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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe
winter markets introSince nothing says “festive season” like feasting on spiced sweets and hot mulled wine in a village of tiny wooden chalets, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful winter markets the Old World has to offer.
Photo © Getty Images, by Juergen Sack 0/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
HelsinkiWith snow a distinct possibility in the midwinter season, Helsinki was practically made for festive markets. Go ice skating at Railway Station Square, stroll down the brightly festooned shopping streets with their seasonal window displays, then pop over to the St. Thomas Christmas Market to knock back a steamy mug of glögi – hot wine that’s often spiked with a splash of vodka.
Photo © Dorit Salutskij 1/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
TallinnAfter Helsinki, consider taking the ferry to Tallinn. Here, the storybook winter market in the medieval Town Hall Square is held beneath a twinkling tree whose tradition dates back to 1441 – said to be the first ever publicly displayed Christmas tree in Europe. Sip hot chocolate and enjoy traditional Estonian dishes, then take in the programme of seasonal events throughout December, from a Christmas Jazz Festival to a gingerbread exhibition and regular weekend performances of music and dance.
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
ravenna gorgeDid you just step through a wardrobe and into a winter fairy tale? Ravenna Gorge, deep in Germany’s Black Forest, is the site of a holiday market that will have visitors rubbing their eyes more than once. A traditional Teutonic affair with mulled wine, sausages and all manner of handicrafts, what sets this event apart is its dreamy setting, nestled in a wooded gorge under a stunningly illuminated railway viaduct with nine dramatic sandstone arches. To arrive in style, join a guided walk that winds through the valley from Hinterzarten to the market, with a flickering torch to light your way.
Photo © Hochschwarzwald Tourismus 3/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
copenhagenFather Christmas himself greets guests at one of the world’s oldest theme parks, which transforms into a veritable winter wonderland during the festive season. At Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, you can have a chat with Santa, take in a staging of The Snow Queen ballet, catch a holiday-themed marching band parade, and then stroll through a festive Christmas market village – all while riding the park’s many year-round attractions in between. If the stunning holiday decorations don’t take your breath away, the vintage wooden roller coaster sure will.
Photo © Michelle Berg 4/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
berlinConsidering that Germany is the unofficial capital of Christmas, it’s no surprise the country’s capital city goes all out for the festive season. In fact, Berlin is home to more than 80 rather epic winter markets for visitors to explore. Among them, Charlottenburg Palace gets creative with light displays and art exhibitions; Gendarmenmarkt hosts live performances of acrobats, jugglers, fire artists and musical ensembles; Alexanderplatz offers rows of stalls that transport visitors to the 1900s; and Potsdamer Platz draws adventurous types with its 70-metre toboggan run.
Photo © Getty Images, by AndreaAstes 5/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
salzburgAustria also holds its own in the holiday spirit department, and there’s nary a more picturesque place to stroll through a festive market than Salzburg’s Cathedral Square. Choirs and brass bands regale visitors as they wander among the stalls huddled below the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress to peddle handicrafts, spiced wine and Christmas cookies. The “Christkind” and his angels have been known to pay a visit, but beware of the frightful Krampusses and Perchten, who descend upon Salzburg on 6 and 21 December to strike fear in the hearts of the naughty.
Photo © Salzburg Tourismus / Günter Breitegger 6/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
budapestForget Bratwurst and Glühwein – in Budapest, it’s all about the kürtőskalácor and tokaji (buttery holiday pastries and sweet golden wine, respectively). Vörösmarty Square puts a festive foot forward with wooden huts selling only Hungarian handicrafts and cuisine. Stay past sundown to see the lighting of the giant Christmas tree and listen to live musical performances.
Photo © Vörösmarty Classic Xmas 7/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
zurichAlready shivering at the thought of standing around outdoors? Head to Zurich, where each winter the main train station is transformed into one of Europe’s largest indoor festive markets. This year, the city is embracing a brand new Polarzauber (Polar Magic) theme and rolling out a never-before-seen programme featuring a Northern Lights show, a Fondue Express dining car and an interactive Pixeltunnel storytelling experience for kids – all of which comes on top of the more than 100 market stalls packed with goodies and trinkets.
Image Rendering courtesy Zürich Tourismus 8/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
praguePrague is a gem at any time of the year, but it’s during the festive season that the city really dazzles. Stroll through the winter markets at the Old Town Square or Wenceslas Square to browse handmade gifts, from jewellery to toys and embroidered lace, then watch all manner of sugary pastries and succulent hams being baked and roasted before your eyes.
Photo courtesy of Taiko 9/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
Slide Nr 11From the sweet scent of toasted chestnuts to the soothing sound of live choir concerts and the dreamy sight of twinkling holiday lights, Bratislava’s Main Square market knows how to set a scene. Wander the cobblestone streets and explore the beautifully lit Old Town with its imposing Christmas tree set against a stunning backdrop of the city’s medieval architecture. While you’re at it, sample the sizzling spicy sausages and trdelník pastries, sip a glass of honey wine, and shop for handmade wooden toys, a particular local specialty.
