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Best Christmas Markets in Europe & Tips to Attend

You can almost hear those sleigh bells ringing in your ears as the Christmas season approaches your world. The sound of Santa Claus’ “HO, HO, HO” can be heard on the radio, television, in social media, and even as you you shop on the city streets. So let me tell you, there is no better time to visit a European Christmas Market than like the present. So get your passport ready! As most of the larger cities in Europe host an annual Christmas fair to celebrate this joyful time of year. Through this intriguing article, I will reveal some of the BEST Christmas Markets in Europe.

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Every holiday season is celebrated differently around the world. One of the main holidays though that unifies most countries in Europe is Christmas. Christmas time is the season for giving, sharing, and compassion in the Christian faith. Most European countries have a long-time religious history and host Christmas fairs to display the intricate Nativity Scene, in which Christ Jesus, the Savior was born.

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Along with these religious views, Christmas is also a great time to visit various European Christmas Markets. But before I divulge into the juicy details about certain European Christmas Markets, here are some tips I would like to share with you about visiting the Christmas Markets in Europe.

What's in this post: hide
2 BEST Christmas Markets in Europe:

European Christmas Markets Tips:

#1: Go at Night for the Glow

It’s always best to visit a European Christmas fair after dark if you want that glowing feeling! The Christmas markets thrive on the glitz and glamour of twinkling lights and beautifully-lit Christmas trees, so naturally, it is nice to visit them at night. The natural light of the daytime takes away the beauty of these brilliantly decorated markets but does provide a time for you to shop and see what you are getting. So I guess it is up to you! Nights glow, daylight shop!

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#2. Check the Opening and Closing Times

Not all European Christmas Markets open/close on the same day. You might be in for a disappointing time if you planned your European Christmas getaway when the market is not open during your visit to that city.

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#3. Leave Space in your Suitcase

Be sure to leave some empty space in your suitcase! You will want to pack lightly for your trip because you will need the extra room. You are sure to find wonderful handmade souvenirs, candies, and Christmas ornaments at these European Christmas fairs that you will want to take home with you!

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Now without further ado, let’s get to the:

BEST Christmas Markets in Europe:

These are scattered throughout the European continent with over 740 million people! (in alphabetical order by country):

Best Christmas Market in Austria:

Vienna, Austria Christmas Market

Christmas markets, Christmas in Europe, best Christmas markets in Germany, best Christmas markets, German market, Christmas markets Europe, christmas fair, top, guide, bestVienna Christmas Market on Rathausplatz is the largest and most famous in the city. This market has a huge illuminated Christmas tree in front of City Hall and an outdoor skating rink. There is a reindeer train for children to hop on and off. A traditional drink served at this market is Glühwein –hot mulled wine made with spices.

When: It opens from November 16th until December 24th.


Best Belgium Christmas Markets:

Antwerp, Belgium Christmas Markets

At the heart of the city center is the Antwerp Christmas Market. Visitors can admire the 180-foot tall Ferris Wheel, as well as the large ice-skating rink. They also have a huge New Year’s Eve fireworks display and a digital wall of wishes! So be sure and get your wishes in for next year!

When: It runs from December 7th to January 5th.

Times: The opening hours of this Christmas fair are Sunday to Thursday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to midnight. Hours may differ for December 24th, 25th, 31st, and January 1st, so be sure to find out the specialty times for these dates.


Brussels, Belgium Christmas Market

The largest Christmas extravaganza (and I mean large) in Brussels is the Winter Wonders Market. It has over 2.5 million visitors each Christmas season.  This market is held in the center of the city. It came in as the best Christmas Market in Europe this year (2019) on the Best Destinations website at number 7!!. This market is located near the Grand-Place, Place de la Monnaie, and has more than 200 Christmas chalets. Children and families can enjoy a covered ice-skating rink, Ferris Wheel, and a carousel. One of the biggest attractions in this market is the sound and light show on the Grand-Place.

When: It runs from November 29th until January 5th.


Foods you Must Try at A Belgian Christmas Market:

You are sure to find candied nuts, fragrant nuts, and chestnuts at these Belgian markets. Other food to try at these markets are hot Belgian chocolate, mulled wine, and “spekpatatjes” (fried potatoes with bacon).


Best Christmas Market in Croatia:

Zagreb, Croatia Christmas Market

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Photo by Ashley Colburn, see the video below!

