Where are the best Christmas markets in Europe?
Christmas is the perfect time of year for a European break. There's something delightfully enchanting about visiting these beautiful mediaeval cities, decorated with twinkling festive lights and a touch of snow, at this time of year.
It’s also a great opportunity to stock up on unique presents and traditional gifts for the big day. With chalet-style stalls laden with everything you could wish for, from handmade baubles to Christmas lanterns.
From Strasbourg to Copenhagen and everywhere in between, the best European Christmas markets are a feast for the senses. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the food and drink options, with cosy log cabins where you can relax with a warm gluhwein. You can also enjoy comforting local dishes accompanied by endless sweet options, from German pastries to Dutch pancakes.
We’ve picked six of our favourite European city markets for the 2023 season that we think are worth adding to your Christmas travel itineraries:
Copenhagen, Denmark
There are plenty of delicious local treats to enjoy too, with Danish favourites including roast pork sandwiches and aebleskiver (sweet, fluffy pancakes). Plus, plenty of traditional spiced gløgg to warm you up in the cold weather.
When: 19 November to 31 December
Where: Tivoli Gardens
Cologne, Germany
If you want a slightly quieter experience, there’s also a market at Neumarkt. Known as the Market of Angels, there are beautifully decorated houses to admire, many featuring the celestial beings. Cologne’s old town also hosts a charming market which celebrates the city’s Heinzelmännchen — magical gnomes who carry out jobs and housework while the locals sleep, as the fairy tale goes.
When: 23 November to 23 December
Where: Roncalliplatz next to Cologne Cathedral and Neumarkt
Salzburg, Austria
As the fourth largest city in Austria, there are several markets on offer, and plenty of foodie options if you’re feeling peckish. From roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and Kaiserschmarrn (sweet shredded pancakes), to pretzels coated in just about anything, you won’t be disappointed. Of course, there’s no end to the glasses of steaming mulled wine and creamy hot chocolate to keep you going.
When: 23 November to 1 January 2024
Where: Locations across the city. The biggest is by the Cathedral and Residenz Square
Berlin, Germany
It has a 12-metre high and 70-metre long toboggan slide to speed down which offers an exceptional view of the Brandenburg Gate. After the slide, you can enjoy German favourites like roasted almonds, mulled wine, crepes, and bratwurst as you browse the many stalls selling unique handmade gifts and decorations.
When: 27 November to 26 December
Where: Across the city, but you’ll find the tobogganing at Potsdamer Platz
Budapest, Hungary
There is also a spectacular 3D light show which you can watch every 30 minutes, an ice rink where you can skate around a beautifully adorned Christmas tree, and you can even learn traditional Hungarian folk dancing with the Göncöl Ensemble.
When: 18 November to 1 January 2024
Where: Next to St Stephen’s Basilica
Prague, Czech Republic
If you’re taking younger family members, there’s also a real-life nativity scene where they can meet sheep, donkeys, and goats.
When: 2 December to 6 January
Where: Across the city but you’ll find the biggest market in the old town square
Remember if you’ve got a festive market on your agenda, it’s always handy to have some local currency on you, so you might want to add some Euros, Danish Krone or Czech Koruna to your wallet.
Travel money is available to buy online with next-day home delivery or be picked up at your local John Lewis or Waitrose store. If you’re in town, you can also exchange your pounds at select John Lewis Bureaux de Change.
It’s always useful to have some local currency when jetting off abroad. For great rates and no commission, pop to one of the Bureaux de Change in our John Lewis & Partners shops around the UK, or order online for click-and-collect or home delivery.
When you return from your holiday, you can always sell your leftover travel money back to us at any of our Bureau de Change locations – please be aware we only accept notes.
Exchange rates in our shops may vary from those offered online.
This article is for promotional or information purposes only.
You must not rely on it as advice. Please contact a financial adviser if you need advice before you buy a financial product or service.
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