Everyone knows that Europeans don’t mess about when it comes to Christmas shopping. Festive outdoor markets over the winter season are some of the biggest attractions in European countries towards the end of the year and for very good reason.
For centuries before hygge started trending on Twitter, the old towns of Europe have been creating atmosphere, togetherness and an excuse to enjoy the little things in life at their wonderful Christmas markets. Offering festive food, warming drinks and plenty of gifts to share with friends and family, these markets are a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit.
So if you’re planning a little winter getaway this year, or perhaps are heading home for the holidays and looking for the best place to get into the spirit with family – have a look at this guide to Europe’s best Christmas markets. Each country and every town celebrates in its own special ways, with the best foods, gifts, and entertainment the locals have to offer. We can practically hear jingle bells already!
United Kingdom
The first country on our list of the best Christmas markets in Europe is the UK. Whilst the capital city of London certainly has a lot going on over the festive period, the following markets in other parts of the country offer charming experiences with everything you’d expect from a classic Christmas market.
Bath Christmas Market
The Christmas market in Bath is a local treasure where over 80% of the stallholders are native to the area and are selling all handmade gifts. Items range from toys and jewellery to Christmas treats, so it’s the ideal place for a spot of Christmas shopping, and there’s plenty of yummy food to munch on while you’re exploring the market.
Bath is a stunning historic city that provides the perfect backdrop for one of the top Christmas markets in Europe, with the iconic golden stone buildings lit up for the occasion in the evenings. Let carollers provide the perfect background music as you wander at your own pace through this little winter wonderland.
Cardiff Christmas Market
Cardiff’s Christmas market will take you meandering arm in arm with your loved ones through the lit-up streets of the city centre as you browse all the goods on offer. You’ll be surrounded by arts and crafts as well as delicious seasonal food and drink all evening, so there will be plenty of stalls to browse whether you’re visiting to buy gifts or to enjoy something to eat.
Wales might not be your first thought when it comes to Christmas markets in Europe, but Cardiff is often called the ‘Christmas city’ during this time of year. What a wonderful opportunity to get that one-of-a-kind gift for your special person and enjoy a delightfully festive atmosphere.
Salisbury Christmas Fayre
The approach of the festive season completely transforms this mediaeval cathedral city with its German market-style festivities. Taking place right at the central Guildhall Square – with the Guildhall providing the perfect backdrop for the event – there is food, shopping and lots of lovely live music and even special workshops to experience at the Salisbury Christmas Fayre.
If you’re lucky, you might also be able to spot some international exhibitors from Europe, the Middle East and Africa among the traditional mulled wine and gingerbread. These multicultural elements are just one reason why this is one of Europe’s best Christmas markets, hosted in a wonderfully historic setting.
If you’re looking for more suggestions, give our guide to the five best UK Christmas markets a read.
France
When it comes to the best places for Christmas markets, France is always a contender near the top of the list. Below, we highlight three of the best markets in the country for you to consider if you’re planning a Christmas market holiday in Europe.
Reims’ Christmas Village
The Reims Christmas market is set up with one hundred and thirty-five cheerful chalet stalls that house everything from gourmet regional produce to arts, crafts and Christmas decorations. It’s one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe and the 3rd largest in France, so expect plenty of different things to sample and purchase when you visit.
Get in the festive spirit by revelling in street entertainment, magicians’ tricks, and Christmas concerts that surround the market. Just don’t forget to spend some time sampling the locally produced varieties of champagne and wine on offer – the experience really wouldn’t be the same without it.
Strasbourg’s Christmas Market
The tradition of a Christmas market in Strasbourg dates back to the 1570s, making it the oldest in France and certainly one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe! The city has even been nicknamed the ‘Capital of Christmas’ and is one of the most popular destinations on Christmas market breaks in Europe, so should definitely be on your list of places to visit.
To get the most from your visit to Strasbourg, start at the Place de la Cathedral and make your way through the historic city centre along the wooden stalls. You’ll find delicate ornaments, nativity figurines and regional delicacies like the bredele cookie, as well as cake and wine from throughout the Alsace region.
The Magic of Christmas in Colmar
Colmar offers visitors a bit more than just a Christmas market. While the whole of the Old Town is lit up in twinkling lights, six separate islands of festivity are set up all around it – each in its own picturesque square. If you’re looking for one of the best European Christmas markets with the biggest variety of things to see and do on offer, this is the place for you.
This is the place to wander all around town and rediscover what it felt like to be a kid on Christmas – more magic around every single corner. One of the markets is even especially set up for children, with pony rides and a giant Santa’s letterbox. If you’re travelling with kids on a Christmas holiday, they’ll love it here in Colmar.
For even more inspiration, read our guide to the five best Christmas markets in France.
Italy
Plenty of people visit Italy in the winter to make the most of the ski resorts, but it’s also one of the best places for Christmas markets. Here are three that we recommend for your trip.
Oh Bej! Oh Bej! in Milan
“Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” translates to “Oh beautiful! Oh beautiful!” So as you might imagine, visitors are in for a real treat (hopefully of the candy cane kind) at one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.
