Top European Christmas Markets
If you miss out on these this Crimbo, yule be sorry!
Gingerbread, mulled wine and spiced cider, toffee apples, roasted chestnuts, and a general atmosphere of child-like excitement can only mean one thing: Christmas market season is almost upon us. With so many to choose from and all in beautiful European cities, The Sun Travel has compiled a list of our favourite European Christmas markets to visit, coupled with our temptingly cheap short break deals.
From buzzing Budapest to hip and trendy Berlin, and not forgetting whimsical Bruges, The Sun Travel has the perfect winter break to get you in the festive spirit.
Bruges, Belgium
Christmas in Bruges kicks off in November, with upwards of 30 stalls and wooden huts selling Christmas gifts, jewellery, decorations, knitwear and delicious local produce in the centre of the city on Market Square. Brave the ice on the popular rink before enjoying a toasty crisp waffle drenched in chocolate. Fairy lights and a magical backdrop all add to the Christmassy atmosphere.
Stay warm despite the dipping temperatures with a climb up the 366 steps of the belfry tower and enjoy beautiful views across the city. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants to make a pit-stop at, and horse-drawn open carriages to complete a romantic festive break.
Budapest, Hungary
Head to Hungary’s lively capital for a unique Christmas market. From November the city-centre Vörösmarty Square comes alive with fairy lights, wooden huts and traditional festive treats. As well as fantastic gifts to buy, there are two stages playing Christmas tunes and lively jazz, and there are puppet shows for children.
On the 6th December, if youngsters have been very good, Father Christmas will make an appearance and can be visited in his hut in the Magic Garden. Relax into the festive spirit as the smells of honey cookies, fir and mulled wine waft through the market.
Prague, Czech Republic
From late November, join in the festive fun at Prague’s Christmas markets. There are several throughout the city, but the most traditional stalls can be found in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Pose in front of the towering Christmas tree lit up in fantastic display, and wander the wooden huts selling traditional gifts, including glassware, toys, ornaments, knitwear and ceramics.
Huge hams roasted on spits and sweet pastries (try Trdelnik for warm pastry coated in crisp sugar!) go well with locally brewed beers and warm drinks to sup. There is also a traditional stable with a Bethlehem scene, donkeys, sheep and goats for little ones to pet, and traditional carols to join in with.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is arguably the best German city for Christmas markets, with multiple fairs to choose from. Multi-coloured lights illuminate the city’s architecture, while choirs, bands, jugglers and acrobats bring the market alive. Sample hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and hot chocolate, spicy sausages and caramel-coated nuts while you explore the traditional vendors’ stalls. Browse products that include wooden carvings and stonework, to toys and jewellery.
There’s also an ice rink to strap on skates and go for a twirl, and the longest mobile toboggan run in Europe at the Potsdamer Platz Christmas Market. Don’t miss the stable with a petting area for children, and stages playing live music.
Munich, Germany
For a proper traditional Christmas market, head to Munich from late November. Dating back to 1642, this Christmas market is held in the heart of the city on the Marienplatz and offers stalls selling decorations, candles and homewares, toys and delicious local delicacies. Nibble on warm gingerbread and a cup of mulled wine as you explore the stalls, before heading for a skate on the ice rink.
There’s live music to set the scene, and little ones can get involved in free workshops, creating cookies, angel wings and other festive arts and crafts.
Hamburg, Germany
For perhaps the prettiest of all festive market scenes, head to Germany’s Hamburg Christmas markets, with the largest hosted outside the photo-worthy town hall. Hand-crafted decorations, pottery and delicious local delicacies are displayed in wooden huts, while a lively carousel is open for all to enjoy a ride on. There are also festive boat trips on Lake Alster, and warm mulled wine, traditional printen cookies, and little ones will need to keep their eyes peeled for Father Christmas and his sleigh of reindeer!
Vienna, Austria
Head to Vienna in mid-November onwards for bustling festive excitement at the Vienna Christmas markets. A picture-perfect setting to get you in the seasonal spirit, there’s gifts, decorations, and traditional handcrafts, plus beautifully decorated trees, pony trips, a merry-go-round and trips on the Christkindl Express to enjoy. For tasty treats, sample candied fruit, candy floss, warming Christmas punch and toasted nuts. Some markets also offer workshops for little ones, live music and puppet shows to look out for.
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