– This post was written by Mick Murray –
What city has the best Christmas market in Europe? Here are five of the greatest ones around, along with the inside scoop on what to eat, drink, and do while you’re there. From some of the biggest and most famous markets in Europe to smaller local favourites, here’s how to make the most of these top Christmas destinations.
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Get international at the Nuremberg Christmas Market
Opening dates:
Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt: November 29 – December 24, 2019
Market of the Sister Cities: November 29 – December 23, 2019
When we think of Christmas markets, Germany is the first place that comes to mind for many of us. Hot gluhwein, gingerbread, the sweet scent of roasted almonds, and a warm festive feeling that’s kept people coming back for centuries. What’s not to like?
What makes it unique?
Nuremberg’s Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt, also known as the Nuremberg Christmas Market, is a throwback to a simpler time. You won’t find mass-produced plastic souvenirs here – it’s actually been banned by the local council. The focus is instead on handmade goods, including the now-iconic ‘prune men’, a tradition dating back for decades.
Looking for something more cosmopolitan? Don’t worry, they’ve got you covered here. Right next door, you’ll find the ‘Market of the Sister Cities’, which features goods from all over the world – from Sri Lanka to Macedonia!
What can I eat?
We’ll be honest with you, this is a real sausage fest. The bratwurst tradition here is over 700 years old, and you’ll find some of the best in the world right here. Our personal recommendation is to try the local delicacy: mini sausages inside freshly baked buns.
The market’s focus on tradition doesn’t mean that it hasn’t evolved over the years, though. Visitors will be treated to some deliciously modern innovations and recipes, from rum punch to chocolate-covered lebkuchen (gingerbread) you’d happily keep eating until next Christmas.
Make sure to stop by the international market next door for some shortbread and whisky from Glasgow, or fair trade chocolate and coffee from Nicaragua.
What else can I do?
Nuremberg has a long history, dating back across the centuries. Albrecht Dürer’s House, where the famous painter lived and worked, is one of the city’s most popular attractions for culture lovers.
The imposing Gothic-style Frauenkirche is another unmissable local landmark in the purest sense of the term – you’re guaranteed to see it, as it dominates the old city’s skyline directly next to the Christmas market.
Enjoy pigs and pilsners in Prague
Opening dates:
Old Town Square Market: November 30, 2019 – January 5, 2020
Peace Square (Náměstí Míru) Market: Dates to be confirmed
Prague is another big hitter on the Christmas market scene, with thousands of people flocking to its festive displays annually – and for good reason. From iconic markets like the one held in Old Town Square to smaller events attended mostly by locals such as the Peace Square (Náměstí Míru) Market, Prague’s spectacular architecture looks even better when covered in festive cheer.
What makes it unique?
There are some special Czech traditions that you won’t find anywhere else. From traditional wooden toys to a local version of potpourri known as ‘purpura’ (it’s basically Christmas in scent form), there’s a whole host of perfect souvenirs to bring back home. Prices here also tend to be lower than in Western Europe, making sure that you get more for your koruna.
The Old Town Square market is the biggest, and therefore also the busiest, but worth a visit if you’re looking for a spectacle. The Christmas tree in the middle of the square is gigantic, and watching it being illuminated for the first time will make sure it’s a festive season you’ll never forget.
What can I eat?
Short answer? Everything. Like any self-respecting Christmas market, Prague’s stalls feature an abundance of mulled wine (svařené víno or svařák), as well as local variations of Christmas cookies. A favourite here at Tiqets is medovina, also known as mead or honey wine, which is guaranteed to warm you up regardless of the weather.
A lot of stalls feature meat products, from roasted ham to sausages, but there’s plenty for vegetarians also: try the salty potato pancakes (bramboraky) or a typical Czech Christmas treat known as vanocka, a brioche-like braided bread. The most dangerous treat on offer might well be the trdelnik, which consists of sugar-rolled dough wrapped around a stick. You’ll eat five before you know it.
What else can I do?
Conveniently, the Old Town Square market is located close to some of Prague’s biggest landmarks. The Astronomical Clock is an iconic fixture of the city, and can be used as a good starting point before crossing the famous Charles Bridge on your way to Prague Castle. Don’t forget to sample some of the local specialties on a beer-tasting adventure, either before or after a relaxing river cruise along the not-so-relaxingly-named Devil’s Channel.
Skate along the canals to Amsterdam’s Ice Village
Opening dates:
Amsterdam Ice Village: December 13 – December 26, 2019
Amsterdam is already known for its plentiful markets throughout the year, and these continue throughout the festive season alongside the annual ‘Ice Village’ event. The UNESCO-listed canals and cobblestone streets are also illuminated throughout the winter, making them even more picturesque than usual.
What makes it unique?
Christmas in the Netherlands is slightly different, with the somewhat more secular ‘Sinterklaas’ celebrations happening on December 5th. This officially rings in the Dutch holiday season, which means one thing: some of the best snacks you’ll eat in your life.
Other holiday traditions include the annual outdoor ice rink, which is set up around the Museumplein area. That means you can skate to your heart’s content and stop by the Christmas market, all before visiting artistic treasure troves like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Moco.
If the winter is especially harsh and freezing, don’t despair: this might actually be the best time to visit Amsterdam. The city is at its most magical when the canals are frozen over, and life becomes a mixture of Disney magic and slapstick comedy, as locals and visitors alike glide effortlessly, or flail haplessly, over the ice.
What can I eat?
