The Yuletide season is all about fun with friends, family, food, and flash. Get into the groove as you dazzle and navigate the sensory experience of twinkling lights, nostalgic tunes of Christmas carols, fragrant roasts, the toasty aroma of gingerbread, the smoky taste of flavorful mulled wine, and the incessant chatter of your near and dear ones. While this could be the scene at home, what could be overwhelming yet quite alluring is the sensory overload you may experience while browsing European Christmas markets.
Nothing beats the joy of buying cute and unique gifts from the best European Christmas markets for your near and dear ones. Be it an Italian handcrafted wooden piece, an authentic Danish decorative item, or brilliant Finnish designs; you find treasures not obtainable in any high street market.
What to look for: Danish decorations.
Tivoli Gardens turns into a winter wonderland before Christmas with more than 1000 Christmas trees, half a million twinkling lights, and 70,000 Christmas decorations. Enjoy the foot-tapping music, the wooden huts in the Christmas market made in Scandinavian style, and the buzz in the air. Check out the shimmering Christmas tree amid Tivoli Lake; it is a sight to behold.
Market dates: 12.18.2022 – 12.31.2022
Website: www.tivoligardens.com
Where to stay: Copenhagen Marriott Hotel
What to look for: World-heritage sites
There are over 100 stands at this centuries-old Christmas market. These stalls adorn the World-Heritage-listed Old City. This market dates back to 1974 and has been entertaining its loyal guests. All items related to Advent are available here.
Market dates: 11.17.2022 – 01.01.2023
Website: christkindlmarkt.co.at
Where to stay: Holiday Inn – Salzburg City, an IHG Hotel
What to look for: Delicious mulled wine.
The old medieval town of Tallinn has been enjoying the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree since 1441. What surrounds it are 30 odd wooden chalets comprising the Christmas market. Although it may sound quite small, the spirits are high enough to cover for any lack. Feel the cheerful ambiance as Christmas songs are played over speakers. You can quickly get a whiff of Estonian gastronomy all around, gingerbread, black pudding, sour cabbage, mulled wine, and so much more. While you can lay your hands on woolen hats and cozy knits, we suggest you bring back the wines or rum-based Vana Tallinn liqueur.
Market dates: 11.25.2022 – 01.08.2023
Website: visitestonia.com
Where to stay: Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection
What to look for: Festivities.
Croatian Christmas is a fascinating event to watch out for. Expect to find wooden chalets dotting the streets, offering almost everything, from delectable authentic food to mittens. Willingly get caught in the festivities here with the sweet smell of almonds and Zagreb specialties such as apple strudel and krpice sa zeljem all around, hand-made gifts, themed toys, and all the bells and whistles you can imagine.
Market dates: 11.26.2022 – 01.06.2023
Website: adventzagreb.com
Where to stay: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
What to look for: Feel-good Alsace traditions
With thousands of twinkling lights, a white crystal tree, and gigantic chandeliers, Christmas calls for a decked-up and festive Strasbourg. The four-and-a-half-century-old Christmas market features three hundred and above wooden chalets displayed on Place Broglie and Cathedral Square. You can find Alsace goodies such as traditional bredele butter biscuits, artisanal decorations, blown-glass candles, and so much more. Children can indulge in the artistic workshops too.
Market dates: 11.25.2022 onwards
Website: noel.strasbourg.eu
Where to stay: Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection
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