Are you looking for the best Christmas markets in Europe for a 2019 weekend break? For a festive few days filled with mulled wine, twinkling lights and Christmas decorations – look no further! I’ve rounded up the best festive markets along with a group of well-travelled bloggers…

Best Christmas Markets In Europe 2019

Munich, Germany

If you’re planning to visit one of the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2019, Munich is definitely one to consider. There are not one, but 7 different Christmas markets across the city- each with their own attractions and atmosphere. There’s the main market in the square, with a huge selection of stalls selling gifts, decorations, sweets and souvenirs, as well as several stalls selling food and drink. There’s also a traditional market, where the stalls and gifts are made as they were many years ago- wooden toys, leather bags and carvings are widely sold here and they’re all beautiful. You’ll also see people wandering around in traditional Munich dress, which is fun to watch. If you need refreshments, all of the market areas sell food and drink. I highly recommend you try the gluhwein, which is a warm, spiced wine served in cute mugs. These mugs are highly collectible and the designs change each year, so you can collect a range of them as souvenirs. They make great stocking fillers too!

The city is beautiful- historic German architecture, and the world famous Glockenspiel which strikes over the main square twice a day. Watching this is worth visiting Munich alone and it’s definitely one of the best European cities to visit in winter. If you’re lucky, you’ll get snow, which is a real treat. But what I love most about this city at Christmas is the atmosphere. The beer halls are packed with tourists and locals alike. Music is playing everywhere and there is a general feeling of good spirit and goodwill towards all.

Author: Kat at Wandering Bird

Vienna, Austria

Visit Vienna from mid-November to early January and you will have the choice of not one, not two but 14 Christmas markets to choose from. Christkindlmarktis the biggest market, slap bang in the centre of Vienna. Although busy, it is in a spectacular location, in front of the city’s Rathaus. But if you fancy a market that is a little bit more low-key, then head for Schloss Schönbrunn, one of the Hapsburg Empire’s palaces, which is also home to one of Vienna’s best Christmas markets. Or why not pay a visit to the Christmas village at the Belvedere Palace? Each market has its own personality. Whichever one (or more) that you choose, you can’t beat strolling around one of these winter wonderlands, lights twinkling, mug of glühwein in hand, inhaling the smoky aroma of roasted chestnuts. Don’t miss the opportunity to tuck into Viennese Christmas market food, which includes more sausages a plenty andBratkartoffeln, a delicious pan-fried potato dish. If you have a sweet tooth then try the gingerbread, pancakes or doughnuts.

Finally, if you are in the market for tasteful souvenirs, Vienna’s Christmas markets are perfect hunting grounds. Pick up an authentic snow globe – this is where they originated – or an exquisite gingerbread house, just a few of the many choices available.

Author: Bridget at https://theflashpacker.net

Paris, France

The smell of French cheese and hot roasted chestnuts is sure to get you in the festive mood. Christmas is a real festive time in Paris with the city’s squares and streets lit up and decorated with Christmas garlands, trees, and lights. There’s no better way to join in the festivities than a visit to one of the markets scattered across the city. The Village Noël de Champ de Mars is a good option with over 100 wooden chalets set up in front of the Eiffel Tower, providing some of the best views in Paris. This market is a good choice if you’re looking for wooden toys, hats, scarfs, and handcrafted jewellery. You will also find festive gifts, souvenirs, and decorations by artisans from across the country. In addition to the French cheese and roasted chestnuts, keep an eye out for other delicious treats such as Nutella-filled crepes and spice bread. The Christmas market takes place from December 15 and continues into the first week in January. It does tend to get busy immediately after dinner, so it’s best to visit during the day or early evening by taking the Metro to Trocadero to avoid the crowds.

