love Vienna.
From mid-November to Christmas, Vienna’s prettiest squares transform into enchanting Christmas markets, and the beautiful lights against a backdrop of spectacular architecture, together with the tempting aroma of Christmas baking and mulled wine make for a truly magical experience.
This Christmas tradition dates back to the Middle Ages when in 1298 Albrecht I granted Vienna’s citizens the privilege of holding a December Market or “Krippenmarkt”.
Nowadays, over 20 official Advent Markets sell a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats from mid-November to Christmas.
One of the most well-known of the Christmas Markets is the traditional “Vienna Magic of Advent“, which turns the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land, with enticing sweets, warm drinks and an array of tree decorations and Christmas crafts. There is also a Christmas craft workshop for kids inside the City Hall, an ice-skating rink and a carousel.
Not far from here is the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz, located between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art, with over 70 stands offering traditional handicrafts and original gift ideas .
Another ‘not to be missed’ Christmas market is in front of Schönbrunn Palace, where the imperial backdrop, combined with the tempting aroma of Christmas baking and mulled wine makes for a truly magical atmosphere.
Many of the Christmas markets translate seamlessly into a New Year Village after Christmas, and did I mention that Vienna is also a magical place to spend New Year’s Eve?
What to do
Where to Stay
Booking.comStrasbourg Christmas Market, France
26th November to 26th December 2021.
Why Go
The Strasbourg Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Europe (it dates back to 1570), and takes place in the heart of the Grand Île, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Come and marvel at all the twinkling fairy lights along the Rhine river, and at the Great Christmas Tree in the Place Kléber, which towers 30m above the town.
The Christmas market has successfully managed to preserve the spirit of the festive season, and you will be entranced by the city’s warm atmosphere and the crafts, Christmas decorations and gifts on display at the 300 wooden chalets set up in the city’s historic centre.
You will find traditional wooden toys and blown glass candles, and the delicious aromas and mouth-watering bredele (traditional small cookies) will tempt your taste buds, and of course, you will be able to partake of the traditional mulled wine.
What to do
Where to Stay
Booking.comAachen Christmas Market, Germany
19th November to 23rd December 2021.
Why Go
Aachen is regularly listed as one of the top Christmas Markets in Europe and its ease of access for travellers from France, Belgium and the UK make it a must visit destination, as the 1,5 million visitors who come to the Aachen Christmas market each year will testify.
Aachen is a really pretty destination, and for approximately four weeks before Christmas, the squares and lanes around the Cathedral and town hall are transformed into a beautiful Christmas village, with sparkling lights, traditional cooking and the scent of mulled wine (called Glühwein, which literally translates to ‘glow-wine’, because of how you feel after you’ve been drinking tiny mugs outside in the cold December air)
Don’t forget to try the ‘Aachener Printen’ (a sort of spicy gingerbread)
Where to Stay
Booking.comPrague Christmas Market, Czech Republic
27th November 2021 to 6th January 2022.
Why Go
Prague’s magical Christmas markets with their beautifully designed wooden chalets take place on the 4 major squares – Old Town square, Republic square, Wenceslas square and Peace square.
You will find great gift ideas as there is a vast selection of Christmas decorations, toys, jewelry, winter clothing and accessories. It is also a great alternative to the usual Christmas shopping experience, and it’s sure to get you in the festive spirit.
Renowned for being the most vibrant and busy of all Prague´ markets, the Old Town square market hosts some special Christmas events and features lives shows, carol concerts and dance performances along with a great festive atmosphere.
There is also a market at Prague Castle, which takes place at St George’s Square and at the Stable yard, and features a great selection of high quality Christmas goods all in the most incredible location and atmosphere.
It’s altogether a different atmosphere to visiting Prague at Halloween!
What to do
Where to Stay
Booking.comBrussels Christmas Market, Belgium
26th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022.
Why Go
The Brussels Christmas market, known as ‘Winter Wonders’, is the most popular of the Belgium Christmas markets, with approximately 2.5 million visitors from all over the world.
“Winter Wonders” is the unmissable end-of-year event in Brussels with its magical lights, fun activities, interesting gift ideas, delicious food and warming drinks. The majority of the Christmas market is centred around the Grand Place, where you will find the majestic tree, a magnificent sound and light show, a life-sized manger and a host of Christmas market stalls to tempt your tastebuds and your purse!
