Europes Best Christmas Markets

Video naming the 10 best Christmas Markets

Below is a list of 10 of Europe’s best and most beautiful Christmas markets.

10: Zagreb, Croatia
9: Salzburg, Austria
8: Munich, Germany
7: Frankfurt, Germany
6: Copenhagen, Denmark
5: London, England
4: Brussels, Belgium
3: Strasbourg, France
2: Prague, Czech Republic
1: Vienna, Austria

Europes Christmas markets ?

Christmas markets are popular around Europe, below you can see information about some of the most well known markets.

Cologne

Cologne’s Christmas markets are some of the largest in Germany and include the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland which is decorated with twinkling lights. There are six seperate markets at various locations around the city including the floating market aboard one of the cruise ships moored along the Rhine promenade. Each of the markets has its own particular character and offers different seasonal gifts and decorations, though all offer the same special atmosphere and festive cheer. As well as the markets be sure to check out the shops and boutiques of the ‘Hohe Strasse’ and the many famous sights of the city including the outstanding gothic cathedral.

Düsseldorf

Duesseldorf has two main Christmas markets located in the old town and around Schadowplatz. A walk around the 150 stalls will allow you to become captivated by the festive atmosphere of this historic city on the Rhine.
The wooden huts offer a large collection of festive goods including handmade jewellery, tin toys and woodcarvings along with luxury jams and chutneys. The city is also home to the Koeningsallee shopping street one of the most fashionable in the country and whose chesnut trees glitter with festive lights to complete the seasonal splendour.

Aachen

The old city centre becomes dominated for four weeks by the atmosphere and events of its Christmas markets. The town’s bakers who distribute produce all over the world, offer their traditional cakes and pastries fresh from the oven at the Christmas markets, which attract over 1,5 million visitors annually.

Rüdesheim

Ruedesheim is home of the quaint Drosselgasse, lined with traditional German bars and shops. Enjoy the festive treats on offer at the market stall and while your here why not sample a traditional Ruedesheim coffee or wine!

Heidelberg

The university city of Heidelberg enjoys Christmas markets in a picturesque setting on the River Neckar, overlooked in the evenings by the illuminated grand castle. Enjoy the scents and tastes of roast chesnuts, cinnamon, cloves and mulled wine drifting through the Old Town. The markets are situated mainly in the University Square and the Market Square.

Trier

Dominated by the town’s cathedral, the festively decorated chalets offer gifts and treats for every taste including bratwurst, pancakes and mulled wine. Local artists provide intertainment from the Market Pavillion.

Rothenburg o.b. Tauber

Rothenburg is one of the oldest towns on the “Romantic” tourist road. Rothenburg overlooks 4 oxbow bends in the River Tauber from its rocky crag. As well as being old, the town is both picturesque and unspoiled. Once behind the ramparts in the carless – central enclave, the visitor faced with Rothenburg’s ancient houses, street signs, fountains and narrow, cobbled lanes seems all at once in some time of time wrap, plunged back into the mid 16 Century.
Rothenburg has its traditional ‘Weihnachtsmarkt’ where you almost feel yourself stepping back in time in the festive atmosphere.
Choose trinkets and unusual presents and enjoy the local specialties, which range from nut bread, all kind of tempting confectionary, sizzling sausages and beer!

Amiens

With 115 stalls and traders set on the quaint streets in the town centre, Amiens truly embraces the festive spirit. The illuminated cathedral creates a spectacular backdrop to the market, which is sure to entice you, with its music and scents, to its array of local products including mulled wine and hand-blown glass.

Valkenburg

The Christmas Markets of Valkenburg are somewhat unique as they are set in the Gemeentegrot caves that have been excavated under the town since Roman times.
The atmospheric grottos are festively decorated and illuminated by fairy lights to create a wonderful atmosphere. The numerous stalls are hosted by traders offering a variety of Christmas gifts and local specialities.

Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City, the capital of the Grand Dutchy, is full of seasonal cheer throughout the festive period. The Christmas markets feature wooden huts which are illuminated with festive lights and offer a variety of products including trinkets,candles, tree decorations and cribs. There is also a tempting selection of food and drink on offer including spiced wine, soup with Mettwurscht (a specialty sausage), crepes and pastries. Entertainment is also provided on certain days and includes choirs performing traditional carols and music concerts staged on specially erected bandstands.

Bruges

The romantic city of Bruges revels in the festive atmosphere. Alongside the market stalls, which offer a varied selection of gifts and festive decorations, you will find many stores where you can purchase the famous Belgian Chocolates and lace products which are made in the town. You should also take time to enjoy the serene canals and cobbled streets and there is even an ice skating rink for the more adventurous.

Brussels

The Christmas markets bring to life this already cosmopolitan city with local musicians, painters and jugglers providing entertainment. The stalls are located in and around the Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, and offer a fine selection of festive gifts and souvenirs.