Major cities and small towns alike light up all over European December, their Christmas markets a staple of community pride and festive fever. Though German-style Christmas markets are perhaps the best loved, one can find cosy, wooden Glühwein and Bratwurst stalls as far and wide as Scotland, Finland and even Spain! While Covid-19 may have ruined the past two Christmases for us all, this year is looking to be more merry! As business is finally running as usual, here are the eight Christmas markets that we are most excited about this holiday season.

Dresden – Germany

Having run for over 585 years, Dresden Striezelmarkt is full of Christmas spirit. Here you can find an exciting festive schedule of stalls and events, so that you can make the most of this holiday season. Bursting with wooden shacks selling handicrafts and gifts, the Striezelmarkt is also particularly famous for selling delicious Dresden Stollen sweat treats, the word Striezel meaning pastry.

Barcelona – Spain

Though Spain might not be your first thought when it comes to winter Christmas markets, the Fira de Santa Llucia three-week fair is a major highlight on the Spanish seasonal calendar. Situated next to Barcelona cathedral, the market has all your usual gift and food stalls as well as nativity scene, parade and children’s events.

Vienna – Austria

Thankfully, one of the biggest and best Christmas markets in Europe is back and better than ever; the Christkindlmarkt by the Vienna Town Hall. With its dazzling, colourful lights and decorated trees, this market is a true wonderland, offering roast chestnut stalls, pastries and plenty of wine and punch. Opposite the fair is the Rathaus Park, full of light installations, fairground rides (potentially cancelled this year) and the famous Tree of Hearts.

Zagreb – Croatia

Somewhat off the beaten track, this market in Ban Jelacic Square is going full steam ahead and is expected to draw in eager festive lovers from all over Croatia. As traditional as you can get, this market is full of gingerbread stalls, mulled wine bars and, what may be a very strange Santa’s grotto. If in Zagreb, don’t miss a visit to Zrinjevac Park, a park with beautiful views and various light and photo installations.

Oslo – Norway

This Winter Wonderland fair in Spikersuppa in Oslo will be bringing the Christmas cheer this season. From handmade trinkets to delicious grills, bonfires, ice rinks and massive LED light installations, this market looks the part completely, and may very well be blanketed in a soft layer of snow, come December. 

Basel – Switzerland

Bringing a Swiss twist to the Christmas market style, stands at this market in Basel are shaped like cosy wooden chalets, bustling with waffle stands, sausages, glühwein (mulled wine) and the oh-so-delicious Swiss raclette. If stuffing your face with mulled spices and cheese melted straight off the wheel sounds like heaven, this market is for you.

Aberdeen –Scotland

Whilst not as popular as Scotland's Edinburgh Christmas market, Aberdeen is just as jolly. With a new indoor Christmas market, this space will help out many local businesses and showcase some of Scotland’s best crafts. Though it may not be a winter wonderland extravaganza, it will certainly be cosy.

Helsinki – Finland

Our final pick is in Helsinki, Finland. Another cosy Northern European Christmas market, this event in Senate Square has plenty of seasonal cheer and safety. Over 100 traders are expected to join, bringing all the usual shopping, gifts, Finnish food and drink. The entire fair is also highly committed to environmental sustainability, recycling much of its waste and using renewable energy to power the stalls – go Helsinki!

Starting from Skratch? Here’s a Few Tips to Get You Started:

https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/christmas-markets/

https://happytowander.com/german-christmas-market-cancellations/

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/germany/articles/the-10-largest-christmas-markets-in-the-world/