European Christmas Markets to Visit in 2022
Christmas is a time for family, friends and festive cheer - and what could be more fun than enjoying all of that together at one of Europe's amazing Christmas markets? From the traditional markets in Germany and Austria to the more quirky ones in Denmark and France, Europe has something to offer everyone who wants to get into the Christmas spirit. Here are six of our favourites!
1. Prague, Czech Republic
Topping the list is the popular winter destination of Prague. Google Trends data shows that searches for Prague Christmas Markets were up by 250% over the last 30 days.
The winter markets are set in the traditional Old Town Square in the heart of the city. You can visit from late November to early January every year. The brightly decorated stalls light up the square and are the largest in the Czech Republic. Amongst the gifts and decorations, there is also a great selection of food and drink. Not to mention the 25-foot Christmas tree!
Budapest, Hungary
Next on the list is Budapest. There are several Christmas markets in Budapest located close together. The markets are often considered among the most beautiful in Europe.
There is the main Christmas Fair in Vörösmarty Square and the Advent Feast at St Stephen's Basilica. As well as this, there is ice skating available at multiple locations and the famous thermal baths to warm up after a long afternoon of shopping. Searches for Budapest Christmas Markets have been up by 170% over the last 30 days.
Vienna, Austria
The beautiful city that is Vienna becomes even more magical at Christmas, with over a dozen markets popping up in various squares and courtyards. Vienna’s stunning architecture is the perfect backdrop for the pop-up fairytale villages spread across the city.
You can easily tour all the markets on foot, as most are located in the Old Town or along the grand boulevard, Ringstrasse. The markets begin in mid-November and run until 23rd December. If you’re considering Vienna for a festive break, then you’re not alone. Searches for Christmas Markets in Vienna have increased by 130% in the last 30 days alone.
Dresden, Germany
The Christmas market in Dresden was founded in 1434, making it one of Germany’s oldest markets. Its name, ‘Dresdner Striezelmarkt’, derives from a local fruitcake that was traditionally sold at the market. Google Trends data shows that searches for Dresden Christmas Markets have increased by 120% over the last 30 days.
You can enjoy the local Christmas food, gingerbread men, and mulled wine amongst the market’s many stalls. The Dresden Christmas Market is considered to be one of the biggest in Europe. The markets pride themselves on their giant candle pyramid, which, according to folklore, stems back to the local miners hanging candles on the entrance to the mines on the last day of work before Christmas.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Searches on Google for Copenhagen Christmas Markets have been up by 70% over the last month. Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Copenhagen as there are lots to offer visitors looking for an ideal Scandinavian break.
Markets pop up all over the city, turning Copenhagen into a winter wonderland. There are plenty of markets to choose from, but Tivoli Gardens is particularly charming, transformed into a magical setting with 70,000 fairy lights illuminating the wooden stalls and Christmas trees. Most of the markets are open from mid-November until late December.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam Christmas market searches are up by 40% over the last 30 days. The largest Christmas market in Amsterdam is situated next to the ice rink on Museumplein, located 36 minutes away via public transport from the port.
Boasting over 45 stalls, this dutch market is also right next to Amsterdam’s most famous museums such as the Van Gough, Rijksmuseum and the Moco museum. The festivities start from 14 December and are open between the hours of 11am-8pm.
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