Just a few to consider
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year and taking a trip round a European Christmas market, wrapped up in a warm coat, with a steamy cup of mulled wine in hand is the perfect way to begin the festivities.
Christmas markets across the continent are open again set to be back in full, festive swing for the first time in three years after the disruption caused by the pandemic.
Here are just a few of the best trips you might want to consider. There are many more to choose from and you can contact me to discuss other options.
Dresden, Germany
Germany is the iconic Christmas market destination.
In Dresden be prepared to see rows of wooden huts, hear classical music in the background, and enjoy lots and lots of Glühwein!
Dresden is the oldest Christmas market in the country and was responsible for making Stollen famous. Alternative markets include Nuremberg, famous for its handmade decorations and gingerbread hearts, and Frankfurt, where the market is set inside the historic Paulsplatz square.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow’s Christmas market is among the prettiest in Europe. Its castle skyline and beautiful cobbled streets in the old town make it ‘Christmas card perfect’, especially with a sprinkling of snow.
There is music and carol singing around the old town and, just away from the Christmas market on Rynek Główny, there’s often a stage with live performances throughout the season.
Visitors can stroll around the stalls in the 13th‑century main square, nibbling on kielbasa sausage and gingerbread before washing it down with a cup of mulled wine. To finish with a memory you will keep with you for a long time, take a horse drawn carriage ride around this beautiful ancient city.
Riga, Latvia
In Riga, you can mingle with the traders selling specialist items, including handmade wooden goods, furs and knitted socks.
You can also expect to sample local traditional delicacies, such as grey peas and bacon!
The tradition of decorating trees began in Latvia over 500 years ago so you can be sure to enjoy many colourful Christmas trees around the capital city.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of those iconic European cities that should be high on anyone’s list to visit. Combining a visit to Prague with its Christmas markets is a great idea as it comes alive during the winter months. Prague is one of Europe’s premier Christmas market cities with the two main markets only a five-minute walk from each other – in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. More markets also can be found in Republic Square, Kampa Island, Havel’s Market and by the castle.
The markets are full of brightly decorated wooden huts, where traders sell festive ceramics, glassware, puppets and decorative lace. When it comes to food, dumplings, ham and sausage are always a popular choice. You might also spot trdelník, a sugar and walnut-covered pastry.
Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital turns into a sparkling city of light for several weeks between November and January, as the smell of hot wine and freshly baked pretzels fills the air. Austria is known for going all out at Christmas, and Vienna has plenty of stalls selling arts and crafts for decorating trees and homes.
The city is famed for coffee houses with piping hot drinks and decadent cakes – just in case it gets a bit chilly!
So many to choose from
A Christmas market trip in Europe is an experience you will never forget and there are so many to choose from that you could do a different trip every year.
I am often asked for recommendations for the best Christmas markets as well as other holiday experiences, so why not get in touch and we can discuss the destination and budget that best suits your requirements.
As a Personal Travel Consultant, I am able to organise fantastic holidays all over the world that are completely ABTA and ATOL protected. Also being part of the Hays Travel Group, I have the backing and resource of the largest independent travel group in the UK – meaning great service and prices!