Christmas Markets Europe
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AUTHOR Cherie Carter
November 09, 2022

Market Magic: Find The Best Christmas Markets In Europe 2022

Best Christmas Markets In Europe 2022

With the year slowly drawing to a close and the festive season creeping up on us, cities across the world are decking their halls and trimming their trees in preparation for one of the best-loved Christmas traditions there is – the Christmas market. There’s no better way to take in the festive cheer than visit a Christmas market in Europe. Here’s our lowdown on the some of the best Christmas markets to visit this year.

With so many stunning locations across the globe offering their take on the traditional Christmas market, it can be hard to choose where to head for a festive break and a chance to grab those extra special gifts. Some of the most popular locations are in central Europe, including the site of the first ever Christmas market – this means not only are they a great way to fit in a city break before the holidays, they’re also relatively cheap and cheerful for travel, stays and shopping. We also offer our car rental services in every single one of these locations, giving us the ability to help make your travel even simpler. To make the hustle and bustle of travelling through the holidays just that little bit easier, we’ve put together a list of the top Christmas markets in Europe to help you decide where to visit next – all that’s left for you to do is work on that Christmas list!

Vienna, Austria

Home of the first ever Christmas market held all the way back in 1289, Christmas in Vienna is the product of centuries of tradition – but that doesn’t mean it’s old fashioned. During the holiday season, Vienna is home to more than 20 different stalls offering everything from traditional homemade gifts and Christmas decorations, to fresh local foods and hot mulled wine to keep you cosy while you shop.

The Viennese Dream Christmas market is definitely the main attraction of the festive season – set against the backdrop of the beautiful City Hall and offering ‘creative workshops’ for children to make their own special gifts and post their wish lists, it’s the perfect Christmas getaway for the family. visit the Viennese Christmas Market. The Viennese Dream Christmas market has a back drop the Neo-Gothic style town hall and boasts some 150 stalls. Here, you will find some festive fodder including cream-filled pastries, home made punch and hand made gifts. To put you in the mood is a live brass band and choir.

With flights from the UK starting at £80 and hotels in the area from £80 for a long weekend (based on two sharing) it is slightly on the higher end in terms of budget, but if you’re looking to lose yourself in festive tradition then Vienna is definitely the spot for you. Fly into Vienna and hire a car at Vienna Airport for one of the biggest and best Christmas markets in Europe,

The Viennese Dream Christmas Market is open 10am-10pm, 15-26 December
Admission cost – FREE

Prague, Czech Republic

With nativity, choirs and angels galore, Prague’s Christmas market in the Old Town district is the cornerstone of everything advent – if you’re after winter wonderland, then look no further. Surrounded by a backdrop of Prague’s beautiful gothic architecture, the rustic wooden huts of the Old Town Square market are the perfect place to pick up one of a kind gifts and experience some cosy Christmas magic at the same time.

Millions of visitors flock to Prague each year for the Christmas market in the heart of the city, there are wonderful little wooden chalets bedecked with fairy lights. The produce includes craft beers, luscious foods and handmade gifts and decorations. The airport is some 17km away and will take you around 25 minutes to Old Town Square.

Mostly known for its twinkling lights and delicious food and drink, Prague’s Old Town market also has a petting zoo for younger children, and daily tree-lighting ceremonies that are held every hour from 16:30.

Return flights from the UK to Prague in December start at around £60, with hostels near to the markets starting as low as £30 for a long weekend (based on 2 guests) or a cosier, quieter hotel room setting you back just £50 for the weekend, Prague is definitely a good location if you’re looking for a classic Christmas trip with more money saved for the presents! Hiring a car at Prague Airport is also recommended so you have the freedom to pot around as you please.

Prague’s Christmas markets are open every day from 30 November – 06 January, with the lights switched on in Old Town Square every hour from 16:30 – 21:30
Admission cost – 25 CZK (approx. 0.85 GBP)

prague christmas

Budapest, Hungary

You will find an authentic Hungarian experience at Old Buda Christmas market. Besides the splendid town hall in the Old Town this venue is full of charm, You will find many Hungarian delicacies to the sound of free concerts and the chance to display your dexterity on a huge ice skating ring full of romance and wonder. Remember to wrap up warm as the temperature can reach below as zero. The airport is 21km from this event by car so please allow 30-40 minutes on the dedicated airport expressway once you’ve hired a car at Budapest Airport.

