Top European Christmas markets to visit this year
While fairy-tale cities in Europe are enchanting all year round, Christmas markets, or Chriskindlmarkts, transform them into a joyous winter paradise over the holidays. Europe is a particularly lovely destination to enjoy the holidays since Christmas markets first appeared there in the Middle Ages.
Selecting which of the hundreds of Christmas markets that take place throughout Europe from November through January may be somewhat difficult. If you decide to go on a river trip, think about allowing the cruise liner to arrange the itinerary for you. Numerous companies provide amazing itineraries, like Viking, AmaWaterways, and Avalon.
We’ve selected top Christmas markets throughout Europe for you to put on your wish list if you’re determined to make your own arrangements.
Slovakia’s Bratislava Christmas Market
With shopping in the main square, ice skating in Hviezdoslavovo Square, and panoramic views from the peak of Bratislava Castle, the city center’s three markets celebrate the festive season. The traditional Slovakian fare, such as grilled sausages and fried potato pancakes, is served in beautifully decorated wooden huts.
Hungary’s Budapest
The two busiest markets in Budapest are located in Vörösmarty Square and next to St. Stephen’s Basilica. In addition to handicrafts, these markets provide typical holiday fare including stuffed cabbage, goulash with paprika spice, Hanukkah delicacies, and Pálinka, a traditional fruit brandy.
Put on some skates and cruise the little ice rink by the Christmas tree. A great way to warm up at the end of the day is to visit one of Budapest’s thermal spas!
Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen
The fabled Tivoli Gardens theme park is home to Copenhagen’s Christmas in Tivoli, where thousands of vibrant lights and ornamented trees create an eye-candy display. Rice pudding, gingerbread, roast pig sandwiches, and aebleskiver (Danish pancakes) are available from food kiosks decorated in snow. A never-ending queue of market stalls sells crafts, leather goods, and knitted goods. You’ll need to set aside money for theme park entry if you intend to go.
Romania’s Craiova Christmas Market
The Christmas market in Bucharest may be more well-known, but Craiova is Romania’s secret gem during the holiday season, shining with four public squares with different themes: Mihai Viteazul, Fraţii Buzești, Doljeana, and Shakespeare. This village is transformed into a wonderland by elaborately painted Christmas homes and a wide variety of food vendors and handicrafts.
The Snow Queen fairy tale is the inspiration for Mihai Viteazul’s ornate décor, which includes an ice skating rink, a dream castle, a landscape of chilly, wintry colors, and a larger-than-life Snow Queen doll. In contrast, Fraţii Buzești Square is illuminated with cheerful Santa Claus and pleasant hues. Joining in on the festivities, nearby hotels, restaurants, and pubs deck out their interiors and hallways with lights and decorations.
Germany’s Dresden
Dresdner Striezelmarkt is a Christmas market that dates back approximately 600 years and is said to be the oldest in Germany. Sing-alongs, storytelling, and several hundred brightly painted market stalls can all be found here. To mark the days leading up to Christmas, Santa and his helpers open a window on an Advent calendar every day. Stollen, or German Christmas bread, and pflaumentoffel, an edible figurine constructed from dried plums, are two popular holiday delicacies.
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