We asked and you shared your secret market spots in Europe!
Here at Visit Europe, we know a secret or two about the great wonders of Europe! But you, our lovely travel community, our friends who are passionate about Europe’s nature, history, and creative cities, have a wealth of knowledge. That’s why we came to you on social media to ask what the best lesser-known Christmas markets are. It’s no surprise that you replied in great numbers and with some excellent ideas.
Here they are! We promise, visiting any one of them will fill you with the warm, holiday cheer we all desire in the month of December.
1/
Galway Christmas Market
Galway’s Christmas market is bustling with students and families throughout the month of December. Off most tourist itineraries, this city offers an authentic holiday atmosphere and stalls with delectable foods, handmade crafts, and gifts for everyone. Sip mulled wine, nibble at crepes, and hear the music in the air.
2/
Tallinn Christmas Market
Tallinn is the jewel of the Baltics! As with the city in general, the Christmas market delivers. Located on the medieval square, it fortifies you against the dark and cold with warm cider, hot coco, and more savory and sweet foods than you could try in a month.
3/
Vienna Christmas Market
The Austrian capital glistens with holiday cheer. Known for its rich Christmas culture, Vienna might offer the consummate market experience. The food is unparalleled: eat sizzling sausages, roasted cheese, slow-cooked ribs, and so much more. Wash it all down with hot wine, fragrant with cinnamon, cardamon, and raisins. Not the wine type? The hot chocolate is so rich and thick it feels like you’re drinking a molten bar.
4/
Cologne Christmas Market
With Germany, we got so many submissions we’ve decided to propose three Christmas markets! Though Münster, Cologne, and Hamburg are distant from one another geographically, when it comes to markets, they share something essential: each one stirs in you the merriment we all want during these chilly weeks. Visit any of the three with friends or family. Admire the lights, massive Christmas trees, and occasional appearance of Santa himself!
5/
Košice Christmas Market
Košice, Slovakia, is the sort of rare European beauty that has yet to arrive in print in the guidebooks. Now’s your chance to skip the crowds and explore this city in all its Christmas glory! Among some of the most beautiful traditional architecture in Europe, go from market stall to stall for craftwork made by master artisans, local delicacies that give France a run for its money, and perfect presents for friends, loved ones, and even pets!
6/
Fikardou Christmas Celebration
Cyprus’s Fikardou village is known as a place where medieval Christmas fantasies come true. Though it offers all the richness of most markets (food, drinks, lights), it also has something special: jugglers, stilt walkers, and swordsmen who take you on a magic journey through the ancient and picturesque village.
7/
Colmar Christmas Market
Colmar, a city in France, is filled with medieval homes and narrow streets that look like something out of Harry Potter. In early December, its Christmas market opens. Nestled between the city’s fairytale half-timbered houses and beautifully decorated canals, the market offers traditional Christmas fare from France like oysters, roasted meats, and sumptuous treats.
8/
Carezza during Christmas
Hidden in the northern mountains of Italy is a very special place where small houses decorated with gorgeous lights stand around a shimmering frozen lake. On each bank of the lake are trees, heavy with snowfall. That place is Carezza, and it’s one of the most magical Christmas experiences you can have. From top rate food to the ultimate expression of holiday comfort, this place will stay with you for a lifetime.
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