Europe’s best Christmas markets

Updated September 2022

It might be too early to go up to the loft in search of the Christmas box however it’s the right time to think about exploring a European Christmas market. Jump on a flight or hop onto the Eurostar to experience the European spirit of Christmas. Here’s a low down of some Greenstar favourites:

Munich

Munich is Germany’s most beautiful city, thriving with art and culture and home to a wonderful opera house. The beautiful gothic Marienplatz is the backdrop for the traditionally Bavarian Christmas market which takes place between 24th November and 23rd December.

Vienna

The Viennese Christmas Markets date back as far as 1294 and take place throughout the city from 18 November until 26 December. Visit the “Christkindlmarkt” at Rathausplatz with its elaborately decorated trees or the Schonbrunn Palace featuring festive concerts.  Probably the most authentic market is in the historic Spittelberg quarter where you can buy traditional handicrafts in granite stoned alleyways.

Krakow

Krakow’s Christmas market takes place in Rynek Glowny, one of the largest mediaeval town squares in Europe. Colourful stalls are laden with traditional foods, such as the country’s famous honey cake, as well as local handicrafts including sculptures and embroidery.

Copenhagen

Traditional Danish yuletide is celebrated until 22nd December at the famous Tivoli Gardens and at Nyhavn. Thousands of lights decorate the ice-rinks, stalls groan under the most beautiful gifts and restaurants offering traditional Christmas fayre.

Budapest

The twin cities of Buda and Pest are worth a visit at any time of the year but from 18th November until 1st January they host great Christmas Markets too.  The markets are centred around the shopping street of Vaci Utca and Heroes Square and feature traditional Hungarian dancing and folk music, carol singing and stalls selling local specialities such as hot sausages and warm glühwein.

Stockholm

The main Christmas market in Stockholm is held daily in the colourful mediaeval maze of the old town or Gamla Stan. The weekend market at the Skansen is the world oldest open air museum on Djurgrden island and has been running since 1903.

Need help deciding? We are always happy to hear from you so pop in and see us in Claygate or give us a ring on 01372 462226.