Our favourite Christmas Markets in Europe

Many people might now be thinking which Christmas Markets to visit this year in December. But how to choose one that is a right market for you? There is so many of them. As we have visited about 20 of them in the last 10 years I thought I would try to help you!

How it all started – our love for Christmas Markets

The summer is now over and I hope you enjoyed your holiday trips as much as we did. Just have a look at our amazing trip to Mexico or weekend in Weymouth.

But for us, as for many people, the end of summer also comes with a big question – what to do with the rest of the year. We already have some plans for next year and one more trip planned this year, so it is not bad.

However, there is one exciting event in our travel calendar that can only take place in December and we are always looking forward to it….

…a visit to a Christmas Market!

It has become our small family tradition over 10 years ago, induced by a visit to one of London ‘s Christmas Markets. As lovely as it was, it did not have this authentic Christmas feel. We needed cold, snow, beautifully decorated stalls. A week later we were already in Germany enjoying Glühwein (mulled wine) and Bratwurst (roasted sausage). We also started bringing back the wine cups as souvenirs and have quite a collection now. Here is just a sample:

We have been going to Christmas Markets in Europe ever since, at least once a year. Smaller and bigger, in the UK and on the continent. Here you can see the map of roughly 20 markets we have visited so far.

 

How to choose the right market to visit

There is many things that you need to take into consideration when choosing the place to visit the Christmas Market. Here is a list of things we are looking at.

• Authenticity – The Christmas Market tradition comes mainly from Germanic culture. If you are going to visit for the first time you should be looking for a very traditional authentic experience. This will be guaranteed if you choose one of these countries – Germany, Austria or Switzerland. The markets in other countries have evolved and now display more local traditions and are great to visit as well. However, for the first I would recommend visiting one of these three countries

• The right location – the place we go to must be one that we would want to visit anyway – Christmas Market or not. If you are going to spend 2-3 days there you would probably like to do a little bit more than just stroll between the stalls. Maybe a nice restaurant or museum you always wanted to visit? What if the weather is not great – it is winter after all. There is no point sitting in a hotel because there is no alternative entertainment. Please also note that in larger places there is several Christmas Markets dotted around the city. Each having a slightly different feel so you can explore the whole variety.
• Kids attractions – with all the lights, hand-crafted toys, colourful stalls, food and drink the Christmas Markets are huge attraction for all children. Many places also offer special children programmes and activities as well. It might be a fairy tale character village, snowman building competition or steam fair rides. We always try to find out about them, as knowing that there might be a fairy tale parade at midday in the main square is always useful.

• Accommodation – We would normally try to stay at centrally located hotels. As our trips are typically just for the weekend we would normally want to stay close to all the action. In a large city you need to remember, that sometimes getting from outskirts to the centre might take a lot of time. Especially when reduced weekend public transport schedules are in place. Also in many German and Austrian hotels breakfast is included in the price, giving you more time to explore the town.
• Prices – food, drink, gifts at Christmas Markets are usually reasonably prices for what they are. Whether traditionally hand produced or giving you the opportunity to try local specialties. We always love going from one food stand to another and try things that locals seem to enjoy.

But be aware, there are places that are more expensive than the others. It should be no surprise that Zurich so far came at the top. If you don’t fancy paying 10CHF (£8.5) for a cup of mulled wine, maybe you should consider other destination.

Our TOP 3 of Christmas Markets

1. Vienna – the ultimate Christmas Market destination

Vienna is an attractive destination in its own rights. But when it comes to Christmas time the city transforms itself in a one big magical place. The whole old town is beautifully dressed with lamps and ornaments. Even normal trees, fountains and monuments get some Christmas decorations. You simply cannot move not to see the festive elements.

There are numerous Christmas Markets only within the historical city centre and more local ones in other city districts. There is also one located next to the famous Schönbrunn Palace, one of the city’s biggest attractions on the outskirts of Vienna.

The most popular ones will include the Wienerweinachtstraum and the nearby Altwiener Christkindlmarkt. The latter has already started preparing the children programme as well – details (in German) here.

The good news is that walking between these markets you also explore the historical centre as well so you combine sightseeing with the Christmas experience.

PRACTICALITIES:

Where to go: Rathausplatz, Freyung

When: 16.11-23.12.2019

What to drink: Glühwein (mulled wine), Kinderpunsch (for children), Stroh (Austrian rum)

What to eat: Candy floss, Schaumbecher (meringue in chocolate, serves in a cone), Krapfen doughnuts, Schupfnudeln (thick wheat noodles)

What to bring home: Hand made wooden toys, Christmas decorations, Austrian wine

 

2. Munich Christkindlmarkt – traditional Bavarian Christmas Markets in a stunning location

Christmas Markets in the capital of Bavaria give you the opportunity to experience and enjoy traditional Bavarian culture.

