Pure Destinations | Holiday Builder, Trips, Resorts

8 amazing Christmas Markets in Europe

There’s nothing more festive than spending December trailing through romantically lit Christmas markets, with the smell of freshly made gingerbread houses, chocolate desserts and mulled wine to tickle your taste buds. If you’re thinking of making a late escape to Europe, you might want to consider our list of 8 amazing Christmas Markets in Europe.

8. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is renowned for its Christmas fair and also considered to be the most awe-inspiring. Handmade gifts, food stalls, folk art and design stalls line the square from December to January. If you manage to pop by the markets on a Sunday you can enjoy lightning the Advent Candle on the man-sized wreath and watch the delicate choir perform festive melodies. Food is a core part of Budapest’s Christmas Market, with the renowned Chimney Cake prepared over a hot grill and Hungarian chocolates and sweets. You can even book at 2.5 hour guided tour of 2 Budapest Christmas markets to get in the festive mood as well as skate in the Ice Rink City Park and if you prolong your stay; a pool party in Lukacs thermal bath to bring the year to a brilliant end!

7. Dopenhagen, Denmark

Christmas in Copenhagen is a feast for the senses, with canal side festivities, outdoor theatricals and of course the traditional Christmas markets. The romantic Tivoli Gardens get a little sprinkle of Christmas during November and December, with a flourish of fairy lights that shine entertainingly over the lake where you can catch the stunning light show whilst sipping hot chocolate in hand. Live bands, choirs and firework displays can be found around the park as well as up to 60 stalls featuring rides, games and Christmas cuisine. One of the most popular events in Copenhagen is the Royal Copenhagen Christmas Tables exhibition; the tradition began in 1963 where 6 tables are set by artists and celebrities to tell different stories whilst offering a creative perspective on Christmas.

6. Vienna, Austria

The charming scenery of Vienna is especially romantic during the festive period. Situated in front of the City Hall, the Vienna Christmas Market is certainly one to add to the list, with many Christmas Villages scattered around the area! Families will love the specialized section designed just for kids, where they can learn to make Christmas cookies or candles adding to the festive fun! Handmade crafts and traditional gifts can be brought in the Christmas Village Belveedere Palace, with over 40 festively furnished stalls set against elegant architectural sights.

5. Zagreb, Croatia

During December, Zagreb comes to life with festive lights and traditional markets filled with quaint gifts and an abundance of delicious food. Zrinjevac Square is the place to be, with a nearby park that transforms into a festive spectacle with dance events, making this a wonderful destination for families and couples alike. The Jolly Christmas Tram will ignite the festive magic with Santa Claus, fairies and elves on board.

4. Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, known for its medieval riverside, displays one of France’s oldest Christmas markets in the country, with 300 chalets across 12 locations. Foodies will fall in love with the many culinary stalls Strasbourg has to offer, from the must-try gingerbread bakery to the many food quarters dotted around serving traditional sausages and choucroute. Burn off the calories by strolling around Place Kléber, home to majestic Christmas trees or enjoy ice-skating on Place du Chateau.

3. Dresden, Germany 24 Nov – 24 Dec

Germany’s oldest Christmas Market is Dresden’s Christmas Market, also known as “Dresden Christstollen” which means Christmas cake. Dating back to 1434, Dresden Christstollen is beloved by the locals and tourists, the market homes the world’s tallest Christmas tree 14 meters high and the world’s biggest nutcracker!

2. Brussels, Belgium 25 Nov – 1 Jan

Loved by many and for good reason too, Brussels Christmas market brings to life the enchanting excitement of Christmas. Stock up on gifts with over 200 chalets, walk through a parade of Christmas trees and fill your tummy with waffles, oysters, cheese and snails; and to wash it down, a choice of hot chocolate, coffee, liquor and warm wine. As for the entertainment, Brussels’ Christmas market doesn’t shy of festive fun, from fairground attractions, an ice rink, sound and light shows, concerts and a Japanese Origami Lights show.

1. Helsinki, Finland

Known as the perfect Christmas destination due to its fortunate timing of snow in the festive months, Helsinki is our number one pick for its merry ambience. St Thomas market is set in the heart of the town with 120 stalls that offer a variety of crafts, lanterns, Christmas decoration, food and hot drinks with a lively, sociable vibe. Unlike most of the destinations that make our list, Helsinki is unique in the fact that it holds an official Christmas street, oozing with festivities, each year the shops that line the streets outdo themselves with Christmas decorations making the entire street illuminate. 

Inspired by our 8 amazing Christmas Markets in Europe? Contact us today to book your Christmas getaway!