Christmas Markets

Christmas markets have been around for centuries.  Today they are as popular as ever with millions of people flocking to European destinations during December.  Their appeal is timeless and a wonderful way to get some Christmas spirit in traditional surroundings.   The beautiful lights and decorations amid historic landmarks, colourful stalls, music, and array of food and drink is sure to please those of all ages.

You may decide to take advantage of a cheap airfare and city break, or take the car.  Whichever way you choose to go, be sure to have your travel insurance and vehicle breakdown cover in place. If you fancy some ice skating or winter sports, then you should look for ski insurance.
 
There are far too many Christmas Markets throughout Europe for us to list here, so we have just included a few with links for you to do your own research.  Enjoy!

Antwerp, Belgium

The city centre of Antwerp, on Groenplaats, is the place to be for the festive stalls with locally made crafts, gifts, decorations and sweets.  There is an outdoor ice rink through January 8th at the Grote Market as well as plenty of opportunities for some hot mulled wine and Christmas food.  Web site:  www.visitbelgium.com.

Berlin, Germany

The city of Berlin is host to several Christmas markets around the city, but the most visited is the one at the Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church).  You will find the typical array of Christmas crafts and gifts but also some more unusual art pieces as well as modern and antique jewellery.   Web site:  www.berlin-tourist-information.de.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a festive place to be in December with the stalls and street vendors selling unique gifts and crafts, which may solve your problems for those hard-to-buy-for people or provide some unusual stocking-stuffers.  There is a lovely Christmas tree and ice rink and plenty of Christmas cheer.  The Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival runs through January 8th.  Web site:  www.brugge.be.

Brussels, Belgium

The Christmas market in Brussels is held in the picturesque Grand Place with stalls and a lovely Christmas tree.  You can indulge in mulled wine and Belgian chocolates and many other delicious treats.  The Ferris Wheel and ice skating rink are open throughout December. Web site:  www.visitbelgium.com.

Cologne, Germany

There is more than one Christmas market in the city.  The most popular is arguably the one set beneath the famous Gothic cathedral’s twin spires.   Browse the stalls and admire the magnificent tree as you watch the street musicians and sip some Glühwein.  Other areas of the city have attractions such as rides and puppet theatres. 
Web site:  www.koeln.de.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s Christmas market is traditionally held in the famous Tivoli Gardens.  With the wonderful Christmas lights and dozens of trees it is a winter wonderland.  The lake is turned into an ice rink for family fun.  You can warm yourself after skating with some Danish mulled wine, or glögg.   There is plenty of Christmas fun to be had for all.
Web site: www.visitcopenhagen.com.

Dresden, Germany

Lille, France

Lille provides Christmas magic in its Place Rihour with its many stalls, lights, food and drink and the big wheel in the Grand Place.
Website:   www.lilletourisme.com.

Munich, Germany

The heart of the old town of Munich is the main location of the Christmas market with its tall and beautiful Christmas tree.  There is a Crib Market selling traditional Bavarian nativity figures.  Add the bands and choirs, food and a mug of Glühwein and you will soon be in the mood for the Christmas celebrations.  
For more information on Munich visit:  www.muenchen-tourist.de.

Paris, France

Paris, as you might expect, has several Christmas markets.  There are too many to list here, so check on line or consult the Paris Tourism Office at: www.parisinfo.com or www.francetourism.com.

Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech capital is a great place for a quick getaway to pick up some stocking fillers and decorations and really get into the Christmas spirit. You will find plenty of musical entertainment also with bands and carollers.  Web site:  www.czechtourism.com.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg hosts one of the biggest and oldest Christmas markets in France.  The backdrop of the Cathedral is magical.   As Germany is just across the river, you could take a trip over to visit the markets there as well.  Web site

Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s Christmas Market, or ‘Christkindlmarkt’ is one of the most popular in Europe.  It has been a tradition for centuries and its setting in the square overlooked by the Town Hall is wonderful.  During December the Festival Hall is host to many choirs from different parts of the world.  Web site:   www.wien.info.