Final Information for The Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe

Now that I’ve had the pleasure of going to a number of the finest markets throughout Europe I am creating my final information to the European Christmas Markets! I made it my mission to go to a number of the finest in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and past. I’ve received you coated in your final information for the most effective Christmas markets in Europe.

*Utterly up to date for 2023!

In relation to Christmas I all the time really feel like a child once more. However Europe appears so as to add an additional contact of magic. Strolling into the markets is simply an awesome sense of enjoyable, associates, and happiness. For this itinerary, I am breaking down the most effective Christmas markets in Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria and past. I’ve additionally received a breakdown of what to purchase, eat, and I am displaying you a typical route so as to get probably the most out of your time!

See my picks for the most effective Christmas markets in Europe and my present Christmas market highway journey itinerary!

What to anticipate

Europe’s Christmas markets are steeped in historical past. The primary market was mentioned to be held in Vienna, Austria courting again to 1296, however the first “winter market” was in Munich, Germany in 1310. The primary “official” market was Dresden’s Strietzelmarkt in 1434. Christmas markets are also referred to as Christkindlmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindlmarket, Christkindlimarkt, and Weihnachtsmarkt and happen through the begin of Creation. Every market has it is personal traditions, decorations, and meals. Germany’s markets are usually extra conventional whereas Austria’s are usually a bit extra elaborate. Most markets finish simply earlier than Christmas, however in cities reminiscent of Speyer, Germany they delay the celebration. You may see pretty stalls (or chalets) promoting handcrafted ornaments and crafts, native meals, and scorching, mulled wine referred to as glühwein.

Keep away from the crowds: Europeans take Christmas markets very severely. Keep away from crowds and contours by going through the day, or go for going through the week, Mondays or Tuesdays are finest.

Good to know

Most of the stalls promoting glühwein (and a few meals) could have one thing referred to as a “pfand” that is more money that you’re going to pay for the cup, often just a few euros. As soon as completed together with your drink you’ll be able to preserve the cup (often they’re an amazing memento as they are saying the situation and date) or return it to get your a refund.

Carry money, most sellers will solely take money at a Christmas market. The winter markets might be chilly, so be sure to convey one thing heat and comfy footwear. You may almost certainly be in your toes to peruse the stalls.

Most main European cities have Christmas markets, and they’re all pretty. However, I’ve been to dozens so I am pulling out the most effective Christmas markets to get the “actual” expertise together with an itinerary that can assist you in your method.

Greatest Christmas Markets in Germany

The German Christmas markets are the unique and the most effective. Since they date again to the 1300s, lots of the German Christmas markets nonetheless rejoice traditions from the previous days. You may discover richly embellished Christmas stalls and conventional Christmas meals like bratwurst and kartoffelpuffer. I recommend beginning your journey in Germany. My strategies for Christmas markets in Germany are: Heidelberg, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Munich, Nuremberg and Dresden. Most cities in Germany, together with the smaller ones, will all provide a Weihnachtsmarkt, so you actually cannot go fallacious!

See my full information to the most effective Christmas Markets in Germany right here.

Nuremberg is steeped in custom and you will find an enormous market with tons to see, do, and eat. However my favourite is the extra laid-back Heidelberg. The markets are all through the Haupstrasse (the lengthy pedestrian road) and make it simpler for crowds to ebb and circulation by way of the road. You may discover ornately embellished stalls, roasting meats, and a car-free road to skip alongside from market to market. It exudes a small city and welcoming feeling.

Munich began one of many first Christmas markets, so it is a disgrace to not go right here. They exit of their method to enhance and even have themed markets, reminiscent of their “pink” Christmas market. Bavaria tends to do issues just a bit bit otherwise and Munich actually takes Christmas up a notch.

Christmas Market Dates in Germany: Heidelberg – November 27 December 22, Munich – November 27 – December 24

Discover my full information to Heidelberg right here and Christmas Markets right here. Additionally information to Nuremberg’s right here.

Greatest Christmas Markets in France

Going to France is like stepping right into a Currier and Ives print. The peerlessly positioned real-life gingerbread homes surrounded with Christmas stalls, music, and sweet-smelling pastries are a feast for the senses. Essentially the most lovely Christmas markets are in Strasbourg and Colmar within the Alsace area.

Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are sprinkled all through town and every one is prettier than the following. The decor is over-the-top however a lot enjoyable. The background of the overwhelming Notre Dame cathedral makes a grand assertion over the sq.. However the actual spotlight is the 30 meter tall Christmas tree! They name Strasbourg the Capital of Christmas and it all the time proves its level as the most effective place to spend the vacations.

If you happen to assume the decorations in Strasbourg had been elaborate, wait till you get to Colmar. Each constructing appears to be adorned with lights, ornaments, and even teddy bears! In all places you flip is a half-timbered panorama of uneven, multicolored homes. It actually appears extra like a doll’s playhouse.

Christmas Market Dates in France: November 24 by way of December 30

Discover the information to Strasbourg’s Christmas markets right here.

Greatest Christmas Markets in Switzerland

The right place for a winter wonderland is certainly in Switzerland. You may discover ski chalets nestled subsequent to Christmas markets and, in fact, the stunning alps. You may enjoyment of artisan items and a few of my favourite treats. The very best markets are in Basel, Bern, Lucerne, and Zurich. After touring by way of France it’s totally straightforward to get to Switzerland. The gap from Colmar to Basel is about an hour and a half by automotive.

Basel is a fairly metropolis overlooking the water and a number of Christmas markets all through the massive squares. The decor right here is vibrant and beautiful and the markets are all inside strolling distance from each other.

My favourite market in Switzerland is just not too removed from Basel in Lucerne, Switzerland. Located on the lake, you may discover extravagant shows and a number of the finest cheeses on this planet. All of the outlets and shops are decked out for the vacations with blankets and sheepskin stools.

Christmas Market Dates in Switzerland: Lucerne – December 1-20, Basel – November 23 – December 23

Greatest Christmas Markets in Austria

Austria has many pretty Christmas markets and small cities. You may discover them in Salzburg, Ellmau, Graz, and Kitzbuhel, however the most effective is in Vienna. The Vienna Christmas markets are some of the well-known and well-liked in all of Europe. It is no shock why: the elegant chandeliers gentle up the streets and paint an image of wealthy opulence. I discover the markets in Austria to be pretty, romantic, and an amazing mixture of conventional and trendy refinement.

Greatest Christmas Markets in Vienna

There are a number of markets all through town however my favorites are Rathaus, St. Stephen’s Sq., Maria-Therea Sq., Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere, and Altes AKH. Take a experience on the Ringstrasse on Tram 1 to map out each the place you’d prefer to cease. You may discover that the buildings function unbelievable backdrops for the Christmas decor. At Rathaus (Metropolis Corridor) there’s an enormous, lit tree, an ice skating rink, and even a stage for reside music and performances. Remember to go contained in the Rathaus for an exquisite view.

Do not miss St. Stephen’s and the magnificent church. You actually cannot miss it, the steeple is that prime. Take a stroll alongside Kärtnerstrasse to see the unbelievable chandeliers. Take a look at the Altes AKH to see the College campus remodeled right into a Christmas wonderland. The museum quarter already boasts pretty structure nevertheless it packs an added punch with the market in Maria-Theresa-Platz. That is additionally place to cease and have a conventional strudel.

For an over-the-top market have one outdoors a palace! Two alternatives for this at Schloss Belvedere and Schönbrunn. Each are lovely and the palaces solely add to the ambiance.

Christmas Market Dates in Austria: Vienna – Late November – December 23

Your European Christmas Market Route

Fly into Germany – I recommend Frankfurt. It is a main airport hub and makes it straightforward to go to your subsequent vacation spot. From right here, you’ll be able to take a prepare or a automotive (I discover vehicles are best and make it so you’ll be able to cease off at any time). From right here, take a prepare or automotive to Heidelberg, Germany. It is a typical Christmas market and can put you proper within the spirit. Subsequent, we’re heading to France! Strasbourg is barely about an hour and a half away from Heidelberg. After you get your fill of Glühwein our subsequent cease remains to be in Alsace: Colmar, France. An precise gingerbread city, it is one of many cutest locations I’ve ever stepped foot in!