Zagreb Advent is the best Christmas Market in the city, in fact, it was voted THE BEST Christmas market in Europe in 2016, 2017, and 2018 by the readers (and voters) of the European Best Destinations website!  So you know it is good! There are so many activities to engage in at this market such as ice-skating at King Tomislav Square, walking through the beautifully-lit Strossmayer square, and watching a live Nativity Scene at Zagreb Cathedral.

Advent in Zagreb

When: This Christmas fair opens from 30th November to 7th January

Hours: Monday – Sunday from 6 pm to 10 pm. Saturday – Sunday, with classical music concerts: 11 am to 12 noon. New Year’s concert from 5 pm to 7 pm.


Foods You Must Try at a Croatian Christmas Market:

Some of the most-taste treats are this market are cold meats (cheese, olives, salamis), fritule (small donuts), orahnjaca (walnut roll), strudels, and krostule (deep-fried ribbon-shaped pastries).


Best Christmas Market in the Czech Republic:

Prague, the Czech Republic Christmas Market

The biggest Christmas celebration in the city begins at the Old Town Square in Prague. Activities at this fair include creative workshops, New Year’s Eve fireworks display, caroling concerts, and dance performances.

When: This Christmas fair opens on November 30th until January 6th.

Times: Hours are from 10 am to 10 pm for this Christmas Market.

However, the Christmas markets in Prague are generally open from 10 am to 7 pm on Peace Square, Tylovo Square, and Republic Square. So check out these markets too!


Best Christmas Markets in Denmark:

Christmas markets, Christmas in Europe, best Christmas markets in Germany, best Christmas markets, German market, Christmas markets Europe, christmas fair, top, guide, bestCopenhagen, Denmark Christmas Market

The Tivoli Christmas Market in Copenhagen is a glorious sight to see and is held in the Tivoli Christmas Gardens (entrance fee of 20 euros). There are more 27 exciting amusement rides to go on, stunning illuminated parades, and music concerts.

When: From November 16 until January 5th.


Foods You Must Try at a Danish Christmas Market:

Traditional Christmas snacks to try while at this market are Frikadella (similar to hamburgers, but made from pork), Ebleskiver (pancake puffs served with sugar and jam), and smorrebrod (rye bread with lard and toppings).


Best Christmas Markets in England:

London, England Christmas Markets

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The biggest Christmas Market in England is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Visitors can check out the “Magical Ice Kingdom’, a large open-air ice rink, and the 70-Meter Observation Wheel. Tickets are available online to see Zippos Christmas Circus and Paddington on Ice, as well.

When: The festivities at this Christmas fair go from November 21st until January 5th.

Times: Open from 10 am to 10 pm.


York, England Christmas Market

The St. Nicholas Christmas Fair has hand-crafted ornaments and other crafts are on display at the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village.

When: This Christmas market opens on November 14th until December 22nd.

Times: The hours of operation are Sunday-Wednesday from 10 am to 6 pm.


Food Found in English Christmas Markets:

Candied nuts, roasted chestnuts, and warming mulled wine are some of the delicacies you should taste while at these English Christmas Markets.


Best Christmas Markets in Estonia:

Tallinn, Estonia Christmas Market

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The Tallinn Christmas Market has been named the best Christmas market in ALL of Europe in 2019 by the European Best Destinations website! And I couldn’t be happier, as Tallinn is such a magical city and Christmas traditions have been here since 1441! At the center of this market is a gorgeous Christmas tree that towers over the Raekoja Square. Santa Claus visits and carousel rides are sure to please children. Almost every winter nick-nacks can be found in this market. Mulled wine and candied nuts are food favorites among visitors.

When: This market is open from November 15th until January 7th. 


Best Christmas Markets in Finland:

Helsinki, Finland Christmas Market

When entering into the Helsinki Christmas Marker (Tuomaan joulumarkkinat), you will be stepping into the land of Santa Claus. This market is the largest in the city and is located in the historic Senate Square. Santa Claus makes daily visits to this market to greet happy children.

When: The market is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 11 am to 8 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays, it opens an hour earlier. The market is closed on Mondays.


What You Must Eat At A Finnish Christmas Market:

Food vendors are known to sell traditional and modern foods such as hot glogg (mulled wine), Joulutorttu (plum jam desserts), rice porridge, and gingerbread cookies.