Author: Rai at A Rai of Light Travels

Konstanz, Germany

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich has to be one of the most festive cities in Europe due to the number of Christmas Markets that can be found in this sensational Swiss capital. Zurich’s Christmas Markets all have their own unique highlights. Four of the main ones offer unique experiences. Zurich’s oldest Christmas Market, Weihnacht Market, is held in the Niederdorf quarter of the picturesque Old Town of Zurich. This is the perfect place to stroll along and get lost in the maze of Christmas stalls which line the old romantic area of Zurich. In central Zurich Train Station, you can be dazzled by the 50ft Christmas tree sparkling with thousands of Swarovski crystals. This tree is the centrepiece of this Christmas market which is one of the largest indoor Europe Christmas markets.

One of the largest open-air Christmas Markets in Zurich is Sechseläutenplatz, directly in front of the Opera House. Over 100 stalls entice you with their festive wares, mulled wine, culinary delights and traditional Swiss fare. An ice rink tops of the festive ambience. Finally, a favourite and a particularly amazing Christmas market in Zurich, is the ‘Singing Christmas Tree’ at the Werdmuhleplatz Market. You’ll find this gem just a small walk from the train station. A tiered podium, in the shape of a Christmas tree, supports various choirs from the area who become the enchanting ‘Singing Tree’. With such a variety of Christmas Markets in Zurich, you’re sure to get your fill of Christmas cheer.

Author: Shelly at Life Journey 4 Two

Budapest, Hungary

Surrounded by fairy-tale architecture, Budapest hosts some of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2019.  Ranging from the famous Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market and the stunning Advent Market at St Stephen’s Basilica, to a number of quaint local neighbourhood Christmas markets, Budapest certainly knows how to put on a festive Christmasshow. From mid-November, Budapest’s Vorosmarty Square transforms into a scenic Christmas village, full of festive lights, sounds and scents.  With its charming wooden cottage-style stalls, Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market showcases a more traditional side to Yuletide festivities.  Local craftsmen display their handmade artisanal Christmas gifts, an open-air kitchen overflows with traditional Hungarian dishes, sweets and of course, hot mulled wine to warm you from head to toe.

And who could resist sampling at least one piping-hot traditional chimney cake (kürtőskalács)? Located right in the heart of Pest, you can’t beat the charming location of Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market.  Surrounded by elegant shops, galleries and cafes, the square itself is dressed up with twinkling Christmas lights, a towering 15 metre high Christmas tree and an old-time Nativity.  Stroll the market to discover treasures such as handmade Christmas decorations, miniature music boxes and mountains of pastel-coloured candy.  The nightly light shows and live performances of traditional Hungarian Christmassongs make for an atmospheric market that is simply unmissable.

Author: Marie at A Life Without Borders

Bruges, Belgium

Celebrating Christmas against the fairy-tale backdrop of medieval Bruges is one of the most magical winter experiences. The winter celebrations take place from Friday 22nd November 2019 to Wednesday 1st January 2020 at three separate locations in the city’s historic centre. The main Christmas market is held at the Markt, lined with gingerbread houses and in the shadow of the Belfry of Bruges. The second location is linden tree fringed Simon Stevin place, the most intimate market of the three. A new addition is the Christmas market around an artificial ice-skating pontoon at Minnewater, one of the most romantic settings in the city. Whatever atmosphere you choose, Bruges Christmas markets will not disappoint.

When you look forward to embracing the festive period with all senses, then you’ll find Christmas-themed culinary delights galore in Bruges. From mouth-watering treats topped with the legendary Belgian chocolate to Christmas beers, try them at one of the festive Christmas chalets. Or look for a unique handmade gift for Christmas tree ornament from one of the many decorated stalls. The many chocolate shops join in on the celebrations with heart-warming flavours packed in the most festive chocolate boxes. Experiencing Christmas in Bruges is an experience like no other, romantic and exciting at the same time.

Author: Sarah at CosmpoliClan

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a great place to visit during the Christmas period and one of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2019. The entire city center undergoes a transformation with the approach of the festive season. The streets are adorned with Christmas decorations, the monuments are illuminated and a festive atmosphere takes over the town. Grand Place, which is already one of the most beautiful landmarks of Brussels, is literally put in the spotlight during the light and sound show which takes place multiple times a day.

