For mulled wine and gifts: Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets

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Lights, mulled wine, music and the smell of gingerbread; Christmas markets take us to a fairytale world. In a survey, ranking website “Europe’s Best Destinations” asked more than 200,000 people to vote for Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets. Switzerland is also represented there. You can find an overview of the entire list here.

The Christmas market in Tallinn took first place. Among other things, you can buy handmade gifts and Estonian Christmas dishes like black pudding and sauerkraut. The centerpiece of the market is a large Christmas tree.

When: December 1, 2023 – January 7, 2024

At Christmas time, Budapest city center turns into a winter wonderland. There are many Christmas markets just a few minutes’ walk from each other. The largest is the Budapest Christmas market on Vörösmarty Square (Vörösmarty tér).

When: November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024

You’ve probably heard of this market. The Christmas market in Strasbourg is one of the oldest in Europe. It first took place in 1570. 300 wooden huts spread throughout the decorated city center invite you to walk and have fun.

When: 24 November – 24 December 2023

From mid-November to the end of December, many Christmas markets adorn Vienna’s most beautiful squares. There are Christmas gifts, crafts, sweets and many delicacies.

When: November 10 – December 23, 2023

This Christmas market is located in the middle of Erfurt’s medieval old town. Everything related to Advent and Christmas is served in small wooden houses.

When: 28 November – 22 December 2023

The Christmas market “Betlejem Poznanskie” is held in the Old Market in Poznan, Poland. You can buy mostly folk art here. An ice sculpture festival is also held at the same time as the market. Participants from all over the world display sculptures made of ice blocks. As long as the temperature stays below zero, you can watch the artists at work or admire the sculptures.

When: November 18 – December 22, 2023

A variety of Christmas markets transform the Belgian capital into a winter wonderland in December. Whether traditional, artisanal, culinary or vintage; There’s something for everyone here.

When: 25 November 2023 – 1 January 2024

The streets around Aachen Cathedral turn into a paradise of light, color and smell every year. The Christmas market in Aachen is known throughout the region.

When: 24 November – 23 December 2023

Every year, this Christmas market attracts visitors from all over the world who come to be amazed by the beautiful view of Prague’s Old Town.

When: December 2, 2023 – January 6, 2024

This Christmas market in Romania placed 10th in the ranking. It primarily attracts families.

When: November 18 – December 31, 2023

Our neighboring country is known for its wonderful Christmas markets. This includes the one in Montbéliard. Every year during Advent, the city develops Württemberg traditions and organizes an extraordinary Christmas market. Almost half a million people then visit Montbéliard’s beautifully lit and decorated streets and stalls.

When: 25 November – 24 December 2023

Starting in mid-November, Metz in France turns into a mixture of lights, scents and ornate fir trees. The Christmas market is accompanied by a number of promotions. For example, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 3 and 4 at the Place de la Comédie.

When: November 18 – December 24, 2023

The history of the Leipzig Christmas market dates back to 1458. There are 300 stalls lined up in the historical old town. It is considered one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.

When: 28 November – 23 December 2023

This Christmas market is also one of the oldest in Germany: Striezelmarkt in Dresden attracts visitors every year with its Advent traditions such as the Stollen Festival. A giant stollen is cooked and cut during the Christmas ceremony.

When: 29 November – 24 December 2023

The Swiss Christmas market also entered the top 20 in Europe. The Basel Christmas market at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered one of the most beautiful markets not only in Switzerland but also in Europe. Every year during Advent, the city does its best to prepare the most beautiful Christmas decorations in Switzerland.

When: 23 November – 23 December 2023

Not only Carnival but also Advent can be held in Cologne. The smell of apple pie, Feuerzangenbowle and roasted almonds attracts several million visitors to the Christmas market in the city on the Rhine every year.

When: 20 November – 23 December 2023

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most traditional Christmas markets in the world. Here you’ll find traditional, often handmade, Christmas decorations and sweet treats like gingerbread and specula.

When: December 1 – December 24, 2023

Northern France’s largest Christmas market is in Amiens. A New Year’s gift for everyone is offered at 130 stands spread over two kilometers.

When: 25 November – 31 December 2023

It is one of the “sunniest Christmas markets” in Europe. It is visited every year by people from all over the world who buy traditional, handmade decorations and local delicacies.

When: Various markets from November 2023 to January 7, 2024

20. Chester, United Kingdom

There are 70 wooden cottages lined up in the center of Chester, England. A historical and magical Christmas market awaits you, located right on the doorstep of London and Manchester.

When: November 18 – December 21, 2023

Source : Blick