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Top 5 European Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets Cologne Germany
This year the Christmas markets in Cologne opened their gates around November 18, and are welcoming visitors with delicacies such as mulled wine and waffles. Christmastime in Cologne is magical. The city is illuminated with festive Christmas lighting that bathes the streets in a warm glow. The highlights include the markets selling mulled wine. When the weather is cold, this is where people can warm themselves up with a mug of hot mulled wine and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The market stands offer a wide spectrum of handcrafted gifts, festive delicacies and traditional Christmas decorations. The Christmas markets offer activities for young and old. Children can have fun on carousels and ice-skating rinks while the grown-ups shop to their hearts’ content and enjoy the delights of the season. In Cologne visitors experience the Christmas season in all its glory. The city becomes a magical place for enjoying the holidays.
Visitors are invited to go to the Christmas Circus, the China Lights at the Zoo, Advent concerts and one of the many Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. Cologne opened its first Christmas market rather late, in 1820. Cologne has a sparkling array of Christmas markets, including the splendid and popular Christmas market around the Cathedral, the Market of Hearts, and many different theme-oriented Christmas markets presided over by the local Heinzelmännchen as well as angels, fairy-tale figures or mariners. With such a broad range of choices, waiting for Santa Claus is sure to be easy…
Christmas Magic of Strasbourg France
Treat yourself to an unforgettable festive getaway in Strasbourg, home to the oldest Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570. As one of Europe’s most historic markets, Strasbourg’s Christmas celebration is truly something special.
During December, the city transforms into a magical wonderland. Streets and buildings are adorned with intricate decorations, and sparkling shop windows invite you in with festive displays. The air is filled with the scent of cinnamon, spices, and mulled wine, while Christmas carols echo from the city’s charming churches, creating a nostalgic and heartwarming atmosphere.
Strasbourg is also one of the most illuminated cities in Europe during the holiday season. Each year, the streets, houses, and balconies twinkle with enchanting lights and ever-more imaginative decorations. In Place Kléber, a majestic 30-metre Christmas tree, the tallest decorated tree in Europe, takes centre stage, shimmering with beautiful ornaments—a proud symbol of Strasbourg, the "Capital of Christmas."
The city’s Christmas market boasts over 300 charming wooden chalets, where local merchants and artisans offer a wide array of festive goods. Whether you're searching for unique Christmas gifts, handmade decorations, or traditional treats like “bredle” Christmas biscuits and steaming cups of mulled wine, Strasbourg has something for everyone.
This fairy-tale setting, steeped in centuries of tradition, continues to captivate visitors year after year. Come and experience the enchantment of Strasbourg, where Christmas magic has been reinvented and cherished since 1570!
Christmas markets in Gothenburg Sweden
In November and December, there are plenty of atmospheric Christmas markets in Gothenburg and the surrounding areas. Among the vast selection, you’re guaranteed to find a market that suits you and your companions—whether you’re looking for traditional craftsmanship, unique design, or delicacies for the Christmas table.
Mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and Christmas trees. There are so many to choose from in Gothenburg. Here are some favourites, from cosy Haga to majestic Tjolöholm Castle.
Christmas in Haga
The Christmas market in the cosy neighbourhood Haga is a seasonal highlight. Market stalls line the cobbled street Haga Nygata, the shops are decked out with Christmas decorations, and the sounds and scents of Christmas are all around.
Christmas at Liseberg
The amusement park Liseberg is one of Sweden’s most popular tourist attractions, and the park’s Christmas market is one of the yearly highlights in Gothenburg. Stroll through the park, surrounded by millions of lights and browse through stalls selling everything from crafts to sweets.
Christmas market at Tjolöholm Castle
Bring family and friends to the Christmas market at Tjolöholm Castle in Kungsbacka outside Gothenburg. In addition to discovering the Tudor-style castle, take part in a Christmas gift hunt, experience fire shows and taste Christmas-inspired food and drink. The Christmas market is open November 22–December 8.
The Merano Christmas Market Italy
If you want to enrich the most contemplative time of the year with Christmas impressions, you are in good hands during Advent in Merano!
All Christmas markets are ideal for this: The smell of mulled wine and gingerbread, large Christmas baubles hanging from the countless fir trees throughout the Merano region, cozy booths invite you to linger and festively decorated shopping streets make shopping an experience, joyful mood and the relaxed atmosphere make every stroll an experience.
The scenery: The magnificent spa promenade, the time-honored Kurhaus, snow-covered mountains all around, many, many fires everywhere. The smell of mulled wine, cinnamon, cloves and Christmas cookies, but also of hearty delicacies. Choirs sing, music groups play. Add to that a very relaxed mood and the anticipation of the upcoming holidays. In short: If the hectic pace of everyday life has you firmly in its grip, visit the Merano Christmas Market, which is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit very quickly with its beauty!
Experience the Christmas magic in Merano
More than 80 booths await you on the magnificent spa promenade, the historic Piazza della Renna and the modern Piazza delle Terme, in the immediate vicinity of the old town of Merano! The murmur of the Passer River accompanies the visitor along the spa promenade, while children have their bright joy with the large ice skating rink near the spa. There are also the popular and famous Alessi balls, larger-than-life (heated!) Christmas tree balls, which are home to a table with cozy seating. Likewise, the living nativity scene and a children's carousel await visitors young and old here. It is only a few steps from anywhere on the market to the old town of Merano with its Christmas decorated arcades!
Christmas Markets in Innsbruck & Tirol Austria
Imagine the lights of a Christmas tree rivalling with glistening tiles of the Golden Roof, the aroma of freshly made “Kiachln” (piping hot doughnuts laced with Sauerkraut), and the sound of Christmas carols. This is Christmas time in Innsbruck.
When fairy lights are giving the medieval alleys and charming villages a magical glow, Christmas time is here. Tower brass bands and Advent concerts additionally put everyone in a festive mood. Get entertained by old traditions and customs such as Krampus runs, St. Nicholas visits, and nativitiy scene exhibitions. And don't forget to try some Christstollen and Kletzenbrot.
Old Town Christmas Market
Strolling through the market, you will find Christmas ornaments, handicrafts, and other winter treats. Traditional dishes such as Kiachln and a mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) will keep you warm whilst mingling with the locals and making new friends.
Christmas Market Maria-Theresien Straße
Innsbruck's main shopping street will once again dazzle visitors at the Maria Theresien Straße Christmas Market. Modern Christmas designs and an exciting range of souvenirs supplement the traditional Christmas market offerings.
The Family Christmas Market at Marktplatz
The Christmas Market at Marktplatz (Market Square) will delight the entire family. The carousel, petting zoo, and many other attractions make children's eyes sparkle, whilst parents can browse a range of beautiful gifts and savour tasty regional specialities.
Panorama Christmas Market on Hungerburg
The funicular railway line promises to make your journey to the Hungerburg Christmas Market a scenic adventure. Once at the top, you will not only be guaranteed breathtaking views of Innsbruck and its surroundings, but also plenty of culinary delights and a wide range of Christmas souvenirs.