After France, we’ll cross one other border and head into Switzerland. Right here we’ll go to Basel then Bern and if time permits we’ll go to Lucerne and again north to Zurich. This itinerary is ideal when you have 5-7 days. Have extra time, or simply need to see extra? Carry on going! From right here you’ll be able to return into Germany for Munich’s markets or go straight over to Austria. If you happen to’re driving, cease off in Salzburg. However since this can be a lengthy journey, I recommend flying to Vienna. Subsequent, you’ll be able to both head to Prague (my private favourite) or east to Budapest.

Pictured: Prague’s Christmas Market in Previous City Sq.

Different nice spots for Christmas are London, Nuremberg, Dresden, Paris, Copenhagen, Brussels, Budapest, and Zagreb.

What to eat at Christmas Markets

Schokokuss – one of the simplest ways to explain this dessert is to take marshmallow fluff, then cowl it with chocolate, and eat a dozen. Actually, these are cheap and are so gentle and fluffy. I get one nearly each time I’m going to a Christmas market.

Bratwurst – Genuine German meals is bratwurst and Rostbratwurst roasting regularly. Every Christmas market does it a bit otherwise so strive one wherever you go. You will get it with bread and I all the time load up on mustard and onions.

Kartoffellpuffer – Take potatoes, fry them. It sounds easy however they’re completely divine. Normally served with applesauce (bizarre however good) or garlic sauce. Give these a strive!

Gingerbread – Also referred to as Lebkucken, you may discover each smooth and laborious gingerbread bought. In addition they prefer to promote it in coronary heart shapes, wrapped in plastic, with phrases written on the cookie. I can not say these are very tasty, however they’re fairly!

Crepes – If you happen to’re within the temper for one thing candy that is the right Christmas market meals. Rolled up with Nutella, cinnamon, sugar, or honey, anybody can get their fill from this easy basic.

Frikadella – One in all my favourite meals on the Christmas markets are these hamburgers made with pork. Normally served with onions and mustard they make for the right hearty meal. Remember to seize some fries or pommes frites!

Candied nuts – the right heat Christmas market deal with to pop in your mouth as you amble from stall to stall. These aromatic nuts will make you whip your head round as you stroll previous! You can even strive roasted chestnuts aka “maroni” if you would like as properly.

Germknödel – This well-liked spherical dumpling is a German basic and often full of jam and topped with vanilla cream sauce. It is not overly candy however a pleasant addition to your mulled wine.

Glühwein – You can’t go to the Christmas market with out glühwein! I am completely hooked on this scorching, mulled wine made with spices. It can preserve you heat inside as you drink this candy liquid. Some markets additionally serve Feuerzangenbowle which is a mix of punch and glühwein and topped with a rum-soaked sugar dice then set on fireplace. Go forward, order two. If you happen to’re alcohol free you may also order kinderpunsch!

See the 25 issues it is best to strive at a Christmas Market right here!

What to purchase on the Christmas Markets

All the pieces sheepskin is on the market – gloves, hats, rugs and extra.

Maintain your glühwein cup as a enjoyable memento. If you wish to preserve with the alcohol development, many stalls provide liqueurs in fairly bottles which can be a superb present.

Most markets have their very own traditions and issues on the market. For instance, in Nuremberg they promote dolls fabricated from dates! Most objects on the market at Christmas markets are handmade and prime quality. You will not essentially discover the most cost effective objects however one can find one thing particular that can final.

Everybody deserves a winter wonderland break and Europe’s Christmas markets make for the right magical escape. Christmas markets in Europe are a number of the finest recollections of my life, and I am already counting down the dates till subsequent yr!

Want extra Christmas markets? Take a look at much more posts!

15 Greatest Christmas Markets in Germany

25 Issues to Eat at A German Christmas Market

25 Photographs That Will Encourage You To Spend Christmas in Europe

Information to Heidelberg’s Christmas Markets

Greatest Facet Journeys for Christmas in Germany

Issues to Do in Strasbourg, France at Christmas

Christmas Time in London

My First Christmas Overseas

This is a helpful infographic and transient have a look at the most effective of Christmas markets in Europe: