Europe’s Top 5 Christmas Markets
Posted on October 22, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard
Christmas shopping and a relaxing city break. Everyone loves a 2 for 1 deal, right?. Thanks to Europe’s cheery Christmas markets, you get to have a headstart on the Christmas present buying and enjoy a holiday in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Throw car hire into the bargain and you get to shop around – most cities have more than one market on the go and of course you’ll have somewhere to stash all those stocking-fillers at the end of the day! The following is a guide to some of our favourite European Christmas markets.
Alsace, France
Alsace hosts some of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. The famous Christkindelmärik in nearby Strasbourg has been peddling festive goodies since 1570. From November 25, the region comes to life with over 100 traditional markets setting up shop acoss the region. You’ll find all kinds of goods from hand-crafted jewellery to glassware and local sausages. A drive south to Thann will allow you to sample 1001 varieties of bredele, the local Christmas biscuit.
Munich, Germany
Munich is home to a whopping 74 Christmas markets from late November. The most picturesque markets take place in and around the Marienplatz town square. Here a giant Christmas tree forms the centre-piece of the festive merriment.
Odense, Denmark
Forget Disneyland, Odense is without doubt the fairytale capital of the world. The city is famous for being the birthplace of storybook writer Hans Christian Anderson and can be reached within a short drive from Copenhagen. Its famous Christmas Fair and Market takes place in the cobbled streets around the house where the writer grew up. It’s not unusual to see the likes of the Little Match Girl and the Snow Queen wandering the streets during Christmas Market season. While you’re in town, be sure to stop by Lotze’s Garden for a magical light show. The Hans Christian Anderson Christmas market takes place from 29-30 November and 6-7 December.
Prague, Czech Republic
From 29 November, the streets of Prague’s Wenceslas Square light up with festive cheer. Shoppers can browse traditional Czech glass handicraft stalls while being serenaded by carols around the Christmas tree-makes a difference from the usual Christmas shopping crush doesn’t it?!
Oslo, Norway
Seven markets line out in the Norwegian capital at the end of every November. The most popular market is the Christmas Fair at the Museum of Cultural History. Here you’ll find a fantastic selection of handcrafted gifts, pretty Christmas decorations and delicious cakes. A few minutes away, at the Baerums Verk area, you’re bound to meet friendly fairy-tale characters and delightful 17th century buildings housing craft workshops.
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Jimmy Kirsch
- 24th Aug, 10 12:08pm
I have been to some of the german christmas markets that include Munich and also Berlin. Did not know Alsace was the oldest christmas market in Europe, Im sure it has some history to it. Prague looks like a nother great destination to spend winter holidays!