Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe 2021

What are absolutely the BEST Christmas Markets in Europe? As your resident Christmas Market knowledgeable I am bringing you one of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2021 – the locations with essentially the most stunning decor, tastiest meals, and greatest Christmas spirit.

This information to Christmas in Europe has every part it’s worthwhile to expertise the magic of the season. Whether or not you’ve got been earlier than otherwise you’re model new to experiencing Christmas in Europe this information shares not solely one of the best, however itineraries to assist information you in planning your journey. Listed here are one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe for 2021.

Are you planning a visit to Europe over Christmas? You have come to the best place! That is undoubtedly one of the stunning occasions of the yr, and it is brimming with issues to do. This submit will help you in selecting one of the best areas, present suggestions, and assure that you’ve a incredible expertise through the vacation.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, France is known as the “Capital of Noel” for a reason- this is among the greatest Christmas markets in all of the world! It is actually like stepping right into a Christmas market dream and has a number of the most picturesque and festive locations in all of Europe. With a superbly embellished Christmas market that is open each day from November twenty fourth to December twenty fourth, you may end up surrounded by timber with lights and decorations galore. The Strasbourg cathedral towers over the market and the tree within the sq. is an actual, 30 meter tall tree!

See my full information to Strasbourg Christmas Market.

There are many meals stalls serving up conventional fare like sausages, roasted chestnuts, crepes, mulled wine – every part your coronary heart needs for this time of yr! You will not remorse coming right here throughout Christmastime if you need an genuine European expertise; simply be ready, it could actually get crowded!

Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are sprinkled all through town and each is prettier than the following.

Strasbourg Christmas Market Dates for 2021: November 26 – December 26

Information to the Greatest Christmas Markets in France

Cologne, Germany

There are seven markets in Cologne, every with its personal ambiance and vibe. The town has seven marketplaces, every with a particular really feel and atmosphere. One of the vital standard markets is positioned in entrance of the cathedral; it is easy to see why. A stage framed by stunning, conventional wooden stalls lies in opposition to the backdrop of the skyscraper cathedral.

Opened from the top of November by means of December I extremely suggest this as not solely probably the greatest Christmas markets in Europe, however one among my favorites in Germany!

Cologne Christmas Market Dates for 2021: November 25 – December 22

See my full information to one of the best Christmas Markets in Germany right here.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s Christmas market is a conventional German-style market, the place the stalls are constructed from wooden and painted in shiny colours. Introduction wreaths hold from the ceiling, numerous stands promote handcrafted items and there is at all times stay music enjoying. The meals at Vienna’s Christmas Market can be superb: look forward to finding many several types of sausages, pretzels and even contemporary mulled wine to heat you up on these chilly winter days!

Vienna has been internet hosting a Christmas Market since 1296! This was one of many first “winter markets” (the very first was in Munich after which the primary official market was in Dresden in 1434.) Immediately it takes place all through town with a number of markets on the town. The one in entrance of Metropolis Corridor (Rathaus) – a formidable constructing with its personal attention-grabbing historical past courting again over 900 years is completely gorgeous. For hundreds of years it was dwelling to Viennese mayors till Emperor Francis Joseph I made it his imperial palace.

Vienna is featured within the prime 7 Christmas markets in Europe additionally see the best way to spend 3 days in Vienna.

Vienna Christmas Market Dates for 2021: November 12 – January 22, 2022 (Remember there are numerous markets all through town with many alternative dates. However on the entire, it lasts all month lengthy by means of December.)

Tallinn, Estonia

Step into the snow-globe that’s Tallinn, Estonia! This tiny metropolis packs a punch with regards to Christmas Market appeal.

Tallinn is among the most stunning, fascinating cities in Europe. The wonder and appeal of this medieval gem will enchant you. With a festive ambiance that is crammed with locals and guests alike, it is an awesome place to take pleasure in scrumptious meals, discover outlets which are excellent for presents or souvenirs, absorb some tradition at a efficiency or just individuals watch whereas sipping mulled wine by an open fireplace. This yr from November 24 – December 21, Tallinn can be holding its annual Christmas Market proper within the coronary heart of town middle close to Toompea Fort. It guarantees to be fairly one thing!

Tallinn Christmas Market Dates for 2021: November 26 – January 2, 2022

My Full Information to Tallinn, Estonia Christmas Market

Basel, Switzerland

Basel was truly named one of the best Christmas market in Europe for 2021! I’ve to agree, this is among the greatest in not solely Switzerland however on the continent. It is one of many largest and prettiest within the nation and affords tons to see and do.

