Christmas is approaching fast and it's now time for the famous Christmas Markets which are a big thing in Europe. Here a list of Europe's Top 7 Christmas markets with a few recommendations, for each of them, of what to eat and where. At the end of each box, you'll also have the opportunity to book your hotel in one of the mentioned cities paying less than the usual: ready to go?
The Most beautiful European Christmas Markets
The European Best Destinations (EBD) organization has announced the 20 Best Christmas Markets in Europe for 2020 as a result of 289,714 votes from 116 countries. What are the most beautiful European Christmas markets to visit in 2020?
- Budapest (Ungheria)
- Vienna (Austria)
- Gdansk (Poland)
- Brussels (Belgium)
- Montbeliard (France)
- Basel (Switzerland)
- Metz (France)
- Cluj Napoca (Romania)
- Valkenburg (Netherlands)
- Novi Sad (Serbia)
- Trier (Germany)
- Prague (Czech Republic)
- Govone (Italy)
- Winchester (U.K.)
- Amiens (France)
- Rothenburg (Germany)
- Cologne (Germany)
- Leipzig (Germany)
- Bratislava (Slovakia)
- Bath (U.K.).
Christmas Markets in Europe to visit in 2020
With such a vast choice, here's our selection of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Prague Christmas markets
The main markets in Prague are at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square but there are also smallest markets all around the city. Here you can taste traditional food and observe how it's made by local producers. During the Christmas markets in Prague you can taste the famous Czech beers, also in the Christmas version, or drink some good mulled wine (svařené víno or svařák)
When: From 30th November 2019 to 6th January 2020.
Where to eat in Prague: When in Prague, go to , a traditional pub where you can eat Czech traditional dishes and drink Czech beers on a budget. Artistic café is another good and local spot for eating and drinking and the same is where you can have the best of Czech traditional food at reasonable prices.
>> Click here for the best hotels in Prague
Budapest Christmas Markets
Considered unmissable, the Budapest Christmas Markets call for people from all over Europe and also the US. They're located in Vörösmarty Square, in the heart of Budapest, and here you can smell the scent of traditional cookies and mulled wine.
When: From November 9th, 2019 to December 31st, 2019.
Where to eat in Budapest: If you're in Budapest, you need to pay a visit to 21 Magyar to taste some of the most famous traditional Hungarian dishes prepared in a modern way and to Százéves Étterem, Budapest's oldest inn; Regős Vendéglő is a great choice if you're looking for traditional yet inexpensive food.
>> Click here for the best hotels in Budapest
Stockholm Christmas markets
The Old Town's Christmas market is a must but there are Christmas markets all over Stockholm which, during this time of the year, it becomes even more fascinating because of the snow and the cold. Have a look at the in depth Christmas Markets guide from VisitStockholm for more info. Also have a look at my article for things to do in Stockholm when it's cold.
When:
Gamla Stan (Stortorget) Christmas Market
From November 23rd to December 23rd, 2019
Skansen Christmas Market
From November 30th to December 22nd, 2019
The Marzipan boat Christmas market
From November 30th to December 29th, 2019
Where to eat in Stockholm: I cannot recommend more, when in Stockholm, to try the Julbord, the Christmas buffet with all the most typical dishes of the season.
>> Click here for the best hotels in Stockholm
Copenhagen Christmas markets
Copenhagen is well known because it's expensive and this doesn't change during the Christmas markets which are huge and attractive. There are different markets all around the city: have a look at the VisitCopenhagen website for more info on dates and locations.
When: From 16 November 2019 to 5 January 2020
Where to eat in Copenhagen: Eating on a budget is quite impossible in the city but you can at least enjoy local places such as Schonnemann, and Ida Davidsen for the smørrebrød.
>> Click here for the best hotels in Copenhagen
Wien Christmas Markets
From the middle of November until the new year, in Wien, every single square becomes the location of a Christmas Market with ice rings, good food, mulled wine, handmade products and toys and lots of concerts and events. Read more about the Christmas Markets in Wien on the official website for all the information.
When:
Rathausplatz Market:
from 12 November to 26 December 2019
Christmas Village in Maria-Theresien-Platz:
from 17 November to 26 December 2019
Christmas Village at Belvedere Castle:
from 19 November to 23 December 2019
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market:
from 20 November 2019 to 3 January 2020
Christmas Market am Spittelberg:
from 12 November to 23 December 2019
Where to eat in Wien: Eat at the famous Justice Ministry Canteen where the food is good and reasonably priced and do not miss a visit to Schnitzelwirt on Neubaugasse where you can eat the traditional wiener schnitzel, a boneless cut of veal, doused in egg, rolled in breadcrumbs and then fried.
>> Click here for the best hotels in Wien
What are the best Christmas Markets in Germany?
Germany is home to some of the best European Christmas Markets, and to give you a sure choice we've decided to discuss about the one we love the most: Munich!
Munich Christmas Markets
In Munich Christmas is big and the celebrations really change the face of the city for a month. There are a few markets all around Munich and in each of them, you'll find workshops, live music, food and beer and lots of events for young and adults.
When: From 27 November to 24 December 2019
Where to eat in Munich: Eating in Munich is not a problem at all because in Bavaria food is really important so if you're in Munich for the Christmas Markets do not miss Asam Schlössl, Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl and Augustiner am Dom for very traditional, warm and heavy yet delicious Bavarian food.
>> Click here for the best hotels in Munich
What are the best Christmas Markets in Italy?
Bozen and Trento host the best Christmas Markets in Italy. Trento is less famous, compared to Bozen. That's why the majority of the information are about Bozen.
Bozen Christmas Markets
Located in the very north of Italy, the town of Bolzano is the home to some of the best Christmas markets ever. The cold weather, the stalls with food and mulled wine, lots of local producers engaging with people, events and more: these are the most important things you'll find in Bolzano during Christmas time. It's a good way to explore the surrounding areas as well and rest in one of the many SPAs you'll find all around you.
When: From 28 November 2019 to 6 January 2020.
Where to eat in Bolzano: If you want to eat in Bolzano, I highly recommend to try the Forsterbräu from the Forst beer and have canederli (traditional main) and some beer.
>> Click here for the best hotels in Bozen
Trento Christmas Markets
From November 23, 2019 to January 6, 2020
Other Christmas Markets around Europe:
Salzburg Christmas Market:
- Historischer Salzburger Christkindlmarkt: From November 22nd to December 26th 2019
- Magical Advent in Hellbrunn: From 21 November to 24 December 2019
- Christmas market in Piazza Mirabell: From 21 November to 24 December 2019
- Advent market in the Sterngarten: From November 21st to January 6th 2020
- Christmas Market in St. Leonhard: From November 30th to December 22nd 2019
- Christmas market in the courtyard of the Hohensalzburg Fortress: From 29 November to 22 December 2019
Helsinki Christmas Market: From 6 to 22 December 2019.
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Article written by Veruska Anconitano aka La Cuochina Sopraffina. If you want more information please contact us.
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