Christmas around the worldis a magical time of special foods, drinks, parades and festivities. You won't necessarily find the cheapest items but you will find something special that will last. Copyright 2022 The Blonde Abroad | All Rights Reserved, #ad The best travel hack for 2022! For the past few yearsZagreb has won as the best destination in Europe (closely beating out Colmar, France). Times: 11.00-21.30 (Thurs-Sat); 11.00-20.30 (Sun-Wed), Location: The main section is at Rathausplatz, Where to Stay: Buroma-Apart Suites Esslingen. Not only is it the oldest Christmas market in Germany, the Striezelmarkt also showcased the worlds tallest Christmas pyramid in 1999. While youll always find roasted meats, make sure to try the local cuisine. My top picks! Just about an hour west of Dresden isLeipzigs lesser-known old town Christmas market. UK | EUROPE | AUSTRALIA | NORTH AMERICA | ASIA | AFRICA | MIDDLE EAST, CONTACT | PRIVACY POLICY | DISCLOSURE POLICY. Please create account through ##customer_email## email, Decorating: Three Reasons Why to Get Holiday Gift Boxes for Your Christmas Gifts, Decorating: How to Use Tabletop Ornaments to Make Your Holidays Shine, Decorating: Seven Types of Vintage Christmas Decorations to Look Out For, Decorating: Four Ways to Create a Sports-Themed Christmas Dcor Design, Decorating: How to Incorporate Holly into Your Holiday Design, Traditions: Step By Step Guide on How to Use an Incense Cone at Christmastime. Give these a try! Main squares get transformed into massive Christmas villages dotted with hundreds of stalls, Christmas trees and decorations. There are so many delicious treats to eat! We absolutely loved the Christmas market here and had so many fun evenings here with our local friend! Each square seems to have its own attraction, so pick up a dessert and wander the Old Town. Take potatoes, fry them. Rothenburg ob der Tauder is definitely one of the best places to visit in Germany all year round. It can be hard to choose with all the delectable scents and smells. What I like about the Dortmund Christmas Market is how it caters to families. But in the old town, you can still feel the strong history of old-world Germany. Nuremberg Christmas market is most famous for its regional German foods. Really, these are inexpensive and are so light and fluffy. Popular travel and lifestyle blog featuring travel tips, fashion, food and photography from around the world. Free Standard Shippping on all orders above $25 in the USA Sign up for an account to get discounts and free shipping! Start at the Marienplatz to marvel at its distinguished tree, before you escape to the nearby Kripperlmarkt am Rindermarkt, where youll find Munichs largest nativity scene. Youre in luck! Enjoy Eastern Europes spin on things by visiting Budapests Christmas Market, which lasts nearly two months. Glwein takes center stage at all markets. Join over 1 million people and get exclusive travel tips, giveaways and more! Heres a look at the best Christmas markets in Germany on a map. We won't send you spam. There are places to shop, dine, explore, and relax, but all will be full of yuletide cheer and beautiful decorations.Christmas markets typically start at the end of November and will last just before Christmas. Thenostalgic Christmas market at the Opernpalaishas an impressive array of artisans from all over the world. Typically, Christmas markets last for about a month right before Christmas. The festive concerts performed by the Thomaner choir in the Thomaskirche are also excellent. You cant miss the smell! Since then, Ive traveled to over 70 countries and have knocked some big adventures off my bucket list. I'm breaking down the best Christmas markets in Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria and beyond. I have included the opening dates and times for each market, as well as the closest hotel to the market below. Four of the best alternative European Christmas Markets you should visit this year (which arent in France or Germany), The Best Day Trips from London for couples, An EPIC 7 Day Ireland Itinerary: Self Drive Road Trip, The 30 Best day trips from Nottingham by a local, A First Timer's Guide and New York trip itinerary, Things to do in Herefordshire: A Weekend Guide, Things to do on a Peak District weekend away: How to spend a weekend in Peak District National Park, The Ultimate 10 day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary, The best budget weekend trips to Europe from London. The Dortmund Christmas Market is split across ten different sections, all within Dortmund City Centre. See many of the times here. Follow Kiersten on her adventures! This guide to Christmas in Europe aims to help you pick the best destinations, provide you with tips, and ensure you have the ultimate experience. The markets are a time forgingerbread and mulled wine, with lights galore and live music in beautiful historic town centers. But some smaller markets are on designated dates or the Year round, there is always something for Read more, Southwest Colorado draws adventurous travelers all year with its outdoor beauty, majestic