Best Christmas Markets Found in France:

Colmar, France Christmas Market

Christmas markets, Christmas in Europe, best Christmas markets in Germany, best Christmas markets, German market, Christmas markets Europe, christmas fair, top, guide, bestColmar has at least five different Christmas Markets in the city, but the Marche de Noel in Place des Dominicans is the most picturesque. More than 60 stalls are sprawled throughout this Christmas Market, including hand-crafted stands and even jewelry stalls.

When: This market is open from November 22nd until December 29th.

Times: It is open from Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, Friday-Sunday 10 am to 8 pm, but on December 24th it is opened from 10 am to 5 pm and on December 25th it is open from 2 pm to 7 pm.


Paris France Christmas Market

The Christmas Village at La Defense in Paris is the largest market at over 100,007 square feet! People of all ages are sure to enjoy the large ice-skating rink. This market has at least 300 stands that sell various things like souvenirs, food, toys, crafts, and regional products.

When: Christmas in Europe markets are open from November 17th (My birthday!!) until December 27th.


Strasbourg, France Christmas Market

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One of the oldest and most traditional Christmas Market in Strasbourg is the Christkindelsmarik. It has been around since 1570! It was voted to be the #3 Christmas Market in Europe for 2019 by the readers of the European Best Destinations website! The most spectacular nativity scenes and Christmas trees are seen throughout this market. This market is held in the old historic center. Visitors are sure to enjoy the decorations, pottery stands, and stunning jewelry stalls.

When: This Christmas Market opens on November 22nd until December 30th (with closures on December 24th and 25th).

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Food Found in French Christmas Markets:

Almost all French Christmas Markets serve scrumptious crepes (they are rolled up like thin pancakes with Nutella, cinnamon, strawberries, sugar, or honey). Other tasty snacks served at these markets are strudels, roasted chestnuts, sausage, cheese, Kougelhof, or a Gugelhupf (a yeast-based cake, traditionally baked in a distinctive circular Bundt mold), bredle (biscuits or small cakes), beer, and wine.  Oh, and don’t forget the Schokokusse (they are like GIANT marshmallows covered in dark chocolate.)

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Be sure and read about how to take a Christmas Market Cruise!

Best Christmas Market Cruise on the Rhine River

and

Christmas Cruises: Highlights From The Danube River


The Best Christmas Markets in Germany:

Aachen, Germany Christmas Market

The Aachen Christmas Market around the Cathedral and the Aachen Town Hall is the place to be in Aachen Germany. It is an absolute must for a visit, as it has become famous even beyond its boundaries in the Aachen region. It was also voted to be in the top 1o by the readers of the European Destination website! It came in as number 7!


Cologne, Germany Christmas Market

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There are many different Christmas Markets throughout the city of Cologne, but the most famous one is the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, located in front of the Cologne Cathedral. Each day there is a different and unique event held at this market. Some of the events include Christmas Jazz concerts, Christmas singing, Christmas dance shows, workshops, live choirs, and a children’s show choir.

When: This German market opens on November 25th and ends on December 23rd.

Times:  This market is open from 11 am to 9 pm Sunday to Wednesday, 11 am to 10 pm on Thursday and Friday and 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday.


Erfurt, Germany Christmas Market

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Photo by Barbara Neumann
Copyright: Erfurt tourism & marketing board

Erfurt Germany is home to an amazing Christmas market in Domplatz Square. You will have to make your way here to the most visited market in Erfurt known as the Erfurt Christmas Market. With over 2 million visitors per year, this Christmas Market is a sure one not to miss! It was also voted as the #5 BEST Christmas Market to visit by the readers of the European Best Destinations website! They had more than 200,000 voters! So this tiny town of Erfurt is pleased with their ranking as #5 BEST CHRISTMAS MARKET IN ALL OF EUROPE!

When: This German market is open from November 26th to December 22.

Times:  The opening hours of this market are Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm.

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Photo by: Matthias. F. Schmidt Copyright: Stadtverwaltung Erfurt


Dresden, Germany Christmas Market

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Photo by: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en

You will find the Christmas Market Striezelmarkt, which dates back to the 15th century and is the oldest Christmas Market in all of Dresden. It has a 16-foot Christmas arch and a 46-foot Christmas pyramid! It is definitely worth a visit! Shoot I would just go there to see the arch and the pyramid! Be sure and check out the Rauchermann smoking man ornament, all kinds of wooden ornaments, and the traditional nutcracker.

When: This German market opens on November 27th and closes on December 24th.

