Rockin’ Around Europe’s Best Holiday Markets

Get into the holiday spirit at five of Europe’s merriest markets

During the month of December, some of Europe’s most picturesque destinations don their best holiday finery and transform into a winter wonderland straight out of a fairy tale. From sipping on spiced mulled wine in Germany to ice skating outside Schönbrunn Palace in Austria, eat, drink, and shop your way through these festive holiday markets that are sure to lift your winter spirits.

Germany is known for its large array of holiday markets spread throughout the country, but if you were to only visit one, it would have to be Nuremberg’s. Running from November 28 to December 24, this festive event is steeped in pure yuletide cheer and authentic German traditions dating back to the 16th century.

Start your day at Christkindlesmarkt, the city’s main market where hundreds of red and white striped tents sit beneath garlands of pine and twinkling lights, all presided over by the striking gothic façade of Frauenkirche (The Church of our Lady). Grab a steaming mug of glühwein, a spiced mulled wine, to keep you warm as you browse the market’s collection of homemade souvenirs, ranging from ornaments to elegant jewelry to traditional Zwetschgenmännle, figures constructed from dried prunes, wire, and walnuts.

By now, you’ve hopefully worked up an appetite and are ready to feast on bratwurst and sauerkraut. Be sure to try it as drei im weggla, a Nuremberg specialty where three smaller sausages are served in a single roll. Nuremberg is also renowned for its Nuremberg lebkuchen, more commonly known as gingerbread. Soft, chewy, and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, this iconic holiday treat makes for a tasty dessert.

Finish with a visit to the world’s largest Feuerzangenbowle, a popular holiday beverage where a giant rum-soaked sugar cube is set aflame and drips into mulled wine, before heading to the neighboring Sister Cities Market. Here you can find goods from around the world, making it an excellent place to discover some unique holiday gifts to bring home.

Not only does this French city look like it came straight out of fairy tale, but it’s also referred to as the Capitale de Noël, or Capital of Christmas, making it a top contender for best holiday market. An easy train ride from Paris, with over ten different markets scattered throughout the cobbled streets from November 26 to December 24, Strasbourg is a prime destination for those looking to get a quintessential European holiday experience.

Despite the vast array of markets, the city itself is a considerably walkable destination, making it easy to hop from place to place. Your journey will begin at Place Broglie, where the city’s oldest market resides. Here, you will come across some of the more traditional stalls and delicacies. A few streets away you will find Place Kléber, Strasbourg’s main square and home to the famous 30-meter Christmas tree, which will surely kickstart the holiday spirit. Spend some time perusing before fueling up with some chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) and trekking to La Petit France.

This quaint neighborhood includes a few smaller markets and is ideal for those who are looking to indulge in local cuisine: you can find anything from truffles and pâté to local wine and cheeses. Admire the colorful, half-timbered houses perched along the canals as you taste tidbits from stall to stall. After, follow Quai Saint-Thomas to the Alsace Delights Market, where you can try some traditional Alsace Christmas biscuits known as bredele.

End at Strasbourg’s most popular market, which sits just below the resplendent Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg. The square truly comes to life at night, when it’s lit up by hundreds of Christmas lights adorning the buildings. With dozens of stalls to explore, be sure to save ample time for this last spot. Stock up on meticulously hand-crafted wooden ornaments and figures, a specialty among many vendors and perfect gifts for loved ones back home.

Countries like France and Germany may dominate in the category of top holiday markets, but the United Kingdom can certainly compete. Edinburgh, already charming year-round, truly thrives during the holidays. From November 15 through January 4, the city turns into a wonderland full of winter revelry. The East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market captures that authentic Central European atmosphere while adding its own touch of lively Scottish flair. Begin with some shopping, where, in true Edinburgh fashion, you will come across plenty of local artisan goods and eccentric souvenirs. Now is the perfect time to purchase some traditional woolen accessories to keep you warm throughout your excursion.

