Visit The Best Christmas Markets In Europe In 2023

Best Christmas markets in Europe [Image by Nikkodem/Flickr]
It’s already beginning to feel a lot like the holidays, even though they are more than a month away. However, it is almost time to visit the fairytale Christmas markets of Europe to experience the decorations, the lights, the scents and a generally wonderful vibe. Europe puts on the best festive display, offering arts and crafts, delicious cookies and more. The following are five of the top Christmas markets in Europe, along with dates of opening.

Christmas markets in Colmar, France

Christmas market in Colmar, France [Image by Jorge Franganillo/Flickr]
Dates: November 24, 2023 to December 29, 2023

Location: Medieval town center

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One of the top destinations for Christmas markets in France is located just over two hours from Paris by train. Colmar is renowned for its festivities over the holidays and features six Christmas markets in its Medieval town center. Here, visitors can stroll past stalls and wooden chalets, piled with wonderful artisan crafts and gourmet food to enjoy. Naturally, the region’s Alsatian wine is also on offer. On top of all this, Wednesday and Saturday afternoons feature the children’s choirs singing traditional carols on beautifully illuminated boats on the water in the Petite Venise district of Colmar.

Christmas markets in Berlin, Germany

Christmas in Berlin, Germany [Image by Sergiy Galyonkin/Flickr]
Dates: November 27, 2023 to December 30, 2023

Location: Alexanderplatz

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While the most famous Christmas market in Berlin is on Alexanderplatz, the city has so much more than that to offer. In fact, this German city features more than 100 Christmas markets across the city. Each market features stalls with beautiful arts, crafts and gifts for sale, along with the delicious scent of Bratwurst, mulled wine and gingerbread to tickle the tastebuds. Everywhere, Christmas lights and decorations twinkle, offering a beautiful holiday scene.

Enjoy the festivities in Prague, Czech Republic

Christmas market in Prague [Image by Ulrika/Flickr]
Dates: December 2, 2023 to January 6, 2024

Location: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square

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With its cobbled streets and pretty architecture, Prague offers a beautiful fairytale scene at the best of times. However, during the holidays, the city is truly magical. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic’s most famous Christmas market sees stalls selling local arts and crafts, quaint wooden toys and delicious traditional food, served up in the Old Town Square.

Christmas markets in Vienna, Austria

Festive Vienna, Austria [Image by traveljunction on Wikimedia Commons]
Dates: November 11, 2023 to December 26, 2023

Where: On the square in front of the Rathaus (Town Hall)

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Vienna is a beautiful city all year round, but in the holidays, the city comes alive with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The city often sees snowy streets, while offering four different Christmas markets to choose from in its beautiful cobbled streets. Join the locals and head out to enjoy spicy Christmas cookies, chestnuts and glühwein. Head to the Rathaus (Vienna’s Town Hall) to see the Advent windows, decorated by local artists, as well as the beautiful tree lights in Rathauspark.

Festive Retail Therapy in Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary [Image by Top Budapest on Wikimedia Commons]
Dates: November 24, 2023 to December 31, 2023

Location: Vorosmarty Square

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Right in the heart of Budapest, Vorosmarty Square turns into a magical, festive marketplace each year for the holidays. Strolling through the cottage-style huts reveals wonderful gifts for sale, as well as the delightful scents of mulled wine, honey cookies, cinnamon and fir. Besides shopping, visitors can enjoy live shows and music on two outdoor stages. Meanwhile, restaurants in the surrounds serve Hungarian specialties including goulash soup and langos flatbread.

Experience the cities of Europe this Christmas for a true sense of the holidays, while taking home unique gifts for family and friends.

 

AustriaBerlinBudapestChristmas marketsColmarCzech RepublicEuropeFranceGermanyHungaryPragueVienna
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