The best Christmas markets in Europe are absolutely magical as they bring a load of festive cheer along with warmth and beauty during the upcoming holiday season. You can just wander around or take a sip of mulled wine in Germany, taste the delicious gingerbread in Austria, or do some intense shopping for handmade gifts in France; the Christmas markets in Europe will absolutely promise you a memorable experience.
Hence, today, we will cover some important aspects of Christmas markets if you are planning your Schengen Christmas Trip this year. Also if you need any information about how to apply for Schengen Visa, we will provide information about it before the end of this blog.
The tradition of Christmas markets actually started in the country of Germany. Hence you will have the best Christmas Markets in Europe centered over here. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is also known as the most famous and oldest market.
The market started back in the 16th century and is vividly known for its traditional charm. There are around 180 wooden stalls, which will be beautifully decorated with red and white cloth. When you visit there, definitely try the Nuremberg Lebkuchen, which is gingerbread, Bratwurst, which are sausages, and the ultimate warm Gluhwein, or known as mulled wine.
There is even a Kinderweihnachy also known as Children’s Christmas Market, a perfect place for kids to hang you. There are many merry-go-rounds and toy stalls available. A special moment occurs which you should absolutely miss. It is Christkind, which is about depicting a symbolic angel figure that opens the market every year with a festive speech.
If you want to experience the other best Christmas markets in Europe, then head next to Strasbourg. The place is even called the Capital of Christmas, as the markets during Christmas truly look magical.
It is actually astonishing to know that the market started in the year 1570. This makes it the oldest Christmas market in Europe. During this time, when you visit, you will feel like you are in a Christmas wonderland. There will be twinkling lights, decorated buildings, and amazing festive trees. You need to keep some time in hand as there will be around 300 stalls that are even spread across different locations of the city.
Try to visit the giant Christmas tree at Place Kleber, which looks absolutely spectacular. If you feel hungry, taste the Alsatian treats such as bredele cookies, wines full of spices and lastly, the choucroute which are sauerkraut dishes. If you are traveling with your family, buy some handmade gifts, crafts, and innovative decorations that are absolutely great for Christmas celebrations.
It is common knowledge that Vienna is the capital of Austria. It has many great historical buildings of stunning architecture and classical music. Another great highlight of this place is that it has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. During Christmas, it becomes a fairy tale destination.
Out of all the Christmas Markets in Vienna, the most famous one is the Rathausplatz, which is near City Hall Square. The market has over 150 stalls with lots of items to purchase, such as Christmas ornaments, crafts, food, and drinks. The decorations look absolutely splendid, with lights that make the entire square glow very much beautiful at night.
You cannot complete visiting the Christmas markets in Vienna without trying out the tasty treats like Kaiserschmarrn which is shredded pancakes along with roasted chestnuts and hot punch. If you want a little bit of a fun thrill, then head to the Ice skating rink at the largely illuminated Vienna Ice Dream. It is absolutely a must-do activity. Still, got some time left? Go to the other markets, such as Belvedere Palace and Schonbrunn Palace, to get some more vibes of festive magic.
Prague is an amazing city that is filled with buildings made of Gothic and Baroque architecture that creates a perfect background for the best Christmas markets in Europe. Just visit this place, and you will truly feel its magical presence.
Most of the main markets are located in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. All the market stalls have handcrafted gifts, decorations, and plenty of local foods. There is even a giant christmas tree that is lit up in the Old Town Square. It is considered as the center of all holiday festivities.
Definitely try the traditional Czech treats of Czech called Trdelnik. It is a sweet pastry that is rolled in sugar and nuts. Then you have the delicious roasted pork. Sync in with the Christmas carols, which are performed by the local choirs. After you are done with this place, head to Prague Castle to spend some time in another Christmas market with fewer crowds.
Talking about unique Christmas markets in Europe, head to Budapest. It is a kind of market that combines Hungarian traditions with a festive atmosphere. Due to this, it attracts a lot of visitors from all over the world.
As beautiful as the place is, there is a great main market called Vorosmarty Square which is considered as the most traditional market in the whole of Europe. You will find the entire city is illuminated with sparkling lights. The festive atmosphere creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. Take a stroll of the whole market so that you can explore all kinds of handmade crafts to the traditional Hungarian food.
You should definitely taste the special foods such as chimney cake and goulash paired with mulled wine. After that, go to the St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market to get a glimpse of the amazing light show. It projects light right at the church’s facade. For a thrill, do not miss out on taking the opportunity of outdoor ice skating rinks that will be set up all around the city.
Right on the banks of the Rhine River, there is a beautiful city called Cologne. Here, you also get some of the most impressive Christmas markets in Europe.
