Europe has always been a dream destination to all, what if I tell you there's much more to Europe than just the renaissance architecture or scenic beauty? Yes, there is & it has to be the White Christmas of Europe and should definitely be in your bucket list if not added yet. The residents here gear up for the biggest holiday of the year with zest.
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Why should I plan my Christmas in Europe?
Experiencing Christmas in Europe is altogether a different vibe, the colours, lights, music, smell of fresh cooked food and so much more. Trust me I can give you a hundred reasons but here a few convincing ones!
- Super discounts in all big and small brands
- Savor your sweet tooth with home made chocolates and gingerbread
- Explore the beautifully decorated cafe's and streets
- Lot's of Hot Chocolate and Gluhwein (Mulled wine)
- Each market has a different theme that represents their culture
- Best time to buy shoes & boots on rock-bottom prices
- Try out the authentic local cuisine to drool over
- Shop for the handmade soaps and take back various Christmas goodies
A pampering holiday needs two important things – indulgence and shopping. The Christmas Markets offers both, and in Europe too.
Who started the tradition of Christmas Market?
Believe it or not, but it all started from Germany!
If there is one thing Germany knows how to do well, it's Christmas, and traditional Christmas markets are one of the biggest parts of that. Their opening signifies the beginning of Advent and they're so popular, other countries have decided to take the tradition and make it their own, to the delight of festive shoppers everywhere. Now, you'll find lovely Christmas markets all around Europe and even further afield. With markets come spectacular lighting arrangements, giving you everything you need to get into the Christmas spirit.
Best WOW recommended Christmas Markets in Europe
To be honest you won't find a single corner of any European country without a Christmas market, but here's the list of the most famous and prize winning markets listing on top in last few years.
1) Budapest, Hungary
The Advent Feast at the Basilica is one of my favourite Christmas markets, but it’s official now, The Advent Feast at the Basilica is the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe! You can treat yourself to a fun afternoon on the ice rink and enjoy a glass of mulled wine and traditional Hungarian cuisine.
WOW pro tip : Do not miss the lights show at night: it's the biggest 3D light show in Europe!
In addition to being the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe, it is awarded with the title of Best eco-friendly Christmas market. It is held with a community spirit in mind: you can enjoy charity-boosting live concerts, and preserve the environment by using eco-friendly cups, and cutlery, while leftovers are being recycled.
- Dates Open : November 22 to January 1
- Opening Hours : Monday to Friday : 11 am to 10 pm, Saturday - Sunday : 10 am to 10 pm, December 24th: 10 am to 2 pm
Top recommended things to do in Budapest:
- Dinner cruise on Danube river should be your top priority
- The Parliament building is blend of architectural styles – neo-Gothic, neo-Romanesque, neobaroque – and in sum it works very well.
- The food markets of Nagycsarnok is the best place to soak up the sights, smells and sounds of a Budapest.
- Jostling with locals shopping for bargains at Ecseri Piac, one of Central Europe’s largest flea markets, is a fabulous way to spend a Saturday morning.
- Try the famous coffee & cakes of New York Cafe famous for its interiors & Chandeliers. It is the number 1 on the list of best cafes in the world.
- Mazel Tov, a spacious glass-roof restaurant that serves a moreish hybrid of Israeli-Mediterranean food and totally on-point cocktails.
- Vadaspark Restaurant, dining here with the folklore show is a must try!
2) Vienna, Austria
One of the most well-known Christmas Markets is the traditional "Vienna Magic of Advent", which turns the City Hall Square into a shining fairy tale land. The trees of the surrounding City Hall are festively decorated and radiate in a sea of lights - a Viennese experience, you will definitely not want to miss!
My favourite part of this magical city was the Fashion street! Yes, you take the names of brand and you will find it here on this street on amazing discounted prizes! Imagine buying the best pair of leather boots under 25 Euros, hard to believe right?
- Dates Open : November 15 to December 26
- Opening Hours : Daily 10:00 am - 09: 00 pm, 24th December closes on 08:00 PM
Top recommended things to do in Austria :
- Famous for the display of 18th-century interiors from the time of Maria Theresia Schonbrunn palace is a must visit place.
