Christmas is a truly magical time of the year, with people rejoicing and spending time with their loved ones over the holiday period. Throughout Europe, there are many cities steeped in history – that burst into a plethora of colors over the holiday period, with seasonal stalls providing festive food and drink. At LWOS Life, we wanted to bring you the five best Christmas markets in 2023 – so you can get inspired and revel in the magic of Christmas.
Top 5 Christmas Markets in Europe for 2023
Christmas Markets 2023: Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a beautiful city steeped in history, and at Christmas time, this artistic city has you covered. The city is covered in a blanket of festive markets, offering a more modern take on the holiday period.
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Weihnachtszauber has plenty on offer, with beautiful arts and crafts available. If you’re looking for a faster-paced option, you will love Winter World at Potsdamer Platz – where you will have an array of winter sports options, including curling and an ice-skating rink.
Tallinn, Estonia
If you enjoy the magic of Christmas, Tallinn is for you. It’s reminiscent of a nativity play that came to life. Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, with a beautiful fairytale feel. During the festive period, it is even more stunning, with a vast array of lights and Christmas carols filling the night air, creating what can only be described – as a storybook setting. Outside of the medieval town hall, you will find the best market for gifts and souvenirs.
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You can find beautiful handmade Estonian crafts, with places to relax, eat and enjoy the beautiful scenery. This market also hosts live music and entertainment throughout the night. Located in the Rotermann Quarter, you will find another great market – but we encourage you to explore Tallinn – as it is a city that truly embraces the magic of Christmas.
Brussels, Belgium
The Belgian capital, steeped in medieval history, has turned into a vibrant cosmopolitan must-visit travel destination, with many flocking to the city, especially at Christmas. Brussels boasts a lively nightlife with a rich array of wonderfully diverse restaurants. “Winter Wonders” is located in the Grand-Place – a spectacular square and a perfect setting for the city’s Christmas market.
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Grand-Place plays host to a Christmas Ferris wheel, along with an ice skating rink, which is only trumped by the snow-covered chalets which house delicious fresh waffles, waiting to be washed down by a mulled wine or two. There are Belgian beers, chocolates and plenty of gift ideas for the visiting public to enjoy.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a popular destination for tourists all year round, with plenty of great photo opportunities and sightseeing throughout this beautiful city. Budapest hosts two Christmas markets, one in Vorosmarty Square and the other in Basilica.
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Vorosmarty Square is right in the heart of Budapest, making it a popular haven for tourists. It is also the city’s oldest Christmas market, where you can find plenty of food stalls and free concerts, which will really get you in the Christmas spirit. Basilica offers much the same as Vorosmarty Square, but with an impressive ice rink that circles around the beautiful grand Christmas tree.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a perfect festive destination, which is picture-perfect. Why not enjoy the views of the 15th-century astronomical clock while sipping a mug of mulled wine? The Gothic Church of Our Lady before Tyn is another beautiful landmark in this fascinating city, and nestled in between these two landmarks is plenty of seasonal cheer.
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As expected, there are plenty of festive presents on offer – to entertain the shoppers among you. The food is great, from fresh pancakes to garlic-and-cheese flatbread, which can be washed down – with a mug of mulled wine. Old Town Square is great for kids with animals, such as donkeys and goats, waiting for attention from the vast array of tourists.
Main Image Credit: Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar on Flickr, CC BY 2.0 DEED