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Christmas market breaks in Europe

Geeve by Geeve

European Christmas markets

The advent season, which begins around the end of November, is a special time of year in Europe; there are more than 2500 Christmas Markets or Christkindlmarkts in Germany alone. A spicy aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air, as towns and cities are transformed into magical wonderlands, full of excited children (and equally excited parents) enjoying candied fruits, nuts, candy floss, Christmas decorations, delicacies and mulled wine, a glass or two of which makes the Christmas markets seem even more wonderful!

Benefit by booking a flight and hotel though British Airways. They offer a fantastic selection of hotels in truly historic cities which feature the best traditional Christmas markets, their packages provide guaranteed savings.

The European Christmas markets on this page highlights some of the the most beautiful European cities to be seen during Christmas, all conveniently arranged in alphabetical order, and at the end of the page you will find recipes for those Christkindlmarkt food treats, which include the Christmas favourites, glühwein (mulled wine), and spiced nuts.



Christmas tree decorations in a little Tyrolean market, photographed by Enrico Corno

Christmas markets in pictures

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Christkindlmarkt in Austria

During the Christmas market, Rathauspark, Vienna, is transformed with Fantasy-trees and Pony-rides, a traditional merry-go-round and a Reindeer train, the Christmas Express, Confetti-Pavilion, Hoki Poki Villa and of course, the "Post office in the clouds" for those important Christmas letters. Parents will find Christmas crèches under the arcades (hopefully as easy to find after a few glasses of mulled wine ).

In the Rathaus, Volkshalle there are Christmas Workshop for children where they can create Christmas gifts and bake cookies and throughout December there is International Advent-Music.

The photograph was taken at the christmas market in Salzburg, Austria, by Uli Bartels .

Here are a few of the Austrian Christmas Markets

Tirol - Innsbruck
Old City (Altstadt)
The medieval square in front of Innsbruck's well-known Golden Roof is transformed into a traditional Austrian Christmas market where you can sample Tirolean fare and buy Christmaspresents. The picturesque and medieval old town with its pretty arcades, century-old housesand the famous Golden Roof is the perfect setting for this beautiful and traditional ChristmasMarket with its large and lighted Christmas trees, a carved manger with life-sized statues andnumerous lovingly decorated stalls. The Christmas Market in Innsbruck's Old Town has beenheld for over 30 years now. There are beautifully decorated stalls selling traditional food,drinks, souvenirs, Tirolean handicrafts, and Christmas decorations inviting you to take a strolland enjoy. Experience folk music and see traditional Tirolean costumes daily at 5.30pm.
When: 20 November - 28 December
Where: Centre of the Old City, in front of the Golden Roof

Maria Theresien Strasse
This Christmas market will be held in Innsbruck's main shopping street - Maria Theresien Strasse.
When: 15 November 2009 - 6 January 2010
Where: Maria Theresien Strasse

Marktplatz
A Christmas market for the entire family with a fabulous maze of booths and activities.On 4th December at approx 6.30pm the traditional 'Rattenberger Perchten (wild spirits) visitthe Christmas market, and on 6th December St Nikolaus will come to the Marktplatz byhelicopter, bringing all children a special surprise. Musical performances, winter-themeditems, and a wide variety of Christmas foods cater to every taste and wish.Fascinating light compositions and the typical Advent atmosphere - this is the market foreverybody who wants to enjoy those weeks before Christmas Eve.
When: 15 November - 23 December 2008
Where: Marktplatz
Styria - Graz
Hauptplatz (Main Square)
Don't miss the giant Advent calendar at the Town Hall every evening from 4.30pm
When: 21 November to 24 December
Where: Main city square
Salzburg
The Salzburg Christmas Market
Programme of events such as choral singing every Saturday in front of the Cathedral onResidenz Square; nativity exhibits in the Residenz courtyard, and much more.
When: 20 November - 26 December
Where: On Cathedral and Residenz Square, in Salzburg's historic city centre.

Christmas Market on Mirabell Square
With musical entertainment programme in front of Mirabell Palace on Wednesdays,Saturdays and Sundays at 5.15pm.
When: 22 November - 24 December
Where: Mirabell Square

Romantic Advent Market in the Hohensalzburg Fortress Courtyard
Featuring local arts and crafts, charming gifts, Christmas treats and a lively social programme.
When: 21 November - 23 December
Where: Fortress Hohensalzburg
Vienna
Vienna Town Hall (the Rathaus)
The park around the festively lit city hall building transforms into a fairy tale world for children,where gold leaves, luminous hearts, giant sweets and glittering stars hang from the trees.The little ones can ride an old Viennese carousel, the mini railway, or the cuddly ponies, orexplore the model Biedermeiertown, which opens its gates to soft music. There is also aChristmas workshop in the great hall for crafty little hands. And the adults needn't be boredEither - they can find beautiful gifts and taste mouth-watering delicacies at dozens of stalls inVienna's biggest Christmas market.
When: 15 November - 24 December
Where: In front of Vienna's Town Hall