- Prater & Ferris Wheel, to experience a ride takes you high above the Prater, giving you a bird's-eye view of the city and the expanse of wooded parkland and meadows.
- Visit to the Belvedere palace for Gustav Klimt's painting The Kiss is a highlight.
- For a spin around Vienna's architectural highlights, jump on a tram and travel along the Ringstrasse, one of Europe's most magnificent streets.
- Great works of art have been created in these 'living rooms' of the Viennese. Patronized by luminaries such as Mahler, Klimt, Freud, Trotsky and Otto Wagner in their day, Vienna's Kaffeehäuser (coffee houses) were added to the Unesco list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011.
- Cafe central is a must visit cafe which is very famous for its sacher torte. It's iconic of Vienna. That's the most famous Viennese desert along with the Viennese coffee.
Munich, Germany
Marienplatz is the most original and authentic in Christmas Maket in Munich. The romantic setting in front of the neo-Gothic town hall adds to the magic of the many stalls radiating traditional Bavarian charm. It also lives by it's name of being Germany’s largest “Kripperlmarkt” (“Manger Market“). Every evening at 5:30, from the Friday before Advent to the night before Christmas, a brass band and Alpine choir peal out carols from the balcony of the neo-Gothic Rathaus (Town Hall).
I know you should not, but if you crave for Indian food in Munich 'Sher - E - Punjab' can definitely present you the best of Indian food and not to forget the Bollywood music.
- Dates Open : 27th November - 24th December
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 9 pm, Sundays: 10 am to 8 pm, December 24th: 10 am to 2 pm.
WOW pro tip : The branded shops and multiple other eateries will are closed on Sunday but Christmas Markets are open.
Top recommended things to do in Munich :
- Hofbräuhaus, even if you don't like beer, every visitor to Munich should make a pilgrimage to the mothership of all beer halls, if only once.
- The glass-and-steel, double-cone tornado spiraling down from a dark cloud the size of an aircraft carrier holds BMW Welt, truly a petrolhead's dream.
- Marienplatz, you should visit here in the daylight to spot the best central square and landmark buildings.
- The 85 meter, New Town Hall cannot be a miss when you visit Munich to see the best of Neo-Gothic architecture.
- Bamyan and award-winning Afghan menus in an exotic dining room which you must try.
- Königsquelle, best thing about this restaurant is the long-standing favourite with handwritten menu and lengthy list of whiskeys.
Nuremberg, Germany
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The enticing smells of mulled wine and rum punch, roasted almonds, Nuremberg bratwurst and gingerbread fill the air. And it’s not only tiny tots who will have their eyes all a-glow as the Nuremberg Christkind appears on the balcony of the Church of Our Lady to open the holiday season. Friday before the first Sunday in Advent is the day it all begins as she opens the world-famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. From then until Christmas Eve, the "little town of wood and cloth" will shine in the heart of Nuremberg’s Old Town and turn it into “Christmas City”.
- Dates Open : November 30 to December 24
- Opening Hours : Daily 10:00 am - 09: 00 pm, 24th December closes on 08:00 PM
Top recommended things to do in Nuremberg :
- The Kaiserburg castle is one of the most beautiful palaces of Europe and a definite visit.
- Ever heard of a restaurant where you will have to book a table months head? well, Albrecht Dürer Stube is one famous for it's a ceramic stove and fresh menu.
- You must visit the renowned church of St Sebalduskirche which was hoisted skywards in rusty pink-veined sandstone
- From the outside this place looks like a secondhand furniture shop, Cafe Katz has the ambiance packed with 1970s coffee tables, old school desks and 1980s high-back chairs.
