Noted! Top 5 Local Favorite Christmas Markets in Europe

Less than one week is left until the end of December. That means if you haven’t visited a Christmas market yet, now is your last chance. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, strolling around a lit up decorated Christmas market under a snowy sky, surrounded by happy faces, will surely get you in the festive mood and brighten up your day. One of the main attractions of European cities during December is the joyous Christmas markets. Although despite all the planning, most European Christmas markets got canceled at the last minute, it’s good to know which of them are the best and locals’ preference, to plan a memorable holiday trip next year (Perhaps a Christmas market tour around Europe?!). 

Join us in this article to explore Europe’s top Christmas markets, including the oldest Christmas market in the world!

In the late medieval, some open-air winter markets started to form in parts of Europe. These small markets that mainly sold meat gradually developed, and eventually, the world’s first Christmas market was established in Germany. And just like that, we will first discuss some of the best German Christmas markets!

Location: Dresden, Germany

Nearly 600 years ago, the first and oldest Christmas market in the world was founded in Dresden, a riverside city on the banks of Elbe (one of the major rivers in central Europe). The Striezelmarkt was originally a one-day market supplying locals with meat for their Christmas feast. Over the years, it evolved into one of the most beautiful and biggest Christmas markets in Germany, with over 200 stalls and unique decorations perfect for photography. The market is located in Altmarkt, Dresden’s oldest square, and close to most historical attractions. Out of all the different artisan, clothes, and food stalls, don’t forget to try

the famous Dresden Stollen, which the market is named after.

The small town of Leipzig houses one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in the country. Located in the heart of the city center, Leipzig Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) attracts shoppers from many areas in the Saxony region and is a local favorite when it comes to German Christmas markets. The Leipzig market is famous for its fantastic food. As you stroll around its well-decorated alleyways, get a glimpse of German gastronomies with delicious Handbrot (cheese and ham filled bread), Glühwein (mulled or spiced wine), or Kartoffelpuffer (German potato pancakes).

Every December, the central square in the old town Nuremberg, Hauptmarkt, hosts one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world. Christkindelmarkt (Christ Child Market) is well known for its gingerbreads (Lebkuchen) and original German pork sausage, Bratwurst. Like most German markets, trying Glühwein (mulled wine) during winter is a must. However, Nuremberg Christkindelmarkt offers a unique traditional alcoholic drink, Feuerzangenbowle. This festive drink which name translates into the fire-tongs punch is prepared by setting a rum-soaked sugarloaf on fire and making it drip in mulled wine in a bowl and is one of the highlights of visiting Nuremberg.

Vienna’s Christmas markets are one of its significant attractions during the season. Many people believe most of them are beautiful and worth visiting. However, you can explore the most magical and biggest at the City Hall square. The lit-up trees of City Hall Park and breathtaking decorations bring you into a fairy tale land where you could find tasty treats, warm drinks, and a vast selection of Christmas gifts. Don’t forget to try Vienna’s schnitzel, and enjoy some ice skating in the market.

One of the most modern and popular Christmas markets in Europe is in the Vörösmarty square of Budapest. Enjoy the live music by Hungarian bands at Budapest Christmas Fair and get yourself an authentic or traditional piece of craftwork such as homemade lace as a keepsake of your stay in the charming city of Vienna. As the market is in the heart of the touristy section of town, you can visit many attractions, including the Great Market Hall, a historic indoor food and shopping market, and Vaci Utca, Budapest’s famous shopping street.

Planning a trip to a new city with a different language and, on top of that, a local market, especially in these uncertain times of pandemic, can be pretty confusing and frustrating. You probably won’t find much practical information on the internet, at least in English. Sometimes you end up spending a lot of money to travel to a city and participate in an event or visit a unique attraction only to reach your destination and find out the event is canceled or the attraction is closed for a week.

The best way to prevent this painful experience is to connect with an informative local who is aware of the latest changes in their city. You can book a call with a local friend, Lokafyer, and plan your travel with their help, or book a tour of your destination and explore all the hidden spots of the city!

Stay safe and have a lovely holiday!