Deck the halls and hang the mistletoe, the most wonderful time of the year is officially here. And what better place to enjoy those feelings of warmth and happiness than one of Europe’s beloved holiday markets? From historic Berlin to romantic Italy, these eight Christmas markets are bursting with yuletide spirit to help you stay festive all winter long.
Old Town Square Market, Prague
Attracting millions of visitors each year, Prague’s Staromestske Namesti hosts the region’s busiest and most-famous Christmas market. Endless booths line the city’s Old Town Square — home to the world-famous astronomical clock — filled with craft vendors, food stalls and local shops for as far as the eye can see. The market’s cozy vibe can be credited to twinkling string lights and a massive decked-out Christmas tree which is lit every evening at sundown for a whimsical touch.
Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia
Held at the Town Hall Square of Tallinn, Estonia’s Tallinn Christmas Market is self-described as a "Christmasland with a touch of fairy tale." The market is merry and bright with no shortage of decorated trees, dazzling lights and holiday decor galore. However, the real star of the show is the market’s historic Christmas tree which dates to 1441 and was the first Christmas tree ever on display in Europe. As an aside, don’t forget to sample the destination's iconic holiday cuisine including black pudding, sour cabbage and gingerbread while you’re in town.
Edinburgh’s Christmas, Scotland
Christmas cheer and thrilling rides come together at Scotland’s beloved Edinburgh’s Christmas. Where else can you drive bumper cars, take a spin on a Waltzer and catch an unbeatable view atop the Forth 1 Big Wheel (read, massive Ferris wheel) on the same day you peruse a holiday market, get lost in a Christmas tree maze and listen to timeless carols? But the fun doesn’t stop there, visitors can enjoy even more unique activities at this Scottish wonderland including sights and pastimes such as Santa’s Grotto, Winter Windows, ice skating and more.
Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, Berlin
Head to one-of-a-kind Berlin to relish in some of the best entertainment, food and locally crafted goods Germany has to offer. Live performances from jugglers, fire-eaters, choirs, jazz and classical ensembles ensure you’ll always have a built-in soundtrack while exploring this festive celebration. As for food, you can expect everything from snacks and casual grub to gourmet menus and traditional Christmas dishes. Best of all, a portion of all proceeds at Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market are donated to charity making the event a festive occasion you can feel good about supporting.
Trento Christmas Market, Italy
The holidays get a head start at Italy’s Trento Christmas Market where festivities kick off as early as mid-November. Too jolly for just one location, this market is divided between two sites: Piazza Fiera square and Piazza Cesare Battisi square, both of which are decked to the nines with festive lighting and elaborate vendor booths. Perhaps the most noteworthy thing about Trento Christmas Market is its dedication to sustainability as it's earned a green reputation for its commitment to the environment through the use of local goods and products in additon to the event's use of recyclable materials.
Christmas in Tivoli, Copenhagen
Christmas in Tivoli invites visitors to feel the holiday magic in a setting fit for a fairy tale. Picture a scene of familiar songs and the sweet smell of holiday treats as you stroll beneath thousands of shimmering lights, your path dotted with 15+ elaborately-decorated Christmas trees along the way. What’s more, Christmas in Tivoli is the perfect place to snag a gift for everyone on your list with various charming vendor stalls serving up roasted nuts, mulled wine, fine works and more.
Brussels Winter Wonders, Belgium
Brussels Winter Wonders puts the "fest" in "festive" with Winter Pop, a two-day popup village complete with roaring concerts, brass bands, board games, dance parties, choirs, movie and cartoon screenings and more. But if two days of merrymaking just isn’t enough, don’t fret as the Brussels city center transforms into a place for holiday fun for over a month with a massive Christmas market, fairground attractions, an ice rink and, of course, an impressive tree.
Strasbourg Christmas Market at Place de la Cathédrale, France
Fancy a visit to the "Capital of Christmas?" Strasbourg's got you covered. Home to one of the oldest, and perhaps most famous, markets in all of Europe, France’s Strasbourg Christmas Market Place de la Cathédrale attracts an average of 2 million visitors each year. And for good reason as this jovial gathering takes place alongside the stunning Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg the famed church dating to the 14th century. In addition to a ridiculously Instagrammable backdrop, this market is famous for its hearty servings of mulled wine, Alsatian culinary specialties and fabulous shops.
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