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Christmas is one of the cheeriest festivals of the entire year. Not only do you get to celebrate time with your family and loved ones, but you also get to enjoy some of the finest foods and drinks. It’s a time to rejoice and celebrate life, and it is always better to do so in a large crowd!

If you have been thinking you should do something different this Christmas, you should definitely head to a Christmas market. It is an experience of a lifetime, and it will be a unique moment you and your loved ones will cherish forever!

So, what Christmas markets in Europe are worth your time? Let’s take a look!

Magic of Advent is the most popular Christmas Market in Vienna
Christmas markets in Vienna, with their fairytale themes are magical to say the least.

Vienna’s baking is unmatched in the entire continent, so you can imagine just how amazing the cakes and pastries you get during the Christmas market would be! There are many Christmas markets scattered all around the city- the most popular one being the “Magic of Advent”, which happens in the center of the city and has a fairytale theme that will blow your mind. The carousel and the dozens of trees scattered all around this area make a picture perfect scene both you and your family will enjoy for a long time. There’s more than enough for you to do in the market for many days, so you can definitely make a holiday out of it.

Dresden hosts 11 Christmas markets, highest in Europe
The entire city of Dresden reverberates in the spirit of almost a dozen Christmas markets. 

If you are a fan of Christmas markets, and you have not been to Dresden, you are not a fan at all. Dresden is the king of Christmas markets in the entire world, forget just Europe. The city hosts not one or two, but 11 different Christmas markets! Each market has its own theme- and is located in equally picturesque parts of the city. The entire city reverberates with holiday music being sung by dozens of local groups, and the mulled wine and cider flow endlessly. The best part? You can still enjoy the best of Dresden’s museums and exhibitions during Christmas, as they host festive exhibitions and special sessions.

Leipzig

German Christmas markets are in a league of their own
By visiting Leipzig during Christmas, you will be contributing to the history of its Christmas Markets that date back to 1458 AD.

German Christmas markets are in a league of their own, and you will understand why when you head to Leipzig during Christmas. This famous Christmas market has been around from 1458, so you will be making history merely by going to this market! It’s also one of Europe’s largest Christmas markets, set in the town’s picturesque centre. Snow covered shops, mulled-wine, hot food, and a beautiful Christmas tree combine to make this Christmas market one of Europe’s best!

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is an experience like no other. It’s a Christmas theme amusement park makes it the happiest place in the world (sorry Disney) for about 6 weeks during Christmas time. Not only do you get to enjoy the finest drinks and food, you also get to enjoy over a 100 exciting rides and attractions. The German Christmas Market and Angels Christmas Market are the best markets within, especially for those who want traditional Christmas food, and want to purchase their favorite baubles and decorations.

Lille, in France, is a quaint city full of beautiful structures. During Christmas, the city takes on a whole new persona, one that is filed with joy and euphoria, and you will definitely want to be a part of it! Lille promises a winter wonderland that is full of French wine, and amazing festive food. Moreover, the Christmas Market is amazing for those who love Christmas themed gifts and manger scenes, for every year, around a 100 shops get together to deliver you those exact things!

Put on your best festive garb, and prepare to stuff yourself with delicious Christmas foods for days to come! Which Christmas market caught your fancy?

Published by Erik Jensen, updated on March 13, 2024
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