A Tour of Europe’s Best Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are a popular holiday tradition. Some people go to them to buy gifts, and others to enjoy food and drinks with friends. Here are some of Europe’s best Christmas markets.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne is home to many Christmas markets, with the biggest taking place in front of Cologne Cathedral. As many as 4 million people visit it every year.

As well as market stalls selling toys, food, and Glühwein (hot wine), visitors to the Cologne Cathedral market can enjoy live music and a traditional carousel.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg calls itself “The Capital of Christmas markets,” and its Christkindelsmärik (“Christ Child Market” in the local Alsatian language) takes place every year in the city centre. Visitors can shop for gifts and snacks like Flammkuchen – a flat bread with cream, bacon, onions, and cheese.

Visitors can also find Strasbourg’s famous Christmas tree in Place Kléber close to the market. The tree is decorated with 7 kilometres of lights and is always at least 30 metres tall.

Gothenburg, Sweden

The Liseberg Christmas market in Gothenburg, Sweden, is held at the Liseberg amusement park. Adults can enjoy the market’s food, drinks, and lights, while children can visit Santa Claus. The market also has its own medieval Christmas village.

Madrid, Spain

There are lots of Christmas markets in Madrid, but the biggest can be found at the Plaza Mayor from late November to late December.

Like other markets, this is a great place to shop for gifts, but it also sells a lot of joke products. This is because the Day of the Holy Innocents, Spain’s version of April Fool’s Day, is just after Christmas on the 28th December.