Twinkling lights, carols, laughter and mulled wine – it is never too early to get excited about Christmas. If this year you are dreaming of the ultimate festive experience, let your mind drift to scenes of snow and merriment, and take a look at 9 of the most fabulously festive Christmas markets to visit this winter.
1. DRESDEN, GERMANY
Dresden is Germany’s oldest Christmas market, first held in 1434. Expect glittering lights, twinkling stars, mulled wine, the scent of gingerbread and Christmas carols. Discover regional specialties, such as Ore Mountain wood crafts, Lusatian blue-printed fabrics and Moravian stars, and enjoy a delicious piece of Original Dresdner Christstollen fruit loaf in the light of the step pyramid from the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains). If you want a slice of festive history, this is one of the best Christmas markets to visit this winter.
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2. BERLIN, GERMANY
Germany’s capital Berlin offers a wide variety of Christmas markets located all over the city, with different ambiances catering to all kinds of travelers. Visitors can choose between Scandinavian or Japanese Christmas markets, Christmas markets with beautiful backdrops or, if the twinkling lights are making you feel adventurous, head to the markets with carnivals and rides.
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Read more: 11 destinations that are just perfect for the first-time solo traveler
3. ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Prepare to be amazed by Europe’s biggest indoor Christmas extravaganza in Zurich, held in the main railway station. With over 160 wooden chalets and a three-story Christmas tree, draped with Swarovski crystals, now that’s what we call sparkle! Whether at Zurich’s oldest Christmas market in the picturesque Old Town, at the urban “Wienachtsdorf” Christmas village on Sechseläutenplatz near Bellevue, there is a Christmas market to suit each and every taste with a huge choice of gifts, food and aromatic gluhwein.
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4. LJUBLIJANA, SLOVENIA
The Christmas markets of Ljublijana may not be the first you think of but are a sight to behold. Rich with the heady aromas od sweet treats and drinks, revel in full festive cheer in the most welcoming atmosphere. Now, have you ever wondered how the lights and music at a Christmas Market are designed? As a special treat Insight guests will meet with Urban Modic, the talented local artist who designs Ljubljana’s Christmas lights. Be treated to an insight into the city’s famous decorations and share tales of history and holiday season fun as you take a festive walk through the old town.
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5. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Along with a heady dose of tinsel, sparkle and festive cheer, you may be surprised to see carp for sale in buckets as you wander through the Christmas markets of Prague. Cooked in breadcrumbs, the fish is the tasty main ingredient in a Czech Christmas dinner. In Prague our guests get the opportunity to meet a local stallholder to learn all about the markets, and savor a glass of Svařák, traditional mulled wine, along with the local Trdelník pastry.
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6. WROCLAW, POLAND
In the Polish capital Wroclaw, known as the “Venice of Poland” for its waterways and bridges, enjoy a vibrant Christmas Market full of fairy-tale charm. Surround yourself in the city’s Baroque splendor adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Wroclaw Christmas Market is regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Poland and one of the most beautiful in Europe. It covers the whole Market Square as well as several side streets and turns the area into a twinkling fairytale. Enjoy Christmas themed rides and parades, along with delicious local specialties and wine. Definitely one of the top Christmas markets to visit this winter.
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7. VIENNA, AUSTRIA
For the ultimate in opulent elegance look no further than the stunning city of Vienna. Imagine a backdrop of a magnificent Baroque palace, crisp winter air and the glitter of candles. Gather round steaming mugs of punch and savor the scent of baked potatoes, fresh bread, strudel, candied nuts and more. One of the most stylish Christmas markets to visit this winter, treat yourself and your loved ones to the delicate crafts of a hundred artisans and join in the laughter and cheer.
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8. ZAGREB, CROATIA
Once one of the best kept secrets of the European Christmas Market scene, the festive Zagreb Christmas Market has quickly becoming known as one of the best Christmas markets on the continent. Christmas carols from the balconies dance in the air together with snowflakes, transforming the already charming city with its cobblestone streets weaving through Austro-Hungarian and Baroque architecture, into a winter wonderland. Packed with opportunities to buy traditional gifts and sample local specialties, try the Kobasice (homemade pork sausage) and fritule, delicious balls of dough laced with brandy, powdered sugar and chocolate sauce.
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9. KRAKOW, POLAND
One of the most picture-perfect settings for a Christmas market that you can imagine, Krakow’s main square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Amongst the sparkle and bustle of all the Christmas market stalls stands the beautiful twin towered basilica of St Mary’s, watching over the festivities. Soak up the atmosphere of the Old Town’s historic district and immerse yourselves in festive spirit as you shop for authentic Christmas decorations, gifts, toys and savor tasty treats at one of the best Christmas markets to visit this winter.
Do this on: Christmas Markets of Poland, Prague & Germany
If you’re now dreaming of a Christmas getaway, full of festive spirit and fun, then take a further look at our full collection of Christmas Markets premium guided tours.