Times: The times of this German market is every day from 10 am to 9 pm.


Heidelberg, Germany Christmas Market

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Photo by PointsandTravel

Here you will want to visit the Heidelberg Christmas Market. Heidelberg visitors are very lucky, as it has an open-air ice-skating rink. Haven’t you always wanted to do that? You will also find sparkling lights throughout the city as the Christmas festivities continue around this Christmas market.

When: This Christmas fair officially opens on November 25th and closes December 22nd.

Times: The hours of this German market are open are Sunday through Friday from 11 am to 9 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.


Frankfurt, Germany Christmas Market

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One of the largest markets in ALL of Germany is the Weinachtsmarkt Frankfurt Market. There is a traditional Christmas tree in the center of this market. You will find dozens of Christmas Market stands in the city center.

When: This German market opens on November 25th to December 22nd.

Times: The hours of operation of this Christmas fair are Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm.


Munich Germany Christmas Market

Ok, so this is a BIG Christmas Market with more than 3 million visitors. So pick your day and just go visit the Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt in Munich. You can find it in front of the Munich Town Hall, where it has been for the last 30 years. St. Peter’s Church is the perfect venue for this very large Christmas market in Europe.

When: This German market opens on November 27th and closes at 2 pm on December 24th.

Times: Its hours are Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm.


Nuremberg, Germany Christmas Market

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Here you can find the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (that is what they call Christmas Markets in Germany) that actually caters to children. It has its own Children’s Christmas Market with a mini Ferris wheel, a gingerbread bake shop for the kiddos, all types of fairground rides, and an ornate carousel for the kids to ride on. Super fun, so bring along the kiddos!

When: It opens on November 29th and runs until December 24th.

Times: It is open from 10 am to 9 pm every day, but with a special opening on December 24th from 10 am to 2 pm.

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Rothenberg, Germany Christmas Market

In Rothenberg, everyone loves the Reiterlesmarkt, which they say is very romantic.  They even have a German Christmas Museum!

When: This market is open from November 29th to December 23rd.

Times: The gates of this market open on Monday-Thursday from 11 am to 7 pm and Friday- Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm.


Stuttgart, Germany Christmas Market

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Photo by stuttgart_glanzlichter_auf_dem_schlossplatz_illumination_mercedes

The Stuttgarter WeihnachtsMarkt is the magical place to be this Christmas in Stuttgart! It has awesome outdoor concerts.

When: This market is open from November 27th to December 23.

Times: The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday, from 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday 11 am to 9 pm.


Wurzburg, German Christmas Market

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Photo by Congress Tourismus Würzburg, Andreas Bestle

Found in the center of Old Town, Wurzburg has markets in the upper and lower market square with the Gothic Chapel of St, Mary as a magnificent backdrop. They have approximately 120-140 wooden stalls for you to wander through. You will find Franconian Christmas cookies and roasted almonds along with your gluhwein (spiced warm wine).

When: This market opens November 29 to December 23, the day before Christmas!

Times: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 8:30 pm
Sunday 11 am to 8:30 pm.

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Photo by Congress Tourismus Würzburg, Andreas Bestle

Best Christmas Markets in Hungary:

Budapest, Hungary Christmas Markets

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 The Advent Feast of the Basilica was voted the #2 BEST Christmas Market in all of Europe by the Best Destinations website for 2019! This open-air market in the city center has ice skating in a central rink surrounding the soaring Christmas tree. This European Christmas Market even has flash mobs! Who knew? So keep your eyes peel for those, as well as, a huge range of Hungarian handicrafts, as well as its famous light show on the façade of St. Stephen’s Basilica!

When: November 22 to January 1


Must-Try Foods in Hungarian Christmas Markets are:

Of course, you must try the all-time favorite ‘flodni’ (a traditional Jewish Hungarian cake), the Hungarian chimney cake, and a wide range of fish dishes!

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Chimney Cake, Photo by PointsandTravel

Another Budapest, Hungry Christmas Market

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The Christmas Market at Vorosmarty Square is the largest and most popular in Budapest. There is a varied program for this market in which daily concerts are held between 5 pm and 8 pm. Children are sure to enjoy visiting Santa’s playhouse and craft shops.

When: It opens from November 9th until January 1st.


Foods You Must Try When Visiting a Hungarian Christmas Market

The best foods to eat at this market are gingerbread, strudels, goulash, stuffed cabbage, sekler cake (or kurtoskalacs, which are made from hard or dry-yeast dough) and flatbread (lepeny).

