Christmas is undoubtedly one of the best times to experience other cultures. Everyone has traditions and yuletide is a European wide showcase of festivities. Sample tasty treats and browse countless stalls offering everything from handmade wreaths to unique gifts and trinkets. Whilst the UK is home to a number of visiting European markets, nothing quite matches the real deal. Read about our favourite 6 Christmas markets across Europe.
1. Monschau, Germany
This Christmas market isn’t restricted to a few wooden stalls in the town square. Instead the festive cheer extends throughout the town and incorporates all the permanent shops, cafés and restaurants. Complete with the picture postcard setting of traditional half-timbered buildings and cobbled streets, all that’s missing is a steam train encircling the whole tableau.
Besides the numerous food and drink stalls selling an array of treats to keep you warm, the town is filled with the tunes of various musical ensembles performing Christmas carols. However, if you are desperate to get in out of the cold, the carol service at the church is guaranteed to fill you with a Christmas spirit that will warm even the coldest of hearts. We mean you Scrooge!
2. Cologne, Germany
Cologne is home to 7 colourful Christmas markets. These include the Cathedral Market, the Alter Market, Heumarket, the Floating Market, the Fairytale Market and the Stadgarten Market. Each has its own distinguishing feature. If you don’t have time to browse all 7, we recommend Alter Market, Heumarkt and the Cathedral Market.
Regardless of which you choose to visit, make sure you go with an empty stomach. Shopping is just what you do whilst shuffling between food stands! Fill up on fritters served with apple sauce, bratwurst, gingerbread and glühwein, a traditional German mulled wine.
3. Strasbourg, France
The Strasbourg Christmas Market is perhaps the oldest and best know Christmas Market in Europe. The first recorded market took place in 1570 and today visitors can still enjoy the warm cheer of a traditional and authentic Alsatian Christmas.
Browse the beautiful handmade decorations, trinkets, and gifts and stock up on sweet treats to fill stockings. As well as spending the day shopping, be sure to pick up a program and stop by one of the many Christmas concerts and exhibitions on offer!
4. Lille, France
Lille sparkles with joie de vivre during the Christmas period. This particular market is an unrivalled showcase of regional specialities, arts and crafts. Take your pick of charming gift ideas and festive food. You must take away a gorgeous nativity figurine as a souvenir from your Christmas trip to Lille.
Time your outing just right and you’ll be treated to a visit from Santa. Watch as good old Saint Nick descends from the Chamber of Commerce Belfry and hands out sweets and small gifts to children.
5. Brussels, Belgium
Set up in Place Sainte Catherine, the best way to describe Brussels’ Winter Wonderland Market is whimsical reverie come to life. Spanning an impressive 2km, the market bursts with a festive atmosphere and activities. The whole thing is alight with the twinkling of fairy lights.
The market celebrates a mix of cultures as well as Belgium’s French-Dutch heritage. Combine this kaleidoscope of cultural influences with every Christmas markets piece de resistance- edible treats, and you have yourself a culinary Christmas experience you’ll never forget. Specialities include steamed snails, oysters, sticky gingerbread and forest mushrooms on toast. Oh, and not forgetting Belgian Chocolates of course.
For those that have had their fill of feasting and shopping why not ride the illuminated Ferris wheel or take a spin on the ice rink!
6. Vienna, Austria
The Christmas market which takes places in Vienna is an age old tradition which dates back as far as 1298. Over the centuries the Vienna Christmas Market has spread throughout the city and split into as many as 20 official markets. With each market selling an array of seasonal gifts and treats combined with the city’s picturesque streets make Vienna a good all-rounder at Christmas.
Cobbled streets and town squares are fit to burst with all kinds of glittering gifts and handcrafted toys perfect for putting under the tree. Follow your nose to the stalls selling candied fruits, Christmas punch and roasted chestnuts. Once you’ve shopped till you dropped, seek out the live advent calendar display. This crowd-pleaser draws visitors from all over and offers a charming reminder of what Christmas is all about.
We imagine all this talk of festive cheer will have sparked a little festive spirit amongst you. If you are beginning to feel excited for Christmas why not follow our Advent Calendar? Open the doors daily up until the 25th December for all sorts of treats!
Have you got a favourite Christmas market? Leave a comment below and let us know your recommendations.
