It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
Christmas is getting closer and closer. Some of us are already thinking about decorating homes and buying gifts. Wham! music is in our headphones in November, and movies with this theme appear on our screens not much later. Others in turn prefer to wait patiently until the real Christmas season and only then experience everything more intensely.
No matter which group you belong to, the holidays are a special time of the year that stirs up a lot of emotions and brings us closer together. The warm atmosphere is fueled by the huge Christmas markets that are held annually in most European countries. Events of this type are very popular among people of all ages. The photos of the stands circulate the Internet every December.
The history of the Christmas market in a nutshell
The idea of Christmas markets was born in Germany several hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, butchers and cheese makers spread out their products at fairs during December. The stands were very popular because people wanted to prepare for the upcoming cold winter. Over the years, Christmas markets began to grow until they finally became a several-day event.
To this day, fairs are organized on market squares or in other characteristic places of larger cities. In one place there are from a dozen to several dozen different stands. Some even offer the same or similar products, but the real reason to see them is because of the incomparable atmosphere that prevails there.
Christmas markets in Europe are held on a large scale. The most beautiful of them are organized in countries with a cool climate, in snow and frost.
Christmas markets in Europe – the list of the absolute magical events that you have to see
Each Christmas market in Europe has a unique atmosphere and a palpable holiday spirit. However, some of them deserve special mention. Fairs in some countries are an unforgettable event for anyone who wants to see them. Check out the list of the best Christmas markets in Europe of all!
Nuremberg, Germany
Germany is, without a doubt, the organizers of absolutely wonderful fairs. Events take place in many cities such as Berlin, Essen and Dresden but we would like to single out Nuremberg. A visit to the local Christmas market is a magical experience.
The event is held annually in the old town square, from the beginning of December until the holidays. Nearly 200 stalls with Christmas decorations and local delicacies are set up there. There is no shortage of hand-painted ceramics, jewelry and household items. During the Nuremberg fair, try original Nuremberg gingerbread and roasted sausages. Nuremberg traditionally stages concerts and nativity plays in the baroque church.
Montreux, Switzerland
Montreux’s Christmas market awakens the holiday spirit in even the most skeptical people. The place lights up with colorful lights in December. There is an intense smell of gingerbread and mulled wine and carols can be heard in the background.
It turns out that in Switzerland we can see… Santa Claus! The sleighs gliding through the sky can be seen every evening during the fair. The most spectacular view is, of course, when it gets dark. This is a great attraction for everyone, regardless of age.
Noteworthy are the local specialties served there. Do not pass indifferently by the stand with traditional cheeses or sweets. You can also buy gifts for loved ones there.
Vienna, Austria
There is no doubt that Vienna during the holiday season is extraordinarily beautiful, but the Christmas market held there goes beyond the scale. The old town and shopping streets are traditionally decorated with Christmas lights and chains. The very entrance to the square deserves a separate paragraph. It is illuminated by candlelight, making the gate visible from a distance. Stalls offer Christmas gifts, Christmas tree decorations, arts and crafts, delicious treats and warming drinks. There is also an ice rink and Ferris wheel nearby.
It is worth mentioning that in the square there is the famous “Herzerl Baum”, tree decorated with 200 glowing hearts. This attraction is especially popular with young couples and families. Recently, the “Bussiplatz” also opened there. You can give kisses to your loved ones there.
Budapest, Hungary
The Christmas market in Budapest is extremely diverse. There is something for everyone. This place offers wares that can’t be found anywhere else. Hungary is therefore a great option, for those who have already visited a lot of Christmas fairs in Europe. The booths are large, and visitors can buy Christmas decorations, toys, ceramics or gifts.
The traditional stalls there wonderfully reflect the spirit of the holidays. Food stands are very popular at this location. There is also a stage where concerts resound practically every day.
Often underestimated, Hungarian cuisine is distinguished by its fusion of flavours and aromas. Above all, try the yeasty delicacy Kürtőskalács, fried cheese, smoked meat, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
Krakow, Poland
This is the most unobvious, but equally wonderful proposal. Every December, Krakow lights up with colorful lights that put passersby in a wonderful mood. It is definitely worth organizing a krakow walking tour surrounded by the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine.
The Christmas market there is held in the market square, from late November to January. At the stands you can buy unique postcards, cloth or wool products and unusual jewelry. The biggest attraction of the whole event is the traditional exhibition of Christmas cribs, which attracts tourists from all over the world. Krakow Christmas market is also full of delicacies and traditional Polish dishes. Smoked cheeses served with cranberries are especially popular there.
Poland is a country rich in monuments and sites worth seeing, so it is worth planning your trip carefully before arriving. Check out Krakowdirect and make your trip even more pleasant.
Holiday spirit in Europe
Christmas is a magical time of the year that brings us together and makes us happy. Depending on the region of Europe we are in, traditions may vary, but what remains the same is the atmosphere. A Christmas market is a great option for a December trip. We strongly encourage you to visit any of the countries on the list in December. We guarantee you won’t forget it for a long time!
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