As Christmas approaches, Europe’s Christmas markets come alive with lights, decorations and traditional treats.
Here you will find a list of the most famous markets that are the definition of the Christmas atmosphere.
Christkindlesmarkt Nuremberg (Germany)
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets, dating back to the 17th century.
It takes place in the main square of the old town, the Hauptmarkt. Filled with traditional wooden ornaments, candies and local products, it offers an atmosphere that delights visitors.
Another equally beautiful market is the one in Dresden. It is its oldest Christmas market Germany and has been taking place for about 600 years.
The Striezelmarkt in the market square is open this year from November 29th to December 24th. In addition to the House of the Elves and Santa Claus, you will see the largest hand-carved wooden Erzgebirge Christmas pyramid in the world, 14.61 meters high.
Flights to Nuremberg start from 62 euros, while to Dresden from 95.
Christkindlmarkt Vienna (Austria)
Christkindlmarkt Vienna
OR Vienna is buzzing with Christmas Markets, the most important being the Christkindlmarkt, which takes place in front of the Town Hall on Rathausplatz.
It is one of the most romantic markets. You will find thousands of lights, classical music and handmade ornaments. All this creates a truly festive setting that will enchant you.
It is also worth mentioning the market of the Christmas village “Weihnachtsdorf Maria-Theresien-Platz”, which is set up between the Museums of Art History and Natural History, and that of Spittelberg, with traditional crafts such as art objects, ceramics, jewelry, etc.
It consists of 100 stalls, an ice rink and a Christmas tree. However, in Vienna you will find other Christmas markets such as: Karlsplatz, the market in Schönbrunn.
Flights to Vienna start from 39 euros.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, France
With a tradition dating back to 1570, Strasbourg’s market is one of the most historic.
The Strasbourgis known as the “capital of Christmas and attracts over two million people annually.
It is spread across more than 10 sites, including part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Grande Île. The most popular spot is Place Kleber with its big Christmas tree.
Flights to Strasbourg start from 86 euros.
Basel Christmas market
The Christmas market in Switzerland it is divided into two different sections at Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz. There you will find over 150 wonderfully decorated stalls – shops.
Must-sees include climbing the 250 steps to the top of St. Martin’s Tower in Basel Cathedral for a magnificent view of the market and the illuminated old town (until 23 December).
Flights to Basel start at 50 euros.
Zagreb Christmas Market (Croatia)
It is no coincidence that in the last three years the Zagreb voted “best Christmas market destination” in the online poll of the European Best Destinations portal.
Advent therefore consists of about 25 Christmas markets scattered throughout the Croatian capitals. There are many open-air concerts and dancing, and you’ll find plenty of alcohol and street food (from December 2nd to January 7th).
The main markets are located in Ban Josipa Jelacica square, in the central square of the Lower Town and in King Tomislav Square. Outside the church of St. Mark in the Upper Town you will find the Christmas tree and you can also take a ride on the Merry Christmas Tram that connects Ban Jelacic Square with Zrinjevac.
Flights to Zagreb start from 67 euros.
Budapest
Photo: Travel.gr
Its oldest and most famous market Budapest is set up every year at Vörösmarty square in the city center and offers excellent street food. You will find quality hand-made objects made of blown glass, wood, leather, wool and clay, but also the traditional Christmas sweets kürtőskalács.
However, the most impressive Christmas market and the best in Europe for 2023 according to European Best Destinations research, is the Advent Feast in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica. Every afternoon, every half hour, you will see the facade of the Basilica transform into a fantastical Christmas narrative.
Flights to Budapest start from 22 euros.
Plaisirs d’Hiver / Winter Wonders, Brussels
If you think that some people celebrate Christmas a little too much, we would like to inform you that on Brussels the celebrations last about 5 weeks.
Located in the center of the city, Winter Wonders is a park that attracts more than 2.5 million visitors each year.
It also has a Christmas Market, which is spread over three different places: the Grand-Place which hosts the Christmas tree and the events, the Place de Brouckere which has the ice rink and the Place de la Monnaie.
Flights to Brussels start from 66 euros.
Edinburgh Christmas Market (Scotland)
Photo: Getty Images – George Clerk
The main Christmas market takes place in East Princes Street Gardens and consists of 70 stalls selling local food and handicrafts. Last year its visitors exceeded 2.5 million visitors.
Also, you will find the Big Wheel, the largest amusement park wheel in Scotland and the Santa train that rides through the decorated town. If you are traveling with children, the events at West Princes Street Gardens are an excellent choice
Flights to Edinburgh start from €58.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
Photo: Blooloop
Winter Wonderland is a giant Christmas amusement park at its heart London. It includes over 200 rides and the largest ice rink in the UK.
London Travel: A Complete Travel Guide
It is the newest of the markets in this tribute – it only started in 2005 – but it has become very popular with both permanent residents and millions of tourists (until January 1).
Flights to London start from 28 euros.
Sources: geografikoi, cnn, kathimerini
#top #destinations #Europe
It seems you’ve shared some content regarding Christmas markets in various European cities for the holiday season of 2024. Let me summarize and expand on the key points you’ve provided:
### Magical Christmas Markets: The Top Destinations in Europe
1. **Budapest, Hungary**
– **Famous Market**: Vörösmarty Square
– **Highlights**: Known for its vibrant street food scene, handcrafted gifts, and traditional Hungarian sweets like kürtőskalács (chimney cake).
– **Top Attraction**: The Advent Feast in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, featuring a stunning light show that transforms the facade into a Christmas narrative every half hour.
- **Flight Costs**: Starting from €22.
2. **Brussels, Belgium**
- **Event**: Plaisirs d’Hiver (Winter Wonders)
– **Duration**: Celebrations last about 5 weeks, drawing over 2.5 million visitors.
– **Locations**: Grand-Place (Christmas tree and events), Place de Brouckere (ice rink), and Place de la Monnaie.
– **Flight Costs**: Starting from €66.
3. **Edinburgh, Scotland**
– **Location**: East Princes Street Gardens
– **Features**: Approximately 70 stalls offering local delicacies and craft items, along with attractions like the Big Wheel and Santa train.
– **Visitor Count**: Exceeded 2.5 million last year.
– **Flight Costs**: Starting from €58.
4. **Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London**
– A festive experience featuring Christmas markets, an ice skating rink, and various attractions suitable for all ages, although specific details about this market weren’t fully provided in your content.
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Each of these markets delivers a unique experience filled with holiday cheer, local culture, and festive activities, making them ideal destinations for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit.