Brussels, Belgium

Perhaps the ultimate Christmas market has to be with the Winter Wonders Festival. Some 200 wooden chalets are abrim with traditional food. drink and gifts, it will set your mouth watering with delicious chocolates and waffles. The airport is only 12 km north east of the centre and you can hire a car there with ease.

Berlin, Germany

German Christmas markets, or chriskindlmarkt, are the ones that we in the UK most associate with the festive season, as these magical markets are where ours take most of their inspiration from. Although they’re not the origin of the Christmas market they are arguably the most famous, so it’s a no brainer that they’re one of the most popular locations for a festive break.

There are over 70 markets to choose from in Berlin alone, the largest of which is the WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt. Not only is it the perfect place to pick up creative gifts such as blown glass and origami; there is also an array of theatrical and dance performers to enjoy. Popular for its varied entertainment, beautiful backdrop and delicious food, this is the perfect place to visit if you want your experience to be something a little out of the ordinary.

At this time of the year Berlin is fairly middle range in terms of cost – a return flight from the UK to Berlin will set you back around £75. however the accommodation is a little on the pricier side, with hostels from around £50 and hotels from £90 for 3 nights.

The WeihnachtsZauber Christmas Market is open 11am – 10pm daily, 25 November – 31 December (closed at 6pm on Christmas Eve, and 1am on New Year’s Eve)
Admission cost – 1 EUR

Christmas Markets

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg Christmas market has made its name for wonderful Gingerbread and delicious Bratwurst, plus there is fine mulled wine lots of gifts and Christmas entertainment, The airport is only 4km  away and should only take 10 minutes. Hire a car at Nuremberg Airport and check it out!

Dresden, Germany

The Dresden market was established in 1434 and now has some 3 million visitors from around the world.  There are some 240 wooden chalets with festive goodies and the Stollem Festival introduces you to the traditional German bread dusted with icing sugar that goes perfectly with a lovely cuppa. The airport is only 9km away from the city centre.

Strasbourg, Germany

With the Strasbourg cathedral this market has been running since 1930 with twinkling fairy lights, indulgent food and classical music plus 300 wooden huts for the 2 million visitors per year. The airport is 18km away by the freeway. Hire a car at Strasbourg Airport and head into town.

Trier, Germany

In the old medieval town of Trier 95 wooden chalets are decorated festive style, they offer tempting sweets, wooden toys and ceramics. For family fun there is a great puppet show in the pavilion. The nearest airport is 15 km away.

Trier christmas markets

Gdansk, Poland

If you’re looking for some Christmas market magic on a tighter budget, then Gdansk’s picturesque market in Old Town is the perfect festive getaway that doesn’t break the bank.

This traditional attraction has everything you could want in a Christmas market, from cosy handmade woollen scarves and gloves to sledding competitions and a Christmas lights ceremony from Santa himself. The market also features their traditional Christmas fair, which boasts new attractions every year – this year visitors can enjoy a 2-level carousel and food court with traditional mulled wine, hot cider and delicious Polish food.

As well as visits from Santa and his elves for younger visitors, you can also expect light shows and carol performances to entertain you while you take in the sights, along with an ice skating rink within the market itself – what better way to enjoy the twinkling lights and festive spirit?

This is definitely the cheapest option for those looking to travel on a budget – flights from the UK are just £35, with hostels as cheap as £35 for 3 nights and hotels from just £50 GBP.

The Christmas Market and Fair are open 11am-7pm daily, 01 – 23rd December

Admission cost – FREE

Basel, Switzerland

In Basel Christmas market there are some 180 festively decorated wooden huts with assorted Christmas gifts, alongside seasonal tunes, flashing lights plus food and wine such as mulled wine gingerbread and Swiss cheese. The airport is only 3 miles away and will only take you around 3 minutes to reach the centre of town if you’re able to hire a car at Basel Airport.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Home of hygge and famous for its dedication to all things calming and comfy, Denmark is the perfect place to visit for a cozy Christmas break. Copenhagen certainly seems like the city with everything to offer over the holiday season – from a festive theme park at Tivoli Garden’s Christmas market, to a twinkling kayak parade, you’ll never be short of new experiences in this city that really does take Christmas to the next level.

