The Ultimate Guide to Europe’s Most Magical Christmas Markets
'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by wandering through the enchanting wonderlands of Europe's Christmas markets? With cobblestone streets, twinkling lights, and the sweet aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread in the air, these markets transform even the biggest Scrooge into a holiday enthusiast!
Join us as we embark on a journey through Europe's most magical Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm and traditions. From the heartwarming stalls of Zürich to the fairytale setting of Vienna's Christkindlmarkt, we'll be your festive tour guides, offering tips, insights, and inspiration for a truly memorable holiday season.
Get ready to sip glühwein (hot mulled wine), shop for handcrafted treasures, and savour seasonal treats as we unwrap the secrets of these winter wonderlands. Whether you're planning a holiday getaway or simply seeking some yuletide cheer, this ultimate guide is your passport to the merriest season of all.
Let's dive into the enchantment of Europe's most spectacular Christmas markets together!
What are the Christmas markets?
Christmas markets, also known as Christkindlmarkt in German-speaking regions, have a rich history dating back to the Late Middle Ages. Their origins can be traced to Germany and Austria, where the concept of festive winter markets gained popularity.
The first recorded Christmas market dates back to 1434 in the German city of Dresden. These markets originally served as a place for people to purchase food, supplies, and handmade goods in preparation for the holiday season. Over time, Christmas markets evolved to feature a wide range of holiday-themed decorations, ornaments, and handmade gifts. Vendors offered everything from wooden toys to intricate glass ornaments.
Today, Christmas markets continue to be a beloved holiday tradition across Europe. They typically open in late November or early December and run until Christmas Eve (though some places run into January). Visitors can enjoy festive music, traditional foods like gingerbread and roasted chestnuts, and shop for gifts from local artisans. Christmas markets have also become major tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world who seek to experience the magic and warmth of the holiday season in Europe.
What do I need to know?
Plan ahead
Check the market dates and opening hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
If you’re hoping to avoid crowds, consider heading there on weekdays or early in the morning.
Dress warmly
These markets can get COLD, especially once the sun goes down!
Comfortable and waterproof shoes are a must, just to be on the safe side.
Make sure you have something warm to cover your head, feet and hands; trust us.
Bring cash
Most markets and stalls we experienced take card, but it’s best to be prepared.
Try local treats
Sample traditional holiday foods such as roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, sausages, and most importantly, hot glühwein!!!
With most drinks (and some foods) you will be charged a small deposit for the use of mugs or bowls. If you return this item to the stall when you’ve finished, you’ll receive your deposit back. Alternatively, keep your fun little souvenir mug to remind you of your trip! I suggest keeping an eye on everyone’s mugs until you see one you like. I “shopped around” at many different stalls in many different cities until I found the perfect mug to keep!
Be open to trying some regional specialties.
Shop for unique decorations & gifts
Christmas markets are known for their handmade crafts and unique gifts. Support local artisans and find one-of-a-kind presents for loved ones!
Check for special events
Many cities host tree lighting ceremonies and processions during the holiday season. Look for special events or parades that may coincide with your visit.
Visit multiple markets
If you have the opportunity, explore multiple Christmas markets in different cities or regions. Each has its own charm and traditions.
Some cities, like Vienna or Budapest, have several markets to choose from.
Part of the magic of exploring a city at Christmas time is wandering through the streets and coming across a little market you didn’t know was there!
Have fun & enjoy the festive atmosphere
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit by enjoying live music, carollers, and holiday performances often found at the markets.
Admire the beautiful Christmas decorations and elaborate light displays that adorn the market stalls and surrounding areas.
Take some time to just sit and marvel at where you are.
Let’s begin!
Christmas in Vienna, Austria
Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz
This is the largest and most visited market in Vienna (side note, Vienna is actually where we spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2022!). The best part of this market is the backdrop of Rathaus, the beautiful and ornate city hall.
You can expect to find around 100 stalls here, as well as a merry-go-round, ice-skating rink, and a Ferris wheel. In 2022 they also had dozens of little nativity scenes on display, though I’m not sure if they’re out every year.
Stephansplatz
The location of this market is beautiful, with its wooden stalls wrapped around Stephansdom Cathedral. One of the fun draws to this market is the addition of horse-drawn carriages that collect passengers for a fee just outside the cathedral. If you turn the corner and wander down Graben Street, you’ll see it lit up with beautiful chandeliers and festive Christmas lights, which add to the ambiance!
Schönbrunn Palace
The palace glows golden and washes this market in a beautiful light. No other market felt more regal than the Schönbrunn Christmas market. There are quite a few stalls here for you to select artisan goods or sample some deliciously warm food. Pay close attention to the delicate glass ornaments sold here.
