A Guide to Europe's Best Christmas Markets
There's nothing better to get you in the festive mood than jetting off to Europe to indulge in a spot of shopping in some of the finest Christmas markets, especially if you have some annual leave that needs using up before the end of the year!
Dating back to the Middle Ages, Christmas markets are filled with stalls upon stalls of local arts and crafts to make for a truly unusual gift. Forget high street names and branded merchandise, what you'll find are small locally sourced produce such as food, wine, beer and jewellery, toys, decorations and homewares.
The great thing about the location of the best Christmas markets is that most no-frills airlines fly to nearby airports, and many of the cities have a range of accommodation suiting all budgets.
So go on, spoil yourself, and your family and friends, with unusual gifts, as you sip hot mulled wine, nibbling on some roast chestnuts whilst the snow crunches underfoot, and the carol singers set the mood even further.
Considered by many as the best of the best, the following guide outlines Europe's most popular and interesting Christmas markets. Take a read and perhaps treat yourself to a long weekend away!
Vienna, Austria
One of Europe's most popular markets is found in Vienna. Millions of visitors, from all across Europe, visit from mid-November through to December. If you want to avoid the crowds it's best to go early. The surrounding park is adorned with fairy lights, making it the perfect place to rest for a while. And if you are taking the children, the 'Vokshalle', in the Town Hall, holds a workshop each day for the kids where they can make beautiful Christmas presents and Christmas biscuits.
Copenhagen, Denmark
If you want to escape the more commercial markets, then head for Copenhagen. One of the oldest markets in Europe, the city continues to thrive in its heritage. The market streets are lined with decorations and lights and generally feel more 'oldie worldie' than other markets. As well as shopping for jewellery, arts and crafts and delicious cuisine, visitors can also enjoy the ice rink and a huge rollercoaster in the city's main gardens. Be sure to wrap up warm, it gets very, very cold here in November and December.
Brussels, Belgium
Situated in the Grand Palace, the Brussels' Christmas market is packed with food stalls – perfect for travellers wanting to sample local delights, including cute gingerbread Father Christmases, plus stalls full of the usual arts and crafts. The local Fish Market moves over for an ice-rink, giving visitors the opportunity to do something other than shop (and eat!). The entire market is decorated with sparkling lights, as carol singers fill the air.
Barcelona, Spain
The Spanish city hosts over 300 wooden stalls in its Pla de la Seu & Avda de la Catedral areas, selling wonderful Christmas themed gifts and decorations. Visitors can also enjoy looking round the locals' Nativity scenes as they battle it out to be crowned winner in this coveted contest.
Dublin, Ireland
Closer to home is (considering Europe's popular markets have been going for more than 700 years) the younger Dublin Christmas market. The Irish city celebrates the '12 Days of Christmas' with stalls lining the Docklands. Expect to find the usual Christmas market fare of local jewellery, arts and crafts and wooden toys. Plus there's carol singing and a classic carousel to set the scene. With over 90,000 currently visiting, it's popularity increases year on year.
Tallinn, Estonia
Another relative 'newcomer' to the Christmas market scene is Tallinn. Whilst it's a smaller market, the lesser crowds and the nearly guaranteed snowfall makes it a perfect place to get into the festive spirit. Now in its twentieth year, the City has made a huge effort to make the market look out of this world. Its quaint architecture and huge Christmas tree and streets that are lit up give the city a somewhat romantic vibe. What's more, Santa takes time out of his busy pre-Christmas schedule to have photos taken with the children – what could be more magical, whether you are 8 or 108!
Basel, Switzerland
This Swiss market is held in the Old Town Hall area, and proudly boasts the longest Christmas Street in Europe. The market here has a real 'chocolate box, fairy tale' quality to it, as stalls sell the expected local handmade arts and crafts, toys and jewellery, along with traditional food to enjoy and spiced mulled wine to drink as traditional carol singers take you back to years gone by, whilst rock and pop bands put their own individual twist on Christmas classics.
