Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and what better way to spend it than at a beautiful European Christmas market. Each city has something unique and magnificent to offer. Here are our top 7 Christmas markets and a tasty, traditional speciality for each one.
Brussels Christmas Market
Brussels is home to many magical Christmas markets. Our favourite has to be Winter Wonders at Bruxelles. This fabulous market goes on from the 30th of November until 6th January and includes more than 200 chalets, fairground attractions, an ice rink and a Christmas sounds and light show.
Don’t miss: Belgian Genever. This is a traditional Belgian alcoholic drink similar to gin. Winter Wonders has an abundance of stalls selling this delicious liquor in many different flavours from fruity berry flavours to creamy vanilla and even chocolate! It’s a must try.
Wroclaw Christmas Market
Wroclaw boasts one of Poland’s best and largest Christmas markets stretching across both sides of the market square. The fair features many unique attractions including mulled wine dispensaries and even the enchanting ‘Bajokowy Lasek’ (Fairy Tale Forest) which children adore.
Don’t miss: Oscypek. This surprisingly fabulous sheep’s cheese which comes from the Polish mountains has a smoky, salty taste and goes down a treat with a glass of mulled wine.
Budapest Christmas Market
The Christmas market in Vörösmarty Square is known as the oldest, richest and most spectacular in Budapest. It’s full of festive stalls selling handmade gifts, plenty of traditional street food, high-spirited choirs singing beautiful Christmas songs and even a giant advent calendar.
Don’t miss: Kürtőskalács. This iconic pasty which translates to Chimney Cake is made by wrapping raw dough around a spit over an open fire and then rolling is in delicious flavours including sugar, cinnamon or even ice cream.
Berlin Christmas Market
You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to Christmas markets in Berlin! The main one is Weihnachtszauber Gendarmenmarkt which is located just behind Alexanderplatz. This magical market attracts over 600,000 people each year and sells anything Christmas related that you can possibly think of!
Don’t miss: Feuerzangenbowle. This interesting drink is a hugely popular Christmas market tradition. It is made by placing a rum-soaked sugarloaf in fire and letting it drip into mulled wine. It’s just as mouth-watering as it sounds!
Prague Christmas Market
Prague’s Christmas markets are the most impressive in the Czech Republic and have an unforgettable festive atmosphere. Visitors can buy adorable wood-carved toys, puppets, dolls in traditional costume, handmade jewellery, scented candles and everything else Christmas.
Don’t miss: Pražská Šunka. These are large hams which are smoked and roasted over an open flame.
Krakow Christmas Market
Christmas in Krakow is just magical. The Christmas fair takes place every year in the city’s central square, Rynek Glowny. Located next to St. Mary’s Basilica and the majestic Renaissance Cloth Hall, the surrounding architecture is what really makes this market special.
Don’t miss: Toruń gingerbread. This traditional Polish gingerbread has been around since the Middle Ages and is a total must try!
Vienna Christmas Market
Viennese Christmas markets are completely charming and enchanting. Our favourite is Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz. This beautiful fair offers so many wonderful handcrafted gifts and even has an area dedicated to children where they can learn to make Christmas cookies, toys and candles.
Don’t miss: Marroni. These tasty treats are chestnuts taken from the Sweet Chestnut tree and are a popular snack in Vienna especially in winter time. They taste just how you imagine – sweet, nutty and absolutely delicious!
Have we whetted your appetite to visit one of these delectable Christmas markets?