Temperatures have dropped and summer has drawn to an end. The crisp, cool air is a welcome reminder that Christmas is just around the corner once again. The magic of the season is accentuated by the warm scents and sparkling sights of traditional Christmas Markets, and Europe has some of the most enchanting and picturesque fairs in the world. Here are some of the best to visit this year:
Brussels, Belgium
This huge market makes the entire city centre feel as though it has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland.
Marvel at the incredible display of the 360-degree Sound & Light Show at the Grand Palace which starts each evening at 5 pm and runs every hour on the hour until 10 pm. This is also where you will find the Christmas Tree and Nativity Set. Wander through countless stalls, whizz around the merry-go-round, ride the Ferris wheel or even go ice skating. With so much to see and do, it is the perfect festive day out.
If you have time, head to Bruges only an hour and a half drive from Brussels, to see one of the most picturesque Christmas Markets in Europe. It is smaller than Winter Wonders, and the atmosphere is more relaxed.
The Winter Wonders market is open daily from 12 pm to 10 pm, and opens on 25th November 2022, until 1st January 2023.
Budapest – Advent Feast at the Basilica
Taste your way through local Hungarian snacks or treat your loved ones to trinkets and gifts.
Beautifully decorated, with an atmosphere to match, your Christmas spirit is sure to be lifted here.
What’s more, Budapest’s second festive market at Vörösmarty Square is within walking distance from the Advent Feast market, so you can spend the day wandering between the two. As well as the vendors, visitors can also enjoy the ice-skating rink, folk dance performances, a daily light projection show and the wreath lighting ceremony each advent Sunday.
The Advent Feast at the Basilica runs from 18th November 2022 to 1st January 2023.
Tallinn, Estonia
Explore the quaint beauty of the town’s sparkling tree, the magical carousels, and stalls selling traditional decorations and tasty treats.
Soft blankets of snow cover cobbled streets, and a tempting aroma of gingerbread and chestnuts permeates throughout the square. Families can also look forward to meeting Father Christmas, who often pays a visit in his reindeer-pulled sleigh.
The Tallinn Christmas Market opens on 25th November 2022 and runs until 8th January 2023.
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Trier, Germany
Many travellers have voted the Trier Christmas Market to be the best in Germany this year, and it is set to be a popular destination this winter.
The enchanting backdrop of the medieval Main Market, the Trier Cathedral, and the Gothic architecture of the buildings add and extra bit of magic to the atmosphere of the market.
Visitors can wander through an array of stalls, whilst children can enjoy a ride on the carousel or pay a visit to the iconic Christmas Pyramid.
The market is smaller than some of Germany’s other well-known markets such as the market near Cologne Cathedral or the Munich Christmas Market, but the charming setting of this historic town makes for a more unique experience that has allowed the event to earn its accolade.
The Trier Christmas Market opens on 18th November 2022 and runs until 22nd December 2022.
Vienna, Austria
The Viennese Christmas Dream Market in front of the town centre’s City Hall is an unforgettable highlight of the season. With such a striking backdrop, the market has its own unique charm as well as Christmas workshops for children, carol choirs, and plenty of excellent vendors.
The Christmas Village at Belvedere Place is another popular market with more than 40 beautifully decorated stalls that offer traditional handcrafted goods, intricate Christmas decorations and delicious culinary delights.
Vienna is a true winter wonderland and visitors can indulge day and night in a huge range of festive activities. Most of the winter markets open on 18th November and run until 23rd December. The Christmas Dream Market is open until 26th December.
Wherever you decide to go, these markets are sure to provide plenty of Christmas joy and magic to your Europe trip and are the perfect way to indulge in the festive season.