- The Barfüsser Brauhaus cellar beer hall is a popular spot to hug a mug of site-brewed ale, bubbling frothy in the copper kettles that occupy the cavernous vaulted interior.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, a fairytale -like town in the Alsace region of France, becomes even more magical during the holiday season. It is the oldest and best Christmas market in France, complete with caroling choirs, Nativity plays, an ice rink, and mulled wine served in boot-shaped mugs. This market is stacked with delicate ornaments and Nativity figurines surround Notre-Dame Cathedral and line Place Broglie. You should definitely try the edible specialties include pretzels, roasted chestnuts, bredele cookies, and flammekeuche (a "flamed cake" thin pizza of bacon, onions, and crème fraîche).
- Dates open: November 23 to December 30
- Opening Hours : The market is opened every day from 11:00 am to 08:00 pm, Fridays till 09:00 pm and Saturdays till 10.00 pm. At Christmas Eve till 06.00 pm. The 25th of December the market is closed.
Top recommended things to do in Strasbourg :
- Explore this little town all on foot, there is nothing better than to take a walk down the beautiful lanes and houses of Petite France.
- You cannot miss the bakery shops here, the smell of fresh baked pastries and bon bons will pull you inside and you should try as many desserts as you can.
- Walking downtown Strasbourg, I found this little gem, "Incredible Macrons". The owner here is awesome and was on Master Chef.
- If you wish to stack some good gingerbread, your next stop should be Mireille Oster Pain d'Epices in Strasbourg.
- The Alsace wine region produces some of France’s most unique varietals, you can for sure do the wine tasting tour from Strasbourg.
Basel, Switzerland
We all know Switzerland is a winter wonderland, but it also hosts some of the most charming Christmas markets in Europe—including Basler Weihnachtsmarkt in the Rhine-side town of Basel. A magnificent Christmas tree stands on the Münsterplatz, with ornaments by the well-known decorator Johann Wanner. The market features more than 190 vendors selling handmade toys and local treats (hello, Swiss raclette) from their wooden stands, plus enough twinkle lights and trees to fill a million Instagram feeds.
- Dates Open : November 28 to December 23
- Opening Hours : Daily from 11: 00 am - 08: 30 pm, closes at 06:00 pm on 23rd December.
WOW pro Tip : Extend one night here to the famous quaint town of Colmar, it will be an unforgettable experience.
Top recommended things to do in Basel :
- In the famous country of cheese and chocolate, is it absurd if I tell you to try the fondue & cheese?
- Basel is a town full of museums and you must cover them, you can read more about them on this Link.
- Stack up some best home made Swiz chocolate and cheese at affordable rates!
- If you are interested in History, you can take a tour to about 17km east of Basel, on the Rhine's south bank, Switzerland’s largest Roman ruins are the last remnants of a colony founded in 43 BC.
- You must stop by at the Frühling Cafe to sip the finest coffee and savor on their delicious desserts.
- The Hefegugelhopf is a yeasted, fluted cake with a hole in the middle. Bakeries often decorate them with whole or sliced almonds and a heavy coating of powdered sugar.
Prague, Czech Republic
The main markets are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square (5 minutes walk from each other). The markets' brightly decorated stalls sell wooden toys, bohemian crystal, handmade jewelry, classic Czech marionettes. Most impressive of all is the mighty Christmas tree at the Old Town Square, transported from the forests of the Liberec region of the Czech Republic.
- Dates Open : November 30 to January 6
- Opening Hours : Weekday - 09:00 am - 07:00 pm & Weekends till 08: 00 pm.
Wow pro tip : The food stalls are opened till midnight in Prague's Christmas Markets
Top recommended things to do in Prague :
- The finest memory to recall from Prague is the walk over the Charles bridge while sipping Hot Chocolate (this is optional)!
- Trdelnik is one of the most common pastries to find on Prague’s streets
- Visit to the Prague castle, Old town square, St. Vitus Cathedral & the Astronomical clock are must to see the best of architecture & culture history related to these landmarks.
- The major attraction here is the Dancing house, dedicated to the famous duo of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
- Field, a highly regarded restaurant that has garnered Prague's third Michelin star.
- If you crave for some Indian cuisine, Sangam should be your next eating spot!
