Europeans start getting in the Christmas spirit as early as the first week of November. As a result, cities hold unique Christmas markets and become winter wonderlands with lights strung along cobblestone streets and beautifully decorated trees lining every corner. The festive season is full of spiced food, handicrafts and various drinks. Some festivals allow you to participate in online markets without physically attending the festival.
Europe has some of the world’s most enchanted Christmas markets, perfect for browsing for unique gifts and delicacies, warming up with a mug of mulled wine, and taking in the holiday spirit.
#1. Liseberg Christmas Market in Gothenburg, Sweden
The Lisberg Amusement Park in Gothenburg is open to visitors all winter long. The Christmas trees and stalls are decorated with over a million lights. Both Santa’s workshop and the ice rink are open to visitors. Warm up in the interim with a steaming cup of traditional Scandinavian mulled wine or decadent hot chocolate.
#2. Helsinki Christmas Market in Finland
Over 120 chalets line the city’s Senate Square, ready to greet you. There are quaint little shops selling wine everywhere you turn to warm your bones.
#3. Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany
The Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of Germany’s oldest (and best) Christmas markets. Nuremberg’s sensory experiences—its sights, sounds, and smells—are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. You can explore Nuremberg with a mug of glühwein in one hand and three sausages in a roll in the other.
#4. Poznan Christmas Market in Poland
Visitors have been amazed by the city’s splendour for centuries. Snowflakes, winter treats, and artisanal knickknacks transform the town into a wintry wonderland. No one can stop you from indulging in savoury pierogies, smoked cheeses, and hot goulash. The vendors selling kid-friendly decorations and toys will approach you.
#5. Bath Christmas Market in the United Kingdom
Hot springs, spas, and delicious food made by local artisans have made this city, affectionately called “good city,” famous for centuries. Visit the city’s many Christmas markets, decorations, lights, events, and restaurants and shops selling unique gifts.
#6. The Christmas Markets of Budapest, Hungary
The Gerbeaud Coffee House plaza hosts Budapest’s busiest and most well-attended Christmas market. ach year, around 100 stalls are set up around the slender Christmas tree, which is decorated with different colored ornaments.
#7. Sibiu Christmas Market in Romania
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit the Sibiu Christmas Market, which is located in the heart of Transylvania. Romanians from all over the country will bring their regional specialties to sell at this festival. Miniature Santa Park, ice rink, Santa’s Workshop, and a plethora of Christmas treats such as Cozonac (Romania’s Panettone), Kurtos Kalacs (chimney cakes), rich chocolates, flavorful local cheeses and charcuterie, toasted almonds, grilled sausage, mulled wine, and warm plum brandy are all available.
#8. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark
At Christmastime, Copenhagen’s colorful park becomes a winter wonderland with elaborate light displays and countless stalls selling sweet treats like honey cakes, making it a favorite of both locals and visitors. Do not be taken aback as you browse the stalls in the market. Traditional bands playing festive songs will greet you warmly.
#9. Cologne Christmas Market in Germany
The Cologne Christmas Market is the year’s culmination and one of the best in Germany. The Christmas markets in Cologne are notable for their stunning festive decorations, high-quality handmade gifts, and the most diverse selection of Christmas food. Delicious foods include potato pancakes, baked fish rolls, strudel, poffertjes, roasted chestnuts, flammkuchen, and raclette.
