What could be more enjoyable than walking through the streets with the scent of gingerbread and hot mulled wine, shopping at small wooden stands set up for Christmas, or being colored by the city’s glow?
In my opinion, the new year brings a lot of light to many cities, and if you want the new year to bring light to me too, I would say turn your route towards the Christmas markets that start to be set up in the last weeks of November. Although many cities are quite cold at this time of year, the new year is especially enjoyable in Europe.
How about dancing to the live music emanating from the streets, getting lost in the sparkling streets, enjoying the huge fir tree set up in the square, and tasting local flavors that will not be erased from your taste buds for a long time?
If your answer is yes, I suggest you start planning a mini trip to the most attractive Christmas market on our list. Here are the most enjoyable Christmas markets in the world where you can fully experience the spirit of the new year:
1. The Best Christmas Markets in the World
The Strasbourg Christmas market, known as Christkindelmarik, is France’s oldest and largest Christmas market, established in 1570.
If you go to Strasbourg, don’t leave without taking a stroll through the indispensable wooden stands of Christmas markets and trying a type of spiced bread called ‘Pain d’Epicies’ and warming up with a cup of hot mulled wine. A small piece of information: Many points in the historical parts of the city are closed to traffic, so you can comfortably visit the Christmas markets set up at different points in the city.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, an impressive and impressive city at any time, takes on a different aspect at Christmas time.
The most impressive part of the Christmas market set up in the historical city square, in my opinion, is the sparkling fir tree in the middle of the square that suddenly captures the attention of people.
If you decide to go to Prague at Christmas time, you can follow the traditional Czech Christmas rituals. Almost every culture has its own New Year ritual. The tradition of the Czechs is to eat carp fish at Christmas time. It is said that if you keep the scales of the carp fish you eat in your wallet throughout the year, your whole year will be fruitful. If you go to Prague at Christmas time, you can follow this tradition, who knows, maybe the scales of a fish of abundance and prosperity are hidden.
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
If you want to fully enjoy the spirit of the new year by having fun, the Christmas market set up in the Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second oldest amusement park, will be a great alternative.
The sparkling fir tree, entertainment tents, concert areas and a large ice rink await you in the Tivoli Gardens from the end of November.
If you are not very affected by the cold, you can turn your route to Copenhagen at Christmas.
4.Cologne, Germany
The Cologne Christmas market, one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, is set up around one of the city’s most impressive cathedrals, the Cologne Cathedral.
In the sparkling Cologne Christmas market, wooden stands with decorative objects and souvenirs, as in many Christmas markets, are set up.
If you want to experience the spirit of the new year to the fullest with your hot mulled wine in hand, touring the Christmas market, one of the best alternatives will be Cologne.
5. Bruges, Belgium
A Christmas market that you will not be able to get enough of is set up in the Market Square in Bruges as New Year approaches, with its impressive buildings from the Middle Ages, historic square, and canals that transport you to a fairy tale and romantic world.
You can lose yourself among the wooden stands decorated with handmade jewelry, lace, and of course delicious chocolates.
If you go to Bruges at Christmas time, don’t leave without trying the mussels served in special black pots and the famous Kwak beers served in special glasses.
6. Salzburg, Austria
If you want to visit a historic Christmas market dating back to the 15th century, I suggest you head to Salzburg.
The Salzburg Christmas market is one of the most enjoyable Christmas markets in Europe, set up in front of the cathedral in the historic square, as in many cities.
As you walk through the Christmas stalls set up in the square, you can be overwhelmed by the smell of fresh gingerbread and surrender to the live music emanating from every corner of the street.
If you want to spend a new year immersed in history and delicious flavors, be sure to add Salzburg to your list.
7. Basel, Switzerland
If I say that the Basel Christmas market set up in Barfüsserplatz, one of the most enjoyable squares in the city, creates a carnival atmosphere in the city, I would not be exaggerating.
As you wander through the Basel Christmas market, one of the best preserved old city centers, you can be enchanted by the lights decorating the city.
If you go to Basel for a Christmas trip, be sure to visit the small market set up along the river Ren in addition to the big market in the main square.
8. Tallinn, Estonia
I recommend Tallinn for a beautiful Christmas market with wooden stands themed like mountain houses.