There is a grand Cologne Cathedral that serves as a perfect background for Cologne’s market. It is considered one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. There are other important markets available, such as Heinzels Wintermarchen and the Harbor Christmas market. They are all located on the river Rhine.
If you are traveling with your family, enjoy the traditional food of Cologne, such as the Reibekuchen, which is basically potato pancakes and sausages. Walk all around so that you can experience the beautifully decorated stalls paired with carousels. There is even festive entertainment arranged for the visitors. Take a river cruise on the Rhine to see a magical Christmas.
Want to experience some of the favorite garden-based best Christmas markets in Europe, then head straight to Copenhagen in Denmark. There is a place called Tivoli Gardens that hosts some of the most charming Christmas markets.
The Tivoli Gardens are actually amusement parks and a garden. During the Christmas season, the place is turned into paradise with lots of fairy lights, market stalls, and rides. Once you visit, you will feel that the market has a combination of Nordic charm and modern entertainment.
You must taste the amazing Christmas treats such as AEbleskiver, which is pancake balls, and Glogg, which is mulled wine. If you are traveling with your family, then take them on the festive roller coasters and carousels. After you are done with that place, visit the other markets in Copenhagen, such as the Nyhavn. It is a beautiful waterfront area.
Estonia’s Old Town is listed as a UNESCO heritage, where there are even the best Christmas markets in Europe. The atmosphere will be very charming and cozy.
You should go straight to the Town Hall Square. It is a fascinating place that is surrounded by medieval buildings and cobblestone streets. The Christmas market is located right over there. Compared to other Christmas markets in other Schengen countries, this might be smaller, but you will find it very charming, and markets follow their culture’s traditions.
You will find famous Estonian treats such as sauerkraut, pudding and gingerbread. There will be many stalls that will help you shop for local handmade crafts, decorating items, and woolen clothes. The major highlight of this place is that, right from 1441 there is a Christmas Tree planted in the square. This signifies being the first Christmas tree in Europe.
If you want to visit the best Christmas markets in Europe but keep the trip on a budget, then Krakow in Poland would be your best option.
The Rynek Glowny, also known as the Main Square, is considered to be the largest medieval square in Europe. The market is located right at the Square. Spend most of your time there so that you can check out the handmade crafts and jewelry and taste the delicious festive foods.
Some of Poland’s specialties are pierogi, which are dumplings, Oscypek cheese, and mulled wine. In the square, horse-drawn carriages are also available, which you can enjoy. Live performances are also arranged in the square. You get even beautiful glass ornaments and artistic wooden decorations.
Last but not the least, come to Brussels in Belgium, where you will also get the best Christmas markets in Europe. There is a celebration called Winter Wonders that happens in Brussels every year. It is a wonderful celebration that includes markets, light shows, and loads of entertainment.
The market greatly stretches all across the city center. There will be multiple stalls that will offer you food, drinks, and gifts. There is even a great light show that happens in the Grand Palace. The show is considered very much impressive in all of Europe.
You cannot miss the mouth-watering waffles, chocolates, and fries. For some thrill and fun, go skating on the large rink that is set up in the city center. You just walk around to purchase some handmade gifts and festive decorations.
Are you facing any difficulty in getting a Schengen Visa from UK to visit the best Christmas markets in Europe? If yes, then worry not. You can use our professional expertise at SCHENGEN TRAVEL GUIDE. Just click on the Apply Online tab. You will be contacted by our executives immediately to discuss everything. After that, a Visa appointment date will be booked. This way, our goal is to make you satisfied with our service.
Thus, a unique way to celebrate this festive season is to go visit the best Christmas markets in Europe, which can give an amazing magical experience. Different places have their own auras, such as Austria is known for its elegant beauty, France for its romantic atmosphere and many more.
Don’t think that you are just going shopping. You can create a lot of memorable memories, try out the delicious treats, and feel the warmth of Christmas magic. So, what’s the wait? Get your Schengen Visa now and get going.
The Christmas markets in the Schengen area mostly open in the late month of November, continue in December , then close. But few even extend to the early month of January. We recommend that you visit during the mid December so that you can experience the full lively atmosphere.
There are lots of transportations available such as the Eurail system, budget airlines and buses which travel in between the cities. The main cities such as Vienna, Munich and Prague are absolutely well connected.
Yes, there will be many special events such as Vienna’s Christmas concerts, plays in Munich and many ice skating rinks in Prague.
With a tourist Visa, you can stay for a maximum of 90 days. Within those 90 days you can even go to other country’s cities that fall in the Schengen Area. But if you return to the UK before 90 days get over, the Visa will expire immediately.
