With only a few days left until Christmas the winter festivities are in full swing and what better way to immerse yourself in the holliday spirit than to visit a Christmas market! While it is true that there are no bad Christmas markets, as long as they provide hot beverages to warm our bodies and delicius foods to warm our soul, there are some that are known for their greatness.
So put on some warm clothes and lets visit the top 5 Christmas markets in Europe.
5. Prague – Czech republic
The 15th century buildings of Pragues Old Town Square are magical on their own, but this time of year there is much more to see than just architecture. The christmas markets consist of brightly decorated wooden huts where you can try delicious foods like large roasted hams (Pražská Šunka), barbequed sausages (klobása) and sweet dumplings (sladké knedlíky) and warm yourself up with some hot chocolate or a glass of grog – rum, water, lemon and sugar.
4. Brussels – Belgium
Truly a one of a kind – a festival and Christmas market in one! The Winter Wonders Christmas market is one of the most popular in Europe, equiped with 250 wood chalets where you can discover unique delicacies like salmon smoked on an open fire, gluhwein and eierpunsch – the German equivalent of warm egg nog. This Christmas market also offers a ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds, ice-skating rink, christmas tree, sound and light show, high-tech 360° immersive installation and numerous different concerts and events.
3. Berlin – Germany
If you’re looking for variety Berlin is right up your alley! With over 70 markets to choose from, there is something to find for everyone – even an annual dog Christmas market for your four legged furry friend! The biggest market is found in the old town of Spandau, a historic suburb on the west of Berlin. For a more traditional Christmas German experience check out Gendarmenmarkt, and if you’re looking for something more active go to Winter World on Potsdamer Platz and enjoy all the sports activities.
2. Vienna – Austria
Vienna has it all, neatly packaged into 14 Christmas markets set up throughout the city. For a more traditional Christmas market stroll around Schönnbrunn Palace and the Christmas Village taking over Maria-Theresien-Platz, the beauty of winter veiled Vienna is sure to be unforgettable. Afterwards take part in the local cuisine at the Advent pleasure market by the Opera House, and finish it off with some ice-skating at Vienna Christmas World in Rathausplatz.
1. Budapest – Hungary
And now for our first pick – Budapest! Igniting the holliday spirit in early November, Budapest truly is magical. Every evening religious scenes and festive stories are projected onto St Stephen’s Basilica in an extraordinary light show. Here you can also find around 160 stalls that sell an array of Hungarian delicacies like the Chimney cake (kürtőskalács) and Goulash soup in a bread bowl, and an ice skating rink set up around the grand Christmas tree. But don’t miss out on Budapest’s oldest Christmas market in Vorosmarty Square, and discover numerous food stalls, shops with handcrafts and free concerts.