Posted on Thursday, 10 November 2022

Few experiences get you in the festive mood better than a visit to a Christmas market.

Europe is blessed with dozens of annual markets, hosted in the continent's most historic cities.

From beautifully decorated Christmas trees to unique gifts, from mulled wine to ice rinks - there's something special for every age group - making it the perfect festive family getaway.

Which European Christmas market should you choose?

Here we look at the best Christmas markets across mainland Europe, as well as here in the UK.

Vienna, Austria

19th November to 26th December 2022

Each Christmas, the aroma of tantalising baked goods and hot punch fills the air in Vienna's beautiful squares.

The most famous of the city's markets is the "Vienna Magic of Advent", set in the City hall Square.

With its fairy tale theme, it boasts wonderful festive decorations, gifts and sweets, while kids love the various Christmas workshops and the carousel.

The City Hall’s trees are an attraction in themselves, laden as they are with stunning light decorations.

Another Christmas market is held by the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace, offering traditional handicrafts, decorations, children's Christmas workshops and festive concerts.

 

Copenhagen Christmas market

4 November to 21 December 2022

The lively Danish capital is a short flight from the UK, making it a great destination for a weekend Christmas trip.

The city's Christmas market is set in front of the charming Town Hall and is ideally suited to families.

The splendid Tivoli gardens are also nearby, offering classic fairground rides and more festive decorations.

Round off the visit with a stroll along the Nyhavn, which is stunningly lit-up in December.

 

Madeira and Porto Santo, Portugal

1st December 2022 to 8th January 2023

Improve your chances of some winter sun while experiencing a truly festive Christmas market in Madeira and its neighbouring island, Porto Santo.

As ever, the island's exotic flowers play a big role in Christmas celebrations - with many still in bloom thanks to the pleasant climate.

The markets also boast traditional handmade gifts, plenty of delicious festive-themed food and drink, and one of the finest Christmas fireworks displays in Europe - which has secured a place for itself in the Guiness Book of World Records.

 

Brussels, Belgium

25th November 2022 to 1st January 2023

Each year the organisers of Brussels' famous Christmas market set the bar even higher - keen to compete with the likes of Vienna, Strasbourg and Budapest as a pack-leading European festive destination.

Called Winter Wonders, the Brussels' Christmas market offers sound-and-light shows by the Grand-Place, a life-size manger, an ice rink, and a thrilling array of stalls laden with special gifts and delicious treats.

Strasbourg, France

From 25th November to 25th December 2022

Strasbourg arguably has the longest heritage of any Christmas market, having taken place consistently for decades.

The core of the market is 300 beautifully decorated chalets offering charming gifts, festive food and mulled wine.

It really is one of Europe's most enchanting cities during the festive period, with many streets laden with lights and decorations.

Located in the Alsace region, Strasbourg is just across the border with Germany, so you could visit the enchanting Black Forest too, if you have time.

 

Advent Feast at the Basilica, Budapest, Hungary

18th November to 1st January 2023

Opening on November 18, Budapest's Advent Feast at the Basilica has won the Best Christmas Market in Europe award 2022.

Set before the splendour of St. Stephen's Basilica, this event has been running for 11 years and features more than 100 gastronomic vendors.

Light shows, live music and even a Hungarian blacksmith are among the other draws.

There are also a number of family and children's programs, including a ‘real-life’ Santa Claus and an ice rink.

 

Metz, France

18th November to 24th December 2022

This beautiful Christmas market has been running for a decade and boasts a magical lantern trail, a ferris wheel, merry-go-round and numerous chalets selling locally made gifts and cuisine.

Classics such as mulled wine and hot chocolate are on-hand to warm you up, alongside many other gastronomic festive treats.

Spread across the city's many squares, the event doesn’t focus entirely on Christmas - there are also many artists and designers showing off their wares (including Philipe Stark), along with start-ups and unique concept hotels.

Edinburgh, Scotland

19th November 2022 to 3rd January 2023

If you plan to stay in the UK over Christmas, why not head north to the Scottish capital for some vegan pigs-in-blankets, mulled Irn Bru and various Harry Potter-themed gifts (after all, JK Rowling wrote her magical best sellers in this very city).

East Princes Street Gardens is the focal point for the festive do, with highlights including Santa Land.

