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Christmas markets

'Tis the season to be jolly

Get into the Christmas spirit with a winter adventure and explore enchanting Christmas markets. Pick up glistening gifts, wander around food stands, sip on warming drinks and soak up the heart-warming atmosphere.

Our favourite Christmas Markets

Magical European Christmas markets

Choose from a merry selection of Christmassy destinations, enjoy a city break and make the most of this magical time of year. Immerse yourself in the best traditional markets when you stay in Vienna, which date back to the thirteenth century. See miniature puppets, glistening lights and delicate handblown glass. Or go to Innsbruck for a romantic Christmas retreat – see Christmas tree lights bounce off the snow-dusted mountain backdrop and smell the aroma of sweet gingerbread. Visit the best festive food spot in Budapest. Stroll through the stalls and try kurtoskalacs (a cinnamon-pastry chimney cake), toki pompos (a Hungarian-styled pizza with bacon, onion and cream), home-made chocolates and honey cakes. Whether it’s cosy alpine themed lodges or twinkling fairground rides you're looking for, choose the festive destination for you.

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More Christmas Markets

Scandinavian chic, German traditions or maybe something different?

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Nordic Christmas Markets

Reykjavik

What better place to feel the Christmas spirit than in breath-taking Iceland. Dark days are filled with sparkling Christmas lights, the sweet scent of cinnamon and snowman-making conditions.

2018 dates: 22 November - 26 December

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Helsinki

Keep cosy in the chilly winter weather of Finland. Pop on your thickest coat, make your way to the picturesque setting of Senate Square and walk about the joyful Christmas stalls.

2018 dates: 1 - 22 December

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Stockholm

Venture to the capital of Sweden and discover the sensational old town, with the spectacular market in Stortorgret Square. Relish the Christmas Nordic cuisine stalls and browse through the selection of handmade toys. 

WHEN: 22 NOVEMBER - 23 DECEMBER

2018 dates: 22 November - 23 December

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Gothenburg

Savour festivities in Sweden. Visit the markets of Gothenburg and tuck into traditional Christmas food – try delicious pickled herring. See the singing Christmas tree choir, sip Glögg and explore Kronhusjul market.

2018 dates: 29 November – 6 January

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Something a bit different

Innsbruck

Indulge in delicious Austrian stollen, sweet or savoury doughnuts and winter warming punch. Watch enchanting Christmas processions and enjoy the romantic glistening glow of lights against beautiful medieval architecture.

2018 dates:  23 November - 6 January

 

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Zagreb

Head to the Croatian capital of Zagreb, for Christmas market magic. Voted the Best European Christmas Market three years in a row, come and see why for yourself. Wrap up and watch Christmas concerts in Zagreb Square, soak up the open-air shopping in Ban Josip Jelačić Square and grab a bite in European Square. Gaze at the Christmas lights that sparkle throughout the city, then meander to Zrinjevac Park to see the old music pavilion and nibble baked štrukle (soft cheese in pastry), before exploring the Ice Park on King Tomislav Square.

WHEN: 2 DECEMBER - 6 JANUARY 

Head to the Croatian capital of Zagreb, for Christmas market magic. Voted the Best European Christmas Market three years in a row, come and see why for yourself. Wrap up and watch Christmas concerts in Zagreb Square, soak up the open-air shopping in Ban Josip Jelačić Square and grab a bite in European Square. Gaze at the Christmas lights that sparkle throughout the city, then meander to Zrinjevac Park to see the old music pavilion and nibble baked štrukle (soft cheese in pastry), before exploring the Ice Park on King Tomislav Square.

2018 dates: 2 Decemnber - 6 January 

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Salzburg

Feel the warmth of festivities in Austria. Pop along to Hellbrunn Palace, for a real Christmas treat, where you can hop in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

2018 dates: 22 November - 26 December

 

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Edinburgh

See this Scottish city come to life in the prime of winter. Venture through the Christmas market along George Street for festive fudge and pretty gifts. Then, make a move to the Christmas Tree Maze, visit Santa’s Grotto and hop on a carousel ride, all at East Princes St Gardens – which has its very own Santa Land. Glide along the ice rink at St Andrews Square, then warm up as you nibble on a hot dog and sip mulled wine.

2018 dates: 16 November - 24 December


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Germany & Switzerland

Nuremberg

Try a German bratwurst and taste the famous gingerbread. Enjoy a horse and carriage ride, then climb the stairs of the Church of Our Lady for sensational views. Set in the mesmerising medieval old town square of Hauptmarkt, smell the aroma of ginger bread, see Christmas decorations twinkle and feel the warmth of delicious mulled wine. The Nuremberg Christmas Market is endearing, traditional and Germany’s favourite.

2018 dates: 22 November - 23 December 

 

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Cologne

Feel the Christmas spirit in Germany. Wander through Cologne Cathedral market, stroll along the glistening Harbour market at the Chocolate Museum, then amble about the Old market by the town hall.

2018 dates: 26 November– 23 December

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Zurich

Revel in the variety of Switzerland, including the Christmas markets of Zurich. Find yourself gazing up at the magnificent Opera House of Sechseläutenplatz Christmas market. Browse through fabulous stands of designer pieces and dazzling jewellery, before indulging in a hot pot of traditional, tantalising fondue. Pop along to Niederdorf Quarter, in the old town, for the oldest market bursting with charm. Visit the stunning indoor market at the main train station, with elegant stalls, aromas of cinnamon and mulled wine, as well as the dazzling Christmas tree – dressed in thousands of Swarovski crystals.


WHEN: 22 NOVEMBER - 24 DECEMBER

Revel in the variety of Switzerland, including the Christmas markets of Zurich. Find yourself gazing up at the magnificent Opera House of Sechseläutenplatz Christmas market. Browse through fabulous stands of designer pieces and dazzling jewellery, before indulging in a hot pot of traditional, tantalising fondue. Pop along to Niederdorf Quarter, in the old town, for the oldest market bursting with charm. Visit the stunning indoor market at the main train station, with elegant stalls, aromas of cinnamon and mulled wine, as well as the dazzling Christmas tree – dressed in thousands of Swarovski crystals.

2018 dates: 22 November- 24 December 

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Munich

Make a move to the magical Marienplatz, see the festive Christmas village of Residenz and the sparkle of the medieval market, Wittelsbacherplatz. Ramble around and enjoy the Bavarian character within the markets, pick up soft sheepskin jackets and sip on hot beer. Visit Wintertollwood for a party atmosphere and relish the festive fun. Join in with the Bavarian sing-a-longs, take a look at authentic Nativity scenes and browse through stalls with quirky crafts.


WHEN: 27 NOVEMBER - 24 DECEMBER

2018 dates: 27 November - 24 December

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With more than 100 marketsacross the city, Berlin is sureto please Christmas lovers

Simon Heptinstall,  Travel writer
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