Lights, mulled wine, music and the smell of gingerbread – Christmas markets transport us to a fairytale world. The website, which is in the “European Best Destinations” ranking, asked more than 200,000 people to vote for the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Switzerland is also represented there. You can find an overview of the entire list here.
1. Tallinn, Estonia
The Christmas market in Tallinn ranks first. The shops feature handmade gifts and traditional Estonian Christmas dishes such as black pudding and sauerkraut. The center of the market is a large Christmas tree.
When: November 25, 2022 – January 8, 2023
2. Budapest, Hungary
At Christmas time, Budapest city center becomes a winter wonderland. There are several Christmas markets within walking distance of each other. The largest is the Budapest Christmas Market on Vörösmarty Square (Vörösmarty tér).
When: November 4 – December 31, 2022
3. Strasbourg, France
You’ve probably heard of this market before. The Christmas market in Strasbourg is one of the oldest in Europe. It first took place in 1570. The 300 wooden huts distributed in the ornate city center invite you to visit and have fun.
When: 25 November – 26 December 2022
4. Vienna, Austria
From mid-November to the end of December, various Christmas markets adorn Vienna’s most beautiful squares. There are Christmas gifts, crafts, sweets and many culinary delights.
When: November 19 – December 26, 2022
5. Erfurt, Germany
This Christmas market is located in the middle of the medieval old town of Erfurt. Everything that belongs to Advent and Christmas is served in small wooden houses.
When: November 21 – December 22, 2022
6. Poznan, Poland
The Christmas market “Betlejem Poznanskie” is held in the Old Market in Poznan, Poland. Here you can find mostly folk art for sale. An ice sculpture festival is also held at the same time as the market. There, exhibitors from all over the world display sculptures made of ice blocks. As long as the temperatures stay below freezing, you can watch the artists at work or admire the sculptures.
When: November 19 – December 27, 2022
7. Brussels, Belgium
Several Christmas markets turn the Belgian capital into a winter wonderland in December. Traditional, handcrafted, culinary or vintage – there’s something for everyone here.
When: 25 November 2022 – 1 January 2023
8.Aachen, Germany
The streets around Aachen Cathedral turn into a paradise of light, color and fragrance every year. The Christmas market in Aachen is known throughout the region.
When: 18 November – 23 December 2023
9. Prague, Czech Republic
This Christmas market attracts visitors from all over the world each year, who are fascinated by the beautiful scenery of Prague’s Old Town.
When: November 26, 2022 – January 6, 2023
10. Cluj-Napoca, Romania
This Christmas market in Romania has moved up to 10th place in the ranking. It mainly attracts families.
When: November 11, 2022 – January 8, 2023
11. Montbeliard, France
Our neighboring country is known for its beautiful Christmas markets. This includes in Montbeliard. Every year during the Advent season, the city continues its Württemberg traditions and organizes an extraordinary Christmas market. Nearly half a million people then visit Montbéliard’s beautifully lit and decorated streets and stalls.
When: 26 November – 24 December 2022
12. Metz, France
From mid-November, French Metz transforms into a mix of lights, scents and fancy firs. A host of activities accompany the Christmas market. For example, on December 1 and 2, the festival of Saint Nicholas is celebrated at the Place de la Comédie.
When: 18 November – 31 December 2022
13.Leipzig, Germany
The history of the Leipzig Christmas market dates back to 1458. 300 stalls are lined up in the historic old town. It is considered one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.
When: November 22 – December 23, 2022
14.Dresden, Germany
This Christmas market is also one of the oldest in Germany: the Striezelmarkt in Dresden attracts visitors every year with its Advent traditions such as the Stollen Festival. A giant stollen is baked and cut during a Christmas ceremony.
When: 23 November – 24 December 2022
15. Basel, Switzerland
A Swiss Christmas market also entered the top 20 in the European rankings. The Basel Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is one of the most beautiful not only in Switzerland, but also in Europe. Every year on Advent, the city does its best to create the most beautiful Christmas decorations in Switzerland.
When: 24 November – 23 December 2022
16. Cologne, Germany
In Cologne, there is not only carnival, but also Advent. The scent of apple pie, Feuerzangenbowle and roasted almonds draws several million visitors to the Christmas market in the city on the Rhine each year.
When: 18 November – 23 December 2022
17. Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most traditional Christmas markets in the world. There you’ll find traditional, often handmade Christmas decorations and sweet treats like gingerbread and speculum.
When: 25 November – 24 December 2022
18. Amiens, France
The largest Christmas market in northern France is in Amiens. It offers a Christmas gift to suit everyone at its 130 stalls spread over two kilometers.
When: 26 November – 31 December 2022
19. Seville, Spain
It is one of Europe’s “sunnyest Christmas markets”. It is visited every year by people from all over the world who come to buy traditional, handmade decorations and local delicacies.
When: 17 December 2022 – 5 January 2023
20. Chester, United Kingdom
In the city center of Chester, England, 70 small wooden huts are lined up. A historic and magical Christmas market awaits you, dominating the ranking before London and Manchester.
When: 18 November – 22 December 2022
Author: Bettina Widmer
Source : Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
