Which Are the Best Christmas Markets in Europe?

Here, we give you a list of the six European Christmas markets that we like best.

 

Vörösmarty Market, Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is recognized worldwide as one of the most beautiful European cities. Lights and ornaments further enrich this magical place during the Christmas season. It’s hard to resist grabbing your camera and photographing everything.

There are many Christmas markets around the city, but the biggest is the Vörösmarty Market. You’ll be able to taste the best of the best from the Hungarian culinary tradition. The delicious smells wafting through the air will tempt you everywhere you turn. Wine, chocolate, strudel, meat: a journey of wonderful flavors!

Old Town Square Market in Prague, Czech Republic

The Staroměstské Náměstí Market on the Old Town Square in Prague is perfect for both young and old. If you want the atmosphere of an enchanted city, you’ll be able to find it here. Lights, colors, smells and more. After a hot dog and a glass of red wine, you will feel completely immersed in the world of Christmas.

Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona, Spain

Right in front of the catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia), the Fira de Santa Llucía in Barcelona, which has been held since 1786, is a unique event. Christmas in Catalonia has a very special touch. Don’t be surprised if the booths of Christmas decorations also have unusual items, such trunks or a man defecating. Forget Santa Claus, gifts arrive here by the Caga Tio, a trunk with eyes, eyebrows, nose, a typical Catalan “Barretina” hat and a blanket to not get cold. Tradition says that if the whole family hits him with a stick, he’ll “shit” gifts for everyone. The Caganer (the defecating figure) is also an essential figure in any typical Catalan manger and is supposed to bring joy and luck. You may be wondering about the Catalan’s scatological obsession… but we’ll tell you about that another day.

Christkindlmarkt, Vienna, Austria

The center of Vienna during the month of December is a veritable sea of lights. The Austrian city is filled with Christmas decorations that will transport you to another world as you walk through its streets. The largest market is in at the Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz): the Christkindlmarkt. An explosion of colors, local produce and crafts, holiday items, and choirs carol. You can find more information about activities here: http://www.christkindlmarkt.at/

Weihnachtsmarkt Spandau, Berlin, Germany

Live music, gingerbread and toasted almonds: these are three of the many things you’ll find at this Christmas market in the old town of Spandau. With nearly 400 wooden stalls, it’s the largest of the Berlin Christmas markets. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get to enjoy views of the town covered in snow. Be sure to dress with a warm coat, scarf and gloves.

Christmas market in Bressanone, Italy

The Christmas market in Bressanone, a town in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano in northeastern Italy, offers something different and unique. Gastronomic specialties, Christmas decorations, local artisans and something magical. Every Saturday and every Sunday, you can travel in a Christmas coach through the historic center of the city. In addition, the Museum of Christmas, you will see its famous  Nativity scenes.

 

Don’t wait any longer to experience the magic of Christmas in one of these markets!