Final Information for The Finest Christmas Markets in Europe

January 26, 2024

134

Do you scent that? It is sizzling spiced wine wafting by the air combined with roasting sausages and nuts. It is Christmas in Europe which implies one of the vital festive methods to get into the spirit of the season: Christmas Markets! Ornately embellished stalls nestled collectively in metropolis squares promoting hand painted glass ornaments, seasonal meals, and all-around yuletide cheer. Rising up in America (Texas to be actual) I by no means skilled the magic that’s Christmas in Europe.

Now that I’ve had the pleasure of going to a number of the finest markets throughout Europe I am creating my final information to the European Christmas Markets! I made it my mission to go to a number of the finest in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and past. I’ve obtained you lined on your final information for the perfect Christmas markets in Europe.

*Fully up to date for 2023!

In relation to Christmas I at all times really feel like a child once more. However Europe appears so as to add an additional contact of magic. Strolling into the markets is simply an awesome sense of enjoyable, buddies, and happiness. For this itinerary, I am breaking down the perfect Christmas markets in Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria and past. I’ve additionally obtained a breakdown of what to purchase, eat, and I am displaying you a typical route with a purpose to get essentially the most out of your time!

See my picks for the finest Christmas markets in Europe and my present Christmas market highway journey itinerary!

What to anticipate

Europe’s Christmas markets are steeped in historical past. The primary market was mentioned to be held in Vienna, Austria courting again to 1296, however the first “winter market” was in Munich, Germany in 1310. The primary “official” market was Dresden’s Strietzelmarkt in 1434. Christmas markets are also called Christkindlmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindlmarket, Christkindlimarkt, and Weihnachtsmarkt and happen in the course of the begin of Introduction. Every market has it is personal traditions, decorations, and meals. Germany’s markets are typically extra conventional whereas Austria’s are typically a bit extra elaborate. Most markets finish simply earlier than Christmas, however in cities akin to Speyer, Germany they lengthen the celebration. You may see pretty stalls (or chalets) promoting handcrafted ornaments and crafts, native meals, and sizzling, mulled wine known as glühwein.

Keep away from the crowds: Europeans take Christmas markets very severely. Keep away from crowds and contours by going in the course of the day, or go for going in the course of the week, Mondays or Tuesdays are finest.

Good to know

Most of the stalls promoting glühwein (and a few meals) can have one thing known as a “pfand” that is extra cash that you will pay for the cup, normally just a few euros. As soon as achieved together with your drink you’ll be able to preserve the cup (normally they’re an incredible memento as they are saying the situation and date) or return it to get your a refund.

Deliver money, most sellers will solely take money at a Christmas market. The winter markets might be chilly, so be certain to convey one thing heat and comfy sneakers. You may more than likely be in your toes to peruse the stalls.

Most main European cities have Christmas markets, and they’re all pretty. However, I’ve been to dozens so I am pulling out the perfect Christmas markets to get the “actual” expertise together with an itinerary that can assist you in your means.

Finest Christmas Markets in Germany

The German Christmas markets are the unique and the perfect. Since they date again to the 1300s, most of the German Christmas markets nonetheless have fun traditions from the previous days. You may discover richly embellished Christmas stalls and conventional Christmas meals like bratwurst and kartoffelpuffer. I counsel beginning your journey in Germany. My ideas for Christmas markets in Germany are: Heidelberg, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Munich, Nuremberg and Dresden. Most cities in Germany, together with the smaller ones, will all provide a Weihnachtsmarkt, so you actually cannot go improper!

See my full information to the perfect Christmas Markets in Germany right here.

Nuremberg is steeped in custom and you will find an enormous market with tons to see, do, and eat. However my favourite is the extra laid-back Heidelberg. The markets are all through the Haupstrasse (the lengthy pedestrian avenue) and make it simpler for crowds to ebb and move by the road. You may discover ornately embellished stalls, roasting meats, and a car-free avenue to skip alongside from market to market. It exudes a small city and alluring feeling.

Munich began one of many first Christmas markets, so it is a disgrace to not go right here. They exit of their technique to beautify and even have themed markets, akin to their “pink” Christmas market. Bavaria tends to do issues just a bit bit otherwise and Munich actually takes Christmas up a notch.

Christmas Market Dates in Germany: Heidelberg – November 27 December 22, Munich – November 27 – December 24

Discover my full information to Heidelberg right here and Christmas Markets right here. Additionally information to Nuremberg’s right here.

