There’s nothing better than a Christmas market to get you in the festive spirit. Scents of cinnamon, mulled wine and gingerbread, Christmas lights and lots of shopping make this a perfect getaway in November and December. Handmade gifts, toys and ornaments are what many visitors expect to buy. Below is a list I’ve pulled together from various sources for the best markets on the European mainland. It’s not comprehensive as many cities have markets, but if you want to visit a particular city, let me know and I’ll tell you more.
France is our nearest neighbour and easy to drive to, you can fill your car with gifts and goodies, no need to worry about luggage allowances!
As the oldest Christmas markets originated in Germany, towns and cities along the border tend to have more traditional markets. These would be perfect for a short break by car, where you can explore 3 or more markets in one trip. Strasbourg is a beautiful city at any time of year, but it really comes alive at Christmastime. It runs from 26 November until Christmas Eve. It is the oldest Christmas market in France, having first opened in 1570. The city has been ruled by different countries over the centuries, and has lots of influences in its architecture and history. Take a cruise through the city on the waterways that criss cross throughout. An hour’s drive south of Strasbourg is Colmar, where the Christmas market is divided into 5 areas, each with a different theme. This market starts on 23 November and runs past Christmas to 29 December.
Paris has Christmas markets from the end of November through to early January, in different locations across the city. Main locations include La Defense, the Tuileries, outside newly renovated Notre Dame, near the Eiffel Tower and Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Gare de l’Est has trains to the east of the country and appropriately their market is focussed on products from the Alsace. All in all, a great opportunity to see the Christmas lights in the city, many neighbourhoods and streets light up as well as the main lights.
Further south, the Bordeaux Christmas market is open from 28 November to 28 December. As well as the usual handmade gifts and local produce, you’ll also find activities and workshops like gift wrapping classes, face painting and eco-friendly Christmas decoration making.
Outside of France, Christmas markets are everywhere in Europe – some of the best in other locations are:
Krakow has Europe’s largest market square and it fills from 28 November with handmade gifts, local food and much more. Most stalls close by 26 December, but some stay open until early January as Epiphany is a notable date in many European countries.
Nuremberg has a delightful market square with a lovely clock tower in the church, it comes to life every day at noon with a mechanical display. The area is famous for gingerbread and you can buy this almost anywhere in the city! Open from 28 November until Christmas Eve.
Zagreb might not be a city you’d think of for Christmas markets, but it is one of the best to visit. Over 25 markets throughout the city, each with its own atmosphere – so you’ll never run out of things to do and see. From 29 November to 7 January.
Salzburg‘s Christmas market dates back to the 15th century. You can drink gluhwein while listening to outdoor concerts as you make your way round the market. Imagine Mozart as a young boy walking round with his family! You’ll also get lots of versions of Silent Night as this was the place it was originally performed in 1818. Open from 20 November until 1 January.
Cologne is a very popular destination for Christmas markets, with several in different areas of the city. The most famous is the one outside the Cathedral on the big square. However, there are many more including a vegan market and Heavenue, which is for LGBT community. Dates vary, but the earliest market opens mid November and the last market closes at the beginning of January.
Wherever you want to shop and taste delicious food this year, I can book you a long weekend or short break to visit as many markets as you like!! Why not use the rail network in Europe to explore markets in various cities.