Copenhagen was also home to storyteller Hans Christian Anderson – and of course, there is a Christmas market dedicated entirely to bringing his fairy tales to life. With a unique theme to each stall named after a classic fairytale, this old fashioned market is a magical experience that’s not to be missed.
If you’d prefer a more traditional market with a cosy Copenhagen backdrop, head over to Nyhavn’s Christmas market; situated right by the harbour it’s the perfect place to lose yourself in the city, with its cobbled streets and some of the oldest architecture in Copenhagen.

It’s no surprise that with its wealth of tradition and extensive list of must-see experiences, Copenhagen is one of the most expensive places to visit at this time of year. Flights start from around £55, however accomodation is on the pricier side, with hostels upwards of £100 and hotels from £160 for a long weekend – however if you’re looking for rich tradition and the cosiest of Christmases, Copenhagen is definitely the city for you.

Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market is open now – 05 January, from 11:00-23:00 Sun-Thurs, and 11:00-midnight Fri-Sat
Admission cost – 110 DKK (approx. 12.60 GBP)

Manchester, UK

Looking for something a little closer to home? Here in the UK we have a long list of great Christmas markets, but none quite as impressive as Manchester.

Voted the best in the UK, Manchester’s award-winning Christmas markets are spread across the city with over 300 stalls to tempt you into the festive spirit. The market is host to a range of suppliers, both local businesses and those from across Europe, so there’s certainly no shortage of stocking fillers to be found. Manchester’s Christmas markets are also famous for their food – with everything from a traditional Bratwurst to more exotic dishes like fresh paella and chorizo rolls from Little Spain and a range of vegetarian options, it’s festive street food at its best.

Albert Square is always the main attraction, with stalls in other various locations across the city. Cathedral Gardens is home to a family-friendly activities hub – this features an ice rink, and the stunning Ice Village with ice sculptures and an ice slide for children – but Santa’s grotto is guaranteed to be the main attraction. This year, Manchester’s markets will also be home to a Tiki Ice Bar serving delicious cocktails –perfect for those who aren’t too keen on the traditional mulled wine, but still fancy a festive tipple.

If you’re based in the UK, Manchester is easy to reach from almost anywhere, and transport is relatively cheap. Hotels in the centre start from £85 for 3 nights, so you can stay close to the festivities without breaking the bank.

Manchester Christmas Markets are open now – 21/22 December, 10:00 – 21:00
Admission cost – FREE

Manchester Christmas Market

So if you’re looking a quick festive getaway this year, there’s no shortage of stunning Christmas markets across Europe to get you into the yuletide spirit – whether it’s picking up last minute gifts or losing yourself in the hustle and bustle of a sparkling city, our top holiday markets are guaranteed to be exactly what you’re looking for.

Salzburg, Austria

Taking place at the foot of the Hohen Salzburg Fortress this market uses the Austrian traditions of roasted almonds, Gingerbread and mulled wine. Things can get extremely chill here so make sure to pack your scarf and gloves  The airport is located just over 3km from the city centre.

So all the above airports are served by Indigo Car Hire and can be booked online or by phone.

Madeira, Portugal

The exotic Portugese island Madeira has its special way of celebrating Christmas. Here, you will find exotic flowers, delicacy, carols and performers. Another appealing factor is that in December it is still approx 18 degrees and there is no need for your winter warmers. Hire a car at Madeira Airport and enjoy the freedom of exploring the island as a whole while you’re at it.

If you’re heading away and looking to make your trip that little bit easier in the hectic run up to Christmas, why not treat yourself to a hire car to make exploring a new city simpler? Here are Indigo we offer rental services in all of these locations and many more – get in touch with our team to find out more about Christmas car hire.

Having working solely in the car hire industry since leaving school, car hire/travel is a huge part of my life and something that gives me great satisfaction and enjoyment.  I love coming across new products/locations and sharing these details with our customers via our online platforms.

Cherie Carter

Traveller

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