You will also find market stalls around the Bourse, the Place de la Monnaie (where you will also find the skating rink), the Place Sainte-Catherine and the ‘Marché aux Poissons’, selling an array of treasures to appeal to all tastes and all ages.
Once you’ve exhausted the shopping and eating possibilities (or possibly before) you can take advantage of the various fairground attractions (Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds,…), and the light and festive parades and concerts.
What to do
Where to Stay
Booking.comFinal Thoughts about Five of the best European Christmas Markets
These are five Christmas markets that I have been to in previous years and that I have loved. I checked and they are all open this year!
However, I have a few more of the best European Christmas Markets to share with you next week, including the Baden-Baden Christmas market in Germany and a guest feature on the Budapest Christmas market in Hungary, so be sure to check back then for some more Christmas Market Inspiration.
I hope you enjoyed this feature about Five of the best European Christmas Markets, and have a look here for more travel inspiration.
I love visiting Christmas markets, and this is a great list.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks Lovely! I love visiting Christmas Markets too! I will be doing a digital and print guide to the top ten Christmas markets this year 🙂
So cool; I am adding all of these to my travel bucket list!
Lee
So glad you liked the post x
What a great list of Christmas markets! Such a shame it’s just another yea with more new travel restrictions just before Christmas but I definitely would like to visit all! xx
Elegant Duchess xx
https://www.elegantduchess.com/
Totally agree! These markets are all open, but travelling to them may be difficult! I just had to cancel a planned trip for next weekend 🙁
Wow this post is so beautiful! How many enchanting places to visit. I really hope one day to see them all. My sister two years ago went to the Brussels Christmas Market and said it was amazing. Thanks for all the tips also about where to stay and what to do 🙂
xx Dasynka
http://dasynka.com/
So glad you enjoyed the post Dasynka! xx
Such a great post! I have been to the Brussels market it was wonderful! Would love to visit the other 4 destinations.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thanks Gemma! I have loved all the Christmas markets I’ve been too! I think there is something special about the atmosphere! xoxo
They look so magical, I have been to so many of these places but never in Christmas time. Thanks for taking me back to Europe I miss it so much. happy holidays. Cris Santos
http://www.photosbycris.com.au/
Thank you Cris! So glad you enjoyed the post! Happy holidays xo
These look so amazingly festive! I’d love to visit one one day – we don’t have Christmas markets like this here as it’s not cold, it’s summer at Christmas time, so you don’t get all the lovely cosy snow!
Hope you are having a good weekend! It’s a busy one here with lots of fun events, last night was a Christmas event at a theme park!
Thanks Mica! It must be fun to have Christmas in the sun! I would love to try it one year x
If I have a chance I would love to visit at least one of these European Christmas markets. Enjoy your weekend.
Thanks Nancy! I hope you get a chance to visit one when travel opens up fully again x
Mu lindos mercados. Te mando un beso
Thank you!
OMG, I have one friend on a cruise seeing the Christmas markets as we speak. It’s definitely cold, but the experience is amazing!!
OXOX
JOdie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes, the experience is amazing, but it is definitely cold! I thought of trying the Christmas markets in Italy this year to see if it was warmer, but had to cancel because of Covid! 🙁
These look like so much fun! They are definitely on my bucket list!
Thank you! Glad you liked the post x
Pleasure to see this post!
Thank you Christine! Glad you like it x
These all look so magical, but I’m still waiting to visit NYC at Christmas. It’s been on my bucket list forever! One day LOL…
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
NYC has been on my bucket list for ages too! I want to see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Centre x
I have the Aachen Christmas Market on my bucket list!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Definitely worth a trip, but all the German Christmas markets are beautiful x
Beautiful Pictures.
Bernie,
The Style Fanatic||Instagram
Thank you! Glad you like them x
I would love to visit every single one of these Christmas markets! I love the holiday season so I know this would be an amazing experience!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks Kathrine! All these markets are amazing! xo
Love Aachener Printen 🙂 Sadly this year many Christmas markets are not open again due to the covid…
Thanks, Angie. All of these markets are open this year, but restrictions, such as wearing masks, are in place and travelling to them may be difficult 🙁