There's nothing in the world quite like the holiday season in Europe. There are wooden chalets in 13th-century towns, snow-capped cathedrals, seasonal cookies and cakes in display windows, and of course, all the hot mulled wine you can drink. Put all of it together, and the continent practically twinkles with fairy-tale festiveness.
Sure, many of us are staying stateside this holiday season, but it's never too early to start planning for next year, right? Here, in no particular order are the best Christmasmarkets in Europe.
ZAGREB CHRISTMAS MARKET, CROATIA
From the tunnel of intertwined branches that twinkle with white lights between Gajeva Street and Praška Street to the ice rink in King Tomislav Square, the Croatian capital goes all out at Christmas. Wooden chalets line a handful of streets selling everything from knitted scarves and mittens to sweet almonds and decorations for the tree. Don’t miss Park Zrinjevac, where you’ll find more artisanal gifts and can sample Zagreb specialities.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS - PRAGUE
Just five minutes apart by foot, Prague’s Old Town and Wenceslas markets are the best in a city that already tops our list of places to spend Christmas. Don’t miss the barbecued pork or trdelník, a hot, rolled pastry rolled in cinnamon and sugar and cooked over a grill. Also, pack your hat and gloves: It can get cold here in December.
VIENNESE CHRISTMAS WORLD, RATHAUSPLATZ – AUSTRIA
There are plenty of Christmas markets in Vienna, but Rathausplatz hosts the biggest one in the city. Set between the stunning town hall and the Burgtheater, the market puts you in a picturesque setting of twinkling lights and grand architecture. It has everything from reindeer rides to an impressive ice rink, which winds through the trees in the square. For some light shopping, wander through the 150 booths, which sell little gifts, trinkets and food. The market can get crowded, but it’s all part of the Christmas fun.
COLOGNE CHRISTMAS MARKET - GERMANY
Long-favoured as a festive destination, Cologne boasts several Christmas markets, the largest of which is in the city centre, beneath the appropriately stunning backdrop of Cologne’s iconic cathedral. Markt der Engel offers some of the most magical moments, with hundreds of twinkling fairy lights suspended overhead like endless wondrous stars, and angels glimpsed flitting between elaborately decorated gables. Nikolausdorf is aimed at kids, and tells the story of the real St. Nick with the 13th-century Hahnen gate looming majestically in the background. There are even markets dedicated to mythical gnomes, and to maritime history, complete with sea shanties and pirates.
In addition to Estonian Christmas dishes like black pudding and sour cabbage, Tallinn's market which travelers dubbed the Best Christmas Market of 2019. The highlight, though, is its Christmas tree, which the city has been displaying in front of its town hall since 1441—making it the first Christmas tree to ever be displayed in Europe.
TIVOLI GARDENS MARKET – DENMARK
Copenhagen is home to the magical Tivoli Gardens, and the theme park fills with even more wonder every winter. As an important tradition for Copenhageners, the market retains its authentic charm and remains Danish to its core. From mid-November and throughout December, the garden transforms into a typical Nordic Christmas scene. Trees are strung with glittering lights, quaint wooden houses are adorned with pine cones and branches and, if you’re lucky, snow covers the pathways and trees
ADVENT FEAST AT THE BASILICA - BUDAPEST - HUNGARY
Each evening during advent in Budapest, festive stories and religious scenes are projected onto the façade of St Stephen’s Basilica in an extraordinary light show. This is also the site of the open-air market where around 160 stalls sell a mix of Hungarian handcrafted items and snacks, including flodni, a sticky apple, walnut and poppy-seed cake, popular with locals.