Sample some seasonal oliebollen (literally: oil balls), which are deep-fried balls of doughy deliciousness, try some sugar-coated appelflappen (apple flaps), or indulge in some spiced pepernoten (pepper nuts). Don’t forget about the speculaas (no proper translation, but trust us – it’s delicious), and remind yourself that you can start eating healthy again next year.
What else can I do?
As one of Europe’s main cultural capitals, Amsterdam has almost too many experiences for visitors to fit into only one trip. In addition to some of the world’s best museums directly next to the Ice Village, you can enjoy a variety of sightseeing cruises along the UNESCO-listed canal ring as well as 21st-century wonders like 5D flying experiences. Amsterdam’s mix of old-world charm and cutting-edge modernity means you’re guaranteed to find something that suits you.
December is also a particularly good time to visit, with the Amsterdam Light Festival in full swing throughout the entire month. The festival features illuminated displays by some of the world’s brightest creative minds, and lets you see the city’s stunning architecture in a new light. Check out the ultimate list of the best things to do in Amsterdam this Christmas.
Discover Antwerp’s Christmas markets before everyone else
Opening dates:
Antwerp Christmas Market: December 7, 2019 – January 5, 2020
We’re going to come right out and say it: you probably weren’t expecting Antwerp to be on this list. Not many people know how great the Belgian Christmas market scene is, which means it’s one of the biggest hidden gems around. In terms of atmosphere, food, and the goods on offer, Antwerp can compete with cities over twice its size.
What makes it unique?
Its setting. The Grote Markt in the centre of town is gorgeous, and its natural beauty is amplified when it’s illuminated by fairy lights everywhere. The gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, one of the city’s top tourist attractions, is ever-present in the background, which makes for some spectacular photo opportunities.
There’s an ice skating rink to enjoy, over 100 different vendors (ranging from individuals and families to local businesses), and even a fair and Ferris wheel alongside the scenic Scheldt River. Make the most of your trip by getting an Antwerp City Card, giving you free admission to museums and churches, discounts all over the city, and free public transport.
What can I eat?
All of the usual treats are here: mulled wine, sausages, and endless cookies. People sometimes describe the market as having a bit of a German feel to it, which is understandable given how close the two countries are geographically. There are still some uniquely Belgian products on offer though: delicious Belgian waffles, specialty beer, and local artisan chocolate are some of the biggest highlights for us. Our #1 recommendation though? The Spanish-style churros.
What else can I do?
Antwerp has the single-largest diamond district on the planet, with approximately 84% of the world’s rough diamonds passing through here in 2012. If you have a spare billion euros lying around, it’s the perfect place to do some light holiday shopping. For the rest of us, a visit to the Diamond Museum provides a glimpse into the opulence of this sparkling subset.
Feel the Christmas magic in bustling Berlin
Opening dates:
Winter World and Christmas Market at Potsdamer Platz: 25 November – 26 December, 2019
Alexanderplatz Christmas Market: 25 November – 26 December, 2019
Weihnachtszauber at the Gendarmenmarkt: 25 November, 2019 – 1 January, 2020
Berlin is one of Germany’s most vibrant and exciting cities, and one of Europe’s top cultural hotspots. Known for its marvelous museums, fabulous food, and amazing attractions, Berlin likes to do things in style. Christmas here is no exception.
What makes it unique?
Thousands of people visit Berlin annually to see its highlights. From the Reichstag to the famous Museum Island, there are some things you can see in Berlin that you simply can’t find anywhere else in the world. The Winter World event on Potsdamer Platz rivals Amsterdam’s Ice Village, and that’s just one of dozens of Christmas markets across the city.
Mitte, one of the German capital’s coolest suburbs, also has its very own Christmas events. The Alexanderplatz Christmas Market is located underneath the iconic TV Tower, and its scenic A-frame stalls are full of local souvenirs, snacks, and handmade goods. You don’t need to visit the Pergamon to see an impression of ancient life – they’ve got their very own pyramid here, and it’s illuminated by hundreds of lights! Don’t miss the nearby Weihnachtszauber at the Gendarmenmarkt, which is a local favourite due to the angelic choir performing there throughout the day.
What can I eat?
Berlin’s food scene has risen to prominence over the last few years, and Christmas markets are some of the best places to try the local specialties. There are traditional treats like Glühwein, the ubiquitous bratwurst, and everything else you’d expect from a German Christmas market. Carb fiends can’t miss the delicious potato pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer), which are basically gigantic hash browns. You can either savour them the traditional way with some apple sauce, or try our favourite activity: eating as many as you can within a ten-minute time span and then deeply questioning your life choices.
Did we mention Knoblauchbrot, deep-fried garlic bread? Or Lángos, delicious fried dough covered in toppings of your choice (originally Hungarian, but now a German Christmas staple)? There’s even plenty for adventurous eaters, who can sample some grilled eel or Schupfnudeln, which are bacon-fried potato noodles covered in sauerkraut.
What else can I do?
How does exploring ancient realms sound? Berlin’s Museum Island contains some of the world’s most prestigious collections of antiquities. Roam past relics from ancient Egyptian and Nubian cultures, marvel at Greek and Roman art, and learn about European history through medieval and Renaissance-era objects.
If you’re looking for something more action-packed, unleash your inner James Bond at the German Spy Museum and train yourself in the art of espionage, or check out the infamous PainStation at the Computer Games Museum.
Start planning your trip now to make the most of the festive season. Whether it’s Amsterdam, Berlin, or Prague, make sure you see more than just the Christmas markets!
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