Top 5 Christmas markets in Europe

Christmas is coming and along with all the cosiness there is also the dreaded Christmas shop. Give something different this year and give yourself a present at the same time. Why not head off on your travels and stock up on traditional European goods from a foreign christmas market and soak up the incredible atmosphere.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s Christkindlmaerkt is one of the most famous, and long running in Europe and Vienna makes the perfect setting for this European Christmas Market. A lot of effort goes into the magical decorations and atmosphere and it attracts people from all over the world. Held in front of the town hall, visitors flock to Vienna to grab photos with the famous Christmas decorations, listen to the seasonal music, pick up traditional gifts and of course overindulge on sweet chestnuts. The city also offers the chance to see the glorious Schonbrunn and Imperial palaces and to stuff yourself silly with all the great cakes at the coffee houses.

Open: November 17th – December 24th

Image via: @tttaaaooo

 Prague, Czech Republic

Prague offers many christmas markets, two of which are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, They’re just 5 minutes’ walk from each other, meaning you have time to see both and creating a festive feeling throughout the centre of the city. You’ll find there traditional sweet treats like Trdelnik, a hot sugar-coated pastry, local beers and hot drinks. If you’re hungry you won’t be for long. There’s plenty to munch on such as the large spit-roasts and sausages. Be sure to check out Czech specialties, like glasswork, blacksmith’s wares, and ceramics that will make unique gifts this year.

Open: November 29th – January 4th

Image via: @Bob

Berlin, Germany

With around 2 million people visiting Christmas Markets in Berlin, you can see that this is a popular choice if you want to visit a Christmas Market in Germany. Perfect for both before and after Christmas Day, Berlin has around 60 different markets to choose from. The best is probably the WeihachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt, a winter wonderland, filled with trinkets, picture perfect stalls and the cutest decorations. The market is also great for entertainment with its amazing street performers including fire breathers, and jugglers as well as gospel groups and choirs filling the streets with music.

Open: November 24th – December 31st

 Image via: @visitBerlin

Tivoli Christmas Market in Copenhagen, Denmark

Tivoli Market, Copenhagen is nothing short of an extravaganza and is great for the kids. There are 27 rides, ranging from bumper cars to a Siberian Lantern Ride. Of course Father Christmas also swings by to say hello plus a whole host of musical tastes will be catered for, jazz, folk and swing can all be heard at Tivoli Market. Our favourite part of Tivoli has to be the food and drink. If you’re a big beer fan then head to one of the beer tents and if you’ve got a sweet tooth then the Danish pastries will go down a treat. To top it all off there’s a huge fireworks festival between Christmas and New Year. Tivoli and all its restaurants stay open on New Year’s Eve until 00:30, allowing you a very special way to celebrate the arrival of 2015.

Open: November 15th – December 31st

Image via:@newsoresund

Budapest, Hungary

Each year Vörösmarty Square in Hungary’s capital Budapest is filled with more than 100 wooden pavilions with many folklore and handmade art products, such as decorations, candles, gloves, hats, woven goods as well as many other goods that cannot be found anywhere else. If travelling with children then be sure to catch the puppet shows, handicraft areas, playhouses and Santa Claus games

Open: November 30th – December 31st

Image via: @KirkSiang

If you’re looking for flights or a holiday package to any of the Christmas market destinations we have mentioned above call Purple Travel now on 0207 993 9228 for the best value deals on holidays to European Christmas Markets or visit our website for more.

Have you been to any of the Christmas markets we mentioned? Maybe you’ve been to another and think it should be included here? Let us know in the comments below