Searching for the largest Christmas Markets in Europe this yr? Questioning which European metropolis is finest at Christmas? Listed here are 7 of the perfect decisions so that you can plan your subsequent journey to!
That are the perfect & largest Christmas Markets in Europe?
Palms up for those who love Christmas Markets?
Palms up if attempting to resolve which European Christmas market is finest makes you’re feeling somewhat overwhelmed?!
I do know precisely how you’re feeling. I bear in mind attempting to decide on our FIRST Christmas market expertise; eager to get it ‘good’ and ensure we weren’t lacking out on something. However then got here the selections.
Do you decide the most important Christmas market in Europe? Or the oldest? Or probably the most well-known? Critically, how are you purported to resolve these items when spending Christmas in Europe?
So, this is a fast run-down on 7 of the perfect & largest Christmas Markets in Europe and what makes them superior. After which it’s a must to select one.
Sorry.
In the event you’re in or visiting the UK, listed below are a few of the finest UK Christmas markets (up to date for this yr).
![The sprawling Christmas market in Nuremberg, Germany.](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/biggest-christmas-market-germany-nuremberg-1024x683.jpg)
*We work arduous to make this the perfect motorhome weblog and street journey web site attainable, stuffed with useful content material for you. The web site is supported by our readers, so for those who purchase by means of hyperlinks on this web site we could earn a commission- at no further value to you. All opinions stay our personal.
In the event you discover this submit helpful, you can even deal with us to a espresso on the backside of this page- we promise to get pleasure from it whereas creating extra helpful content material like this- we’d even bask in a biscuit (or two!)
Which is the most important Christmas market in Europe?
Consider it or not, Nuremberg in Germany is dwelling to the largest Christmas market in Europe, and actually the WORLD. (Or no less than, it was final yr. I suppose somebody might be constructing a much bigger one someplace this yr!) And that will help you navigate this superb Christmas market, listed below are 9 important ideas for visiting Christmas markets in Europe.
Why do you have to go to the Nuremberg Christmas Market, Germany?
In addition to being the most important Christmas Market in Europe, for me, the Nuremberg Germany Christmas market is likely one of the most intriguing! I LOVE the story about how the locals decide a lady to be the ‘face of Christmas’ (Christkind). She should be blond, native, 16-19, and never afraid of heights!! On the opening day of the Market, she is crucial particular person there. Santa who?
Other than that, you may discover a whole bunch of gorgeous picket stalls, promoting every part from traditonal Christmas items, native delicices, meals (mmmmm) and glühwein (heat wine). The Glühwein mugs are distinctive annually and turn into collector’s items. Additionally they make nice stocking fillers for folks again dwelling! (After you have completed the wine, in fact!)
RELATED: Weird European Customs and traditions that you have by no means heard of!
The very best factor about visiting the most important Christmas market in Europe is the ambiance. Germans know the best way to social gathering anyway, however the scale of the festivities offers it a uniquely superior contact. All of the locals collect within the markets after work and social gathering into the evening- it turns into a enjoyable place to hang around, which is why that is simply top-of-the-line Christmas markets in Germany. We extremely advocate planning a motorhome journey to Germany to go to here- there’s loads of parking close by.
When is the Nuremberg Christmas Market on this yr?
You’ll find all of the dates and opening instances of the Nuremberg Christmas market right here, together with the opening ceremony
The place is the oldest Christmas market in Europe?
![The beautiful stalls of the Dresden Christmas market in Germany.](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/biggest-christmas-market-europe-dresden-1024x683.jpg)
Dresden, Germany boasts the title of the oldest Christmas market in Europe. It is apparently additionally the oldest Christmas market within the WORLD- relationship again to 1434!
Strasbourg (see beneath) is often (and wrongly!) touted because the oldest Christmas market in Europe, however its Christkindelsmärik solely goes again to 1570. Pfft.
Why do you have to go to the Dresden Christmas markets?
Dresden has over 11 totally different Christmas Markets and each has its personal enchantment. I significantly like that you may watch the artisans at work– glass blowers creating Christmas baubles, bakers plaiting Christmas wreaths- it provides to the ambiance and conventional really feel.
Additionally they boast the World’s Tallest Christmas Pyramid and the world’s largest Nutcracker! So positively be sure you go to top-of-the-line Christmas markets in Germany. Dresden can also be simply over 2 hours from Berlin so, for those who’re fortunate, you’ll be able to go to the Berlin Christmas Markets as properly. Winner.
When is the Dresden Christmas Market open this yr?
You’ll find all of the opening instances and dates for the Dresden Christmas Market right here
Which is probably the most well-known Christmas Market in Europe?
![The colorful Christmas tree at the Christmas market in Strasbourg, France.](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/biggest-christmas-market-france.jpg)
This can be a robust one, as fame fluctuates, however the market often known as the ‘Capital of Christmas‘ is Strasbourg, France. I’ve requested a number of folks which is the perfect Christmas market in Europe they usually’ve talked about Strasbourg and Christkindelsmärik each time.
The sheer scale of it makes it one of many largest Christmas markets in Europe, and each avenue is filled with lights, lovely decorations and festive cheer!
Why do you have to go to the Strasbourg Christmas Market?
