Top 10 European Christmas Markets to Visit this Christmas 2023
As the festive season descends upon us, the enchanting holiday destinations of Europe transform into a winter wonderland, twinkling with Christmas lights and bustling with cheer. There's no better way to soak in the festivities than at a Christmas Market! Imagine meandering through the various stalls; the air filled with the scent of mulled wine and the sound of Christmas carols, as you shop for unique Christmas gifts.
From the historic Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, to the picturesque Strasbourg market in France and the festive Winter Wonderland in London, these markets are the heart and soul of the year-end festive season. Read on for more!
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1. Christkindlesmarkt, Germany
As one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is a must-visit during the festive season and could be considered the best Christmas market for many.
In the wooden booths of “the little city of wood and cloth” you can find traditional, often handmade Christmas decorations and sweet treats such as gingerbread and Spekulatius almond cookies. And for those who are hungry, the iconic Nuremberg Bratwurst, crackling pork and mulled wine await!
📅 1 - 24 December 2023
Find more info on the Christkindlesmarkt website.
2. Strasbourg Christmas Market, France
Image credit: Strasbourg Capitale de Noël
Also known as the Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg Christmas Market is situated in several locations near the city center, this market enchants visitors with its charming Alsatian atmosphere, delicious food, and beautiful decorations.
Indulge in specialties like bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies) and hot white wine, gauranteed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
📅 24 November - 24 December 2023
Find more info on the Strasbourg Christmas Market website.
3. Winter Wonderland, London
Image credit: Winter Wonderland Hyde Park on Facebook
London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a must-visit European Christmas market. Boasting a festive extravaganza featuring over 100 market stalls, festive rides, and even an outdoor ice skating rink, there's definitely something for everyone here!
Inspired by German Christmas markets, Winter Wonderland offers a unique blend of British charm and German traditions. Visitors can enjoy sipping steins of beer at the Bavarian-style beer tents and enjoy live music while enjoying a juicy bratwurst.
📅 17 November 2023 - 1 January 2024
Find more info on the Winter Wonderland Hyde Park website.
For even more festive flair - book this Christmas Lights Tour in London!
4. Edinburgh's Christmas, Scotland
Image credit: Edinburgh's Christmas Facebook
Edinburgh’s Christmas market, offers a delightful array of festive stalls, a Ferris wheel, and an ice rink, with the illuminated Edinburgh Castle as its backdrop. If you are travelling with the little ones in tow, don't miss a visit to say hi to none other than Santa Claus himself at St Andrews Square!
📅 17 November 2023 - 6 January 2024
Find more info on the Edinburgh Christmas website.
5. Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, Germany
Image credit: Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market presents a breathtaking setting adorned with festive lights, and offers a variety of food and gifts. With over 150 wooden chalets, this market is a feast for the senses. With twinkling lights, a majestic Christmas tree and lots to see, eat and do - this market makes for a great evening spent with friends and family.
Enjoy ice-skating at the outdoor rink before tucking into hearty and delicious German fare for dinner, yum!
📅 23 November - 23 December 2023
Find more info on the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market website.
6. Budapest Advent Feast at the Basilica, Hungary
Image credit: Advent Bazilika
The Budapest Advent Feast at the Basilica is a festive extravaganza with traditional Hungarian crafts, lots of good food, ice-skating, and charity events. Located in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the most impressive squares of the Hungarian capital, this Christmas market offers a unique festive experience with different programs running every day!
📅 17 November 2023 - 1 January 2024
Find more info on the Budapest Advent Feast website.
7. Bruges Winter Glow, Belgium
Image credit: Bruges Winter Glow website
The Bruges Winter Glow offers a romantic Christmas market experience with ice skating, winter illuminations, and Belgian treats.
Image credit: Bruges Winter Glow website
The most amazing thing about this Christmas Market is its Light Experience Trail, 'Aurora'. Inspired by the Northern Lights, you can follow the trail walk of 2.5 km to discover 10 unique light installations on a route that passes by some hidden yet surprising places in the city! How cool is that?
📅 24 November 2023 - 7 January 2024
Find more info on the Bruges Winter Glow website.
8. Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, Austria
Image credit: Salzburg Christmas Market Website
The historic Austrian market of Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt offers traditional stalls, festive food, and daily choral performances. Dating back to the 15th century, this is a traditional Christmas market with a modern twist.
Whether you are sipping on a cup of mulled wine or exploring the market stalls, the joy of Christmas is palpable.
📅 23 November 2023 - 1 January 2024
Find more info on the Salzburg Christmas Market website.
9. Düsseldorf Christmas Market, Düsseldorf
Image credit: Dusseldorf Christmas Market website
The Düsseldorf Christmas Market features six unique themed worlds, including gingerbread houses, Renaissance-style huts, and fairy tale-themed LED lights. Each market is a world in itself, offering a range of experiences, from gingerbread houses modelled after Düsseldorf’s historic burgher houses to fairytale-themed LED lights that create a mesmerizing festive atmosphere.
There's also an ice rink for those who want more Christmas magic - and if you're looking for a bird's eye view of the whole market, head to the Ferris Wheel on Burgplatz!
📅 23 November - 30 December 2023
Find more info on the Christmas in Düsseldorf website.
10. Colmar Christmas Markets, Colmar
Image credit: Colmar Christmas Markets website
Finally, the Colmar Christmas Markets in France captivate visitors with their charming timber houses, beautiful decorations, and delicious Alsatian wines. From the stunning festive decorations and bright twinkling lights to the quaint timber houses and the lovely decorations along the canal, this market is a sight to behold. There are six markets to explore, each with its own special theme, so take your pick and enjoy discovering them!
With stalls selling stunning jewellery pieces, Christmas decorations, gingerbread hearts, and unique Christmas gifts and souvenirs, there is something for everyone to take home!
📅 Various markets have different dates ranging from 23 November - 30 December 2023
Find more info on the Colmar Christmas Markets website.
European Christmas Market Food and Drink Specialties
Visiting a Christmas market is not complete without savouring the traditional food and drink offerings. Whether it’s the succulent Bratwürst from Germany, the comforting hot chocolate from Belgium, or the spicy mulled wine, these treats add a delicious layer to the festive experience.
Savoury Delights
Savoury treats are a cornerstone of European Christmas markets, and among them, the Bratwürst holds a special place. This traditional German sausage, originating from Germany, has been a staple at Christmas markets for centuries. Grilled to perfection, these sausages are usually served on a bun or with bread, providing a hearty respite from the cold as you navigate through the bustling market.
Sweets
European Christmas markets are a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. Indulge in a variety of desserts, from traditional German lebkuchen (gingerbread) and stollen (fruit bread), French crêpes and gaufres (waffles), to British mince pies and Christmas pudding.
Each country offers a unique spin on holiday sweets, making every bite a new experience in this festive dessert journey.
Mulled wine
Mulled wine, also known as Glühwein, is a festive drink that is popular across European Christmas markets. This warm and spicy beverage, made from red wine, orange slices, and a mix of spices, is a perfect accompaniment to the festive cheer at these markets.
As you sip on this comforting drink, the aromas of the spices mixed with the wine truly encapsulate the spirit of the festive season.
Tips for Visiting European Christmas Markets
Planning ahead is key for a fulfilling Christmas market visit. November and December are the ideal months to experience European Christmas markets when the weather is usually chilly with an average temperature of 0°C to 5°C.
Dress warmly and comfortably, with layers, boots, warm socks, hats, scarves, and gloves. Travel light, carry cash for transactions, and be careful with fragile items in busy stalls.
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