What’s not to love about Christmas? From the jingles to the mouthwatering food, the colorful rows of glittering fairy lights that entrance you in their beauty, the feeling of overwhelming joy by celebrating this holiday with your loved ones. Christmas is a bundle of joy, family, and friends: a holiday season that unites people around the world.
What could you not possibly like about it? Unless you are the Grinch.
Christmas is beautiful wherever you are because after all, it is about being with your loved ones. But if you want to go beyond and experience a great Christmas market atmosphere, then I recommend you to pick out your most beloved Christmas outfits (don’t forget your coat!), pack them in a suitcase, book a flight and follow me to Europe!
This is Belgium’s favorite Christmas Market with 2.5 million visitors a year, it is a must-see event. The atmosphere that surrounds Brussels is warm and joyful at this time of the year. The days get shorter, countless twinkle lights illuminate the city by night, and you can find hot chocolate in every shop that lines the historical streets, warming both hearts and hands.
Marvel at the rides, the Winter Wonders giant Ferris wheel, and the magical Christmas’ market. Let yourself be swept away by the magic of the giant Christmas’ tree and the sound and light show on the world’s most beautiful square.
Find that perfect Christmas present, spend the evenings snug and warm in the city’s cozy cafés. You will find everything you need to make your Christmas holidays in Brussels unforgettable.
When: Nov.29 to Jan. 5
There is nothing more romantic than walking by the Rhine River, looking out at the city illuminated by miles of fairy lights. Strasbourg is one of the favorite Christmas markets in France, and among the oldest ones in Europe. Today it is set up in the heart of the Grandelle, a UNESCO world heritage site. They don’t call it the Capital de Noël (The Capital of Christmas) for nothing.
Marvel at the 300 wooden chalets set in this historic center. Shop wooden toys and blown glass candles. Dig into some Alsatian bredele (traditional small cookies), or eat one of the favorites Flammukucken, also known as tarte flambée. It’s a very thin pizza topped with creme fraiche, delicately sliced onions, and ham.
Go to Place Kleber and admire one of the most beautiful Christmas trees that will bring tears to your eyes. It is lit with 7 kilometers of twinkling lights.
When: Nov. 22 to Dec. 30
If you are looking for something more traditional but still magical than this Christmas market is for you. The Nuremberg’s Christmas Main Market Square was first mentioned in a document dating back from 1628, but it could be older, and its people take pride in that.
Nuremberg’s Christmas market offers you more than 180 stalls to walk among and shop around, where you will certainly find unique gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. Feast on their famous Bratwurst, a tradition that’s been around for more than 700 years. And why not pick a gingerbread while you are at it?
If the cold starts to creep into your bones while you are strolling around the market, there’s only one thing that helps: a cup of Nuremberg’s hot mulled wine. With its blueberry brew and the tantalizing smell of cinnamon and cloves, it will calm you and bring you warmth to keep enjoying your time around this beautiful market.
When: Nov.29 to Dec. 24
Continue your Christmas market travel to Dresden. It is one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets, celebrating its 584th year.
If you want a blaze of lights, twinkling stars, beaming children’s faces, Christmas carols, mulled wine, and the scent of gingerbread, then Dresden will surprise you even more.
With its unique character, Dresden Striezelmarket offers you the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with a gingerbread party or the Christmas tree decorating competition. When you get hungry, don’t forget to try its famous baked apples and Dresden fruitcake.
When: Nov. 27 to Dec. 24
Two hours away from Dresden is the capital of the Czech Republic that welcomes travelers from all over the world each year.
Prague, without a doubt, is one of the must-go-to places for legendary Christmas markets. Visitors are amazed by the beauty of the city with all the Christmas colors.
The largest and most popular markets are located at the Old Town Square. The square is busy with its many stalls that travelers can stroll around. It is also where you could find some pretty and special souvenirs to take home with you.
And if you feel like it, why not drink one of the famous Czech beers? Try the Pilsner Urquell a very simple beer with a real deep flavor, or if you want something with a slightly fruity aroma, but still refreshing then go for the Staropramen.
And don’t worry you only need to be 18 to drink alcohol in Prague!
When: The Prague Christmas markets are open every day from November 30th to January 6th, including Christmas eve, Christmas day and New Year’s Day.
Around the Christmas season, Vienna becomes a magical city that lures visitors from all over the world to come and enjoy a magical experience. With many Christmas markets to choose from, one of the most well-known is the traditional “Vienna Magic of Advent,” which turns the City Hall Square into an outstanding fairy tale land.
Be tempted by the fragrances of the food coming from the stalls: chestnuts, garlicky potato wedges, waffles, gingerbread, toasted almonds, Gözleme (oriental handmade pancakes), and so much more.
When: Nov. 16 to Dec. 24
Now it’s time to go to the UK.
London’s Hyde Park is the location for Winter Wonderland, which is one of the best things to do in London for Christmas.
Featuring a huge selection of festive entertainment and activities, from ice skating and the world’s tallest transportable Observation Wheel to a Christmas market and live music.
There are many things to do around Winter Wonderland and the best part? It is free! You can either go in the morning and leisurely walk around the stalls, or visit at night when Hyde Park is transformed by a thousand sparkling lights.
Enjoy amazing rides with a cup of hot chocolate, book tickets to spectacular attractions, ride the Giant Wheel, and look at the city at night.
When: Nov. 21 to Jan.5
The last place you need to visit is Birmingham, where the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany is held. Growing from a mere ten-stall affair, back in 1997, to the massive 80 and more chalets there is today. It’s also one of the biggest Christmas markets in the UK.
It offers a large range of traditional goods and gifts, and a selection of tempting food and drink: pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds will tempt your taste buds; all of which can be washed down with gluhwein, weissbier (wheat beer), or a tasty hot chocolate.
When: Nov. 7 to Dec. 3
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