If steaming mugs of mulled wine and the odd pretzel or two sounds like your idea of a good time, then Europe’s slew of Christmas markets are right up your alley. Here are 8 of the world’s best Christmas markets that will have you jingling all the way to December 25.
The world’s largest Christmas market, this Austrian icon is held annually near the Rathaus, Vienna’s historic city hall. Picture 100 booths nudging an ice skating rink, and a neighbouring park decorated with an elaborate festive lights display. The market’s history dates back to the 18th Century, and it attracts around 3 million visitors each year.
This is one for the wine lovers and one of Italy’s most loved Christmas markets. It can be found in a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the wine region of Piedmont. The historic village is transformed at Christmas time, tempting artisans from all over the country, who are joined by plenty of Italian street food stalls, and ample local wine.
Not only one of Berlin’s largest Christmas markets, but considered one of the city’s more authentic offerings. Hosted in the old town of Spandau, this medieval market is a feast for the senses – traditional wooden huts surround a large fir tree in the middle of the square, selling handmade art and crafts, and local specialty mulled beer.
Considered the world’s first genuine Christmas market, it launched in 1434 and this year will be its 589th celebration. These days it’s expanded into 200 stalls where you can get your hands on Christmas decorations, goodies, and German fare. Don’t miss out on a chance to jump on the ferris wheel for a view of it in its entirety.
Picturesque is an understatement for the Christmas market in Prague’s Old Town Square, nudging the Gothic Tyn Cathedral, and its neighbouring Baroque and Renaissance architecture. The market itself promises Christmas trinkets, live entertainment, and endless food – partner your Czech beers with Prague ham, and halušky, a local dish which mingles cabbage, ham, and potato dumplings.
While some call it a little too commercial, this is a market that appeals to the masses. It’s particularly renowned for its food, with specialty dishes by the dozen – chow down on pretzels, crepes, and Alsatian sausages including ‘boudin blanc’, topped with sauerkraut and mustard.
Scotland’s capital becomes even more magical at Christmas, especially at East Princes Street Gardens. It’s here you’ll find 80 stalls of traditional chalets hawking artisanal festive wares and hearty Scottish food.And rest assured it’s uber family-friendly thanks to an adjoining ice rink, and Big Wheel (Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel).
Nestled in the heart of the city is this major Christmas attraction which tempts around 800,000 visitors annually. While it boasts plenty of stalls of local specialties (like langos and chimney cake) and gifts, most come to see the oversized advent calendar make its daily window reveal.