There's also fun to be had on Castle Street, which plays host to Santa's Grotto - as it does every year.

Valkenburg, Netherlands

Many claim Father Christmas came from their town - but Valkenburg aan de Geul is more certain than most.

Located in the enchanting Heuvelland region on the river Geul, it calls itself the European City of Christmas.

A bold claim given the competition, but there's no denying the magical atmosphere of this city, with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, a wonderful choice of food and drink, and lots of things to do for all ages.

 

Craiova, Romania

11th November 2022 to 8th January 2023

Craiova's spectacular Christmas markets are located in four places: Mihai Viteazul Square, Old Center (Piața Frații Buzești), William Shakespeare Square and the Doljana Fountain zone.

These areas are linked by fabulous lights decorations comprising one million LED lights!

Craiova is famed for its large, colourful dolls - which could make the ideal Christmas gift for the folks back home.

Another highlight is the collection of fairytale-themed Christmas cottages, painted and carved by some of Romania's most prominent artists.

Indeed, the Christmas markets also play host to The Artist Awards, so you can expect a lot more exciting artwork.

Trier, Germany

18th November 2022 to 22nd December 2022

Arguably Germany's best Christmas market, Trier has been wooing festive visitors for 43 years and is still going strong.

With the incredible Trier Cathedral as a backdrop, the market features 95 beautifully decorated booths - the core of the event.

The program changes daily, featuring puppet shows, tenors and singers.

Mulled wine is a specialty at Trier, with unique tipples such as "Original Moselle Vintner Mulled Wine".

A wide array of arts and crafts complete the offering.

Govone & Asti, Italy

12th November to 18th December 2022 - weekends only

The diminutive village of Govone comes alive every Christmas when it plays host to one of Italy's best-loved festive markets - "Magico Paese di Natale ''.

Located in the UNESCO-listed region of Piedmont - famed for its sumptuous wines - you can expect some exciting mulled wine on your visit, plus lots of other hearty Italian cuisine.

Alongside artisanal food and wine, you'll get to enjoy a Santa-themed musical show every day, hosted in the grounds of Govone's magical castle.

The most convenient airport is Turin.

Lake Como, Italy

November 27, 2022 – January 6, 2023

Why not combine an exploration of the awe-inspiring Lake Como with a festive market?

This year's Christmas market will be held across Como's historic centre, covering: Piazza Grimoldi; Piazza Cavour; Piazza Verdi; Via Pretorio; Rome Square; Via Maestri Comacini; Via Muralto; and Promenade Lungo Lario Trento.

Zurich, Switzerland

November 24 – December 23, 2022

Zurich is not a city for a budget Christmas break - but if you have the extra spending money, it's sure to be a unique and rewarding experience.

The city has numerous festive markets, but a focal point is the charming Old Town, and the “Weihnachtsdorf” Christmas village on Sechseläutenplatz near Bellevue.

There's also a spectacular 15-metre Christmas tree at Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Main Train Station.

Punch, mulled wine, and classic Swiss delights such as raclette and fondue are sure to warm you up as you explore the many stalls.

The entire Lake Zurich area plays host to a number of festive markets, so there's plenty to enjoy for all tastes.

Basel, Switzerland

Featuring 180 chalets run by local traders and artisans, Basel's buzzing Christmas market takes place in the history-steeped Old Town.

Literature and music are the main themes - aside from Christmas itself. A host of events are pencilled in.

Compared to larger Christmas markets like Strasbourg and Nuremberg, Basel's offers far more authentic, locally made gifts - as opposed to the mass-produced items commonly found at bigger events.

More than 900,000 people visit Basel's market every season, and it has become one of Switzerland's top festive events.

The city itself is more than worth visiting - located at the meeting point of three nations: Switzerland, Germany and France.

It's entirely possible to visit both the markets of Zurich and Basel in a single day - although you'll get more from the experience by staying longer in each.

Don't miss the towering Christmas tree located in the iconic Münsterplatz , made even more magical by a range of stalls selling delicious bites and handicrafts.

Tallinn, Estonia

25th November 2022 to 8th January 2023

Awarded the ‘Most Beautiful Christmas Market in Europe’ three years ago, Tallinn offers an historic setting, carousels, and a Santa Claus who hands out sweets to children who are good at reciting verses (and to those who are not!).

