We’ve already presented the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. Now we want to take you on a little trip through the rest of Europe and present 10 of the best Christmas markets to put you in the holiday spirit. Enjoy trying each city and country’s favorite Christmas treats, buying some unique gifts and sipping the different kinds of mulled wine that varies by city and country.
We Present: Europe’s Most Beautiful Christmas Markets
| 1. Amsterdam | 3. Wrocław | 5. Luxembourg | 7. Prague | 9. Strasbourg |
| 2. Antwerp | 4. Copenhagen | 6. Malmö | 8. Salzburg | 10. Zurich |
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
The largest Christmas market in Amsterdam is located on Museumplein behind the Rijksmuseum. In addition to trying the many treats at various stalls, you can also skate there on the ice rink. Many canals in the city center are decorated with fairy lights, so that they sparkle magically in the dark. Get a mulled wine or hot chocolate and stroll through the Christmas market or along the canals. A real highlight is when it gets very cold, the canals freeze over and hundreds of people are skating on them. The largest Christmas tree in Amsterdam is on Dam Square in front of the Royal Palace.
Our favorite treat: Kerstkransjes are a Christmas cookie whose name translates to “little Christmas wreaths”. They are often found decorating Dutch Christmas trees.
Antwerp, Belgium
The Antwerp Christmas Market is located around the Cathedral of Our Lady in the historic center of this Flemish city in northern Belgium. From the Groenplaats to the Grote Markt there are many Christmas stalls and the old town is beautifully decorated and illuminated. About 100 stalls offer everything a Christmas heart desires: Various sweet and savory foods, hot drinks for everyone, souvenirs and gifts.
Our favorite treat: Smoutebollen or oliebollen are fried dough dusted with powdered sugar resembling a rustic doughnut or beignet. They are common in Belgium, the Netherlands and part of Germany.
Wrocław, Poland
In the run-up to Christmas, there is a large Christmas market around Wrocław’s attractive market square, the Grosser Ring, with numerous stalls and a few carnival rides. Food enthusiasts will especially get their money’s worth in Wrocław, which is the Polish name of the city. There are sausages, different kinds of pretzels, pancakes or doughnuts, gingerbread and so much more. Especially sweet and delicious is the mulled wine with cherries preserved in alcohol. And if you see a dwarf, stroke his hood to get a little present!
Our favorite treat: Grzaniec Galicyjski is Poland’s version of mulled wine, featuring cinnamon, cloves and a bay leaf.
Copenhagen, Denmark
In the center of Copenhagen there are two popular Christmas markets you can visit. The traditional Julemarked takes place at Højbro Plads and just a few streets away at Nytorv there is a special Christmas market dedicated to the children’s fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen. For families with children, this is a real highlight and highly recommended.
Our favorite treat: Æbleskiver are spheres of fried batter cooked in a special pan. They’re usually served with powdered sugar and jam.
Luxembourg
The Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe and is located at the Place d’Armes in the center of Luxembourg. The many wooden stalls that line the small square offer everything that makes a good Christmas market: Gingerbread, Christmas decorations, handmade goods and delicious mulled wine.
Our favorite treat: Boxemännchen are brioche dough shaped into little men and sometimes decorated.
Malmö, Sweden
Central Gustav Adolf Square and Södergatan is the site of Malmö’s annual Christmas market. The southern Swedish city always delights locals and tourists with its traditional offerings, which provide a good mix of arts and crafts and culinary delights. A colorful Christmas program rounds out your visit.
Our favorite treat: Lussekatt are sweet yeast buns infused with saffron and spices and usually dotted with raisins.
Prague, Czech Republic
The largest Christmas market in the Czech Republic is held annually in Prague’s Old Town Square. The most important square of the Czech capital is lined with historic buildings and offers the perfect backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. The Christmas atmosphere and Advent spirit will delight you as you stroll through the Christmas market in Prague.
Our favorite treat: Trdelník is a spit cake made from dough wrapped around a wooden rod, grilled and then rolled in a mix of sugar and walnuts.
Salzburg, Austria
The festive Salzburg Christmas market is located around the cathedral on Residenzplatz and Domplatz. Below the Hohensalzburg Fortress in the historic old town you can visit one of the most beautiful and oldest Christmas markets in Europe. Tradition is very important here and the origins go back to the 15th century. The atmospheric starry sky of lights creates a particularly festive atmosphere.
Our favorite treat: Vanillekipferl, which translates to vanilla crescents, are a Christmas cookie that originated in Austria but are also popular in Germany. They are a shortbread cookie made from ground walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts and finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg’s annual Christmas market is held around the cathedral – and has been since 1570. More than 300 stalls offer not only delicacies from Alsace, but also local crafts; from jewelry to toys, you’ll find all kinds of great souvenirs and Christmas gifts. The Christmas tree at Place Kléber is one of the tallest decorated firs in all of Europe and is lovingly decorated. The glow of lights is overwhelming.
Our favorite treat: Bredele are a cutout cookie or little cake popular in Alsace with a lot of different variations on the flavoring and consistency.
Zurich, Switzerland
Not far from Lake Zurich, the Zürcher Wienachtsdorf takes place in front of the Opera House and welcomes visitors young and old. If you’re arriving from abroad, the Zurich Airport car rental branch is conveniently located on-site. Simply pick up your rental car and drive to the Christmas market in just 35 minutes. The Sechseläutenplatz is the location for about 100 booths and stalls, where you can taste all specialties from mulled wine to Swiss cheese fondue. Coziness and hospitality characterize this Christmas market. Even during a walk through the old town, you will still find many Christmas stalls that put the whole of Zurich in the cozy Christmas mood.
Our favorite treat: Tirggel are thin cookies made of flour and honey that are pressed into a mold and baked.