Basel’s location because the crossroads of three nations makes it a melting pot of Swiss, French, and German cultures. That range and cultural uniqueness varieties the inspiration for one among my favourite vacation markets in all of Switzerland, the Basel Christmas Market.

Almost 100 towering pine timber line the avenues and stand as brightly illuminated sentinels main the way in which. Remember to go to Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz, one of the pretty squares in Basel, can be dwelling to a serious Christmas market. I additionally suggest simply strolling round city to benefit from the Christmas spirit.

Basel Christmas Market Dates for 2021: November 25 – December twenty fourth.

Learn Extra: Greatest Christmas Markets in Switzerland

Prague, Czech Republic

The Christmas season in Prague is completely beautiful. The town itself is already stunning however add within the the trimmings of Christmas and it brings an entire new life to town. The town’s two essential Christmas markets, in Outdated City Sq. and Wenceslas Sq., are solely 5 minutes stroll from one another, so chances are you’ll simply stroll round city. It is a conventional market that features wood shacks and Czech delicacies. The Christmas market is

This yr you possibly can go to this wonderful metropolis and stroll alongside the labyrinth of wood stalls arrange in Outdated City Sq.. The vacation ambiance right here will enchant your senses! There’s a lot occurring it is exhausting to not really feel engulfed within the spirit.

Prague Christmas Market Dates for 2021: November twenty seventh – January 6, 2022

Zagreb, Croatia

Christmas in Zagreb is a magical time of yr. The Christmas market is among the hottest vacationer sights and there are a lot of alternatives to take pleasure in particular dishes, corresponding to ćevapčići (a sort of meatball).

The markets have been celebrated since medieval occasions, but it surely wasn’t till 1869 that they turned an everyday occasion. Initially simply two days lengthy, as we speak the markets final from late November by means of the brand new yr.

In the event you’re in search of some genuine Croatian vacation spirit throughout your keep in Croatia, look no additional than these three nice choices for experiencing Christmas In Zagreb!

1) Dolac Market – Positioned on the coronary heart of historic Jelovac Sq. this picturesque coated market is a good place to spend time sampling conventional Croatian delicacies and shopping for native merchandise.

2) Zagreb Introduction – This season-long occasion, which takes place from mid November by means of December twenty fourth affords guests a ton of festive actions within the metropolis middle! Certainly one of my favorites is the evening time Christmas Parade that options conventional dressed carolers, stunning Christmas lights and festive music.

3) Higher City Christmas Market – A go to to the Higher City market is a good way to benefit from the conventional great thing about Zagreb. Positioned subsequent door to St. Mark’s Church and surrounded by historic buildings this market affords some incredible picture ops in addition to numerous crafts and actions for kids.

Zagreb Christmas Market Dates for 2021: November twenty seventh – January 7, 2022

Learn Extra: What to Eat & Drink at a German Christmas Market

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is the second largest metropolis in Bavaria. It is also one of many oldest cities in Germany, courting again to 1050. Nuremberg’s historical past and appeal make it an awesome place to journey and it is probably the greatest conventional Christmas markets yow will discover.

Nuremberg has been internet hosting its well-known Christmas Market since 1570 when Emperor Maximilian I initiated it as a present to his spouse, Empress Bianca Maria Sforza of Milan. The market is an annual occasion that takes over all 4 corners of the outdated city with stalls promoting souvenirs, crafts, presents and meals from November 26 – December twenty fourth every year!

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt options greater than 1600 wood cubicles the place you should purchase native produce like roasted almonds or hand painted ornaments.

Nuremberg Christmas Market Dates for 2021: November 26 – December 24

Learn extra: Full information to Nuremberg Christmas Market.

Colmar, France

Need to really feel such as you’ve stepped straight right into a gingerbread city? Come to Colmar! Simply an hour from Strasbourg, Colmar is a phenomenal, quaint city in Jap France. The Christmas Market in Colmar is a must-visit vacation spot for anybody who loves the magic of Christmas. It is probably the greatest markets in all of France and it has every part you can need: cozy stalls with scrumptious meals, festive decorations, and loads of leisure. You will love this market!

Colmar’s historical past as an vital spiritual middle performs into its Christmas spirit; many locals costume up as shepherds and are available to worship on the cathedral yearly on December twenty fourth. This custom started over 800 years in the past when merchants from Frankfurt would cease by Colmar earlier than heading dwelling for Christmas Eve celebrations—a customized that continues as we speak!

The structure provides to the festivities; doorways, home windows, and sidewalks are all embellished to create a comfortable ambiance for this Christmas market. This market is totally charming, whimsical, and wonderfully festive!