The central area of the market is the Marienplatz from where it spreads into side streets and squares. This is also where the traditional parades of devils, angels and other biblical characters take place.

An interesting twist on the tradition is the Medieval Christmas Market which you can find near Odeonsplatz. If you fancy showing the kids a bit of history this is the place.

The whole Old Town and city centre is also beautifully decorated and even one of the department stores dresses up its windows as advent calendar.

The biggest and the largest of Munich Parks – Englischer Garten is known for its Chinese Tower and summer Biergartens. In winter however, there is also a Christmas Market which is different to others in the city. It is situated in the middle of the park, away from crowds and hustle of the busy city. So if you fancy a bit of quieter time venture out to Englisher Garten.

PRACTICALITIES:

Where to go: Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz, Englisher Garten

When: 27.11-24.12.2019

What to drink: Kinderpunsch, Eierpunsch (warm egg nog-ish drink) , Jagertee

What to eat: Stollen (typical German Christmas fruit bread with nuts), Marzipan, Lard sandwich, Bratwurst

What to bring home: Bavarian hand-craft decorated in white and blue chequered patterns, Christmas decorations, Speck

3. Berlin Weihnachtsmarkt  – modern and tradition in one

Christmas Markets in Berlin offer you probably the most impressive combination of traditional feel with a very modern metropolis. Fairy tale-like stalls against a backdrop of state-of-the-art examples of 21st century architecture offer unforgettable memories.

It is also very difficult to talk about a specific Weihnachtsmarkt, as they are called in Northern Germany.  In Berlin only there is at least 24 markets – here you can find their map.

There are however, at least few locations that we visited and would be happy to recommend.

First, the best known market in Gendarmenmarkt. Surrounded by historical sites it is a must visit for anyone coming to Berlin. It also offer a glimpse into the old imperial German capital that does not exist anymore.

From here you have the options of making your own historical decision – go to the east and enjoy a cup of Glühwein in Alexanderplatz or next to the Roten Rathaus. Both of these places were symbols of the former communist East Berlin. On the other hand, if you fancy seeing the centre of the former West Berlin – go to the area around Gedächtniskirche.

My recommendation would be to see something you can’t find anywhere else. This is the Christmas Market in Potsdamer Platz. On the site of the Berlin Wall there is a new ultra-modern centre. Enjoy your Glühbier whilst admiring some of the most impressive contemporary architecture in Europe.

There is also a hidden gem in Berlin – the market in Altstadt Spandau. It is off-the-beaten track for most of the tourists but that is where the Berliners flock. Getting there requires a short city train or metro ride. Once there, you can mingle with the locals and see how they celebrate Christmas season.

PRACTICALITIES:

Where to go: Gendarmenmarkt, Potsdamer Platz, Altstadt Spandau

When: 25.11-31.12.2019

What to drink: Glühbier (mulled beer), Feuerzangenbowle (fire punch), Heisse Schokolade (with rum for adults)

What to eat: Stolen, Currywurst, Flammkuchen (German pizza), Fruchtsipiesse, Ein Berliner (doughnut)

What to bring home: Glüwein mug, German Nutcracker, Berlin Bear

 

FEW HINTS & TIPS:

• Prepare cash for German and Austrian markets – not many stalls will accept cards
• Mulled wine price would normally exclude deposit for the mug – you can return mugs in any of the stalls or keep it as a souvernir
• Don’t confuse Punsch (normally with rum) with Kinderpunsch (alcohol free)
• Make sure to check the label of the souvenir you buy – some of the cheaper things are “made in China” not local
• Most of the cakes would contain marzipan (made of almonds) or nuts – AVOID IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC

 

CHRISTMAS MARKETS – OFF-THE BEATEN TRACK

Best UK market – Birmingham

So what about Christmas Markets closer to home. There is an abundance of festive celebrations in the UK. We have visited a number of these and by far our favourite one was in Birmingham.

It reminded us most of what you find in Germany or Austria. The traditional stalls, combined with lovely Christmas decorations looked extremely authentic.

So if you don’t fancy going abroad but still was this unique feel, Birmingham is our recommendation.

 

Central Europe

But where to go if you are looking for something slightly different? The best answer is Central Europe. The Christmas Markets in countries such as Poland, Czech Republic or even Croatia are booming.

 

Actually, for three consecutive years 2016-18, Zagreb market has been selected to be the best one in Europe.

In Poland places like Cracow, Wroclaw and Gdansk attract more and more people looking for new inspirations. In my previous post with tips for families visiting Gdansk there is also a bit more information about the Christmas Market there.

Currently we are planning our next Christmas Market trip. We are going to visit Luxembourg where we have never been before, so exciting.

If you have questions about any of the markets we went to just put them in the comments below and we will try to help.