Strasbourg actually goes ‘all out’ at Christmas. Each store, avenue and alley has decorations, lights, ornaments, and infrequently some kind of animation. It is a feast for the senses in each manner, all set in opposition to the backdrop of the gorgeous metropolis of Strasbourg and the unbelievable Strasbourg Cathedral!
Strasbourg is the one of many largest Christmas markets in France and dates again to 1570. It is usually top-of-the-line Christmas markets in France since there are over 300 stalls unfold throughout town in 10 totally different places, promoting conventional meals, drinks and an abundance of cheese! There may be additionally an ice rink, stay music performances and cultural occasions organized all through the festive interval.
What dates is the Strasbourg Christmas Market this yr?
You’ll find all dates and opening instances for the Strasbourg Christmas Market right here
In the event you’re visiting Strasbourg with a motorhome, this web page could be very useful!
Wish to tie in a visit to a Christmas Market with one other exercise? Why not rent/ carry your motorhome or camper and go motorhome snowboarding!
Different finest & largest Christmas Markets in Europe to go to this yr
![An aerial view of the Christmas market in Munich, Germany.](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/biggest-christmas-market-europe-munich-1024x683.jpg)
Munich, Germany
Ahhhh, Munich. My very first Christmas Market in Europe and it was AWESOME! The sheer overwhelming dimension (Munich is unfold out throughout a number of websites within the metropolis), the quantity of meals and beer being consumed and the happiness of everybody was completely addictive.
Munich is a superb first Christmas market to go to. It is not TOO huge and there is one thing for everybody. The principle sq. is filled with your conventional stalls, bratwurst, glühwein, crepes, waffles and beer. The HUGE Christmas tree is a implausible backdrop to all of the festivities, and it is advisable to cease and watch the Glockenspiel when you are there too.
We additionally beloved the Munich medieval Christmas market, which was a LOT of enjoyable and had a distinct vary of stalls and items for those who’re in search of that good present whereas strolling by means of top-of-the-line Christmas markets in Germany.
Dates for the Munich Christmas Market this yr
You may see all of the dates and opening hours for the Munich Christmas Market right here
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
![Tivoli Christmas Market- one of the best and biggest Christmas Markets in Europe](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/tivoli-christmas-market.jpg)
Copenhagen has the most important Christmas Market in Denmark, at Tivoli Gardens. Annually, they use over 120,000 Christmas lights!! (Simply consider the electrical invoice!!!)
I like the backdrop of this Copenhagen Christmas Market in opposition to the water of the ocean, canals and the lakes – the entire metropolis shimmers. There are round 100 stalls and you may see a distinctly Nordic vary of items, clothes and meals being provided!
There are additionally fairground rides and light-weight reveals happening within the park and infrequently stay music.
Do not miss St Lucia’s Day, the place there’s a procession by means of town by women carrying candles and singing.
How a lot does it value to go to Tivoli Christmas Market?
Copenhagen Christmas Market Entrance to Tivoli Gardens is round £20
When is the Tivoli Christmas Market open this yr?
You’ll find all of the opening hours and dates for the Christmas Market right here
Winter Wonders, Brussels, Belgium
![The Best and Biggest Christmas Market in Europe- Brussels Christmas Market](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/brussels-christmas-market.jpg)
The Brussels Winter Wonders is the largest Christmas market in Belgium and has top-of-the-line social gathering atmospheres of all of them! There are greater than 200 chalets serving glühwein, crepes, bratwurst and naturally heaps and many Belgian beer!
The wonderland is unfold throughout a number of areas in Brussels and features a Ferris Wheel, ice skating, gentle reveals and a HUGE Christmas tree to enchant the two.5 million Christmas guests!
In the event you’ve by no means been. Brussels is a good looking European metropolis anyway, however the true draw of top-of-the-line Christmas markets in Europe is that you’ve the prospect to see the…err… Smurfs??!!! (Nope, I do not know why they’re the star attraction – however they’re!)
When is the Brussels Winter Wonders Christmas Market open this yr?
You’ll find all the data for the Brussels Christmas Market right here
Rathausplatz In Vienna, Austria
![Austria Christmas Market- one of the best in Europe](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/austria-christmas-market.jpg)
Vienna has the largest Christmas Market in Austria and receives almost 3.5 Million guests per yr! There is a Ferris wheel, honest floor rides, ice skating rink, and a whole bunch of stalls promoting presents and meals. Additionally they have top-of-the-line gentle shows in Europe!
What are the Vienna Christmas Market dates this yr?
There are a number of markets in Vienna. You’ll find all of the opening instances and dates for visiting right here.
Most markets are open between noon (some open at 10am) and shut round 9pm.
So, which metropolis is dwelling to the BEST Christmas market in Europe?
I am sorry, however there is no manner I am making that call. I extremely advocate you go to them ALL and resolve for your self. After which let me know!
However critically, don’t fret an excessive amount of. Simply decide one. Choose the one with the most cost effective flights, or the perfect deal or the one closest to you for those who’re driving! (Heck, for those who’re driving, you would go to all of them and make an actual street journey out of it! whilst you go to a few of the finest European cities to go to in winter or uncover a few of the warmest locations in Europe in February!)
Both manner, you may have a implausible time. I promise.
Merry Christmas!
Wish to bear in mind these Christmas Markets? Pin it to your Christmas in Europe boards!