As December arrives, European cities start to switch on their lights in preparation to welcome one of the favourite times of the year for many: the festive season.
In addition to the lights on the streets and iconic buildings, as well as the hot food and drinks typical of the season, there is something that many people, residents and tourists alike, look forward to when the first cold weather sets in: Christmas markets. That’s why, below, we’re going to take you on a tour of the best European Christmas markets this year.
Berlin
The German capital is considered one of the best cities in Europe to experience Christmas, especially for its Christmas markets.
Every year, the city hosts around sixty markets in squares, boulevards, narrow streets, parks and museums. One of the favourites is the one in front of Charlottenburg Palace, which is characterised by its view of the castle in the background. But it is also perfect for this time of year because of its heated stalls.
If you want to visit this or other Christmas markets in Berlin, there are many accommodations to choose from in this city. One of the ones we would like to recommend on this occasion is the Abion Villa Suites. It is a contemporary design hotel located on the banks of the river Spree in the city centre. It is a luxury hotel very well located for access from the main train station, being able to reach all parts of the city in a short time.
Poznan
Poland is a country with many squares that have historically functioned as popular markets. Not surprisingly, Poznan’s main Christmas market is located in one of these squares. It consists of a Siamese setting with wooden stalls and a distinct festive atmosphere, including a fantastic ice sculpture festival on the Old Market Square.
Budapest
As one of the favourite cities for tourists visiting Europe, Budapest also has beautiful Christmas markets from November until New Year’s Eve. The liveliest and largest market in the city is the one located in Vörösmarty Square. On the other hand, the one in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica has an imposing Christmas tree, multiple wooden stalls and a large ice rink for everyone to enjoy.
Vienna
In the Austrian capital’s Town Hall Square there is also a beautiful and popular Christmas market that attracts not only the local population but also visitors from further afield.
It is considered one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. It is made up of around 150 stalls, including all kinds of objects, food and drink, while the trees in front of the Town Hall are decorated in a sea of coloured lights.
In addition, on the ground floor of the town hall there are areas where children can entertain themselves by making Christmas cakes or candles, while international choirs sing Christmas carols completely free of charge.
To visit this and other Christmas markets in Vienna, you can stay at the Altstadt Vienna. It is a hotel located in a majestic patrician house in the historic centre of the city and offers a historic atmosphere with the Imperial Palace, the museum quarter, among other things. Each room, suite or flat is decorated with a combination of historical and modern, thus offering a unique stay.
Paris
Known worldwide as the city of lights, it’s no surprise that Paris boasts some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. One of the most famous and busiest is the Forum des Halles, which is one of the most popular in all of France. At Christmas time, it is made up of more than 100 wooden stalls with handmade products and typical food right in front of the Eiffel Tower. In addition, there is a gigantic ice skating rink that allows everyone to have fun and enjoy themselves while being illuminated by the lights of the Tower.
Montreux
Due to its strategic location, this small Swiss town very close to the French border offers visitors one of the most beautiful Christmas postcards. Every year in November, its famous Christmas market opens on the shores of the lake with the arrival of Father Christmas in his sleigh. It is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Switzerland and includes areas dedicated exclusively to children and their entertainment, as well as live music and a giant Ferris wheel.
Copenhagen
Finally, we would like to talk about another of the best European Christmas markets, the one located in Tivoli Park, in the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen. Unlike in other cases, this market is also a huge amusement park and the oldest in the world still in operation. In addition to its large green spaces, its Christmas decorations and its location by the lake that serves as a natural skating rink most years, this park offers 27 attractions and more than 60 wooden stalls with decorations, gifts, drinks and typical food, among other things.
To visit this market, you can stay at the Andersen Boutique Hotel. It is a centrally located hotel only 200 metres from the central station and close to many points of interest. All rooms are uniquely and elegantly decorated and fully equipped to offer visitors everything they need.
