The holiday season in Europe is a true winter wonderland. Christmas lights illuminate the long nights, and the smell of gingerbread and spiced wine waft through the air. Christmas Markets are an integral part of the holiday experience, being held every winter for centuries. Locals sell their handmade crafts and treats in wooden Christmas stalls set up in large open squares and along narrow winding alleys, converting the heart of ancient cities into holiday carnivals filled with warm drinks and smiling faces.

In Part 1 of this series we looked at the Europe’s Top Christmas Markets for this year. In this part we will explore additional great ideas to enjoy Christmas cheer.

So join us and let’s explore together more of the top European Christmas markets, city breaks with holiday cheer!!!

 

Vienna, Austria

With more than 150 stalls just in the heart of the city, in Rathausplatz, Vienna’s Christmas Market is a huge one, decorated with amazing Christmas lights. When you are visiting the market of the Austrian capital, don’t forget to look for gingerbread hearts with sweet messages, and of course, beeswax candles should be on every shopping list. If you get thirsty – or just want to warm up while walking around in the snow – give Weihnachtspunsch a try!

When: Early November – Late December 2018

Bologna, Italy

Christmas markets are not exclusive to northern Europe, as some of the most festive can be found in the Mediterranean region. Bologna’s two Christmas Markets are the oldest in the whole country. Walk among the stalls either at the Fiera di Natale or the Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia, and you will surely find some Christmas decorations to treasure. Stuff your tummy with tasty Christmas delights, such as specially shaped marzipan and nuts.

When: Mid November 2018 – Early January 2018

Stockholm, Sweden

When Christmas time comes around, Sweden gets its locals ready with some glögg and pepparkakor. Sipping mulled wine while chewing on thin ginger biscuits is a typical Swedish way of celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. Don’t miss out on the amazing Christmas Market in the capital – step into the winter wonderland that is Stockholm. Visit the beautifully-decorated stalls right in front of the Nobel Museum, where your children can happily play on the tombola for just a few cents.

When: 14 November – 23 December 2018

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius has a different take on Christmas trees – they decorate the 550-ft high Vilnius Television tower for the holiday season and hang a bunch of Christmas lights all around it. While strolling among the beautiful sites of Vilnius, sip some karstas vynas (mulled wine) and buy a pair of woolen gloves to keep warm. Find the perfect handmade gift from among the many Christmas decorations and candle holders. And be sure to do all this while munching on some raguolis (a traditional Lithuanian pastry)!

When: 1 December 2018 – 7 January 2019

Bucharest, Romania

In the middle of the city, right on University Square, you will find around 65 wooden Christmas stalls gathered from the end of November till the end of December. While you are strolling around looking for a bit of Christmas treasure – such as beautiful handicrafts, ceramics, Christmas decorations – make sure to stop by Santa Claus’s house. The festive season wouldn’t be real if you couldn’t go on a Christmas carousel ride – so visit Bucharest and have a blast!

When: 17th November 2018 – 8th January 2019

Gdansk, Poland

The Christmas Market in Gdansk is not only a traditional market but an attraction as well. Besides meeting Santa Claus, riding a carousel horse and skating around the ice rink, visitors can explore the traditionally decorated Christmas trees from all over Europe that are exhibited at the fair. Don’t worry about your tummy either – cakes, chocolate covered fruit and different roasted nuts are just a few of all the culinary delights waiting for you in Gdansk.

When: 1st December – 23rd December 2018

Helsinki, Finland

Senate Square is the place where you have to go if you are looking for a huge Christmas Market in Finland. The capital of the country will not leave you hanging – visit the market’s more than 100 beautifully decorated Christmas stalls for real Finnish crafts, handmade Christmas decorations and much more. If you feel like it is getting chilly, buy a pair of woolen gloves or warm up with some glögi (traditional Finnish spicy mulled wine) at the Food Yard.

When: 1 December – 22 December 2018

Riga, Latvia

During the holiday season, Riga is a magical place to visit if you are seeking to spark the festive spirit within you. Latvia’s capital and largest city celebrates Christmas in the Old Town with a huge Christmas Fair offering not only the creative Latvian handcrafted decorations but also several concerts and different workshops to please visitors, both the old and young. And if you haven’t met him yet, you will now have the chance to see the one and only Santa Claus!

When: 1st December 2018 – 6th January 2018

Budapest, Hungary

Vörösmarty Square is the place to go if you are visiting the Hungarian capital between November 9th and the 1st of January. Stop by and experience why this one is one of the most popular Christmas Markets in Europe. Be sure to walk among the stall shutters, but don’t stop there – take a look at the huge advent calendar on the Gerbeaud building and look for live entertainment along the way.

When: 9th November – 1st January 2019

London, England

Spending a winter break in London is an excellent choice. The Christmas lights in the city light up ceremoniously already in November, so if you are around, don’t miss out on the parade either. For the holiday season, Hyde Park turns into a real winter wonderland, offering not only the traditional stalls but also the largest outdoor skating rink of the city. Strap on your skates and head out onto the ice. Wander around the different Christmas markets of London, stop by a Christmas concert or experience the carol sing-along at the Royal Albert Hall.

When: 9th November 2018 – 6th January 2019

Tallinn, Estonia

Snow is falling in Tallinn Town Hall Square and at its dinky Christmas market a blonde woman in furs sits beneath a food stand, tucking into black pudding and fried potatoes. Dean Martin’s White Christmas echoes over the wooden chalets, and at the grog hut there’s a queue for hot, rum-based Vana Tallinn liqueur.
Christmas market season is here, and for authenticity Tallinn pips its European rivals. Then there’s the appeal of its impressive Christmas tree – a tradition that goes back to 1441 when the city’s was one of the first trees to be displayed in Europe. The setting is fabulous, too: a pastel-toned wrap-around of gabled houses dominated by an impressive town hall.

When: 16th November 2018 – 7th January 2019

Hope you enjoyed this introduction to Europe’s Christmas markets. Join us for more of the amazing Christmas travel options in our Part 1 of this series.

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