Schönbrunn Palace
With the delightful backdrop of the imperial residence, browse through traditional-crafts handmade jewellery, rural specialities like home-distilled schnapps, smoked meats, breadsand cakes, as well as traditional Christmas tree decorations.
When: 21 November - 26 December
Where: In front of Schönbrunn Palace

Spittelberg Christmas Market
At the Spittelberg Christmas Market, stall after stall form long rows in the narrow lanes of theBiedermeier district near the MuseumsQuarter. Choose from fine arts and crafts,ceramics, hand-blown glass, rugs, batik and silk paintings, or even find a piece of silver,or brass jewellery. Other options - the arts and crafts market in Heiligenkreuzerhof infront of the Karlskirche, the Christmas village on the University campus or the traditionalChristmas market at Freyung square. Here, festively decorated stalls line up in front of themagnificent palace façades surrounding the famous Austria fountain.
When: 14 November - 24 December
Where: In the alleys of the 'Spittelberg, directly behind the MuseumsQuarter

Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
Lose yourself in the magic of the Christmas Village in front of Vienna's renowned BelvederePalace and enjoy its fascinating scenery. Visit one of Europe's most beautiful BaroquePalaces with the famous art nouveau painting "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt and complete yourtour with a visit to the stunning Christmas market which will be newly opened.
When: 20 November - 23 December
Where: Belvedere Palace, Prinzeugenstr. 27

Christmas markets in the Czech Republic

Some great Christmas markets are to be found in Czechoslovakia.

Brno
There is a traditional classic Christmas market to be found on Svobody square in Brno, the Czech Republic's second largest city.
Olomouc medieval market
During Advent the historical city of Olomouc holds a medieval market on Horní Square. The market stalls are complimented by a programme of Christmas events, including Christmas songs and carols, which add to the holiday atmosphere.
Prague Christmas
Prague is heaven for Christmas shoppers and besides the Christmas market, has several, wonderful shopping centers. You can't have a more traditional setting than Wenceslas Square, which together with the Old Town Square is packed full of decorated stalls. Besides the stalls, there are a range of cultural events.
The photograph is of the Christmas market in the Old Town Square, Prague published courtesy CzechTourism

Christmas markets in Denmark

Tivoli Gardens is fully decorated in December when the old amusement garden in Wonderful Copenhagen hosts its annual Christmas market. Photographer: Tivoli

Copenhagen is the focus for Denmark's Christmas markets

Tivoli Christmas Market
Runs through to 30 December 2010.
But note that the market is closed 24 and 25 December.

Every year around one million people visit Tivoli Gardens' classic Christmas Market. The old Gardens are dressed for Christmas. The rides will be open, and the carousels will be swinging. One of the main attractions is the Christmas village with gift shops, food and souvenirs.

Another fascinating attraction is Nissekøbing (pixie town), where dozens of mechanical pixies live in small houses on snowy hills. You can even meet Santa Claus, if he is not strolling around elsewhere in Tivoli Gardens. A total of 3,300 light chains decorate Tivoli, and between Christmas and New Year you can even enjoy a fireworks festival.

Christmas markets in France

In Strasbourg, France, home of the European parliament and right on the border with Germany, they have been holding a traditional Christkindelsmarik (Christmas market) since 1570. Dedicated to culinary crafts and Christmas decorations, it takes place in the heart of the city at Place Broglie.

There are around 35 Christmas markets throughout the Alsac region alone. Try Colmar Christmas market, where children can post their letter to Father Xmas in a giant letterbox and where the nativity scene has automated figures and animals.

If you travel to Montbéliard in Franche-Comté during the Advent season, you are sure to be be captivated by one of the most authentic Christmas markets, with over 130 craftsmen set up in wooden stalls around St Martin church, the oldest Lutheran church in France. At this time, Montbéliard streets are full of travelling acrobats, clowns, brass bands and of course, Saint Nicolas, Saint Lucie and the procession of Christmas lights, Father Christmas and Aunt Airie, , the Montbéliard good fairy.

Paris really comes alive during the Christmas season. You will find traditional Christmas markets in all parts of the capital, including the avenue des Champs-Elysées, the place Saint-Germain-des-Prés and La Défense.

Christkindlmarkt or Weihnachtsmarkt in Germany

In Germany, the Christmas markets are called Weihnachtsmarkt, particularly in the north, and Christkindlmarkts in Bavaria. It is reckoned that there are over 2500 Christmas markets held in Germany, each offering a special festive atmosphere, characterized by roasted almonds, hot chestnuts, carved nativity figures, Christmas spices, millions of sparkling Christmas lights, gingerbread, candles, baked apples and, of course glühwein (mulled wine).

