Best European Christmas Markets

Being in Europe during Christmas is a magical time of the year, but it is also a time for you to explore some of the famous European Christmas markets. With this being the case, we have asked our European writers to pull together some of the classic markets they love and some of these markets are coming from our writers who have not even had their work finished up on the site yet. No matter, what you will notice a lot of these markets are going to have a tradition as being some of the best shopping markets in Europe and in some cases have come about to be a market held in the four weeks during Advent. Some of these markets will have some of the best markets that have a history behind them like the Strasbourg market which has been held around the cathedral since 1570 when it was still part of the Holy Roman Empire. At the same time, you will find some of the more modern cities still have excellent markets for you to find Christmas presents in Europe as well. With that being said, let us see what our writers have to say so you can start to plan out your vacation in Europe during Christmas.

Strasbourg, France Christkindelsmarik Market

The Christkindelsmarik Market in Strasbourg is one of the most popular markets you can attend and it has definitely grown in popularity. What is amazing is this is a market that has been going on since 1570 around the cathedral. The market has some of the amazing French charms you would expect when you are shopping around the beautiful countryside. So this is definitely something you are going to want to know about because it will make it quite a bit easier for you to have a great vacation and plenty vendors for you to explore the wares that they are selling.

For some traveling advice, if you are planning on going to the Strasbourg Christkindelsmarik Market you need to try to book a hotel as soon as possible. When you do this you are going to have a better chance of getting a hotel room as the rooms have been booking out a year in advance. What else is nice is you do not really have to stay in the Strasbourg region if you do not mind going on the TGV as they have a service to the town that will make it easier for you to get to the city in time for the market, but also make it back to your location before you are ready for bed at night.

Krakow, Poland

When you think of Krakow a lot of people will think instantly of the Roman Catholic Pope, who is now Saint John Paul II. However, what you need to realize is his hometown is also a place that has an amazing Christmas market. Now the market does not really have a true name that sets it apart from any of the other markets, but it is a place that has some great vibes going for it and will definitely provide you with the look and feel that you want to have for the market.

What is really great about this Christmas market is the location it takes place in. While you may have never thought about Krakow as being a great destination spot, it really is. The historic town square in the middle of town has so much history it is mind-blowing. So when you are at the Christmas market in Krakow you will be walking on some of the grounds that have a history tied to them that you may have never really considered before. Not to mention, this market has some of the best shops for finding the different Christmas presents in Europe that you will want to take home with you.

Birmingham, UK – Frankfurt Christmas Market

Victoria Square may not be a place that you would think about having an amazing market, but it does and in fact, it is a very traditional style of a market as well. That is what really sets the Frankfurt Christmas Market, in Birmingham off. This is a market that has some starting to ask if they took a side trip to Germany or if they are really in England still. The market does have almost two hundred stalls at this location. However, what is going to make this market stand out is the fact this is a market that has a second craft type of market right next to it. At the craft market you will notice it is going to have everything you would want to have in regards to craft items, food, and even the drinks you may want to have.

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark

Tivoli Gardens is a place you will often find people flocking to during the summer months for the roller coaster rides. However, when the winter winds hit in Denmark not a lot of people will want to go out on the roller coasters and the location realizes this. Since that is the case, they have made some amazing chnages that transform this beautiful location into a market you will simply adore. The location has some amazing vendor booths for you to visit, but what is really great about this location is the light shows you can go out and watch. You may think that you have seen everything, but you need to realize this is not the case as the market here has some great light displays that they seem to change each time you turn around.

Advent In Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia 

This market is one of those that is simply amazing in the fact that it is a street market that has been placed on steroids. What else is great about the Advent in Zagreb is the place has everything that you can imagine and would ever want to do. From the amazing dishes that you will enjoy with regards to the local food customs, but also the ice rink that is present in the city as well. What else is really going to get you wanting to go to this market is the fact that it is a place that has been able to give you some of the amazing ice sculptures you would want to see. If you want to really feel the spirit of the Christmas season, then you will love the fact this is a place that has an area of the market that is dedicated to those who want to dance until their heart is content at the market.

What About The Rest Of The Christmas Markets?

Well, I have to say this is something that is very interesting because I really do not want to have this article drag on forever and I did have to cut it down quite a bit as the editor for the final pieces. What is really amazing is these markets are great and it is really going to make it easier for you to find a great place to go. In fact, the Advent in Zagreb has often been voted as one of the best markets to go and see while you are in Europe. So you will need to make sure you are going to look at the place you are traveling to in Europe and know you can easily find the best place to go and shop for the Christmas presents you need, but also know that even if you are in smaller towns throughout Europe, they have some of the great shopping markets in Europe for you to enjoy, but not have the crowds to deal with.