While this sprawling market offers something festive for everyone, it proves to be a true delight for those who love to eat. Local favorites include french fries loaded with turkey, gravy, and stuffing (aptly named “festive fries”) as well as Yorkshire pudding wraps. For those who lean more towards tradition, dinna fash - don't worry - you will still be able to find a classic bratwurst or raclette. These hearty fares will certainly help stave off the cold, but if you’re in need of an extra boost, go for a hot toddy with local scotch or some Baileys coffee.

Apart from eating and shopping, the market also offers tons of activities ranging from ice skating to carnival rides for all ages. As night falls, go for a ride in the Forth 1 Big Wheel and admire the city’s lights from up above. The market also hosts various events throughout its stay, so keep an eye out for bagpipe performances, Santa visits, and free concerts.

As winter approaches and snow begins to fall, the Czech Republic’s already romantic capital becomes even more magical. This is reflected in its enchanting holiday markets, which draw visitors from around the world. From November 29 to January 6, you can experience this festivity for yourself with a visit to Prague. Prague’s historic Old Town Square lends a dramatic backdrop to the city’s most famous holiday market.

The entire event is a feast for the eyes, with sparkling decorations and dozens of stalls hemmed in by the square’s diverse mix of Romanesque, baroque, and gothic architecture. Because this market is known mainly for its food and scenic atmosphere, it’s ideal to visit at night when you can fully indulge while admiring the remarkable lights. If you are looking to do some shopping, there are several smaller markets throughout the city where you can find artisan goods and holiday decorations to bring home. This is also a great way to work up an appetite for when you make your way to Old Town Square.

With a mix of local dishes and authentic holiday fares, you will have plenty of unique things to try during your visit. Dive into some traditional Czech flavors with a plate of halušky, which consists of cabbage, potatoes, and ham, or pražská klobása, pork and beef sausage flavored with paprika. Spiraled fried potatoes are another delightfully salty snack; served on a skewer, they are easy to eat as you browse. A refreshing Czech beer is the perfect balance to these savory dishes, and luckily several stalls offer local brews. For dessert, end with a trdelník, more commonly known as a chimney cake. This cylindrical shaped pastry is doused in sugar and served warm.

Much like Strasbourg, Vienna is home to several markets spread throughout the city. The most popular are Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, located in City Hall Square from November 14 through December 26, and the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace, which runs from November 6 to January 6, but don’t let that dissuade you from exploring some of the others.

At Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, you will be welcomed by a dazzling arch of lights before emerging into a plaza bedecked with pine garlands, scarlet ribbons, and twinkling stars, all surrounding the gargantuan Christmas tree. Go for a spin on the two-story carousel or ice skate throughout the market on the interconnecting rinks. Here, you will find some of the best Käsespätzle, a comforting meal of cheesy egg-noodles often topped with crispy onions. Other must-try dishes include perfectly fried potato pancakes, hearty stews served in bread bowls, and selchfleischknödel, meat-stuffed potato dumplings. Like most Christmas markets, there will be no shortage of glühwein, but be sure to also give punsch a try, a specialty concoction made up of fruit juice, spices, and spirits.

The Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace sits a bit outside of the city center but is well worth the visit. Located in the palace courtyard, this is a great opportunity to admire one of Vienna’s most popular landmarks while also doing some shopping. Stock up on hand-knitted ornaments, cookie cutters of every shape and size, and ceramic dishes. Altwiener Christkindlmarkt is the oldest market in the city, and its smaller size and more mellow atmosphere acts as a nice interlude between the livelier markets. Here, you can bask in undiluted Viennese tradition and holiday charm and taste all sorts of authentic treats. The Spittelberg Christmas Market is set up throughout the streets and alleyways of the city, making for a fun opportunity to meander, and The Stephansplatz Market is a newer addition, but has a prime location right beneath St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

As the holidays approach, consider adding one of these festive destinations to your winter travel itinerary. No matter which markets you choose to explore, you will be sure to encounter unique traditions, delicious cuisine, and plenty of Christmas cheer.