Photo © Getty Images, by sedmek 10/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
gothenbergSeasonal amusement park events often to err toward the kitschy, but not at Gothenburg’s Liseberg Park. Perfect for families, the atmosphere is chock-full of enchantment, from the spectacular illuminations to the medieval market and Santa’s workshop, plus plenty of rides to keep the children grinning from ear to ear. Parents, meanwhile, can enjoy a glass of glögg (spiced wine) and a reindeer meat kebab – just maybe don’t tell the kids what’s in it.
Photo © Liseberg 11/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
barcelonaIf you’re spending Christmas in Catalonia, you’re going to need a Caga Tió (according to an endearing and irreverent Catalan custom), and Barcelona’s Fira de Santa Llucia is the place to get one. Dating as far back as 1786, this traditional market holds court in front of the imposing Barcelona Cathedral and is the place to go for handicrafts and regional holiday sweets, like honey-soaked almond nougat.
Photo: OlyaSolodenko/iStock 12/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
valkenburgOften referred to as “the Christmas city of the Netherlands”, Valkenburg has earned its title by hosting one of the most unusual festive markets in Europe – in a cave beneath the ruins of a medieval castle. Decked out with lights, trees and holiday decorations, the Velvet Cave is the main attraction, while other highlights include the Municipal Cave (touted as the largest underground holiday market in Europe), an above-ground Santa’s Village, festive street theatre performances and four designated “culinary walking routes” designed to help visitors discover the city’s top sights and epicurean delights.
Photo © Christmas Town Valkenburg 13/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
bolzanoAn intriguing mix of Italian gusto and Austrian joviality, Bolzano (or Bozen, in German) lays claim to Italy’s largest winter market, and one of its most captivating. The snow-covered Alps rise above Walther Square, where stall vendors are hard at work cooking up traditional specialties and craftsmen are busy exhibiting their wares – each made according to strict regulations protecting time-honoured local artistry.
Photo © fiorentino 14/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
Slide Nr 16If you’re looking for holiday spirit at more humane temperatures, look to Sevilla. With an unexpected blend of seasonal atmosphere and Mediterranean climate, this Andalusian city is one of Spain’s top winter market destinations. Here, festivities centre around the Feria del Belén, an artisan market held near the Sevilla Cathedral selling handcrafted nativity figures. Displaying a nativity scene is a widespread holiday tradition throughout Spain, with families heading to markets like this one in search of new figures to add to their displays each year. For thoughtful gifts made by local artisans, from jewellery to toys and clothing, visit the handicraft market in front of city hall. In between, take time to stroll the exuberantly lit city – a light show in itself – stopping by a fragrant food stall for roasted chestnuts or churros and chocolate along the way.
Photo: Sami Auvinen/iStock 15/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
edinburghIf you thought the lively energy of the Edinburgh Fringe was impressive, wait until winter. The city centre comes to life for Edinburgh’s Christmas – a festive celebration that sees St Andrew Square, Princes Street Gardens and George Street transform into a holiday wonderland. Float on the covered ice rink on George Street, spin under the Scottish sky on the Big Wheel, and explore a charming spread of wooden huts selling crafts, treats and warm drinks. For little visitors, there are festive rides in Santa’s Land as well as themed storytelling under the glow of the Christmas lights. It’s a mix of holiday magic, fairground fun and European market charm, set against the silhouette of Edinburgh Castle.
Photo © Ben Whiting 16/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
strasbourgMost of the world’s oldest and most famous winter markets are located in Germany and Austria, but there’s one notable exception: the Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik, which was first held in 1570 in front of the main cathedral. Today, 13 market locations encompassing more than 300 stalls are spread across the historic city, illuminating the typical Alsatian timber-framed houses with festive lights and lending an especially magical air to an already enchanting destination.
Photo © Daniel Schoenen 17/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
brusselsBelgian waffles, Belgian chocolate, Belgian beer, Belgian pommes frites – there’s no better time or place to indulge in the country’s most decadent delights than in Brussels during the Winter Wonders holiday celebrations. Think 240 wooden chalets, a curling rink, a skating rink, roaming choirs and performers, processions and extravagant sound and light displays incorporating the city’s iconic landmarks. Truly a sight to behold.
Photo courtesy of Brussels Major Events 18/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
manchesterManchester pulls out all the stops to spread yuletide cheer throughout the city, hosting over 200 market stalls across nine locations selling everything from amber jewellery to bonsai trees, and cooking up international favourites like paella, bratwurst, goulash and the ever-popular hog roast. Take a spin on the festive ferris wheel or a twirl on the ice rink, and be sure to show up on 7 December for the city-wide Christmas parade.
19/20
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20 Magical Winter Markets Across Europe.
munichChoosing between Munich’s markets can be difficult. Should you drink hot Feuerzangenbowle from a wooden goblet at the medieval market? Join a handicraft workshop at the “Bavarian Christmas Village” in the Residenz courtyard? Marvel at the grandeur of the Rathaus and its giant Christmas tree at Marienplatz? All are worth a visit, but if you’re only in town on a layover, we recommend checking out the full-scale holiday market conveniently located at the airport – complete with Christmas trees and an ice skating rink.
Photo © Munich Airport 20/20
