It’s that time of year when festive cheer fills the air, and the spirit of Yuletide is unmistakable. Yes, Christmas is here, bringing with it the season of joy and giving. Nothing embodies Christmas more than the vibrant markets set up in town squares and city halls, attracting hordes of visitors, both locals and tourists. Synonymous with decorated chalets, soulful music, twinkling lights, and artisanal goods, visiting these colorful markets is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit and enjoy the holiday season.
Medieval Origins
It’s important to note that the history of Christmas markets dates back to as early as the 13th century, with the Vienna markets of 1296 being among the oldest documented. They were believed to have been held for 14 days in December at the behest of the ruling Duke. The Christmas markets of Dresden and Nuremberg in Germany are also among the older markets, celebrated since the 15th century. Back in the day, these markets were centered around the main town church and offered handmade goods including pottery and goodies like cakes and other baked delights.
It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th century that Christmas markets grew bigger and better, with numerous stalls selling all sorts of gifts, goodies, and knickknacks. A major reason for this growth was the rise in the income levels of the working class and the general standard of living. Therefore, the version of the markets you see today traces their origins to the 18th and 19th centuries, where the concept of Christmas trees, decorations, and ornaments took shape. Needless to say, if you want to experience the essence of Christmas markets, those in Europe must be on your list. Most of these markets open as early as the third week of November and continue until Christmas. Here is a rundown of some of the best markets you can visit this year.
German Markets: Of Timeless Charm
A great place to start your Christmas market tour is by visiting those in Germany. Berlin, the capital city, boasts over 50 diverse markets. Most of them are set against historic backdrops—think the City Hall, Berlin Cathedral, Potsdamer Platz—and feature stunning decorations, awe-inspiring lights, and unique stalls selling bespoke artifacts and gourmet food. The Berliner Weihnachtszeit near the Berlin City Hall (Rathaus) is one of the most vibrant markets in the city, making for a great family outing with its ice-skating rink, carousels, and a Ferris wheel that stands a whopping 50 meters high!
At specific times, Santa Claus flies through the sky on his sleigh, a big draw for children. Besides shopping for gifts and ornaments, make sure to try local specialties like baked apples and different varieties of Bratwurst (German sausage). If handmade and artisanal goods are your calling, the Christmas market known as Weihnachtszauber on Gendarmenmarkt is a must-visit. From artisanal candles and ceramics to paintings and pottery, you can find a wide range of superior handicrafts here. The Christmas winter village at Alexanderplatz is another popular hotspot.
Besides Berlin, the markets in Munich and Frankfurt are also known for their native charm. A key highlight is the Munich Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz square, which dates back to the 14th century and is renowned for its unmatched Bavarian charm even today. Its distinctive feature is that it is the country’s largest Nativity scene market, making it a great place to pick up one for the festival. Similarly, the Pink Christmas Market in Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz in Frankfurt is a nod to diversity and inclusion and boasts a wide range of vegan and vegetarian dishes. The Christmas market set against the famous Cologne Cathedral is another one worth visiting, with its array of red-roofed stalls selling everything from traditional decorations to tree ornaments and handmade gifts. Don’t forget to sample local treats like pretzels and Gebrannte Mandeln (roasted almonds).
Strasbourg: The ‘Capital of Christmas’
While Paris is one of the most alluring places to visit during Christmas, head over to Strasbourg in the Alsace region of eastern France for a slice of tradition. The entire city is decked out for Christmas, with houses, storefronts, city squares, and streets exuding a fairy-tale-like ambiance. The Alsace region is known for being the original home of the Christmas tree, and it is in the Sélestat village of the region that the tree was first documented in 1521. In Strasbourg, head to Place Kléber to witness one of Europe’s tallest trees, which stands a massive 30 meters high.
It is richly adorned with colorful ornaments like baubles, ribbons, candy canes, clay figurines, and even candles. Interestingly, in the past, Christmas trees in the region were decorated with edible goodies like apples, candies, and nuts. The Christmas market, which dates back to 1570, hosts over 300 chalets and promises a magical experience for visitors as they savor bredle (biscuits) amidst the aromas of cinnamon and spice that permeate the air. If you have time, make sure to visit the smaller villages like Colmar and Kaysersberg for some unforgettable experiences.
Festive Markets: A Universal Tradition
The Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg again offer oodles of old-world charm when it comes to Christmas markets. The capital city is known for some renowned markets, with the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz being particularly beautiful. With the magnificent neo-Gothic city hall as the background, this one features a large ice-skating area, nearly 100 stalls, and several attractive Advent displays.
From gourmet pastries to roasted potatoes, there are delectable gastronomical delights, along with plenty of artifacts and traditional crafts. While the markets at Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace offer a touch of regal flair, they are also some of the best places to get your share of the famous Christmas Punch as well as a bag of roasted chestnuts. The festive markets of Salzburg in Domplatz and Residenzplatz are again rooted in tradition and are known to be some of the most beautiful Advent markets in Europe. From readings of Christmas stories for children to sing-along open choirs and rich musical performances, the atmosphere in these markets is joyous, to say the least. Traditional Austrian snacks like Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Krapfen (doughnuts), and Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) are worth trying.
Often considered as one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations, Prague does not disappoint when it comes to its markets. Make sure to catch the markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where you can shop for Christmas potpourri, ornaments made from straw, wood, and glass, as well as festive items like crocheted toys and scented incense cones. Chimney cakes or trdelník, which is a sweet pastry with delicious fillings like fruits, ice-cream, and Nutella, are a specialty in the markets of Prague.