Michaelerplatz
A very small-scale market outside the Hofburg Palace, this market is great for an afternoon glühwein pick-me-up. Worth noting because this is where I found my holy grail mug.
Christmas in Salzburg, Austria
You may have heard of Salzburg from The Sound of Music (as I did). You may know that it was the birthplace of Mozart. But did you now that this city is also famous for the creation of the traditional Christmas carol, Silent Night?
Stille Nacht was originally written as a poem by Joseph Mohr, a Catholic priest, in 1816. On Christmas Eve of 1818, Joseph Mohr approached Franz Xaver Gruber, a school teacher (woohoo!) and church organist, and asked him to compose a melody for guitar accompaniment. That same night, the song was performed for the first time in history at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, a town less than half an hour from Salzburg.
Silent Night is not only a beautiful Christmas carol but also a testament to the power of music to convey a message of peace and unity that transcends time and borders. Its humble beginnings in Salzburg have left an indelible mark on the world of music and the spirit of Christmas.
Christkindlmarkt at Residenzplatz
This market takes place in the historic heart of Salzburg’s Old Town. It’s quite large and actually has two sections, one in Residenzplatz and one in Domplatz, both squares surrounding the Salzburg Cathedral. A unique feature here is that the Residenz Palace's façade often serves as an advent calendar, with windows that open each day leading up to Christmas, revealing festive scenes or artwork.
Stern Advent
This cute mini market is tucked away in a courtyard between Getreidegasse (Mozart’s birthplace!) and Griesgasse streets. Filled with beautifully decorated trees and romantic wooden chalet stalls, Stern Advent is definitely worth stopping by!
Plus, look at the cute alley leading back up to the street.
Bonus: Christmas in Salzburg shop
Although hand painted eggs are more commonly found in Eastern Europe, Salzburg has its own little store located in Old Town. Your jaw will drop when you see how many eggs are crammed into this quaint little shop. Hand painted, intricate designs are featured on delicate egg shells and decorated for many holidays and seasons, and these make the perfect souvenir or gift for a loved one. Please note that photography is not allowed in the store.
Christmas in Berchtesgaden, Germany
Berchtesgadener Advent
Berchtesgaden is nestled in the Bavarian Alps, and the Christkindlmarkt takes place in the town center, surrounded by the stunning mountain scenery. The market's setting is nothing short of picturesque. The market exudes a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with its wooden stalls adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine in the air. When we visited, there was even live traditional Bavarian music being played! Although we visited a lot of markets across Europe, this one felt the most authentic.
Christmas in Zürich, Switzerland
Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz
The Wienachtsdorf (which means "Christmas Village" in English) recreates the ambiance of a cozy Alpine village in the heart of Zürich. The market is set up in Sechseläutenplatz, a spacious square near Lake Zürich. The Wienachtsdorf often hosts live musical performances, including traditional Swiss folk music, choirs, and bands, creating a festive and lively atmosphere. In previous years there have been merry-go-rounds and ice-skating rinks. We also found that this market had one of the largest selections of wooden ornaments out of all the markets we visited.
Bonus: The Singing Christmas Tree at Werdmühleplatz
Christmas in Geneva, Switzerland
Noël au Jardin at Jardin Anglais
Jardin Anglais is a beautiful park situated along the shores of Lake Geneva, offering stunning views of the lake and Mont Blanc in the distance. During the Christmas season, it becomes a magical setting for holiday festivities. These views are particularly breathtaking when the surroundings are illuminated at night. Families with children can look forward to various activities, including visits from Santa Claus, storytelling sessions, and hands-on craft workshops. There are more food stalls here than crafts, but the food stalls were really good.
Christmas in Prague, Czechia
Old Town Square
I would consider this the most beautiful of the markets we visited. The historic square is adorned with colorful buildings, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and the iconic Astronomical Clock (Prague Orloj). During the Christmas season, it is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The square is filled with traditional wooden stalls, each offering a variety of holiday gifts, crafts, and souvenirs. You can find everything from handmade ornaments and wooden toys to Czech glassware and jewelry. Notably, this was also the only market we saw that had some medieval-inspired stalls. They also had a raised platform set up that you could walk across for some birds eye views of the markets.
Christmas in Zagreb, Croatia
This one is a bit tricky to write about because we were there on the 6th and 7th of January and caught the tail-end of the Christmas season, which meant we didn’t get to see Zagreb in all it’s festive glory. That said, we couldn’t believe that there were still some small-scale celebrations around the city! Zagreb won the Best Christmas Markets award by European Best Destinations three years in a row, which is saying something. There are multiple markets across the city, which are dotted around both the Lower and Upper towns. If you’re going to be there earlier in the season, we definitely recommend checking Zagreb out!
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