As the new year approaches, Europe’s magical cities are enjoying the festive season.
Vienna, Austria
The Christmas market in Vienna has been hosting guests in the square in front of the city hall since November 11 this year. A warm atmosphere awaits you at the Sunday festivities that will last until December 26; because the Viennese know very well how to enjoy mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and spicy Christmas cookies. In the market set up in front of the world-famous Belvedere Palace, all the subtleties of the Baroque lifestyle are exhibited. More than 40 stands, with their magnificent decorations and lighting, allow those who visit the market, especially in the evening after work, to easily get into the spirit of celebration.
Frankfurt, Germany
Every year, countless Christmas markets are held in almost all cities in Germany. You can experience the most beautiful of these in Frankfurt. The history of the colorful Christmas market in the city dates back to 1393. Therefore, we can say that it is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. Moreover, it is so popular all over the world that it hosts approximately three million visitors every year. There are countless reasons why people come in droves: Römerberg’s splendid winter-tale-like atmosphere, the beautiful city square, St. Paul’s Church, where the seeds of German democracy were sown, hot cider, the historical carousel and the 30-meter-high Christmas tree are just a few of them…
Colmar, France
Maybe many of you have never visited, but; we can say that Colmar, which is about two hours away from Paris by train, hosts the most beautiful celebrations in Europe when it comes to Christmas. There are six different Christmas markets in the old town, all with different themes. Some of the markets that start in the last week of November in the city center, which keeps the spirit of the Middle Ages alive, focus entirely on gourmet foods, while others attract attention with their stalls full of handmade souvenirs. In addition, children’s choirs singing traditional Christmas carols on the canal in the “Petite Venise” area fascinate the guests every Saturday and Wednesday afternoon.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, is one of the best places to experience the Christmas holiday with its cobblestone streets and eye-catching architecture. The Christmas market, held every year in the capital of the Czech Republic, awaits its visitors this year from December 2, 2023 to January 6, 2024. The most striking part of the market is the street food on the stalls. Delicious pastries and cheese-filled Hungarian pancake lángos will blow your mind at the stalls opened right in front of the Virgin Mary Church in the Old Town Square. Be sure to try svařák (or perhaps hot mead or honey wine), which the Czechs make from citrus fruits.
Strasbourg, France
There are 13 different Christmas markets on the historical streets of Strasbourg. The original Christkindelsmärik (November 24-December 24) has been held on Place Broglie since 1570, with more than 100 stalls sandwiched between wood-beamed townhouses and the gothic city cathedral. Europe’s “most decorated” Christmas tree, reaching a height of 30 meters, rises in Place Kléber. Indulge yourself with local delicacies here: creamy spaetzle noodles, baguette flambée with whipped cream and sugar-sprinkled bagels… When looking for gingerbread cookies – that is, pain d’épices – your target should be the world-famous “Mireille Oster” stalls. Don’t leave without trying the snacks prepared with figs and walnuts here.
Budapest, Hungary
The Christmas market, set up in the famous Vorosmarty Square, where the heart of Budapest beats, is waiting for its guests until December 31st this year. We are talking about a magnificent atmosphere where the smell of fir coming from small wooden huts mixes with the scent of cinnamon rising from traditional honey cookies and mulled wine. While dishes and souvenirs reflecting the culture of the country stand out at the stands, especially the accessories that are works of art created with Hungary’s legendary lace fascinate those who come to the Christmas market every year to shop. Not to mention street food and Christmas concerts.
Copenhagen, Denmark
We can say that there is no better time to visit Copenhagen than winter. Especially one cannot get enough of Tivoli Gardens, the center of attraction of the city. The historic amusement park in the center of the Danish capital turns into a sparkling wonderland at Christmas time. Ice skating rinks are being established; Santa’s sleighs and Christmas trees decorate everywhere; Cinnamon mulled wine, called gløgg in the local language, and sweet snacks called æbleskiver are sold in Christmas markets. The Christmas period is a magical opportunity for those who want to visit Copenhagen, which is among the rising destinations of the recent period…
Salzburg, Austria
Christmas markets in Austria, which is always majestic with its history and architecture, always have a nostalgic taste. Christkindlmarkt, which is established between 23 November and 1 January in Kadetral Square and Residenzplatz in Salzburg and keeps the Christmas spirit alive, is one of them. Follow the delicious scent of roasted almonds to find the brightly shining market. You’ll wonder which stall to look at among the hand-knitted socks, incense scents and decorative lanterns. Don’t forget to try the freshly baked apples. Then head to the cathedral at 5pm to hear the daily open-air concert. You never know what you will encounter; one day you may hear a Christmas choir, another day you may hear a wind orchestra. On Tuesdays, you can listen to the Christmas choir at dusk.