❄️ Europe Packing Checklist Should Haves ❄️

🧥 Coat – Vital for any winter journey! This one doesn’t disappoint
👖 Thermal Leggings – Retains you heat all day.
👕 Thermal Undershirt – Added Heat
🥾 Boots– These preserve you cozy and are sturdy sufficient to put on within the snow
🧦 Wool Socks– preserve your toes heat and dry
🧤 Cellphone Appropriate gloves – These work so you’ll be able to nonetheless take footage of the Christmas lights!
🧳 Baggage – That is my go-to carry-on!
🔌 Universal Adapter – Finest for nation hopping
👜 Crossbody Bag – The perfect for retaining you palms free and your stuff protected
☃️ Beanie – A should for retaining heat (and looking out cute!)
🔥 Hand heaters – The key to by no means being chilly!
🧣 Scarf – So key to packing much less is to have equipment like scarves to change it up!
Get my full packing listing right here!

Finest Christmas Markets in France

Going to France is like stepping right into a Currier and Ives print. The superbly positioned real-life gingerbread homes surrounded with Christmas stalls, music, and sweet-smelling pastries are a feast for the senses. Essentially the most lovely Christmas markets are in Strasbourg and Colmar within the Alsace area.

Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are sprinkled all through town and each is prettier than the following. The decor is over-the-top however a lot enjoyable. The background of the overwhelming Notre Dame cathedral makes a grand assertion over the sq.. However the actual spotlight is the 30 meter tall Christmas tree! They name Strasbourg the Capital of Christmas and it at all times proves its level as the perfect place to spend the vacations.

In the event you suppose the decorations in Strasbourg had been elaborate, wait till you get to Colmar. Each constructing appears to be adorned with lights, ornaments, and even teddy bears! All over the place you flip is a half-timbered panorama of uneven, multicolored homes. It actually seems to be extra like a doll’s playhouse.

Christmas Market Dates in France: November 24 by December 30

Discover the information to Strasbourg’s Christmas markets right here.

Finest Christmas Markets in Switzerland

The right place for a winter wonderland is unquestionably in Switzerland. You may discover ski chalets nestled subsequent to Christmas markets and, in fact, the beautiful alps. You may enjoyment of artisan items and a few of my favourite treats. The perfect markets are in Basel, Bern, Lucerne, and Zurich. After touring by France it is very simple to get to Switzerland. The space from Colmar to Basel is about an hour and a half by automotive.

Basel is a fairly metropolis overlooking the water and a number of Christmas markets all through the massive squares. The decor right here is vibrant and beautiful and the markets are all inside strolling distance from each other.

My favourite market in Switzerland will not be too removed from Basel in Lucerne, Switzerland. Located on the lake, you may discover extravagant shows and a number of the finest cheeses on the earth. All of the retailers and shops are decked out for the vacations with blankets and sheepskin stools.

Christmas Market Dates in Switzerland: Lucerne – December 1-20, Basel – November 23 – December 23

Finest Christmas Markets in Austria

Austria has many pretty Christmas markets and small cities. You may discover them in Salzburg, Ellmau, Graz, and Kitzbuhel, however the perfect is in Vienna. The Vienna Christmas markets are one of the vital well-known and common in all of Europe. It is no shock why: the elegant chandeliers mild up the streets and paint an image of wealthy opulence. I discover the markets in Austria to be pretty, romantic, and an incredible mixture of conventional and trendy refinement.

Finest Christmas Markets in Vienna

There are a number of markets all through town however my favorites are Rathaus, St. Stephen’s Sq., Maria-Therea Sq., Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere, and Altes AKH. Take a trip on the Ringstrasse on Tram 1 to map out each the place you’d prefer to cease. You may discover that the buildings function unimaginable backdrops for the Christmas decor. At Rathaus (Metropolis Corridor) there’s an enormous, lit tree, an ice skating rink, and even a stage for reside music and performances. Remember to go contained in the Rathaus for an attractive view.

Do not miss St. Stephen’s and the magnificent church. You actually cannot miss it, the steeple is that prime. Take a stroll alongside Kärtnerstrasse to see the unimaginable chandeliers. Take a look at the Altes AKH to see the College campus remodeled right into a Christmas wonderland. The museum quarter already boasts pretty structure however it packs an added punch with the market in Maria-Theresa-Platz. That is additionally place to cease and have a standard strudel.

For an over-the-top market have one exterior a palace! Two alternatives for this at Schloss Belvedere and Schönbrunn. Each are lovely and the palaces solely add to the ambiance.