mountains, and recreational activities. Theres so much magic and grandeur in everything, from the wooden Nutcracker to the Nativity scene and giant pyramids. Im Kiki, a California native, who left my career in corporate finance to become a world traveler. Its a traditional German food from the region and something you need to try when youre here! Thehistorical Gendarmenmarkt Christmas marketis my favorite and probably the most famous. Hi! Youll also find amusement rides and traditional culinary delights such as roasted almonds. I'm an adventure travel blogger, book author, and new mum on a quest to visit every country in the world! Its truly the, : 10.00-21.00; 10.00-14.00 on Christmas Eve, : On Marienplatz and the main shopping centre streets, Another personal favorite, Heidelberg is easily among, : 11.00-21.00; Karlsplatz ice rink 10.00 22.00 until Jan 2020, : On Hauptplatz in the heart of Heidelberg, 21 Nov 30 Dec 2019 (closed on 24 & 25 Dec), : 10.00-21.00 (Mon-Thurs); 10.00-22.00 (Fri-Sun), Drawing in around 3 million visitors each year, the, : 10.00-21.00 (Mon-Sat); 11.00-21.00 (Sun), Just 12km away from Stuttgart is a small, charming city that was voted the , : 11.00-21.30 (Thurs-Sat); 11.00-20.30 (Sun-Wed). Located less than an hour from Strasbourg, Colmar is a much smaller city, but seems to outdo almost everyone at Christmas. The Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market is what the town is most famous for. Explore its glittering wooden pavilions, try some delicious German food and find handmade gifts including wood carvings and tree decorations. Moving away from the popular Christmas Markets in France and Germany, these Christmas Markets in Estonia, Austria and Belgium offer something unique and fun this festive winter season. Today its one of the most visited Christmas markets of Germany, drawing in about 2 million people each year. Beneath the castle, you can go ice skating and enjoy lively music on the Christmas on Ice rink at Karlsplatz square. There are seven markets throughout the city, each bringing a totally different vibe and atmosphere. They first started. Beautiful, traditional wood stalls surround a stage with the backdrop of the cathedral. What I love most about Munich is the strong Bavarian culture and traditions. City guides,maps, what to eat, and, of course, the best markets! Which German Christmas Market Should I Visit? Most end on the 23rd December. I never leave a Christmas market without having a bratwurst (grilled sausage) and glhwein (hotmulled wine). Another excellent souvenir to bring home is the collectible market mug that the glhwein is served in. Held in the famous Marienplatz, the Munich Christkindlmarkt is truly a traditional German Christmas market surrounded by historic buildings including the New and Old Town Halls. These markets usually stay open for four weeks leading up to Christmas. Firstly, the Stuttgart Town Hall transforms into a giant Adventure calendar (from 1 December onwards). Frankfurt, as a major financial centre with skyscrapers marking the scenery, has a reputation as a booming modern city. Looks so stunning. noon. You can go skating in various locations (my favorite is in front of the Natural History Museum) or see the stores transform their window displays, and even whole buildings, into a feast for the eyes. Pro tip: Climb to the top of the Church of our Lady to see the red and white booths on the streets below. Visit the Christmas markets in the morning and youll tend to have the markets to yourselves. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Glasgowis usually left behind to the much prettier city, Edinburgh. Find the perfect mix of traditional Christmas markets along with a sandstone castle and delicious German cuisine. Find concerts, food specialties, and large car-free zone to shop, dine, and explore. Situated at the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage Cologne Cathedral, the Am Dom Markt has a spectacular setting. German Christmas markets are the places to go for the best travel gifts. See what to eat here! It will keep you warm inside as you drink this sweet liquid. Sign up for an account to get discounts and free shipping! If you want to keep with the alcohol trend, many stalls offer liqueurs in pretty bottles that are an excellent gift. Its a traditional market with wooden huts along with traditional Czech food. The markets main feature is the enormous Christmas pyramid by the Nikolaikirche (St Nicholas Church), which is an impressive masterpiece. I pick my top 25 here, but here are some classic favorites: You cannot go to the Christmas market without glhwein! Or you can simply keep the mug as a souvenir! Birmingham (UK) Christmas Markets 2022 Guide ft. Times: 11.00-19.00 (Mon-Thurs); 11.00-20.00 (Fri-Sun), Location: On Grner Markt in the heart of the city, Where to Stay: Hotel Reichs-Kchenmeister. Germany is the best. Christmas markets in Germany are also great places to try traditional German foods like the Lebkuchen Christmas cookies. Its no wonder the German Christmas markets are the biggest, brightest and most festive. The