Food-wise, there's delicious Christmas roasts, gingerbread and the obligatory flagons of spicy mulled wine.

You can also buy all manner of winter accessories, handicraft and nik-naks to fill up those Christmas stockings.

Prague, Czech Republic

26th November 2022 to 6th January 2023

The Gothic Czech capital is an ideal setting for an atmospheric Christmas market.

This year features an assortment of wooden stalls selling festival gifts, blown glass balls, glass pearls, wooden toys and hand-embroidered tablecloths.

Gingerbread biscuits, roasted chestnuts and delicious Czech grilled sausages are sure to delight young and old, and for the grown-ups there's plenty of mulled wine.

Bruges, Belgium

25th November 2022 to 8th January 2023

The mediaeval city of Bruges plays host to one of Europe's best-loved Christmas markets - an event that seems to consume the small city with festive cheer.

Located in the Market and Simon Stevinplein, you'll find many stalls selling local delicacies and warming Christmas drinks.

And while spiced glühwein is not to be missed, there are also lots of fabulous beers to try (after all, Belgium arguably makes the world's best).

Aside from Christmas, there's a wealth of historic attractions to enjoy, too - from Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary) to the Belfry of Bruges (350 steps) to the enchanting St Salvator’s Cathedral.
 

Manchester, United Kingdom

12th November to 22nd December 2022

Manchester hosted the first-ever Christmas market back in 1998, and the event has flourished annually ever since.

Indeed, nine million visit the market each year, drawn by some 220 festive stalls offering international cuisine and unique gifts.

Expect magicians, street theatres, LED light performances - and designated family area.

A key focal point is the ski chalet stalls in Piccadilly Gardens, covering Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Street, St Ann's Square, The Corn Exchange, Exchange Square, and King Street.

The Manchester Christmas lights trail is another highlight - a route illuminated by giant baubles, a Manchester bee and Father Christmas himself.

There’s also a great family-friendly ice rink called Skate Manchester - set around a beautifully decorated tree.

There are 10 sites spread across the thriving city centre - which is in itself a great Christmas shopping destination.

Malaga, Spain

26th Nov 2022 to 5th January 2023

People from across Spain, Europe and beyond flock to Malaga to see the fabulous Larios Street Christmas lights; the 'switching-on' event alone attracts thousands.

You'll find evidence of Christmas celebrations across this coastal city, with trees, wickerwork figures, and many beautiful poinsettias. There are also lots of nativity scenes across the city.

Every evening the crowds are treated to light shows and musical performances.

And perhaps best of all, December temperatures can reach 18 degrees - offering some much-needed respite from the British winter!

What's more, the city has its own beach, and many more beautiful beaches are within reach - although it may be a little chilly for a dip!

Leipzig, Germany

22nd November to 23rd December 2022

Established way back in 1458, Leipzig's Christmas markets have more pedigree than most. Boasting 250 wonderfully decorated stalls, it's among the biggest Christmas markets in Germany.

Along with the traditional mediaeval festive market, there's exciting food stalls and a huge Saxon spruce christmas tree in Marktplatz (after all, the Christmas tree was a German invention).

For an extra special treat, why not board the 38-metre high ferris wheel in Augustusplatz, for spectacular views across the city.

Nottingham, UK

15th November to 31st December 2022

Nottingham's effervescent Christmas market is the largest in the East Midlands and is completely free - and that includes the popular Nottingham Winter Wonderland.

Taking its cue from Germany, you'll find more than 70 Bavarian-style stalls, selling everything from artisan cheese to festive chocolates.

2022's market promises to be bigger than ever, with mead, jewellery, Lego art, fair trade goods and lots of continental food.

Dusseldorf, Germany

17th November to 30th December 2022

A number of Christmas markets are dotted across the city's Old Town (Aldstadt), each with its own festive theme.

A key feature this year is the 1,700-sqm ice rink on Corneliusplatz, found at the northern end of Königsallee.

Families with children are sure to love the Fairy Tale Market for pre-Xmas fun, as well as daily child-oriented events in a large tent on Jan-Wellem-Platz.

The most convenient airports are Dusseldorf itself or Koln (Cologne).

