5 Christmas Markets to Visit in Europe
If you’re studying abroad in Europe and feeling festive toward the end of Fall semester, schedule a weekend trip to one of the famous Christmas markets!
Here are five that we love:
1. STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Christkindelsmärik is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, running since 1570. Head to the “Capital of Christmas” for magical lights that drape the streets throughout the historical center of the city, see the impressive Christmas tree at Place Kléber, wander through wafting scents of cloves, cinnamon, and citrus, browse around 300 market stalls, and admire the wooden, hand-painted decorations. Don’t miss a chance to taste the regional sweet treat kougelhopf, stuffed with rum-soaked raisins and topped with almonds. The market is spread across 10 sites in the Grande Île district and sees about two million visitors every year.
2. COLOGNE, GERMANY. Markt der Engel is one of the most famous European Christmas markets, a favorite for its traditional decorations. You’ll actually find a few different Christmas markets here, the most well-known being the one in front of Cologne Cathedral. Some are themed (think pirates and mythical creatures like gnomes). Browse 150 market stands in Roncalliplatz, listen to the joyful sound of advent concerts, and rent a pair of ice skates for a whirl around Heumarkt. You’ll be among the four million people who visit each year. Another popular Christmas market in Germany is Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, famous for its gingerbread cookies. And in Berlin, you’ll find about 80 different Christmas markets to choose from, including a slightly different take at Winter World, on Potsdamer Platz, where you can try your hand at sports like tobogganing and curling.
3. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Prague is like a Christmas postcard, with the sounds of open-air concerts ringing through the air, a jovial crowd, and the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine wafting from market stalls. There are several different markets here. See the city’s Christmas tree and live entertainment in Staroměstské náměstí. Sip hot chocolate, visit the sheep, goats, and donkey in the Old Town, indulge in local comfort foods like Bratwurst sausage or garlic and cheese flatbreads or trdelnik pastries, and wander the traditional wooden chalets full of homemade crafts. Also in the Czech Republic, the southern cities of Ceske Budejovice and Cesky Krumlov which host the Bohemia markets are magical here.
4. COPENHAGEN, DENMARK. You’ll find a few different Christmas markets in Copenhagen, but the glittering gold star is the whimsical winter wonderland of Tivoli Gardens. Ride the ferris wheel for a bird’s eye view over the lights and the 70,000 Christmas baubles that cover 1,000 lit-up Christmas trees, browse 60 market stalls, have a spin on the skating rink, and taste the delicious caramelized almonds that waft their sweet scent into the crowds. Indulge in Danish Yuletide favorites like gingerbread hearts, marzipan, and fried local treat Æbleskiver. Take some time to enjoy the Christmas forest light projections and illuminations on the lake.
5. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND. Edinburgh’s charming Princes Street Gardens host several Christmas markets and events with a craft market of around 70 stalls, Scotland’s biggest ferris wheel, a Santa train and other fairground rides. Join in on silent discos, live concerts, and the When You Wish Upon a Star Santa Fun Run and stop to listen to carol singers. You can also catch light displays on the walls of Edinburgh Castle, go for an illuminated walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens, and try your luck in the Christmas tree maze with its interactive light displays.
If none of these appeal to you, other popular places to enjoy the spirit of the season are Salzburg in Austria, Budapest in Hungary, Gothenburg in Sweden, Brataslava in Slovakia, Bruge and Brussels in Belgium, Vienna in Austria, and Tallinn in Estonia. Wrap up warm, pack your walking shoes, and leave space in your suitcase for souvenirs. And while they might not be quite as big as some of these famous markets, your host city will likely have local festivities too!