Striezelmarkts name actually comes from the word Striezel, which refers to a cake made at this time of year called a Stollen. Some markets also serve Feuerzangenbowle which is a mixture of punch and glhwein and topped with a rum-soaked sugar cube then set on fire. dinner. Dont miss the Middle Ages Market at Wittelsbacherplatzhis recreates the atmosphere of what the original Munich Christmas markets must have been like, with music, handmade stalls and stallholders dressed in clothing from the Middle Ages. Whether you want to see the incredible, over-the-top decorations, the more traditional markets, or the best place to find a winter wonderland, Ive rounded up the best Christmas markets in Europe. This traditional Christmas market is complete with pretty red and white tents in front of the incredible cathedral. This was also the first Christmas market we ever visited, and its still our favorite to date! In fact, its not just one tree its made up of 1,700 individual fir trees, lit up by 13,000 light bulbs. 48 hours in Tallinn is the perfect amount of time to explore the city and this will help you to plan your itinerary of things to see and do and how to make the most of your two days in Tallinn. Drop me a message or follow along on Instagram. Rothenburg Ob Der Tauberis a year round Christmas village. Kids can explore the fairytale forest or enjoy the elves workshop. 12. For example, in Nuremberg they sell dolls made of dates! Youll also find a section featuring treats from all over the world and a section especially for kids. 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This unassuming city seems rather industrial from the outside, but venture further in to happen upon one of the loveliest markets with 180+ stalls selling everything your heart desires. I hope this blog inspires those who think seeing the world is only possible with a huge budget and a big Instagram following. I useBooking.comalmost exclusively to book the best deals and convenient locations with guaranteed good stays. More than 180 market stands have on display traditional Christmas ornaments of all shapes and sizes, including the localgold-foil angel, Zwetschgenmnnle. But to see the picturesque old town and the castle illuminated by fairy lights during the Christmas season is the icing on the cake. The aroma of sweet mulled wine and gingerbread fills the air, and festive music floods the streets. If youre looking for a different European Christmas Market experience this year, one of these four destinations might be for you. Which of these Christmas markets in Germany do you want to visit? But since Ive been to countless markets throughout Europe I want to ensure you see the best. Also, be sure to tryRothenburgstrademark Schneeballbiscuit, a kind of fried dough covered in powdered sugar or melted chocolate. The Christmas markets in Dortmund come in at second place, with more than 3.5 million visitors scouring their 300 stalls. I've mapped out my 15 favorites along with tips, times, and a guide to make the most of your time. Youll even find a traditional Christmas market in Hyde Park. For one month before christmas, snow-dusted stalls offer handcrafted glass, pottery, jewelry, as well as glgg and thin ginger biscuits called pepparkakor to keep you warm. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. This hot, mulled wine is typically served in mugs denoting the year. From the fragrant spiced nuts, traditional German meats, and dangerously delicious alcoholic Glhwein, there's no shortage of things to try while you're at the Christmas market. You can find traditional German markets throughout Europe, brand new traditions, and of course, decadent food. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I like to visit the tourist office to check. Location: On the Altmarkt square in the centre of Dresden, Where to Stay: Gewandhaus Dresden Autograph Collection. You can also head to Piazza del Duomo for the nativity scene and Christmas tree, which is lit up on December 8, as part of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt is great to pick up that unique giftstarted by local artists in the 1970s, youll find everything from quirky ornaments, to handcrafted jewelry, to traditional landscape paintings. This city still has its walls dating back to medieval times. Another personal favorite, Heidelberg is easily among Germanys most beautiful cities. Winter turns Switzerland into a snow globe of beautiful, snow capped mountains, pretty twinkling lights throughout the tiny villages offering an ideal place to spend Christmas. Its truly the best place to visit in Germany to experience the traditional side of Germany. Posted by Hedi Schreiber on July 29, 2022, Posted by Hedi Schreiber on July 28, 2022, Posted by Hedi Schreiber on July 27, 2022, Posted by Hedi Schreiber on July 26, 2022, Posted by Hedi Schreiber on July 25, 2022, Posted by Hedi Schreiber on July 22, 2022, Posted by Hedi Schreiber on July 21, 2022, Posted by Hedi Schreiber on July 20, 2022, 33015 Tamina RoadSuite CMagnolia, TX 77354, Free Standard Shippping on all orders above $25 in the USA.