Christmas Market Dates in Austria: Vienna – Late November – December 23

Your European Christmas Market Route

Fly into Germany – I counsel Frankfurt. It is a main airport hub and makes it simple to go to your subsequent vacation spot. From right here, you’ll be able to take a practice or a automotive (I discover vehicles are best and make it so you’ll be able to cease off at any time). From right here, take a practice or automotive to Heidelberg, Germany. It is a typical Christmas market and can put you proper within the spirit. Subsequent, we’re heading to France! Strasbourg is barely about an hour and a half away from Heidelberg. After you get your fill of Glühwein our subsequent cease continues to be in Alsace: Colmar, France. An precise gingerbread city, it is one of many cutest locations I’ve ever stepped foot in!

After France, we’ll cross one other border and head into Switzerland. Right here we’ll go to Basel then Bern and if time permits we’ll go to Lucerne and again north to Zurich. This itinerary is ideal when you have 5-7 days. Have extra time, or simply need to see extra? Carry on going! From right here you’ll be able to return into Germany for Munich’s markets or go straight over to Austria. In the event you’re driving, cease off in Salzburg. However since it is a lengthy journey, I counsel flying to Vienna. Subsequent, you’ll be able to both head to Prague (my private favourite) or east to Budapest.

Pictured: Prague’s Christmas Market in Outdated City Sq.

Different nice spots for Christmas are London, Nuremberg, Dresden, Paris, Copenhagen, Brussels, Budapest, and Zagreb.

What to eat at Christmas Markets

Schokokuss – the easiest way to explain this dessert is to take marshmallow fluff, then cowl it with chocolate, and eat a dozen. Actually, these are cheap and are so mild and fluffy. I get one nearly each time I am going to a Christmas market.

Bratwurst – Genuine German meals is bratwurst and Rostbratwurst roasting regularly. Every Christmas market does it a bit otherwise so attempt one wherever you go. You may get it with bread and I at all times load up on mustard and onions.

Kartoffellpuffer – Take potatoes, fry them. It sounds easy however they’re completely divine. Often served with applesauce (bizarre however good) or garlic sauce. Give these a attempt!

Gingerbread – Also referred to as Lebkucken, you may discover each mushy and laborious gingerbread bought. Additionally they prefer to promote it in coronary heart shapes, wrapped in plastic, with phrases written on the cookie. I am unable to say these are very tasty, however they’re fairly!

Crepes – In the event you’re within the temper for one thing candy that is the proper Christmas market meals. Rolled up with Nutella, cinnamon, sugar, or honey, anybody can get their fill from this straightforward basic.

Frikadella – Considered one of my favourite meals on the Christmas markets are these hamburgers made with pork. Often served with onions and mustard they make for the proper hearty meal. Remember to seize some fries or pommes frites!

Candied nuts – the proper heat Christmas market deal with to pop in your mouth as you amble from stall to stall. These aromatic nuts will make you whip your head round as you stroll previous! You can too attempt roasted chestnuts aka “maroni” if you would like as effectively.

Germknödel – This common spherical dumpling is a German basic and normally stuffed with jam and topped with vanilla cream sauce. It isn’t overly candy however a pleasant addition to your mulled wine.

Glühwein – You can’t go to the Christmas market with out glühwein! I am completely hooked on this sizzling, mulled wine made with spices. It’s going to preserve you heat inside as you drink this candy liquid. Some markets additionally serve Feuerzangenbowle which is a mix of punch and glühwein and topped with a rum-soaked sugar dice then set on fireplace. Go forward, order two. In the event you’re alcohol free you can too order kinderpunsch!

See the 25 issues you must attempt at a Christmas Market right here!

What to purchase on the Christmas Markets

The whole lot sheepskin is on the market – gloves, hats, rugs and extra.

Preserve your glühwein cup as a enjoyable memento. If you wish to preserve with the alcohol pattern, many stalls provide liqueurs in fairly bottles which can be a superb present.

Most markets have their very own traditions and issues on the market. For instance, in Nuremberg they promote dolls manufactured from dates! Most gadgets on the market at Christmas markets are handmade and top quality. You will not essentially discover the most affordable gadgets however you’ll find one thing particular that can final.

Everybody deserves a winter wonderland break and Europe’s Christmas markets make for the proper magical escape. Christmas markets in Europe are a number of the finest reminiscences of my life, and I am already counting down the dates till subsequent 12 months!