Each year, a 100ft Christmas tree with 2,500 glittering candles forms the centerpiece of Munich's Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz, and just a few steps from this Christmas market is Rindermarkt, which is probably Germany's largest manger market. Selling everything from lanterns for the manger and fodder for ox and donkeys, to the gifts of the three Magi; in fact just about all that you could ever need to create an authentic nativity scene.

Every afternoon, Santa Claus visits the Munich Christmas Market to make sure that all is going well and that everyone is enjoying the festive spirit, and there is a daily concert of live festive music from the balcony of the historic town hall, played by Bavarian small string groups, wind players and choirs. This year's Christkindlmarkt opens again November 26th to December 24th, 2010.
An interactive map of Christmas Markets in Germany
A really useful, clickable map, displaying many of the important Christmas Markets.

Here are a few of the north German Christmas Markets

Berlin
Berlin enjoys around 60 traditional Christmas markets, each with a distinct style and atmosphere. WeihnachtsZauber in Gendarmenmarkt square, is one of Berlin's prettiest and most magical Christmas markets, but don't ignore the other Christmas Markets, such as the market at Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche, which will leave you with a lasting memory of the distinctive smell of roasted almonds, hot cocoa and mulled wine, enveloping more than 170 craft and Christmas market stands around the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
Lübeck
The German's regard the maritime town of Lübeck with its historic old quarter and three distinct Christmas markets, as northern Germany's "Christmas capital". Don't miss the Lübeck Fairytale Forest with 500 illuminated fir-trees and 21 fairytale showpieces, which illustrate the magical stories written by the Brothers Grimm; there is a little train going through the Fairytale Forest and of course, a merry-go-round.
Hannover
There are many Christmas markets in Hannover and the surrounding towns. In Hannover , the traditional Christmas market occupies the historical old quarter around the market church and has around 150 stalls.
Heide
Heide is regarded as one of the loveliest Christmas markets in northern Germany.

Here are a few of the south German Christmas Markets

Munich
The main Christmas Market in Munich is the Christkindlmarkt in front of the City Hall (Rathaus) in Marienplatz: 26. November - 24. Dezember 2010.

However, there are many other Christmas Markets to be found around the city.
Regensburg
Regensburg, which has been described as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage town on the Danube. It has three, distinctive Christmas markets: the traditional Christkindlmarkt on Neupfarrplatz in the heart of the old town, the Lucrecia craft market and the 'Romantic Christmas market' at Thurn and Taxis Palace, where you can enjoy both craft stalls and demonstrations.
Stuttgart
This Christmas Market was first mentioned in 1692, making Stuttgart's Christmas market one of the oldest in Europe, the city also works hard at making it one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets, comprising some 230 stalls on the Marketplace and adjacent Schiller Square.

Christmas markets in Hungary

The Advent Calendar in the windows of the Gerbeaud house, the backdrop to the Budapest Christmas Market.
Photo courtesy Budapest Tourist Office

Budapest Christmas Fair
This huge Christmas Market is held in Budapest's magnificent Vörösmarty Square.
It is open daily from 10.00 - 20.00, until
but is closed at 2 pm on 24 December, and all day, 25 and 26, December.

The Budapest Christmas Fair is considered by many to be the best Christmas event in Europe and is enjoyed by over 600 thousand visitors a year.
More about the Budapest Christmas Fair
One of a series of articles in Tales from Here and There about This and That, describing a tour along the river Danube, from its source to the Black sea; this article documents Budapest and one of the cities most popular winter events

Roasted chestnuts in an Italian market

Freshly baked chestnuts on a Rome street market, photographed by SXC user gouvernant.

Christmas season in Rome is filled with events such as special religious celebrations in churches but there are also markets in various parts of the city, such as the market in Piazza Navona and seasonal music events.

Ultimate Italy Christmas-time tour

The Christmas season is a great time to explore the delights of Italy in the company of a trusted guide, Italian hospitality is in even greater abundance than usual, and must-see tourist haunts are much less crowded.
From the exquisite, small towns of Umbria to the majesty of Rome and magnificent splendour of Venice, you can marvel at Tuscany's Renaissance glories, and in Ravenna, sample the delightful cuisine of Emilia-Romagna.
Get more information on an all-encompassing, G Adventures "Ultimate Italy Christmas Time" tour.
Christkindlmarkt Bolzano
A delightful video from Alfredo (Aiellici) of the annual Christkindlmarkt in Bolzano, with its charming Alpine atmosphere.

