Christmas Markets in Europe
A visit to a Christmas Market in Europe is the best way to get into the Christmas spirit. The abundance of fairy lights and the smell of mulled wine are a feast for the senses. Wooden stalls filled with tasty treats and an array of handmade artisan crafts such as decorations, clothes, jewellery and keepsakes are a delightful way to treat yourself and your loved ones.
The first ‘December Market’ was held in Vienna in 1294 and since then the concept of a Christmas Market has spread across Europe. The Christmas Markets in Germany are renowned, with Berlin, Cologne and Dusseldorf amongst the most popular. A visit to a Christmas Market is the perfect way to combine a city break with a sleigh-full of festive cheer.
Cologne’s Christmas Tree is ranked among the most beautiful in Europe
Mulled wine is the hot beverage of choice at Christmas Markets
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Christmas Markets in Europe to Visit
There is no shortage of charming Christmas Markets in Europe. You can find a city and a Christmas Market to suit you from cosmopolitan capital cities to underrated cities yet to be found by the masses. These are some of our favourite European Christmas Market destinations:
- Wroclaw: Wroclaw is a captivating Polish city and its Christmas Market is a sight to behold. In addition to the wooden market stalls, it has a three-level fairytale house with an observation deck, a magical show called “Christmas Magic in Fairy Tales” and a variety of parades including Santa, his elves and carol singers. The magic of Christmas is abundant in Wroclaw. Wroclaw’s Christmas Markets start on the 18th of November and finish on the 31st of December.
- Cologne: One of Germany’s most beloved Christmas Markets cities, there are seven Christmas Markets dotted around the city of Cologne, all connected by a Christmas train. The largest market with 160 stalls is in front of the towering Cologne Cathedral, and the oldest is called Angel’s Christmas Market at Neumarkt. Cologne’s Christmas Markets start around the 23rd of November and finish on the 23rd of December.
- Seville: For a slightly warmer Christmas Market experience, visit Seville. The array of twinkling lights hanging over the streets and Seville’s Moorish architecture make Seville a unique Christmas experience. Feria de Belen offers one-of-a-kind items, Mercados de Navidenos gorgeous handmade jewellery, clothing and art. Seville’s Christmas Markets start around the 5th of November and finish on the 23rd of December.
- Rome: Rome is an enchanting city to visit year-round, but at Christmas, it’s even more special. With artisan crafts to browse and Italian treats to try, the streets of Rome provide an impressive backdrop for the luminous lights of the Christmas Markets in Piazza Navona, Piazzale Ankara, Mercato Monti & more! Rome’s Christmas Markets start around the 18th of November and finish on the 6th of January.
Please note that not all Christmas markets in every city may start and end on the same dates. We recommend that you keep an eye on the official web pages in case there are any changes.