We’re officially 117 days away from Christmas! Whether or not a Christmas fanatic, the sight of, and being present at any one of the magical Christmas markets set up in beautiful cities across Europe will surely get your Christmas spirit kicking in. From beautifully lit up wooden chalets, to gorgeous Christmas decorations, warm mulled wine and heart-warming food, below are the best European destinations for Christmas markets.
VIENNA
Opening dates of Christmas markets: 15th November to 31st December.
Vienna is possibly the most beautiful European city and it looks even more magical at Christmas. From mid-November to New Year’s Eve, Vienna’s prettiest squares transform into charming Christmas villages. The most famous Christmas market in Vienna is the “Vienna Christmas World”, set up in the City Hall Square or Rathausplatz. Other markets can be found at Maria Theresien Platz, Belvedere Palace and Schönbrunn Palace.
Where to stay
Located near Vienna City Hall and MuseumsQuartier, checkVIENNA – Lerchenfelder Straße comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer, while the kitchen features a dishwasher, a microwave and a fridge. A stovetop and toaster are also featured, as well as a kettle, a coffee machine and free Wi-Fi.
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MUNICH
Opening dates of Christmas markets: 27th November to 24th December.
Munich is not only famous for hosting the extravagant Oktoberfest. It is also one of the numerous German cities that set up enchanting Christmas markets around the city. The biggest Christmas market in Munich is found at the Marienplatz, where the 30-meter high Christmas tree shines in all its glory when lit up by circa 2,500 candles! There is also a medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz and a Christmas village in the Residenz.
Where to stay
Welcoming guests with a interior, all rooms at the Atrium Hotel feature a satellite TV, minibar and free Wi-Fi. It is a 5-minute walk from
PRAGUE
Opening dates of Christmas markets: 30th November to 6th January.
Christmas markets are the main attraction of the festive season in the Czech Republic, with the Christmas markets in Prague being the most impressive in the country. They light up the city and bring locals and tourists together in a true winter wonderland experience. The main markets are at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
Where to stay
Soukenická Apartcomplex 2 features garden views and free WiFi. All units have a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, toaster, kettle and coffee machine. There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer. Old Town Square is a 10-minute walk from the apartment while Charles Bridge is 20 minutes away.
BRUSSELS
Opening dates of Christmas markets: 29th November to 5th January.
The “Winter Wonders” event takes place around the city of Brussels at the Grand-Place and around the Bourse, the Place de la Monnaie, the Place Sainte-Catherine and the Marché aux Poissons. It includes a Christmas market with more than 200 chalets, a covered ice rink for skating, concerts by different choirs and fairground attractions such as a ferris wheel.
Where to stay
Just a short walk from the Cathedral of Brussels, Appartbrussels offers tastefully decorated apartments equipped with modern facilities, such as Hi-Fi and HDTV. The kitchen has a hob, microwave and oven. For breakfast you can also go to one of the many restaurants, tea rooms and bakeries in the direct surroundings.
BUDAPEST
Opening dates of Christmas markets: 8th November to 1st January.
The lovely Basilica square in the heart of the city turns into a festive market place from early November till January 1st, with cottage-style wooden stalls and two outdoor stages taking over one of Budapest’s most attractive spots. You can smell the scent of traditional honey cookies, mulled wine, cinnamon and fir from afar. The fragrant air simply lures you to the market.
Where to stay
Apartment Jeanette is a self-catering accommodation located in the Buda’s Castle District in Budapest. Free WiFi access is available. Modernly designed, the apartment provides a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. There is a full kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave. Featuring a bath, the private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Free parking is possible on site.
COLOGNE
Opening dates of Christmas markets: 25th November to 23rd December.
“Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral” awaits its visitors in front of the historic backdrop of the Cathedral with a tremendous Christmas tree. Not far away, located on the squares Alter Markt and Heumarkt, “Heinzels Winter Fairytale” attracts visitors with a spectacular ice rink.
Where to stay
Mont Apartements come with parquet floors and feature a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a dining area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer. A microwave, a fridge and oven are also provided, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine. Free Wi-Fi is also provided. Altstadt-Nord is a great choice for travellers interested in museums, cathedrals and beer.
TALLINN
Opening dates of Christmas markets: 15th November to 7th January.
Voted as the Best Christmas Market in Europe for 2019, it has become one of the must-see events in Europe. The star of the market is the Christmas tree, which is the most important Christmas tree in Estonia and has been set up in Town Hall Square since 1441, making it the first Christmas tree ever to be put on display in Europe. Local merchants will offer Estonian Christmas cuisine, from black pudding and sour cabbage to gingerbread and hot Christmas drinks, as well as various handicrafts.
Where to stay
SmartEST stay City Centre Apartments – Narva 7 offers free WiFi, air conditioning and household amenities such as a fridge and kettle. The apartment features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Toompea Castle is 1.8 km from the apartment, while Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is 1.9 km away.
CLUJ-NAPOCA
Opening dates of Christmas markets: 22nd November to 31st December.
Held in the city’s Unirii Square, the Cluj-Napoca Christmas Fair is the most beautiful Christmas market in Romania. Children can embark on a ride on Santa’s Tram and meet characters such as Minnie and Mickey, Snow White, Cinderella, Anna and Elsa, Peter Pan, Scooby Doo, Harry Potter or Rapunzel. Meanwhile, parents can attend the several workshops offered at the market.
Where to stay
Boasting a garden and a terrace, Luxury Apartment In Cluj features free WiFi and lake views. The apartment has 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a bath. The apartment offers a hot tub. A car rental service is available at Luxury Apartment In Cluj.
NUREMBERG
Opening dates of Christmas markets: 29th November to 24th December.
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas Markets in the world. The enticing smells of mulled wine, rum punch, roasted almonds, German sausages and gingerbread fill the air at the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. In the wooden chalets, one finds traditional, often handmade Christmas decorations and sweet treats such as gingerbread and Spekulatius almond cookies.
Where to stay
This 4-star hotel is an 8-minute walk from Nuremberg city centre. Living Hotel Nürnberg by Derag offers modern rooms and apartments and a brightly decorated restaurant. Free Wi-Fi is included and private parking is available in an underground garage for a fee. The elegant rooms and serviced apartments of Living Hotel Nürnberg by Derag feature a spacious living area and a kitchenette.
We hope that our list of the best European destinations for Christmas markets has been of inspiration. Did you like our article? Feel free to share or comment below.