Foliage covered wooden huts, the scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and allll the melted Nutella.
Yep you’ve got it, Christmas markets are on their way and boy does Europe know how to put on a show!
Christmas markets originated in Germany and Austria and whilst cities like London and Paris grab all the headlines and attention, there are so many alternative destinations to consider visiting which are a lot cheaper, and more authentic.
So grab a scarf, mittens and a bag to fill up with decorations and get exploring some of Europe’s most enchanting offerings. We’ll meet you in the beer tent.
1. Vilnius, Lithuania
With its medieval layout, baroque cityscape, and cobblestone streets, the heart of Lithuania’s capital city, Vilnius, charms in any season of the year.
But with a dusting of snow across the medieval castles, Vilnius is all the more stunning, especially when viewed from the 22nd floor from the town’s coveted Skybar.
We can’t explain the locals love for Frank Zappa, but during the winter months – this laid back city is a truly enchanting wonderland. Its also one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe.
2. Budapest, Hungary
Summer in Budapest gets all the love, but the winter should not be overlooked. The city is covered in snow, fairy lights and Christmas decorations. Take yourself on a treasure hunt around the markets on Vörösmarty Square, with a glass of forralt bor, you’ll start to think you are in some kind of fairy tale.
Budapest Christmas markets are a great place to find quality folk trinkets, decorations and gifts. You can find there everything from gloves, woollen hats, candles, jewellery and decorative iron products.
After browsing the stalls, refuel with local cuisine and Hungarian specialities such as sweet pastries, Kurtoskalacs, roast chestnuts, and warm mulled wine. Head to the front of Gerbeaudcafe to soak up the festive atmosphere, here you’ll find street entertainers and performers, dancers, brass bands, choirs and string orchestras all popular each winter.
The highlight of the Budapest Christmas market is the musical Advent calendar, where you can look into the Gerbeaud House windows to find contemporary works of art which at 5pm are opened and accompanied with beautiful lights, impressive fanfares and beautiful chimes.
In the nearby square, a giant Christmas tree and advent wreath can also be found: the perfect photo opportunity. There’s plenty to do for young market goers too; children can enjoy puppet shows, play houses, Father Christmas games and other child friendly entertainment.
3. Bremen, Germany
Munich gets a lot of love when it comes to festivals, and a lot of people have never even heard of Bremen, but if you do visit you will be rewarded.
Bremen is the spiritual home of the festive Christmas cheer and there is nowhere better to experience heart-warming, hand-holding ‘Christmassey’ moments fuelled by alcohol and sausages.
The streets are littered with taverns and open fires, entertainers and jugglers and the wintry air is filled with cinnamon and freshly baked bread.
4. Gothenburg, Sweden
We couldn’t write a guide to the best Europe Christmas markets without including some Scandinavian magic. Gothenburg is home to one of Sweden’s largest Christmas markets Liseberg.
With its melange of ancient markets, cobbled streets and burgeoning art scene, Gothenburg is most alluring during the winter months.
Despite the short supply of daylight, the city is awash with more than five million fairly lights over Christmas, and Rudolph is dashing all over town. It’s a wonderful, must do experience that will be sure to get you into the festive spirit.
5. Strasbourg, France
With a Christkindelsmärik that dates back to 1570, Strasbourg is home to the oldest Christmas market in France, and plays host to over 2 million tourists each year.
Unlike the Parisian markets, the focus is on the Alsace holiday traditions, so instead of Santa Clause hats and electronic toys, you get a more down-to-earth feel, with a focus on hand-made ornaments, local foods and drinks, and churches playing Christmas carols.
6. Nuremberg, Germany
Christkindlesmarkt is a Christmas market that is held annually in Nuremberg. It takes place during Advent in the Hauptmarkt, the central square in Nuremberg’s old town, and in adjoining squares and streets.
With about two million visitors a year this Christmas event is one of the largest markets in German and one of the most famous in the world. Every year the Christmas market begins on Friday preceding the first Sunday in Advent and ends on December 24th, unless that day is a Sunday.
7. Vienna, Austria
At the traditional Vienna Magic of Advent, the Rathauusplatz becomes a shining fairy tale land. The 150 or so sales stands offer Christmas gifts, Christmas tree decorations, sweets and warming drinks. The trees of the surrounding City Hall park are festively decorated and radiate in a sea of lights. There are lots of offers here for children in particular.
Other highlights in Vienna over the Christmas period include the festive illuminations of the historic Shoenbrunn Palace (a former home of Austrian Emperors) which provides a stunning backdrop to the Schoenbrunn Christmas Village which also has many market stalls as well as festive concerts to get you in the holiday mood.
Possibly the most authentic Christmas Market of Vienna is the Spittelberg market in the historic quarter; specialities include local handicrafts. The markets typically begin from 17th November until Christmas Eve, and are open from 9am until 9pm, giving you plenty of time to explore.
There are so many amazing places to go in Europe, and one place one place not featured on our list if the French capital. We wrote a specific guide which you might to view, Paris’s best Christmas markets.