Colmar Christmas Market Dates for 2021: November 26 – December 29

London, England

Even at Christmas, no metropolis compares to London. The gorgeous streets, corresponding to Oxford and Regent, go above and past with vacation decor on almost each nook. Hyde Park hosts a conventional German Christmas market (known as Frankfurt Market, named after the city in Germany) the place chances are you’ll go skating or view the shops change their window shows, even entire buildings.

Simply strolling round at evening is a deal with, because the entire metropolis is ablaze in lights. You could find musicals or ballet performances and even store on the upscale department shops like Harrods and Selfridges Division Retailer London. Ensure to benefit from an historic bus tour, the place you may see stunning metropolis views from a conventional double-decker bus!

London Christmas Market Dates for 2021: November 19 – December 24

See my full information to London at Christmas.

Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe Map

Here is a map with all of my suggestions for one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe!

What it’s worthwhile to find out about touring to Christmas Markets

Are the 2021 Christmas Markets Open?

YES! Many are open. Actually, most are! I have been protecting a detailed eye on which markets are open and can replace this text as quickly I get that info.

Now, so far as getting into a rustic to benefit from the markets, they every have completely different journey necessities and most require that you’ve a vaccine. I exploit these useful sources to search out out nation particular info (I extremely suggest you test every nation you intend to journey to).

• Timatic – this can be a nice fast look to test guidelines to your vacation spot. You possibly can put in your nation of origin, nationality, and vacation spot and it’ll assist you to to know what you want
• US Consulate in ENTER COUNTRY NAME. For instance, US Consulate workplace in Germany tells you precisely what you want as an American touring to Europe
• European Union – The web site supplies an summary of what it’s worthwhile to know

Once more, please look into every nation you intend to go to!

Christmas Market Vacation Open Dates

Now, the European Christmas markets sometimes open round mid-November and shut simply earlier than or simply after New Yr’s Eve. This yr, many German Christmas markets opened on November fifteenth and can shut on December twenty fourth. A few of them, like Strasbourg, France final into January!

What to Convey to a Christmas Market

CASH! Money is king at Christmas markets with many distributors solely accepting money. There are a lot of ATMs close by so don’t have any worry.

I additionally suggest bringing layers as it could actually get very chilly. A heat coat is greatest!

If you’d like a plan to your Christmas market route, I’ve received you coated! The perfect Christmas markets happen in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria. That is the place the “true” Christmas markets began. And it so occurs that each one of those nations are proper subsequent to one another!

I’ve received a number of completely different plans to your Christmas Market Itinerary together with a map!

Germany and France Christmas Market Itinerary

These are a few of my all time favourite Christmas Markets and if I had to decide on only one, I might select this itinerary. Relying in your schedule you possibly can full this in a couple of week and have the ability to see and expertise all of the Christmas Markets within the space.

Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France Christmas Market Itinerary

That is fairly an in depth itinerary and you will want intensive time as this drive in whole takes greater than 14 hours (and is over 1,000 kilometers or 2,000 miles of driving). However, if you wish to see a number of the greatest markets multi function go, this itinerary is for you! You may simply fly out and in of Frankfurt for this itinerary.

Germany and Austria Christmas Market Itinerary

This itinerary is much less rushed than the Germany-France route, but it surely additionally has some smaller markets which are extra intimate. I did add on Prague as it is not too removed from Vienna and is absolutely value it to go however you can in fact take away that!

My 2021 Christmas Market Itinerary in Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, and France

My mother and I are heading to some smaller Christmas markets one he borders of Germany, Belgium, France and the Netherlands. Are you able to consider that is solely a ten hour drive in whole?!

So, there you will have it! My information to planning your personal excellent Christmas market itinerary together with one of the best Christmas Markets within the area!

The perfect Christmas Markets in Europe are every well worth the trek since they’ve personal distinctive model of vacation celebration and decor. Whether or not you are planning a fast getaway or an in depth highway journey round Europe to go to each single market on this list- I hope our information will assist you to plan your journey and uncover one thing new or deliver you pleasure throughout one of the best season of all. Merry Christmas from Helene In Between!

I can be attending the Christmas markets in Europe this yr! Ensure to comply with alongside @heleneinbetween

READ ALL THE CHRISTMAS MARKET GUIDES!

Greatest Christmas Markets in Germany

Greatest Christmas Markets in France

Greatest Christmas Markets in Switzerland

What to Eat & Drink at A Christmas Market

Final Christmas Market Itinerary 

The Greatest Winter Locations in Europe

Photographs to Encourage A Journey to Christmas Markets