The Christmas market in Strasbourg is believed to be the oldest in France. — TRISTAN SCHMURR/Wikimedia Commons
White snow blanketing the cobblestones and rooftops, bells ringing and jingling, joyous carollers singing Christmas tunes – these compose a charming scene characteristic of a jolly Christmas market.
Christmas markets are notably among the biggest attractions in various cities across Europe. It is ingrained in the locals’ minds as a staple, making a visit at least once a year a compulsory act.
It also hits a nostalgic chord in those who grew up with Christmas markets as part of their childhood traditions, prompting a trip to one when the season rolls around.
Then, there are of course those who – like us fellow tropical dwellers – are curious as to what exactly do such markets offer, having never experienced it where we live. For some of us, an initial visit just might snowball into further future visits once enticed by the charm and appeal of shopping in a whimsical winter wonderland.
Whether for nostalgia or novelty, visiting Christmas markets is highly recommended for anyone not suffering from Christougenniatikophobia (the fear of Christmas!).
Cologne, Germany
(On until Dec 23)
Like many destinations in Germany, the country’s fourth largest city holds several Christmas markets every year, with the one held at the Cologne Cathedral since the 1990s being the biggest and most visited.
Of course, there are other notable markets in Cologne that predate it by decades, such as The Angels’ Market (Neumarkt) and the Alter Markt.
The Angels’ Market located in the Neumarkt square was first held in the 1970s, making it one of the city’s oldest Christmas markets that then contributed to the popularisation of such events there.
Over in the Altstadt or Old Town is the Alter Markt, another one of the earlier Christmas markets that have been around for five decades.
Other than these, there are also the Nikolausdorf or Nicholas Village in the Rudolfplatz square, the Hafen Weihnachtsmarkt or Harbour Christmas Market located next to the Chocolate Museum, and the Christmas Market in the Stadtgarten, held in the beer garden of the park’s main restaurant.
Strasbourg, France
(On until Dec 24)
Having been in existence since 1570, at the time known by the name Christkindelsmärik (meaning “market of the Infant Jesus”), it stands to reason that the oldest Christmas market in France is also referred to as the Capital of Christmas.
Aside from its age, another notable feature of the market is its Great Christmas Tree. Erected at Strasbourg’s Place Kléber, the 30m-high tree is one of the tallest decorated public Christmas trees in Europe.
It looms over the hundreds of wooden chalets – 300 of them to be exact – selling various items, from foods to craft and gifts that can be placed on or underneath one’s own Christmas tree back home.
Twinkling lights and steaming cups of cocoa add to the ambience, providing an authentic Alsatian Christmas.
While ubiquitously referred to as the Strasbourg Christmas Market, the city technically has about a dozen small Christmas markets located within a stone’s throw of each other, hence the ease of amalgamating and identifying themselves as one big market.
The five most popular markets are at Place de la Cathédrale de Strasbourg, the aforementioned Place Kléber, Place Gutenberg, Place Broglie and Place du Château.
Families with young children are recommended to visit Place Saint-Thomas, as it hosts a Children’s Village, where this year it will be circus-themed.
Colmar, France
(On until Dec 29)
Strasbourg Christmas Market may be more popular as it has been around significantly longer and is roughly double the size, but Colmar undoubtedly holds its own with its Old Town charm that exudes a fairytale-like atmosphere.
Peppered throughout the picturesque city are six Christmas markets, dispersed throughout its six squares.
These are found at Place des Dominicains (best for those looking for authentic festive ornaments to decorate their Christmas trees), Place de l’Ancienne Douane (stalls are arranged around the Schwendi Fountain, where every night there will be a light show), Place Jeanne d’Arc (the best market to savour gourmet products), Place de la Cathédrale (which offers local products), the Koïfhus (which specialises in artisanal products), and in the Petite Venise district (where the Children’s Christmas Market is).
More family fun can be had on the ice rink or when enjoying the Christmas carols sung from boats drifting down the canals. Another notable feature is the giant letterbox for Santa Claus.
Vienna, Austria
(On until Jan 4)
Marvel at the beautiful architecture of Viennese buildings while strolling through the Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square. — MAREK SLUSARCZYK/Wikimedia Commons
Unsurprisingly, Austria boasts an abundance of Christmas markets, especially in its capital Vienna, as it is believed that the concept of these markets originated from the city.
Their origins could be traced back to when Albrecht I first authorised a two-week December Market or Krippenmarkt – albeit not quite Christmas-themed at the time – in the city in 1296.
They have since evolved to the Christmas markets that are more commercialised now and bear all the hallmarks of the season, replete with various items on sale that make for great gifts and fun activities for visitors to partake in.
Whether referred to as Weihnachtsmarkt, Christkindlmarkt, Adventmarkt, or the many other terms locals call them by, Christmas markets in Vienna are a wonder to behold. They begin to pop up as early as mid-November and some will run until early January, such as the one at the Schönbrunn Palace.
Do note that Christkindlmarkt (open till Dec 26) is usually used to refer to the most visited Christmas market in Vienna, located at the square in front of the City Hall. It’s alternatively called Rathausplatz Christmas Market, Viennese Dream Christmas Market or Vienna Christmas Market.