The most important feature that makes the Tallinn Christmas market different from other markets is the huge Christmas tree set up in the Town Hall Square.
9. Budapest, Hungary
If you are looking for a more traditional Christmas market with plenty of entertainment, dancing, and music, the market at Vörösmarty Ter Square in Budapest is a great alternative.
As you wander through the stalls featuring wooden and wooden handiwork, you are sure to be impressed by many of the products you see.
Budapest Christmas Market, Hungary
Don’t forget to take a break from your tour of the Budapest Christmas market and try some local delicacies, such as ‘Goulash’, accompanied by Gypsy music.
10. London, England
A wonderful Christmas market is set up in Hyde Park, one of London’s most enjoyable places, where you can feel like you are in Wonderland.
London Christmas Market
Known as Winter Wonderland, this Christmas market offers everything from an ice skating rink to an amusement park, from gift stalls to stalls where you can taste a British classic like ‘Fish and Chips’.
If you want to start the new year with a fun start, London is a good alternative.
11. Madrid, Spain
Plaza Mayor, one of the city’s busiest and most touristy spots, hosts a great Christmas market during the New Year.
Madrid, Spain Christmas Market
If you visit the Christmas market in Madrid, where young and old alike enjoy their time, don’t leave the market without entering one of the tapas bars around the square and enjoying a snack.
12. Lapland, Finland
Why not leave the classic Christmas markets aside and start the new year with reindeer in Santa’s house in Lapland, despite all its splendor?
What could be more enjoyable than starting the new year in Santa’s village covered in snow, where various shows are held?
If you want to experience a new year in a completely different way, don’t hesitate to go to Lapland.
13. Moscow, Russia
How about visiting a colorful Christmas market set up in Red Square, one of the most impressive squares in history?
Moscow Christmas Market
If you want to enjoy a festival-like Christmas market despite the penetrating cold, Moscow is waiting for you with all its splendor.
Moscow, Russia Christmas
Moscow, which is usually under the snow, is among the favorite destinations for those who want to enter the new year in a snowy atmosphere.
14. Quebec, Canada
Christmas is celebrated with more enthusiasm in Canada, especially in French-speaking regions.
Quebec, Canada Christmas Market
One of the most striking features of the Christmas market set up in Quebec, a French-speaking region, is that there are more food and beverage stalls than gift stalls.
Quebec, Canada Christmas Market
If you are looking for a Christmas market with a delicious biscuit aroma, Quebec will be a beautiful and different alternative, even if it is a bit far away.
15. Chicago, United States
Christmas tradition in America does not have a deep history like in Europe.
The red and green lighted Christmas markets that decorate the different cities of America that we see in movies, the giant toys decorating the streets, were started by Germans who migrated to America as a tradition, but the Christmas market called Christkindlmarket set up in Chicago is considered one of the largest events of the year.
16. Vienna, Austria
There are many Christmas markets in Vienna. But if you want to go to the most famous one, go to the Christmas market on Rathausplatz, next to the Vienna City Hall.
Vienna, Austria Christmas Market
The Christmas market in Vienna, which is known for its charming atmosphere and traditional gifts, is an event that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.
Vienna, Austria Christmas Market
In addition to gift stalls, there are also many food stalls offering traditional Austrian dishes and drinks in the Christmas market in Vienna. Don’t leave the market without trying some of them.
17. Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you want to experience a different atmosphere in the Christmas market, you should definitely go to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Christmas Market
Amsterdam’s Christmas market, which is known for its lively atmosphere, is held in the city’s most famous square, Dam Square.
Amsterdam Christmas Market
In addition to gift stalls, there are also many food stalls offering traditional Dutch dishes and drinks in the Amsterdam Christmas market. Don’t leave the market without trying some of them.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, which is one of the most visited cities in Europe, is also home to many Christmas markets.
Prague Christmas Market
One of the most popular Christmas markets in Prague is the one held in the city’s main square, Wenceslas Square.
Prague Christmas Market
In addition to gift stalls, there are also many food stalls offering traditional Czech dishes and drinks in the Prague Christmas market. Don’t leave the market without trying some of them.