The twinkling of thousands of lights; the smell of cinnamon wafting in the air; the sound of Christmas carols and the hubbub of cheerful crowds as they browse wooden stalls festooned with colourful trinkets and stocking fillers – nothing gets you into the festive spirit quite like a Christmas market. Across Europe’s cities giant Christmas trees take centre stage within medieval and baroque squares to set the magical scene in the six weeks prior to the ‘big day’. Here are my recommendations for 5 different destinations where you'll be able to get into the festive spirit early.
Berlin. You’ll find more than 70 markets peppered across Berlin and its suburbs - and they’re all very different. If you’re after scale, the biggest market is found in Spandau, a historic suburb in the west of Berlin. You can easily spend hours weaving in between more than 400 wooden stalls, while admiring the live nativity scene and enjoying the entertainment. For Christmas presents head to the classic Weihnachtszauber in Bebelplatz (for 2024) where artisans set up stall to sell unique, handmade treasures in the heated arts and crafts tent. At Alexanderplatz, there’s a medieval market as well as a children’s carousel and roller skating rink. Or get your thrills at Winterwelt (Winter World) at Potsdamer Platz. Here you’ll find a 12-metre high and 70-metre-long winter slide. From the toboggan run there's a view of the Brandenburg Gate so it’s worth braving the slide just for the shot.
Prague. All year round there’s a photo opportunity at every turn in this prettiest of cities. But at Christmas time it's a bit special. The setting for the Czech capital’s Christmas market is magnificent. With the 14th-century twin spires of the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn on one side and the city’s famous 15th-century astronomical clock on the other, the market in the Old Town Square is a truly glittering affair with its enormous Christmas tree taking centre stage. Just a 10-minute stroll away is Wenceslas Square where another market lights up, selling beautiful gifts, including hand-blown glass baubles and wooden carved toys. Be sure to savour a steaming mug of svařené víno (Czech mulled wine) and enjoy a warm trdelník (pastry chimney cone) filled with sweet treats.
Salzburg. As you’d expect in the hometown of Mozart, the historic Christkindlmarkt in this Unesco world heritage city is one of a kind. Set against a backdrop of grand palaces and fortresses in Domplatz and Residenzplatz, expect choral concerts, Krampus parades, guided Christmas tours and festive melodies performed from the surrounding church spires. When it comes to gifts, the emphasis is on quality over quantity. Hand-knitted socks, sheep’s milk soaps and bees' wax candles are typical stocking fillers.
Budapest. Normally you’d wrap up warm when you head off on a Christmas shopping spree. But in the “City of Spas” you’ll need to take your swimming gear. The annual Christmas market in the Hungarian capital rolls out across Vörösmarty Square, with the shadow of Buda Castle looming from above. The square is embellished with nativity scenes, handicraft stalls and a giant fir tree. Or head to St. Stephen’s Basilica where a skating rink is set up in front of the church’s classical domes. And then, if the mulled wine hasn’t warmed your cockles, submerge yourself in the warm mineral waters at Szechenyi thermal baths. Set alongside an impressive neo-Gothic palace this is arguably the most famous of the nine spas that dot the city. It’s particularly magical if it snows.
Copenhagen. The Danish concept of hygge involves creating a nice, warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people around you. Copenhagen’s Christmas market is all about hygge. The wonderfully over-the-top Tivoli Gardens gets even more delightfully kitsch when the Christmas market takes over. 2024 celebrations will see the return of an impressive Christmas tree set up in front of the Tivoli Concert Hall, as well as festive projections over Tivoli Lake. The gardens will be decorated with more than 70,000 Christmas baubles and smaller trees adorned with fairy lights — it's perhaps the sparkliest Christmas market in Europe. As well as checking out the food and gift stalls, you can have a whirl on the ice skating rink set up in front of Broens Harbour. And if you fancy joining the locals, how about an ice dip before thawing out in Copenhagen’s plethora of cosy cafes and trendy eateries.
With so many Christmas markets to choose from, plus the hassle of organising flights, hotels and transfers, the whole experience can be overwhelming rather than fun. And that's where I come in. I handle all the planning, so you don’t have to. As your Travel Consultant, I can secure exclusive deals, find you the best locations and customize everything to your needs—whether you're after a quick weekend in Lille or a longer trip to Berlin or Prague. Booking with me means peace of mind. I’ll take care of all the logistics, so you can focus on soaking up the festive spirit without worrying about any travel mishaps. And if plans change, I’m just a phone call away to assist, giving you flexibility and support that you simply can’t get when booking everything on your own.
Get in touch and let's book you a fabulous festive break.
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