Steaming glühwein, countless lights and sky-high Christmas trees: get into the winter spirit and discover the best Christmas markets in Europe. From the famous Striezelmarkt in Dresden to the medieval Colmar in France.
From stalls full of wood carvings to the aroma of freshly baked Christmas bread and glühwein: there is nothing like a traditional Christmas market. The famous Striezelmarkt in Dresden is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany and has been held on the Altmarkt since 1434. The literal highpoint of the market is the Christmas pyramid, nearly 15 metres in height. The beautiful wooden figures are also for sale at the market - fortunately in miniature!
You’ll feel like you could bump into a Charles Dickens character at any moment. The streets around the Roman baths and gothic Bath Abbey are decorated with Christmas lights and have stands selling handmade jewellery, knitwear, ginger snaps and roasted nuts. Of course, no English Christmas would be complete without Christmas Carols: the singing starts once night falls. Silent night, holy night...
The best place to experience a fairytale Christmas is Denmark, homeland of the writer of fairytales himself, Hans Christian Andersen. In the historic Tivoli amusement park in Copenhagen, hygge is the magic word. With its lanterns, antique carousels, wooden stands full of sweets and warm Glogg: even the harshest winter weather can’t spoil the fun here.
The French region of Alsace is famous for its marchés de noël. The Colmar Christmas market has been organised since the 16th century - since then little seems to have changed. Narrow streets and squares with half-timbered medieval houses form the setting for stands selling handicrafts and local specialities like bredele, mini biscuits in all shapes and flavours.
The Christmas tree in front of the Tallinn City Hall is part of a long tradition. Since 1441, the most beautiful spruce tree has been placed here and decorated with lights. The Christmas market surrounding it is small but delightful. Amidst medieval buildings in pastel colours, you can stroll from stand to stand and sample hearty treats like baked potato, sauerkraut, sausage and liqueur. Don’t forget to visit Father Christmas who listens to the Christmas wishes of children in his own chalet.