And then there’s also Plaisir d’Hiver, the Christmas market that stretches out between Grand Place and Marché Aux Poissons. Apart from lovely souvenirs and craftwork, you can sample local food and a hot cup of glühwein. If you rather have a local drink instead, buy a shot of ‘jenever’ which is a traditional Belgian liquor distilled from grain and malt. It’s available in innumerable flavors, so try a few to find out which one you prefer.

Towering over the Marché aux Poissons square, the giant Ferris wheel is one of the best things to do on the Brussels Christmas marketas it offers a splendid view over the square lined with countless Christmas stalls and the tower of the town hall in the distance. If you’re up for some more spinning, head to the ice-skating rink on Place de la Monnaie and show off your best twirls!

Author: Sophie at Bitten by the Bug

Lisbon, Portugal

Have you considered a little sunshine and warmth with your mulled wine and Christmas shopping? Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, is perhaps not an obvious choice for Christmas markets, but the city is in full crimbo swing throughout December complete with twinkling displays and festive markets. We visited Lisbon with kids (aged 3 and 5) in the second week of December and there were Christmas markets at seemingly every main square. Or your can head to Wonderland Lisboa at Parque Eduardo VII (which generally runs from the 1st December to 1st January) to go ice-skating, meet Father Christmas, and peruse even more Christmas markets. A ride on the festive Ferris Wheel is also a must; the views are fantastic. Entry to Wonderland is free, but you pay individually for the attractions. Arrive early to avoid the queues. It’s situated right by Marquês de Pombal and Parque metro stations, and also on main bus routes, so very easy to get to.  You will also find the main shopping streets decorated with twinkling lights, and we absolutely loved the conical tree in the main square of Comércio Plaza, which you can sit inside and looks magical when lit up at night.

Author: Jenny at TraveLynn Family

Siegburg, Germany

There are a lot of Christmas markets in Europe, particularly in Germany. But the one that we absolutely love the most is in the small little town of Siegburg, situated near Bonn in the North Rhine Westphalia region of Germany. What makes it so different? Siegburg is a medieval market, not only hawking wares from a more traditional time but even boasting the authentic dress and costumes from this era, as well as using old forms of German language to converse. It feels that you’ve been transported back in time as you wander the aisles of this small market. It has absolutely no electricity and is beautifully lit by lanterns and candlelight, making it feel like an incredibly authentic experience. The market also offers some traditional entertainment, as you can see jugglers and minstrels in action. It has old school blacksmiths using traditional methods from the Middle Ages, suckling pigs roasting on open fires and really a plethora of delicious food. Get yourself in the festive mood with local egg punch, chew on deliciously sugary cinnamon pretzels or indulge in our favourite: crusty bread made in old outdoor ovens. It opens on 23 November and runs to 23 December, from 11am – 8pm daily although open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

It’s definitely one of the best Christmas markets in Europe to visit in 2019!

Author: Lee at The Travel Scribes

Exeter, UK

Exeter, a little city in the south-west of the UK holds a wonderful Christmas market every year which starts in the mid of November and runs till Christmas time. The market is arranged around the Exeter Cathedral, a medieval time, beautiful cathedral in the heart of the city. The amazing location of this market makes it more unique than other Christmas markets in the country. with a stunning building in the backdrop, Exeter Christmas market is the most famous one in Devon. The focus of this market is on the local products so the local farmers and traders can get the actual benefit of the market and this can help them invest the next year. Christmas market in Exeter not only focuses on food and gifts items, but there are plenty of musical events and performances to keep the crowd entertained and engaged. There are traditional wooden chalets set around the market area to give it a different and attractive vibe. A beautiful, tall Christmas tree is set up which adds to the charm of this market.

Author: Nahiba at https://versesbyavoyager.com/what-to-do-in-exeter/

I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of Best Christmas Markets In Europe 2019! Do any of these European Christmas markets take your fancy for 2019 travels?