7 Good Christmas Markets in Europe
Published by Anne McDermott on October 15, 2019
7 Good Christmas Markets in Europe
Ready for the holidays? You will be, once you visit a traditional Christmas market in Europe. They are everywhere, in big cities like London and Paris and smaller places like those listed below where the shopping is fun and the food is fabulous. Most are open from late November through New Year’s Day.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: This city boasts multiple markets selling everything from Christmas decorations, one-of-a-kind gifts, pastries, produce, and much more. It also offers ice skating, musical performances, and thousands of twinkling lights. Learn more here.
Brussels, Belgium: One of Europe’s larger Christmas markets features more than 200 individual chalets or shopping stalls, a sound-and-light show, ice-skating plus a holiday parade of Winter Wonders. Learn more here.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Several to choose from but don’t miss the Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market on Axeltorv where each stall is named for one of the author’s fairy tales. Sip hot chocolate while you admire the jewelry and other fine gifts amidst a blizzard of Christmas lights. Learn more here.
Edinburgh, Scotland: Great shopping and plenty of Christmas delicacies but you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from atop the city’s Big Wheel. Stick around ’til New Year’s for the traditional Hogmanay street party, then on Jan. 1 watch some brave souls take a freezing dip in the Firth of Forth during the annual Loony Dook. Learn more here.
Glasgow, Scotland: The biggest markets in this city, in St. Enoch Square and George Square, attract traders from all over the world. Look for specialty wines and beer plus unusual hand-crafted gifts set in what the city describes as a ‘festive village of rustic cabins and stalls’. Learn more here.
Munich, Germany: These Christmas markets date back to the 14th century with meticulously hand-crafted gifts and toys including an entire market devoted entirely to mangers. Try some gingerbread, hot mulled wine and excellent German sausages. Lots of kid-friendly fun, too, like cookie-baking workshops. Learn more here.
Prague, Czech Republic: Dubbed the most charming Christmas market in Europe, Prague’s holiday extravaganza features thousands of tree ornaments and other decorations plus gifts of clothing and beautifully hand-crafted items. When you need a break, try the hot mead and sugar-coated roast nuts, and don’t miss the bratwurst. When you’re tired of shopping, watch a display of sword-making or listen to carol singing under the lights in Wenceslas Square. Learn more here.
Find Flights to Christmas Markets in Europe
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