The festivities have marked the Milanese Christmas season for five whole centuries and remain the perfect event not only for finding special gifts but for enjoying the magical atmosphere of celebration and tradition. The market embraces the local landmark Castello Sforzesco with its many truly unique food and shopping stalls. You never know what you’re going to find!
Candelaria Festival of Lights
The Candelaria Festival of Lights is held in the tiny town of, you guessed it, Candelaria, celebrating the wonderfully festive craft that gave the town its name: candlemaking. For a part of every evening during the time of the festival, all electrical lights are switched off, and the mediaeval town is lit entirely by thousands of live flames.
At the market itself, children get to try their hand at making their own candles, and everyone can enjoy the street artists, delicious food and artisan crafts on offer. The atmosphere here is really magical, especially when the lights are turned off, and it’s definitely one of the most unique Christmas markets in Europe which is great if you’re looking for something a bit different.
Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt in Florence
Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt – yes, you read that right – is an unusual and wonderful combination of cultures as the German tradition of Heidelberg comes to town with its 500-year-old market. Selling hand-crafted goods and traditional German foods, you are sure to find a special treat at the market on Piazza Santa Croce.
Situated right outside the marvellous Basilica di Santa Croce, there is plenty to enjoy at this popular European Christmas market. Why not a bratwurst and a beer, or traditional Heidelberg Lebkuchen cookie care packages and a spiced vin brulè?
Spain
Fancy a festive trip to Spain to enjoy some of the best Christmas markets that this country has to offer? Here’s where we’d suggest you pay a visit.
Plaza Mayor Christmas Market in Madrid
Madrid is one of the most popular cities in Spain, so it makes sense that one of the top Christmas markets in Europe is held here. Over the festive season, Madrid decorates its beautiful town square in abundance as people gather to shop and enjoy the festivities. The market stalls offer every traditional Christmas treat and trinket you could imagine.
Children love looking at the toy stalls as much as riding the popular carousel, and many independent artists open up shop at the market. It’s the perfect opportunity to take away a truly unique, hand-crafted gift!
Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona
The Fira de Santa Llúcia has been taking place since the 1700s in Barcelona and takes place on the picturesque Avinguda de la Catedral. It’s one of the most traditional Christmas markets in Europe, where you can revel among unique artisan stalls, nativity figures, crafts, musical instruments and even flowers and greenery!
The Fira de Santa Llúcia is a particularly special event for children, as there are lots of activities running for everyone to take part in. But take your time and walk slowly among the stalls while the sun sets. You’ll be able to see and feel the special Christmas atmosphere settle over the market.
Mercadillo Navideño in Zaragoza
The market in Zaragoza is a little-known but fantastic Christmas market on the city’s Plaza del Pilar. Beyond the traditional market stalls, it is complete with an ice-skating rink, a sledding ramp, and stages for musical performances. If you’re looking for a more authentic and undiscovered Christmas market in Europe, this is it!
Your attention will undoubtedly be drawn to the massive nativity scene featuring over a hundred figurines. The market is organised by artisans and handcrafters themselves, so you’ll be able to pick up some very unique gifts. Just don’t forget to taste the delicious food while you’re at it!
Germany
The last destination for this roundup is undoubtedly one of the best places for Christmas markets in Europe. It’s hard to narrow down the selection to only three, but here’s where we’d suggest you visit.
Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin
Gendarmenmarkt’s Christmas market is considered one of the most beautiful around, but more importantly, it is known for having some of the best gluehwein (that’s mulled wine to me and you). You’ll also be impressed by the vast selection of handmade artisan goods, Christmas food, and entertainment.
Entrance to the market will cost you 1 euro, but it’s truly worth it to see Gendarmenmarkt, which is a wonderful square framed by two churches, when it is looking this festive. As one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, it’s an ideal place for a romantic festive weekend.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is a grand event in the mediaeval German city, whose opening ceremony attracts tourists from all over Europe each year. Nuremberg is famous for its gingerbread, so grab one for a snack or take a beautiful box home with you for a loved one.
Another special event at the Nuremberg Christmas market is the stagecoach tours going through the beautiful city which are accompanied by soft trumpet music. Christkindlesmarkt sure is an old-school one, and we can’t imagine a more Christmassy event.
Stuttgart Christmas Market
Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt takes up five whole cobblestone squares in Stuttgart, creating not only one of the oldest but also one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe and the world. Apart from the three hundred stallholders, there are also top-class choirs and musicians performing each night in the courtyard of the Old Palace (where you’ll find one spectacular Christmas tree).
Visitors from far and wide always have lots of fun at the outdoor skating rink and kids love riding the miniature steam railway. The size of this Christmas market is certainly impressive, and there’s certainly more than enough to keep you busy for an entire evening.
Are you feeling in the spirit yet? Good. Europe’s best Christmas markets are the perfect way to start feeling festive, and with so many great options to choose from, you can enjoy a magical experience no matter which country you visit.
Are you feeling in the spirit yet? Good. While you’re dreaming of mulled wine and artisan tree-toppers, go ahead and browse through Oliver’s Travels selection of luxury Christmas villas around the world and check out our Christmas houses and cottages in the UK and France. Contact our concierge team and we will help you find the perfect accommodation for your upcoming winter break.
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