Christmas Markets in the UK

Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park
The Angel's Christmas Market right at the Hyde Park entrance to Winter Wonderland, is a new introduction for 2010. With over 100 stalls featuring the best arts & crafts from around the world, for fabulous decorations, food and unique Christmas gifts.
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Manchester Christmas market pictures

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Christmas Spirit

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Xmas Market Recipes

Gluhwein

Ingredients:
For every 1 litre bottle of red wine (most people use a cheap bottle)
Sugar to taste, about 30z/75g
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon or a stick or two of cinnamon
The juice of 1 orange and the juice of 1 lemon
Some people throw in a tea-bag of mulled wine spices

Preparation method
Pour wine into a saucepan and add the remaining ingredients; to avoid sediment, you can put the spices in muslin.
Heat the mixture until nearly boiling but don't let it boil and if necessary, strain into a warm bowl.
Serve warm.
This is a great picture of Gluhwein being served at the Budapest Christmas Market. Don't you wish we had smellyvision. More than the odd litre of wine there, me thinks.

The picture is courtesy of the Budapest Tourism Office.


Hot Chocolate

Something non-alcoholic!

Ingredients:

For every 1 litre/1.75 pints milk
1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped out
1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
150g/5½oz plain chocolate, chopped into small pieces
sugar, added to taste
freshly grated nutmeg, for dusting on top of the drink

Preparation method:
Heat the vanilla pod and seeds, cinnamon and milk in a saucepan until boiling,
then remove from the heat and add the pieces of chocolate, keep stirring until the chocolate melts.
Add sugar, to taste and whisk the mixture vigorously until it is frothy on top. For that extra zing, serve with a dusting of nutmeg.

Chocolate eggnog with brandy

Or brandy with chocolate eggnog.

Ingredients:
For each 200ml/7fl oz of milk (Just under half a pint)
200ml/7fl oz double cream
1 free-range egg
25g/1oz caster sugar (to taste)
50g/1¾oz dark chocolate, melted
30ml/1fl oz brandy
To make the eggnog:
Put most of the melted chocolate and all the other ingredients in a small saucepan and gently heat, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon; make sure that it does not boil.
Serve, by drizzling the remaining melted chocolate around the inside of a tall glass. Then, pour in the brandy, add the warm eggnog, and enjoy.

Spiced nuts

Remember those perky spiced nuts? Antony Worrall Thompson shows you how easy they are.

Ingredients:
1 tbsp oil
100g/3½oz of mixed nuts
pinch of paprika
½ tsp of turmeric
½ tsp of chilli flakes
1 tbsp of honey

Preparation:
Simply heat the oil in a frying pan and then add the remaining ingredients. Cook for a mere 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently until the nuts start to turn brown.

Then transfer to a bowl to serve.
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If your planning a trip to Germany, Austria, France or Belgium, take a look at the useful companion pages, German phrases for travelers and French phrases for travelers,making your visit even more enjoyable.

Dear Santa,

All I want for Xmas .......

Is feedback on this page, please.

  • lychiIM Dec 9, 2011 @ 3:16 pm | delete
    too bad I will go to Europe after xmas so I am gonna miss all the fun! =(
  • aesta1 Nov 2, 2011 @ 5:08 am | delete
    Love to do this again. This is a good guide where to go.
  • aesta1 Nov 2, 2011 @ 5:08 am | delete
    Love to do this again. This is a good guide where to go.
  • sarahwolf Dec 12, 2010 @ 7:49 pm | delete
    The Christmas Market in Hamburg, Germany is amazing. My husband used to go every year before we were married. Unfortunately, we didn't make this year.
  • puerdycat Nov 30, 2010 @ 7:48 pm | delete
    Thank you! Merry Christmas!
  • Cath1125 Nov 22, 2010 @ 8:51 am | delete
    Nice lense. Is there a market in Budapest Hungary, I don't see it on your lense.
  • Geeve Nov 22, 2010 @ 10:33 am | delete
    Thank you Cathy. You're absolutely right about Budapest and I will try to get it added straightaway.
    Problem is that there are so many Christmas markets in Europe that I can see myself adding to the list for the whole of Advent.
  • JaguarJulie Nov 22, 2010 @ 7:01 am | delete
    Ho Ho Ho ... Dear Santa ... all I really want for xmas is peace, love, harmony ... hope you can find me!
  • Geeve Nov 22, 2010 @ 10:29 am | delete
    What better thing can a man desire? Thanks for visiting Julie.
  • TheWhistler Nov 21, 2010 @ 8:28 pm | delete
    Nice lens. Thank you.
  • Geeve Nov 22, 2010 @ 5:11 am | delete
    Thanks for dropping by Whistler, lensrolled your Old Time Radio Flier 23 "CHRISTMAS OTR" to bring a real Christmas atmosphere.
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This Happy Snowman page written by

Geeve

Thanks for visiting my pages on European Christmas markets. It is probably true that every city and town in Europe has a Christmas market during December,... more »

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