Also popular is the Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square (open till Dec 23). Located between the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art, the impressive buildings offer a stunning backdrop for the market.
Salzburg, Austria
(On until Jan 6)
The Cathedral of Salzburg provides a magnificent backdrop for the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt. — SALZBURGER NOCKERL/Wikimedia Commons
Mozart’s birthplace is another Austrian city where the festive spirit runs high. Most notable of its numerous Christmas markets is Salzburg Christkindlmarkt (open until Jan 1).
Its contemporary version has been the city’s fixture since 1974, but its roots trace back to the late 15th century (specifically 1491, making it the city’s oldest market), when it was known as Tandlmarkt. In the 17th century, it was renamed Nikolaimarkt, before it was again rebranded to what it is today. Considering its age, it is a good market to truly immerse oneself in old Austrian tradition.
Located in Salzburg’s historic city centre, on Cathedral and Residenz Square, nativity exhibits and Turmblasen (a form of musical performance on wind instruments that was traditionally performed from a tower) await visitors.
Choir performances of traditional Christmas carols are also a must-watch, especially given the fact that Salzburg is the birthplace of one of the most widely known Christmas songs: Silent Night, Holy Night.
Others notable markets are the Christmas Market Mirabell (open until Dec 24), situated in front of Mirabell Palace; Sternadvent with Winter Market, located in the Sternbräu guesthouse’s courtyard; and Hellbrunner Adventzauber (open until Dec 24), an enchanting fairytale forest featuring more than 400 decorated fir trees set at Hellbrunn Palace’s courtyard.
Berlin, Germany
(On until Jan 7)
With 80 Christmas markets scattered throughout Germany’s capital, visiting all in one go might be a tad ambitious.
For those planning to hit up only the large ones, that’s still a sizeable pool of 10. Fortunately, the main markets are located in the city centre, ensuring ease of access.
Many of the Christmas markets in Berlin run only on the weekends and typically do not stretch beyond Christmas day itself.
Only bigger markets like Gendarmenmarkt, Potsdamer Platz, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and Schloss Charlottenburg Christmas Market (all open until Dec 31) will continue to operate until the end of the year, with the City Hall market staying open until January.
The Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market is arguably the most popular, attracting around 800,000 visitors annually. Due to construction work, its 2022-2024 venue is at the Bebelplatz instead.
It features festive culinary delights that comprise not only traditional offerings of the season, such as roasted chestnuts and mulled wines, but also unusual foods and drinks as well as traditional German dishes. It also houses a large tent where craftspeople get to showcase their skills and sell their handicrafts to visitors.
Schloss Charlottenburg Christmas Market is another popular option, as the spectacular 18th-century Baroque palace (or schloss in German) serves as an enchanting backdrop for the market. German, Hungarian and Ukrainian cuisines can be found here, along with hot cocktails and glühwein (mulled wine), or kinderpunsch (mulled punch) for the non-alcoholic drinkers.
Tallinn, Estonia
(On until Jan 7)
The Tallinn Christmas Market is a “heart-warming” place to visit. — YPSILON/Wikimedia Commons
Estonians take pride in their Christmas tree, specifically the one erected at the Tallinn Christmas Market in Tallinn Old Town’s Raekoja Square.
There may be some dispute over this (if Latvians were involved), but Estonians stand by the claim that their country was the first to display a public Christmas tree in Europe, if not the world, having done so at the very market since 1441.
True or not, there’s no harm in visiting Estonia’s capital to witness the tree in person, especially considering it does boast an adorable feature: it is adorned with heart-shaped ornaments. This echoes the city’s own shape that resembles a heart when viewed from the air.
While it typically begins its annual operation in November, this year the market’s opening is slightly delayed to December. Nevertheless, it promises the same fun that visitors look forward to every year.
Children can expect plenty of fun activities, including riding the merry-go-rounds and visiting Santa Claus for a candy or two.
Adults can visit the many stalls selling various items, ranging from high-quality handicrafts to mouth-watering Christmas roasts.
Visitors looking for a more “local experience” may seek out the Estonian Christmas cuisine, which includes sour cabbage and black pudding.
London, England
(On until Jan 9)
Take guided walks through Leadenhall Market while listening to Leadenhall’s tales of Christmas. — JACK TORCELLO/Wikimedia Commons
Most of the iconic places in London get decked up for Christmas in the year’s final couple of months. One is even so enthusiastic it kicked off as early as Oct 28 this year.
Though technically that is the start date of the whole Southbank Centre Winter Festival, which the Southbank Centre Winter Market is a part of. If factoring in only the market portion, then that only kicked off on Nov 2, and will be opened until Dec 26 (while the whole festival runs until Jan 7).
The Winter Market stretches down The Queen’s Walk, giving visitors a chance to stroll along the Thames as they do their Christmas shopping.
Visitors that lean more towards theme park rather than market may be more intrigued to visit one of the most anticipated Christmas markets in London: the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (open until Jan 1). Aside from the stalls selling the usual seasonal knick-knacks, it also features a winter-themed circus and a large ice-skating rink.
Other Christmas markets worth visiting include Covent Garden (open until Jan 7), Leicester Square (Jan 7), Trafalgar Square (Jan 2), Leadenhall Market (Jan 6), and Borough Market (Jan 9).
