As the holiday season draws near, the air becomes crisp and the streets are filled with the warm and sweet aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Europe is becoming magical in every sense and this article is here right on time to show you the best Christmas markets for this year. Some of these cities have already turned into wonderlands, and some of them will soon become remarkable. But each of these 6 places will make your Christmas extra special with their special offerings. From traditional Christmas carols to ice rinks, from open-air concerts to wooden toys, there's something for everyone, and even if you are not in the Christmas spirit, you can not escape the magic of these markets.
Vienna, Austria
Dates: November 11, 2023, to January 4, 2024 (majority close by December 26)
The capital of Austria has a variety of Christmas markets to offer, but the one that stands out is the Christmas market at Rathausplatz. It combines traditional festive customs with modern delights. There, you can enjoy ice skating on the city's ice rinks. On the other hand, Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is well-known for its traditional Austrian craftsmanship. Here, you'll be surrounded by stalls selling traditional toys, ornaments, and seasonal treats. The entire city is filled with the festive spirit, and these markets capture the beauty of Austrian Christmas celebrations with a touch of contemporary flair.
Budapest, Hungary
Dates November 18, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Budapest has both small and large Christmas markets to offer, and the best part is that the Hungarian capital has been voted the most affordable Christmas market destination in Europe. St. Stephen's Basilica in the center of Budapest is the perfect place for a festive Christmas market. In addition to delicious food, sweets, and handmade gifts, there is also an ice skating rink that is free for children. In short, there's everything you could wish for! The four-and-a-half-week event offers plenty of entertainment for everyone.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Dates November 23 to December 23, 2023
Winter is one of the most wonderful seasons in Slovakia, mainly because of the Christmas celebrations. The opening of Christmas markets marks the beginning of the holiday season. The Main Square (Hlavné námestie) is the perfect place to indulge in delicious Slovakian food, hot wine, honey liquor, homemade gifts, and much more. Additionally, you can participate in various activities near the main Christmas tree, including music performances on weekends. However, the square is not very large, so it can get crowded quickly.
Basel, Switzerland
Dates November 23 to December 23, 2023
The Basel Christmas market held at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and largest Christmas markets in Switzerland. The stall operators at the market put a lot of love and effort into decorating their stands, and in 2023, visitors will be enchanted by approximately 155 stands.Apart from the delicious food and drink specialties on offer, Basel is also renowned for its excellent confectionery, including the best Christmas biscuits.
Salzburg, Austria
Dates November 23, 2023 to January 1, 2024
The Salzburg Christmas market has a long history dating back to the late 15th century. The market, known as "Tandlmarkt," was held on Cathedral Square in the heart of the city, offering a wide range of goods for the locals to buy. The market is famous for its festive atmosphere, with the smell of punch, toasted almonds, hot roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked apples filling the air. The vendors sell a variety of items, including gingerbread hearts, nativity figures, Christmas tree ornaments, toys, and cozy knitwear, which are hard to resist. And, if you are into Christmas carols you should definitely visit it.
Prague, Czech Republic
Dates December 2, 2023 to January 6, 2024
Prague's Christmas markets are open every day, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The main markets are located on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, just a 5-minute walk from each other, right in the heart of the city.
No one can resist the beautifully decorated wooden huts filled with local handicrafts and traditional Christmas treats. Here you will find a variety of products such as ceramics, jewelry, glassware, embroidered lace, wooden toys, candles, Christmas tree decorations, winter hats and gloves, and dolls in traditional costumes. The markets are a good place to find souvenirs or Christmas gifts, but they offer much more than just shopping. You can also sample a wide range of local food and drink, many of which are prepared right in front of you at the stalls.
Before entering any of these countries, make sure you buy your digital vignette on eTOLLs EU for a stress-free journey!
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