Advent in Zagreb, Croatia

26th November 2022 - 6th January 2023 (TBC)

Christmas carols, mulled wine, hot chocolate... Zagreb has all the ingredients for a truly festive getaway as Christmas approaches.

With beautiful architecture, friendly locals and superb organisation, Zagreb's Advent has won many accolades over the years, cementing its position as one of the leading festive markets in the Balkans - if not Europe.

Indeed, the city has bagged the best Christmas market in Europe award three years in a row!

Zagreb's unique offering focuses on the magic of toys - making it a nostalgic affair for grown-ups and a lot of fun for kids.

Dubbed 'The City of a Million Hearts', Zagreb is a truly magical place to enjoy in the run-up to Christmas.

Berlin, Germany

Various dates

The German capital plays host to a number of distinct Christmas markets this year, including Frankfurter Allee; Gendarmenmarkt; Breitscheidplatz; Spandau; and Alexanderplatz.

Each market has its own essence, but all offer fabulous food stalls and festive gift ideas.

One of the best family-friendly options is the market at Charlottenburg Palace, featuring more than 250 vendors.

The market at Berlin City Hall brings you a ferris wheel and a superb circular ice rink.

More ice skating is on offer at Potsdamer Platz - plus toboggan-run fun!

London

Various dates

The UK capital brings you a wide choice of Christmas markets, dotted across the city's various boroughs.

Explore traditional wooden chalets at the Southbank Centre Winter Market (3 Nov-8 Jan), selling stocking fillers, cocktails, mulled wine and more.

Covent Garden Christmas market (8-20 Nov) meanwhile is much loved for its magnificent lighting decorations, handmade gifts and festive themed photo opportunities.

Then there's the Leicester Square Christmas market (9 Nov-8 Jan), with its traditional market packed with exciting crafts and delicious treats.

Kingston Upon Thames also hosts a fabulous market (10 Nov-24 Dec), with cosy cabins, handmade gifts, a variety of international street food and plenty of entertainment.

More wooden chalets filled with great gifts and mulled wine dispensers can be found in Trafalgar Square (11 Nov-2 Jan). The famous gathering place is also home to the famous Christmas tree, gifted to the Uk by Norway each year, in recognition of Britain's wartime efforts.

And there's another festive market under the famous green arches of Borough Market (15 Nov-9 Jan), resplendent with lights, decorations, and filled with seasonal grub and the sound of buskers. There's also an Evening of Cheese on December 15.

There are more unique stocking fillers and crafts over at Greenwich Market (From 16 Nov).

The Magic of Christmas: La Magie de Noël at Tuileries Garden, Paris

Late November - early January

Located by the Louvre, The Magic of Christmas is easily the largest of all Parisian Christmas markets.

It stretches along the entire northern edge of the Tuileries Gardens and is sure to be a big hit with younger visitors thanks to the huge ferris wheel and numerous rides.

Adults will enjoy the Champagne bar, huge vats of onion soup, and of course gallons of steaming mulled wine.

Other gastronomic delights include sausage, raclette (a melted cheese dish), waffles and crepes.

There's also a small ice rink, a Champagne Igloo, and even a mini Eiffel Tower!

The Magic of Christmas manages to avoid the tackiness proffered by some Christmas markets - remaining fun yet elegant.

Barcelona, Spain

The Market of Saint Lucia

Late November until the 23rd of December

Dating back to the 18th Century, Barcelona's Market of Saint Lucia boasts trees, mistletoe, and nativity displays.

You'll also find a host of 'caganers' on sale - these are traditional figures of famous persons.

Sagrada Familia Christmas Market

Late November until the 23rd of December

Located, unsurprisingly, by the amazing Sagrada Familia cathedral, the setting alone is sure to give you Christmas cheer.

The main focus is food: try roast chestnuts, baked sweet potatoes, sweet churros and hot chocolate.

Port Vell Christmas Market

9th of December until the 6th of January

Barca's latest Christmas market at Port Vell boasts a 31m high LED Christmas tree, a traditional carousel, and a floating nativity scene.

King's Christmas Market

December 17th until the 6th of January

This market celebrates King's Day on January 6 but starts well before Christmas day.

Located on Gran Via between Plaça de la Universitat and Carrer Comte Borell, you'll find thrilling displays of children's toys and gifts, plus plenty of delicious churros and hot chocolate.

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