My Favorite European Christmas Markets

“Everything is softer and more beautiful when Christmas waves a magic wand over this world.”

Peale, Norman Vincent

In terms of weather, winter is arguably not the ideal season to travel to Europe. I would willingly — and have, in fact — brave freezing weather for the Old Continent’s historic, evocative Christmas Markets, which are something that other nations simply cannot match.

Bring along your mittens, tuque, and winter boots (don’t judge; that’s how we call them in Canada!). Grab your camera, because you’re about to embark on an incredible photographic adventure that is nothing short of magical.

Europe’s Top Six Christmas Markets

Germany’s Esslingen

I’ve already written a lot about Esslingen and how, even after visiting this town four (four!!!) years ago, I’m still completely enamored with it. The small historical center is home to a number of markets, each with its own unique atmosphere and specialties. Ironically, with more than 200 stalls, it’s also one of the biggest in the area.

But the main attraction is the Medieval Market, where craftspeople like glassblowers, broommakers, and blacksmiths dress historically and showcase their distinctive skills just as their forebears most likely did here hundreds of years ago.

Further reading: Germany’s Greatest Christmas Markets

Austria’s Vienna

The Austrian capital’s Christmas market tradition dates back to the 13th century, when Albrecht I gave the locals the right to host a December fair known as the Krippenmarkt. With its seemingly endless stalls, the opulent Wiener Christkindl on Rathausplatz is undoubtedly one of Vienna’s biggest, but its impressive location just in front of the magnificent neo-Gothic City Hall and its self-dubbed “sea of lights” formed of advent candles make it well worth the trip. The ice skating rink, which I politely skipped because my poor motor coordination prevents me from getting near sharp blades, is also located here and is where the most energetic guests will find it.

Situated between the magnificent Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art, Christmas Village on Maria-Theresa Platz also allowed me to browse the festively decorated market stalls. I was thrilled to observe residents enjoying a glass of glühwein during their lunch break when I visited during the day (crazy Europeans, huh?).

Vienna is the world’s capital of music, and because the International Advent Singing festival takes place there each December, it’s the place to go for choral singing. During the four Advent weekends, about 80 choirs from different countries perform for free at City Hall.

Germany’s Charlottenburg Palace

The most enchanted and possibly most breathtakingly gorgeous Christmas market in Europe is undoubtedly the one at Charlottenburg Palace. Even though it was just formally inaugurated in 2007, the 300-year-old royal palace, which was illuminated for the event, makes it feel like nothing out of the ordinary.

About 150 merchants sell traditional goods such arts and crafts, antique handicrafts, jewelry, clothes, and a variety of gourmet cuisines, making it one of Berlin’s largest. This specific market is the ideal introduction to German Christmas markets and a terrific place to start any market trip because of its incredibly traditional approach, baroque soundtrack, and outstanding background.

Further reading: Berlin’s Top 8 Most Enchanting Christmas Markets

Germany’s Passau

There is no place more evocative of Christmas than Passau. One of Europe’s most beautiful cathedrals, St. Stephan’s Cathedral, with its three characteristic green-domed towers, is located in this little village on the Austrian border. It is modest in size but abundant in breathtaking landscape, and it also provides a backdrop for the charming Christmas market. With only a few stalls offering regional crafts and aromatic foot-long bratwürst in the purest German fashion, this one is far simpler to explore than its more touristy competitors.

Slovakia’s Bratislava

The Christmas markets in Bratislava are a true representation of the city: small, charming, and utterly charming. The lighted trees scattered around the bustling square are perfectly complemented by the red-and-white awnings that set the mood. However, you should never consider visiting a Slovak Christmas market without indulging in one, two, or three (I don’t judge) lokše, a delicious potato pancake that can be served sweet or savory. Try one with bryndza, the most popular cheese in Slovakia.

I strongly advise ascending to the top of the Old Town Hall’s tower, which is depicted above, for an unhindered aerial perspective of the Main Square market, Bratislava’s castle, and the charming old town.

Hungary’s Budapest

Budapest, a winter beauty unto itself, is not to be outdone by Europe’s more well-known Christmas destinations. Budapest certainly knows how to make the most of the holidays, as seen by its sky-high flickering Christmas tree and more than 100 cottage-style wooden pavilions that cover every square inch of stately St Stephen Square. This is your opportunity to savor Hungarian delicacies like toki pompos (flatbread pizza with sour cream, onions, and bacon) and kurtoskalacs (cinnamon pastry chimney cakes), as well as highly unappreciated Hungarian wines.

European Christmas Markets: The Places I’ve Always Wanted to Visit

France’s Strasbourg

Sweden’s Stockholm

France’s Colmar

Austria’s Innsbruck

Norway’s Trondheim

Switzerland’s St. Gallen

Germany’s Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Russia’s St. Petersburg

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European Christmas Markets: Research Before Traveling

You can arrange a trip that includes visiting Christmas markets in several nations in a number of ways. You can rent a car, purchase a Eurail pass, or, if money permits, reserve a river cruise with a Christmas theme.

No two Christmas markets in Europe are exactly the same, despite the fact that they have a common form and mood.

Watch out for the expansive marketplaces that sell phony “Made in China” souvenirs. Markets should focus on traditional craftsmanship and artists; give them priority.

These days, temperatures can be notoriously unpredictable, just like anywhere else in the world. In addition to drinking mulled wine in warm +10 degrees, I have been to Christmas markets in freezing conditions and with a ton of snow. Before you travel, check the weather prediction and make appropriate packing arrangements, but don’t expect to see the ideal winter scene; given the recent changes in the climate, it’s possible that you won’t.

Why not do your Christmas shopping at the markets if you can’t stand the idea of having to buy your mom some bath products or your dad another tie? Beautiful jewelry, winter clothing, gourmet delicacies (which you will never find anywhere else), wooden souvenirs, and even exquisite wines are available. Make sure your baggage has adequate space for presents!