December is the time for you to prepare your next vacation and visit the best Christmas markets in Europe! Decorated wooden houses, the smell of mulled wine and traditional toy displays await you in the most beautiful European cities! So hurry because most of these markets stay open until the end of January. So where are some of the best Christmas markets in Europe? Check our top 5 suggestions here!
1. Prague
Prague is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Europe. During the Christmas period, in the Old Town square and under a huge decorated Christmas tree, you will find one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Delicious Czech specialties, such as Trdelník, are there to enjoy. There are also smaller markets on Republic Square, Havel’s Market on Kampa Island, and on the square in front of St. George’s Basilica in Prague Castle.
Budapest is an ideal destination for your vacation. Are you looking for your Christmas gifts? You can walk through the Christmas markets at Vörösmarty tér, where you will find traditional handmade toys and beautiful silk scarves. Of course, don’t miss the opportunity to taste some mulled wine and try the traditional dish “goulash”. Smaller Christmas markets can also be found on Liszt Ferenc tér and Széll Kálmán ter squares.
Germany is probably the country of Christmas markets. Imagine that only in Berlin you can find 26 Christmas markets! The largest and most popular is the one at Alexanderplatz. The smell of spiced orange juice, pretzels and sweet waffles wafts from the little log cabins. Don’t forget to buy little Christmas gifts from the artisans who demonstrate their work there or stop for lunch at the large Christmas pyramid in the middle of the square!
How about a short break in Scotland? Enjoy delicious food, drink and traditional crafts at the Scottish Market on George Street in Edinburgh, or pick up gifts for family and friends at Children’s Market, part of Santa Land in Princes Street Gardens. You’ll also find an ice rink at St. Andrew Square, so grab a pair of skates and get fit by spinning on the ice!
The largest Christmas market in Madrid takes place in the Plaza Mayor (Mercado de Navidad de Plaza Mayor). There you can find more than 100 wooden cabins that offer traditional Christmas products and musical instruments. Of course, you can also check out the Christmas market in Plaza de España and buy handmade products by renowned artisans.