There are few better ways to spend the run-up to Christmas than visiting a European Christmas market, getting into the festive spirit and looking at the bright lights in some of the continent’s finest cities.
With air travel costing a lot at this time of year, travelling by car can be the most economical and hassle-free way to see the world. No long airport queues, no lost luggage and no last minute cancellations. As long as you prepare your vehicle for winter before setting off.
Here we look at the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Where are the best Christmas markets in Europe?
Rathausplatz, Vienna, Austria
This infamous Rathausplatz Christmas market draws in over 3.5 million people each year thanks to its fairground attractions, which include an ice rink, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and let’s not forget the hundreds of stalls brimming with Christmas decorations, lights, food, hot drinks and everyone’s favourite December tipple, mulled wine.
And if that’s not enough to tempt you, they also have one of the biggest and best light displays in Europe!
Winter Wonders, Brussels, Belgium
The Brussels Christmas market is one of the most popular among Brits, with thousands of us travelling each year to the Belgian capital to see the delights of this magical market.
Maybe it’s the festive atmosphere, or maybe it’s the Belgian beer on tap across its 200 chalets, as well as the crêpes, bratwursts and mulled wine. Probably the latter.
Like Vienna, Brussels has its own fairground attractions, with a Ferris wheel, light show, ice rink, rides and their magnificently decorated tree.
Nuremberg, Germany
Vienna may be the prettiest market in Europe, but Nuremberg can also lay claim to having the biggest Christmas market on the continent.
You’ll find hundreds of beautiful wooden stalls, selling everything from traditional Christmas gifts to local delicacies, food and glühwein (warm wine). Hot tip: the glühwein mugs are unique each year and become collector’s pieces.
The best thing about visiting the biggest Christmas market in Europe is the atmosphere. Germans know how to party, so expect to see the locals gather in the markets after work and party into the evening.
Munich, Germany
Next up on your checklist is the Munich Christmas market. Unlike the others on this list, Munich’s market is unique in that it’s the only one that’s spread out across the city.
The main square is full of traditional stalls with yummy bratwurst, glühwein, crêpes, waffles and beer, while the massive Christmas tree is a fantastic backdrop to all the festivities. While there, you need to stop and watch the world-famous Glockenspiel clock.
A great place to park your car is Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena. Parking is open on non-match days for a small fee, while the stadium is roughly 30 minutes from the city centre via public transport.
Strasbourg, France
It might not be the first French market you think of, but it’s certainly worth visiting nonetheless. The whole city shuts down from mid-November to December to welcome tourists from all over Europe, with every street filled with lights, decorations, ornaments and statues. It really is a wondrous sight to behold, with the beautiful Strasbourg cathedral as the backdrop of the market.
The market here dates back to 1570 and has over 300 stalls spread out over ten different locations, selling traditional food, drink and, of course, cheese! There is also an ice rink, live music performances and cultural events arranged throughout the festive period.
Glasgow, Scotland
One European market closer to home is Glasgow’s Winterfest. This newly created Christmas market received stellar reviews in its first year, with its 50-plus chalets and food vendors selling traditional Scottish pies and Yorkshire pudding wraps. It also has theme park rides to get you in the festive spirit.
One of the main attractions is the carnival fun, with a huge ice rink with DJs blasting Christmas songs in George Square, a drop tower, a carousel and Santa’s Runaway, plus The Grinch Train which can be ridden by toddlers and children.
Cologne, Germany
This market has everything you’d expect of a classic German spread. Glühwein, crafts, twinkling lights. One thing that stands out, though, is its entertainment—more than 100 stage performances throughout the festival, including Christmas swing music and gospel, puppet shows, and performances for children.
After you’ve had your fill of Christmas anthems, you can head toward the nearby Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse, two of Cologne’s well-known shopping areas, or make your way to Heumarkt for a spot of ice skating
Málaga, Spain
If you’re looking for a Christmas market in a slightly warmer climate, then Malaga may be your destination of choice. The Andalucian city in the south of Spain has everything you could possibly want from a festive market.
From Santa’s Grotto to strolling along the old port and buying local crafts at Paseo de Parque. Sweet treats available for visitors include nougat, shortbread and borrachuelos, which are wine-flavoured fried pastries you can get as you make your way to Calle Marques de Larios where you can also see the light displays on offer.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is home to not one, but two markets that are easily accessible by foot. The city’s Old Town and Wenceslas Square are just 15 minutes apart and are both filled with local cuisine, from traditional roast ham and trdelnik (also known as chimney cake), a hot pastry rolled in cinnamon and sugar to flatbreads with cheese and smoked meat dumplings and traditional fish soup.
Winchester, England
Another UK option is Winchester Cathedral’s charming gothic market located in Hampshire. From mid-November until the week before Christmas, you can visit to see the festive lights lighting up the cathedral, buy mulled wine, hog roast, fudge and take a look at the many chalets to buy everything you need to make the big day extra festive.
If that isn’t enough you can also visit the high street which is packed with extra stalls full of Christmas ideas for your friends and family.
Basel, Switzerland
Switzerland is known as one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, so of course its Christmas market is one of the most picturesque too.
The Basler Weihnachtsmarkt in the Rhine-side town of Basel features more than 150 vendors selling handmade toys and local treats like Swiss raclette and läckerli (traditional Swiss gingerbread) from their wooden stands, plus enough twinkle lights to make any pictures you take stand out on your social media feed.
You’re also able to see the festive scenes from St. Martin’s Tower, which is open during the advent period, as well as writing your wishes in the Basel Wish Book.
European car insurance and breakdown cover
If you’re planning on driving to any of these Christmas markets, or anywhere else in Europe, you will need to ensure you have the right European car insurance to give you peace of mind should the worst happen.
No matter the vehicle, make sure to take our breakdown insurance with you. It can cost as little as £46.80 a year. Read this blog to discover the true cost of not having breakdown cover.
Sterling also has a range of car insurance policies for every sort of car, van and campervan, with prices starting from £125 a year and EU cover available. Call us on 0808 503 5335 for a quote or request a callback at a time better suited to you.