- For some interesting Czechia cuisine you must try the food in restaurant Pepř a Sůl.
Food Thoughts :
The Christmas season is inextricably with many beloved desserts all around the world. Checkout from the list below of what all you can eat!
- Goulash, a must try Hungarian cuisine along with the Chimney cake which is available only in Budapest.
- Feast on thick chocolate milk with whipped cream or mulled wine, whipped cream cones in Prague.
- Cheesy French fries & cheese cutlets in Vienna
- Viennese coffee is a must try, if you are not a coffee person do try the Viennese hot chocolate.
- Bratwurst – A type of German sausage made of veal, pork or beef
- Apfel Strudel – Apple Strudel is a popular Viennese pastry that one must try.
- Maroni – Is a traditional winter snack that is available in Vienna. It is roasted chestnut that is sold in packets in and around Christmas markets to the passersby
- Lebkuchen – A traditional German Christmas treat that is similar to gingerbread
- Dark and rich fruitcakes, almost in all the markets.
- Mandeln – Almonds, you get it in all the Christmas Markets.
- Honeyed gingerbread and vosí hnízda' ("wasps nests," nutty cookies heavy with rum), Strasbourg.
What to Shop in a Christmas Market :
- Hand-made Christmas ornaments carefully decorated Christmas baubles, obviously!
- Home-knitted woolen socks and hand-crafted tablecloths
- Christmas figures, home decor, puzzles and other toys
- Shoes, bags, jewelry and beyond. You name it, they sell it. Shop until you drop!
- Try on a silly hat, a new scarf, hand-made earrings or festive glasses.
How do I plan this trip?
Well, covering all these Christmas Markets in one shot is clearly not possible. However you can divide your travel into East, West & Central Europe!
The most interesting and definitely on budget is the Eastern Europe route. This route that I followed and saw the best of Christmas Markets in Europe without casting a hole in my pocket but filled my hands with many many shopping bags!
There's another more cost effective way to explore some of the very beautiful small towns of Europe is through Cruise! Read more on this Link and decide how you want to begin your voyage on sail or on rail!
Route through Train :
Best is to fly in to Budapest, Hungary. You can plan the first leg of your travel here and visit the multiple Christmas markets! A must do activity here is to take the Danube evening River cruise and spot the various interesting buildings including the beautiful Parliament Building.
Your next visit can be planned for spotting various markets in Vienna, Austria and you will not be disappointed from the shopping here! You should definitely visit the Schonbrunn Palace, there a small Christmas Market there as well.
The next stop can be Prague, Czech Republic. This place is a perfect blend of exploring Christmas market and all big n small brands! It sure is a shoes paradise! I bought the best pair of leather shoes from Prague. If you want to take the best views of Prague and capture the city you must visit the Astronomical Clock Tower!
Germany can be your last destination, you can devote your maximum time here exploring various Christmas markets in Frankfurt, Munich & Nuremberg. Do not miss a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, this is an absolute fairyland castle!
How and Where to Book the train :
All the above countries are very well connected through Euro Train, you can get yourself a pass and travel across Europe in a cost effective manner.
You can Click Here to know more over the Euro rail passes and train timings.
WOW pro tip : While commencing your journey through Euro Trains, be considerate of the luggage as you will have to drag your bags in and out! Hence our motto! Travel light.
Visa :
To travel within Europe there are two criteria's of applying visa :
- Under Schengen Visa : With a Multiple Entry Schengen visa you can visit 26 countries, this covers maximum part of Europe. The validity given for this visa in general is granted for the duration of your date of travel.
- Under European Union Visa : For European Union countries you have to apply a separate visa for every country however if you have a multiple entry schengen visa you can visit these countries except Ireland & UK.
You can read more about these visas on VFS Global Link
Currency :
Euros and plastic money are widely accepted in these Christmas markets and all stores except a few countries like Czechia & Hungary! So get some denominations changed into local currency from your Hotel/Airport before you proceed out and shop.
Let us know in the comments, which of these Christmas markets are you planning this year? Or let us plan on just one Click!
