If you’re thinking of visiting a European Christmas market in 2015, we always recommend to book early to get the best deals.
We’ve been getting a lot of calls about what’s on offer this year, so we put together a list of the best Christmas market cites and the best times to visit. Below you’ll find information about the Christmas markets in Berlin, Bruges, Brussels, Budapest, Copenhagen, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Prague, Vienna and Warsaw.
And when you’ve made up your mind visit ClickandGo.com and we’ll look after the rest.
Berlin isn’t just the capital city of Germany it’s also the capital city of Christmas markets. Want fun? Visit Winter World at Potsdamer Platz; Tradition? Head down to the Nostalgic Christmas Market at the Opernpalais; Love to Shop? Traditional Spandau Christmas Market with over 250 stalls; Stunning backdrop? Few finer than at the Charlottenburg Castle. I could go on, but with over 60 markets to choose from I’ll let you find out about the rest.
When and where:
- Nostalgic Christmas Market at the Opernpalais (25 Nov – 27 Dec)
- Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedachtniskirche (23 Nov – 03 Jan)
- Traditional Spandau Christmas Market (25 Nov – 23 Dec)
- Charlottenburg Palace (23 Nov – 26 Dec)
- Winter World at Potsdamer Platz (24 Nov – 26 Dec)
Firstly if you haven’t seen the film ‘In Bruges’, do. You may not like the film itself, but you’ll get to see why Bruges is such an enchanting place in winter. Bruges has some stunning medieval architecture which offers an idyllic setting for its Christmas market. Food is something they specialise in with lavish amounts of chocolates, waffles and gluhwein on offer. You’re certainly going to indulge yourself here.
When and where:
- Main Market Square (22 Nov – 02 Jan)
The backdrop alone is worth visiting the Brussels Christmas market for. The area encompasses a large chunk of UNESCO architectural heritage which is magically illuminated adding to the unique experience of this market. Featuring ice rinks, a slalom run and an iconic Ferris wheel, the Brussels market certainly keeps people entertained and with handicrafts from all around Europe, it’s certainly not just the centre for European politics!
When and where:
- La Grand Place (27 Nov – 03 Jan)
Budapest may not be the first destination which springs to mind when considering a Christmas market but it’s becoming increasingly popular with winter holiday makers. With two markets within walking distance of each other, featuring over 100 wooden pavilions offering traditional Christmas fare, there’s a lot to soak up especially. In addition, you’ll find a variety of shows and performances to take in if you so desire. We can’t guarantee snow, but Budapest has experienced frequent snowfall during the winter months in recent years adding to a truly otherworldly experience.
When and where:
- Vorosmarty Square (27 Nov- 31 Dec)
- Budapest Basilica (27 Nov- 01 Jan)
- Budapest Nutcracker Festival at the Opera House (26 Nov – 30 Dec)
Commencing in mid-November, the Christmas markets in Copenhagen are some of the earliest in Europe. Undoubtedly the most famous market is based in the 19th century Tivoli Gardens. During the Christmas markets the Tivoli Gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland ideal for all ages, with hundreds of thousands of fairy lights illuminate the park while charming stalls line the park’s pathways displaying a wealth of Christmas fare. And don’t miss the hot apple dumplings – we’ve heard there a must!
When and where:
- Tivoli Market (16 Nov – 31 Dec)
- Nyhavn Christmas Market (16 Nov – 22 Dec)
Cologne really has a everything you need for your Christmas market experience with each of its markets having its own unique feel. In particular, the market at Cologne Cathedral has a spectacular backdrop and its own special link to Christmas with the three wise men shrine located within.
When and where:
- Cologne Cathedral (23 Nov – 23 Dec)
- Cologne Old Town “Home of the Elves” (23 Nov – 23 Dec)
- Angel’s Market at Neumarkt (23 Nov – 23 Dec)
Frankfurt’s Christmas markets are so popular that they have been exported to a whole host of cities including Birmingham and Edinburgh. With over 600 years of experience, Frankfurt should know how to stage a good market and that they do! Boasting over 200 decorated stalls, regular concerts and entertainment played out around the 30 metre high Christmas tree, it epitomises everything that a Christmas market should be.
When and where:
- Romerberg and Paulsplatz (25 Nov – 22 Dec)
Hamburg, “The Venice of the north”, may not be the first place you would think of in Germany let alone Europe when it comes to Christmas markets, but the city’s history and heritage alongside its wealth and diversity of markets make this an enticing destination. Extra special for the kids will be the daily flight of Santa and his reindeer and the Christmas parade every Saturday in advent.
When and where:
- Historical Christmas Market at Rathhausmarkt (23 Nov – 23 Dec)
- Jungfernsteig (24 Nov – 06 Jan)
As well as the main traditional market in Marienplatz, Munich also plays host to a completely different style of Christmas market at Theresienwese. Here you’ll find a fantastic ethnic festival showcasing exciting shows and performances as well as traditional Christmas products and cuisine form around the world.
When and where:
- Munich Christmas Market at Marienplatz (27 Nov – 24 Dec)
- Tollwood at Theresienwiese (24 Nov – 31 Dec)
The two main Christmas markets in Prague are set in the city’s grandest squares, conveniently located within a short walk (5-10 mins) of each other. Prague is a romantic city at any time of year, but come Christmas market time it really exceeds its reputation.
When and where:
- Old Town Square (29 Nov – 01 Jan)
- Wenceslas Square (29 Nov – 01 Jan)
Vienna has a passion for Christmas and you can’t help but be infused by this spirit while there. The Christmas markets in Vienna are scattered throughout the city and the smell of gluwhein, sausage and nutmeg linger in the air. Carols can be heard at many of the markets but perhaps most prominently at the spectacular Christmas Market at Rathauspark. The Rathauspark market also plays host to the “International advent caroling” (Fri-Sun, 3.30 -7.00pm) in the magnificent City Hall.
When and where:
- Vienna Christmas Market at Rathauspark (14 Nov – 24 Dec)
- Schonbrunn Palace featuring Cultural & Christmas Market & New Year’s Market (21 Nov – 26 Dec)
Ever since thousands of us followed Giovanni Trapattoni’s ill-fated adventures at the Euro 2012 Championships, the Irish have been viewing Poland more and more as a possible holiday destination. In particular at this time of year Polish Christmas markets offer a unique seasonal experience. Here’s what the Polish capital has to offer.
When and where:
- Castle Square (26 Nov – 24 Dec)
- Old Town Market Place (27 Nov – 26 Dec)
- Palace of Culture and Science (28 Nov – 23 Dec)
Booking your Christmas market break
ClickandGo’s Christmas market package deal all include Aer Lingus flight, and central hotel accommodation. To book, simply go to ClickandGo’s Christmas market page, select your ideal destination, when you want to travel, and off you go!
