1. Cologne Christmas Markets, Germany
Welcoming in excess of 2 million visitors each December, six delightful
markets featuring 160 stalls offer something to delight everyone; from the
traditional market of Altermarkt, with its nostalgic children's roundabout
and plethora of toy stalls, to the floating market onboard MS Wappen,
displaying more than 40 stalls and a daily visit from Santa himself. The
markets are open from 25 November to 23 December, and according to one
TripAdvisor traveller "The food is unique and the atmosphere is pure
Christmas heaven: prepare to eat and shop."
2. Nuremberg Christmas Market, Germany
If the picture-postcard ideal of a warm and cosy setting with an endless
supply of mulled wine, coupled with local delicacies and a handful of good
old festive spirit appeals to you - Nuremberg is your spot. Open between
1-24 December, it is one of the best known Christmas markets in Germany,
dating back to 1628. The 200-plus quaint stalls, set around the cobbled
square in the heart of the Old Town offer live music, a host of children's
activities and, if you're looking to rekindle that spark "Nueremberg
tends to be more romantic after dark," according to one TripAdvisor
traveller.
3. Vienna Christmas Market, Austria
Set amongst the imperious surroundings of the grandiose former hub of the
Habsburg Empire, Vienna's markets have something to offer everyone. No
wonder then every year the city welcomes millions of visitors eager to soak
up the atmosphere as well as sample the delights of the spiced mulled wine
and Christmas treats. Whether it be the market in front of the Town Hall
with its intricately decorated trees, the Christmas Village of the market at
Schoenbrunn Castle, or the historical market at Spittelberg, elegant Vienna
will make sure you get the best start to the Yuletide festivities as one TA
traveller noted "On a cold night it was the best market we discovered
in the most amazing setting ever." The market is open from 16 November
to 24 December.
4. Prague Christmas Markets, Czech Republic
Christmas in Prague is an eventful affair with markets throughout the city
playing host to concerts, theatres and even a petting zoo. The biggest
market (and most popular) is to be found on the cobbles of the Old Town
square and it is here that you can stroll past the brightly coloured wooden
huts, whose wares include handicrafts, hot food and warm drinks. Smaller
markets yield handmade jewellery and toys and are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
throughout the festive period. As one TA traveller remarked "It's a
lovely time to visit the city. Seen through the mist of cold breath Prague
is great, even more magical if there is snow. And, yes, there are Christmas
trees galore."
5. Budapest Christmas Market, Hungary
Although one the newer markets, running for the past six years, there's no
shortage of festive delights to be sought, with one of the most popular
being the many handmade arts and crafts on display. In the heart of Pest,
Vörösmarty Square is transformed into a myriad of colourful stalls, and if
you get tired of shopping, there's a chance to rest your tired feet and
watch the central stage with a selection of shows, acts and concerts, sure
to keep the children entertained. According to one TripAdvisor traveller "It's
the best and most traditional market we have seen."
6. Tivoli Christmas Market, Copenhagen, Denmark
Enjoying a beautiful setting in Tivoli gardens (Europe's oldest amusement
park) hundreds of Christmas lights sparkle to light up 60 colourful and
enticing stalls. One of the attractions is the main lake which is magically
transformed into an ice rink. If you're feeling particularly energetic try
some of the park's rides which remain open over the festive period,
including one of the world's oldest wooden roller coasters. Add a splash of
several music and theatrical productions to keep the festive spirit alive,
some good old Danish grub and spicy red wine and you'll be wishing Christmas
was not just once a year. As one TripAdvisor traveller said: "Tivoli at
Christmas time is magical. Be sure to be there after dark as Tivoli is best
seen when all the lights are sparkling."
7. Brussels Christmas Market, Belgium
With street entertainers galore and a wonderful food selection, Brussels is
not just about Christmas shopping. Open from December 2 until January 1, the
wonderful aromas that fill the Place Saint Catherine (where the market is
held) will entice even the most stubborn Christmas scrooge. More than 200
stalls display wares from across Europe - from traditional arts and crafts
and jewellery to that famous must-have Belgian chocolate, you'll be digging
deep to splash out for a special treat. This year there are ice-rinks for
adults and toddlers so no-one need feel left out, and according to one
TripAdvisor traveller: "Brussels has a great Christmas
atmosphere…little cabins sell Christmassy stuff from all over Europe and
beyond."
8. Salzburg Christmas Markets, Austria
Known as much for the delicious food and mulled wine on offer as it is for
selling Christmas delights, the markets set around the many cathedral
squares and courtyards in the city offer an exciting Christmas buzz. This
year's markets run from November 23 until Christmas Eve and if you're done
with the strolling and soaking up the Christmas spirit, try your luck at the
ice skating at Mozartplatz or simply watch the various street musicians and
performers, while snacking on the plentiful gingerbread. As one TripAdvisor
traveller said: "The Salzburg Christmas market is one of the nicest in
Austria."
9. Munich Christmas Market, Germany
With more than 140 stalls, the main market of Marienplatz dates back to the
17th century and is described as one of the most traditional markets selling
all manner of wares - from handicrafts and sweets to the seemingly mandatory
mulled wine, roasted nuts and baked apples. Stay until late afternoon and
you'll enjoy choirs and brass bands from the Town Hall balcony. There are
smaller markets dotted throughout the city including the Schwabing where
local artists congregate to sell their treasured gifts. As one TripAdvisor
traveller put it: "The market in Munich is wonderful…full of booths,
ornaments, gluwein, and good cheer."
10. Krakow Christmas Market, Poland
As unique as the city it's held in, the bustling market on the main Town Hall
square has everything a Christmas market should have: mulled wine by the
barrel-load, traditional fare including speciality sausages and cheese,
local handicrafts, festive displays and best of all fruity Polish vodkas -to
warm the cockles. Put perfectly from one TripAdvisor traveller: "It's
very Christmassy and the square in Krakow is just stunning."
