The Best Europe Christmas Markets

 Grab some glühwein, wrap up well and check out the best Europe Christmas Markets from Purple Travel.

Image via @ Dave_b

Prague, Czech Republic – Couples Christmas Markets
Two of the most popular Christmas Markets in Prague are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Both markets are just five minutes’ walk from each other, creating a magnificent festive atmosphere around the city centre. In both markets you’ll find the usual traditional sweet treats, like Trdelník, a hot sugar coated pastry, lots of local beers, such as the famous Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen and Budvar, and warm drinks including the infamous Glühwein. If you’re hungry, there’s plenty to feast on from large spit roasted hogs to tasty BBQs sausages. The Prague Christmas market includes lots of stalls selling cute handicrafts and decorations and real animals in the crib scene.
Opening times: 30 November 2013 – 12 January 2014. The Prague Christmas markets are open daily, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Vienna, Austria – Old Romantics Christmas Markets
Vienna’s Christkindlmaerkt is one of the most famous, and long running in Europe. A lot of effort goes into the magical decorations and atmosphere and it attracts people from all over the world. Grab a photo with the famous Christmas decorations, pick up delicate handmade handicraft, or overindulge on sweet chestnuts or loads of waffles. While you’re on a Vienna city break, be sure to hop to Spittelberg to grab some beautiful jewellery, clothes or crafts.
Opening times: 22 November 2013 – 24 December. Open from around 9am-9pm each day.

Tivoli Christmas Market in Copenhagen, Denmark –  Kids Christmas Markets
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Market is nothing short of an extravaganza. There are 28 rides ranging from traditional bumper cars, to a Siberian Lantern Ride or the Demon, with three loops that hits 28 metres at its highest point. Father Christmas will be dropping by, and a range of music from classical to folk, jazz and swing will be entertaining shoppers. If there’s one thing your Christmas Market city break choice should rest on, we think it is food – and the Tivoli does it well. Why not head for the many biergartens serving delicious local brews or stock up on the famous Danish pastry of funnel cakes, the risalamande. From 26-30 Dec there’s a huge fireworks festival, so worth keeping in mind too!
Opening times: 15 November 2013 – 31 December 2013.

Jouluturg Tallinn Estonia – Cheap Christmas Markets
Two good reasons to visit Jouluturg this Christmas – it’s cheap to fly to Estonia and more importantly, has been dusted with snow ever since it started 20 years ago. So if it’s almost guaranteed snowy atmosphere you’re looking for, as well as high quality handicrafts, especially Christmas sweaters, food and drinks or activities for children, including a petting zoo and Santa’s grotto, then Jouluturg is an obvious choice.
Opening times: 22 November 2013 – 8 January 2014.

Berlin, Germany – Hipster Christmas Markets
The German Christmas Market in Berlin is another really popular choice – around two million people per year go there. Perfect pre or post Christmas Day, Berlin hosts around 60 different markets to choose from. The best is probably the WeihachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt a fashionable winter wonderland, filled with trinkets, picture perfect stalls and the cutest decorations. The market gets to the next level though with its amazing street performers including fire breathers, and jugglers as well as gospel groups and choirs filling the streets with music.
Opening times: 25 November – 31 December, daily from 11am to 10pm. Entrance fee €1.

Budapest, Hungary – Folk Christmas Markets
The central Vörösmarty Square in Hungary’s capital Budapest is filled with more than 100 wooden pavilions featuring unique high quality folklore and handmade arts products, such as Christmas decorations, small gifts, candles, gloves, woolen hats, wrought iron and woven products, as well as other special articles that cannot be found anywhere else. So, buying some presents and souvenirs is considered a must. Children will love the puppet shows, handicraft areas, playhouses, Santa Claus games and other exciting entertainment opportunities available.
Opening times: 30th November 2013 – 31st December.

Call Purple Travel now on 0207 993 9228 for the best value deals on holidays at Europe Christmas Markets or visit our website for more.