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Best Christmas Market in Italy:

Rome, Italy Christmas Market

The Christmas and Epiphany Market in Piazza Navona is the best in the city. Small stands sell hand-made nativity scenes (I actually bought one years ago!) and Christmas ornaments. It is considered the biggest Christmas market in all of Italy. The stalls surround the three impressive fountains in the square: Fountain of the Four Rivers, Fountain of Neptune and Fontana del Moro. From the Piazza, the stalls spread out into the streets and surrounding parts of the city. The stalls are decorated with colored light to attract tourists and sell everything from pastries and food items to hot wine, decorations, and gifts. It is a very festive atmosphere.

When: December 1st to January 6th.

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Special Holiday Market in Italy:

When: The market opens on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Day, December 8th and runs until January 6th.


Foods You Must Try at an Italian Christmas Market

Delicious foods to taste are crepes (rolled up thin pancakes with Nutella or chocolate sauce), panettone (large cakes with candied peel and dried fruit), and pandoro (a star-shaped sponge cake). Candied nuts and chestnuts are often served at every corner of this market.


Best Polish Christmas Market:

Poznan, Poland’s Christmas Market

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For the first time this year, Poznan, Poland’s Bethlehem (or Poznan Christmas Market) was chosen to be in the top 10, coming in at number 6 of the best Christmas Markets in Europe as listed on the European Best Destination website by the voters of that website! It was also listed as the best Christmas Market in Poland. Your visit here will take you into Poznan’s Old Market Square and Freedom Square during this magical time of Christmas. They will light the Christmas tree on November 30th at 5 pm, so that would be a great time to arrive as well! This lighting marks the start of the Christmas Fair, which includes charity events, workshops, and concerts. There is also a carousel to enjoy on Wolnosci Plaza.

Be sure to be in Poznan for its Ice Sculpture Festival, where ice artists will turn massive blocks of ice into sculpture masterpieces right in front of your eyes – this occurs December 9th and 10th (but check the dates to make sure, as they may change them year to year).

When: Opens from November 16th to December 22nd.


Foods you must try in Poznan, Poland at the Christmas Markets:

Of course, you must try traditional Polish food or even a craft beer


Best Slovenia Christmas Market:

Ljubljana, Slovenia Christmas Market

The Festive Fair is the Christmas market to be in Ljubljana, Slovenia. This open-air market has hundreds of different stalls that sell hand-crafted ornaments, fashion accessories, clothing, and local snacks.

When: This market runs from November 29th until January 5th.


Foods You Must Try at a Slovenian Christmas Market:

Some of the best foods to try at this market are the confections, honey, and schnapps.


Best Christmas Markets in Spain:

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Barcelona, Spain Christmas Market

Structured around the Barcelona Cathedral is the Christmas Market of Santa Lucia. This stunning Christmas Market fair has more than 300 stalls with different artifacts, gifts, and hand-made items it sells. This market is the oldest in Barcelona and dates back to the 18th century. Visitors are sure to admire the creative nativity scenes and figures.

When: This market opens on November 29th until December 23rd.

Times:  Open from 11 am to 8:30 pm.


Madrid Spain Christmas Market

The Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor has seen thousands of visitors since opening in the 19th century. There are over 100 stalls that sell Christmas ornaments, toys, and musical instruments.

When: This market opens on November 23 until December 31.

Times: Open on Monday-Thursday 10 am to 9 pm and Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm.


Food Found in Spanish Christmas Markets:

 Sold in most Christmas markets in Spain are candied nuts, as chestnuts are a definite fan-favorite. These Spanish markets often present tasty snacks such as morcilla (black pudding), local cheeses, Cochinillo (roast suckling pig) and turron (nougat). You can even buy a turkey!


Best Christmas Market in Sweden:

Gothenburg, Sweden Christmas Market

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The Liseberg Fun Fair is an enormous market in Gothenburg. This market has a special area for children, a medieval market, and plenty of amusement park rides.

When: It opens from November 16th until December 30th.


What You Must Eat/Drink at a Swedish Christmas Market:

Similar to other country’s dishes, gingerbread and Frikadella are always a scrumptious treat at this market. Beer and mulling wine are also served to adults while children can have julmust (a non-alcoholic drink similar to root beer).


Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland:

Basel Switzerland Christmas Market

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 The largest market in Switzerland is the Basel Christmas Market at Barfausserplatz and Munsterplatz. Various stalls display regional treats, handmade toys, and jewelry. Children are sure to enjoy the Christmas fairy-take forest, drinking hot chocolate, and decorating their own gingerbread cookies.

 When: This market is open from November 28th until December 23rd.

Time: It’s open daily from 11 am to 8:30 pm.


Bern Switzerland Christmas Market

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The most elegant and classic Christmas Market in Bern is the Berner Christmas Market. This market is beautifully decorated and comprised of 50 stalls filled with treats, gifts, and souvenirs.

When: It opens on November 30th until December 24th.

Times: The hours are Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm and Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm.


Graz Switzerland Christmas Market

The oldest market in Graz always opens around the Franciscan Church. Each year, an enormous and beautifully decorated Christmas tree is put on display in front of City Hall. Children are sure to have a fabulous time as they ride on the famous French carousels found here. A stunning 45-ton ice sculpture is usually unveiled at this market!

When: It opens from November 23rd until December 24th

Times: It is open from 10 am to 10 pm.


Lucerne Switzerland Christmas Market

Lozarner Wiehnachtsmart at FranziskanerPlatz is the largest market in Lucerne. This market has at least 70 stands that are decorated with classic Christmas products and gifts.

When: This market opens later than most and not until December 5th through December 22nd.

Times: Open from 11 am to 8 pm.


Zurich Switzerland Christmas Market

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 The Zurich’s Christkindlimarkt is open for all to visit. One of the highlights of this market is the large Christmas tree covered with 7,000 crystal ornaments. This market has a carousel for children, a Capella show, and different daily activities.

When: Open from November 21st until December 24th.

Times: The hours are Sunday through Wednesday from 10:30 am to 9 pm and Thursday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 10 pm.


Foods Found in Swiss Christmas Markets:

Similar to the English Christmas food traditions, the Swiss love roasted nuts, almonds, and mulled wine (gluhwein). Other typical Swiss treats and sweets found at these markets are gingerbread cookies, anise cookies (anisbrotli), Baslet Lackerli (cookie made of almonds, honey, candied peel, and Kirsch), Pain d’epice (quickbread), and Grittibanz (similar to braided Sunday bread).


Since I am in the gift-giving mode, I would like to present you with a gift: the gift of Christmas Market tips. Read through the tips below to make for smooth sailing during a visit to any or all the best European Christmas Markets.

More European Christmas Markets Tips:

#4 Avoid Weekends and Visit During a Weekday

Sure, the weekend might sound like a great time to visit a Christmas Market, but I am here to tell you that this is also the busiest time. Do you really want to spend your time pushing and shoving through crowds of people? I am not saying that weekdays are empty, but there are fewer crowds and more time/space to visit everything you want without all the hustle and bustle.

#5 Try the Local Foods You See Offered

It doesn’t matter which European Christmas Market you visit; you must try the foods and drinks offered. Almost all markets will serve up their own version of mulled wine, candied nuts, chestnuts, and cookies. Many European Christmas Markets have specialty food that is truly specific to that country only, so be sure and try those! To keep the body warm, it’s best to try the hot spiced mulled wine or pair a glass of hot chocolate with gingerbread cookies.

#6 Don’t Forget to Bring Cash

Europeans have not completely caught on to the credit and debit card craze like Americans. It is important to bring cash with you so you can buy awesome souvenirs, tasty treats, and unique gifts without having to hunt down an ATM machine. I would say 100 Euros would suffice. While some stalls have machines and take credit cards, many only accept cash.

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Well, there you have it. A list of the BEST Christmas Markets in Europe. Wouldn’t it be nice to explore any or all of these amazing markets? Well, even if you cannot visit all of these markets, you should at least visit one during your lifetime. You wouldn’t want to miss out on experiencing the music concerts and carousel rides in the best Christmas Markets in Europe. You can visit any of these markets and feel joy as you admire their Christmas decorations and eat all the special foodie treats I mentioned. These markets were designed for people of all ages to enjoy and celebrate the season with loved ones. So, pick your favorite country in Europe and go explore all the things that Christmas Markets have to offer.

 

Disclosure:  As is common in the travel industry, Dr. Maloney was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purposes of review for this article. While it has not influenced her review, PointsandTravel.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. All Photos are by the author or are mentioned below the photo. There may be affiliate links in this article.

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