It’s the most wonderful time of the year (and I hope you’re having that song stuck in your head now) aka the time when all famous Christmas markets come back to life. Mulled wine, the smell of cinnamon, endless amounts of food, decorations, Christmas lights, mistletoes,… what’s not to love? One of my favorite parts of holiday season is browsing through the city’s Christmas markets – whether it is in Madrid, London, Vienna or Paris, every Christmas Market is special. But which European city has the best Christmas markets? Let’s find out, shall we?
European Cities with the Best Christmas Markets
Read all about it: Things to do in Rome during Christmas
5. Strasbourg
This picturesque city should be visited at any time of the year, but you should always check out the city’s Christmas market – it’s magical. Not only do the charming architecture and twinkling lights give the impression like you’re stepping into a fairytale – with an added cold weather it really makes you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland (not the London one). As a bonus point, the market has the Notre Dame cathedral as its backdrop. Let’s not forget – Strasbourg is known as the Capital of Christmas after all.
How to get to Strasbourg from Paris: Strasbourg makes a lovely day or weekend trip for Parisian residents – take advantage of it this Christmas. It takes a little over 2 hours to reach Strasbourg on a train and tickets are relatively budget-friendly.
4. Hamburg
From France, we are heading to Germany, as the fourth one on the list is the Hamburg Christmas market. With a Hamburg’s town hall as the backdrop, this market lights up every Christmas and becomes a traditional place with more than just food and drinks – carousels, parades (every advent Saturday) and a flying Santa Claus all in one place? Count us in, we’re there!
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How to get to Hamburg from Berlin: Another perfect weekend getaway for Berliners – Hamburg is less than a 3 hour train ride away and one way tickets are available from 14€.
3. London
London is extremely magical during Christmas time. We’ve already covered everything you can possible do during Christmas in London, but do you actually know how many Christmas markets this city has? Some of my personal favorites include the Southbank market and, of course, we mustn’t forget the fabulous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which is celebrating its 10th year birthday this year! Happy birthday Winter Wonderland!
For London lovers: Magical Things You Can Do in London During Christmas
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2. Berlin
Number 2 is Berlin – we all know Berlin has a fantastic underground scene and plenty of things to do, so there is no surprise that the city has not one, not two but FIVE Christmas markets. Live music, activities, ice skating and stalls full of mulled wine and food – what more could you ask for? We recommend Weihnachtszauber at the Gendarmenmarkt for a traditional atmosphere or Berliner Weihnachtszeit at Roten Rathaus for some family fun.
I really really really want to go away over Christmas! Anyone!?
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Looking for an apartment for rent in Berlin? We have your back!
1. Vienna
Have you guessed our number 1 European Christmas market? Yup, it’s the magical land of Vienna. If you haven’t visited Vienna over Christmas, you’re missing out on life, food and a lifetime supply of mulled wine flowing through your veins. Okay, okay, maybe I’m overreacting juuuust a little, but the truth is, Vienna Christmas markets will blow you away. I’m not even going to go in detail on this one – you just have to trust me.
Loving Vienna ?❤️ #froheweihnachten #merrychristmas #vienna #austria #christmasspirit #rathalplatz
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