Travellers keen on encountering snow, ice, Christmas, and a bit of cheery goodwill may well be wondering where to find an authentic festive market if they are crisscrossing Europe this November and December. At Wise Traveller, we provide some of the best to sample:
Germany
If there is one country that truly embodies all the fun of the Christmas market, it has to be Germany. There are markets in all major cities and operate from late November through December.
One of the standout markets that attracts thousands of locals and foreign travelers, is the one in Cologne. With its towering Gothic cathedral, there are a host of markets in different locations to keep the Christmas vibe going.
Bavaria's most famous market is in Munich, with more than 100 stalls (November 25-December 24), while you can shop till you drop in Frankfurt with a 100-foot-tall Christmas scene as the backdrop to the main Christmas Market (November 25-December 22).
In Nuremberg, you'll be further wowed by the festive atmosphere and their famous gingerbread creations. Berlin's WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt and Dresden's Striezelmark are also among the best to visit.
Austria
In Salzburg, home of Mozart and The Sound of Music, the town comes alive with tradition. Market stalls appear as incarnations of when they were first created in the 1400s. Carol concerts and snow complete this idyllic setting. (November 21, 2024-January 1, 2025).
Czech Republic
Among the traditional cobbled streets with a backdrop of fairytale-like buildings, a Christmas market in Prague presents the perfect setting. The Old Town Square is the site of a magical market with a gigantic Christmas tree. Admire the famous astronomical clock and Gothic Church of Our Lady while browsing the stalls. (November 30, 2024-January 6, 2025).
Denmark
Copenhagen is a delightful place to be at any time of the year, but more so between November 8 and December 21 when its largest Christmas market at the Tivoli Gardens is on. With its atmospheric Ferris wheel and skating rink, the vibe is complete with the aroma of caramelised almonds and cinnamon-infused mulled wine. Tivoli is truly a winter wonderland.
Estonia
If it's a Baltic blast you’re looking to experience, then you can't go far wrong than Tallinn's medieval market. Here you'll find gingerbread, black pudding, mulled wine and other seasonal fair to complete a memorable time in Tallinn.
The market, running from November 22 to December 27, is a stunning setting with a tall Christmas tree centre stage. Adding to the inevitable snowy scenes are handmade crafts and arts produce, brass bands and dance troupes. For those doubting its authenticity, they might be surprise to learn that a Christmas market has been a firm favourite here since the 1440s.
Croatia
Zagreb might not be on your Christmas list, but November 30 to January 7, 2025, means a Christmas market is overflowing with food and drink goodies. The capital of Croatia hosts more than 20 markets around the city, so you will be spoilt for choice. Sample plum brandy and sausages as you wander the stalls and experience the festive Croatian atmosphere.
Best of the rest
Travellers heading to Europe will undoubtedly be spoilt for choice if they are looking to sample Christmas joy. Don't forget there are also excellent markets and celebrations in Stockholm, Sweden; Oslo, Norway; Helsinki, Finland; and Seville, Spain, to name but a few to enjoy.
Andy Probert is an independent PR writer and journalist who writes about travel experiences, airlines, airports, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph, The Sun, Daily Mirror, as well as many newspapers/magazines globally.
