The lights, the decorations and the sweets. After two completely atypical years due to the pandemic, the traditional Christmas markets are reborn these days in many towns and cities in Europe.
As if a halo of hope once again covered the street stalls decorated in white, red, green and gold. As if the cold outside could be compensated with the warmth of the home, meetings and affection.
There are many Christmas “markets” in almost all European countries, and only in Germany there are more than a dozen must-sees. For this reason, below, we have chosen 7 markets from different countries that stand out during these Holidays.
1) Prague, Czech Republic
From November 26 to January 6, 2023 , Prague displays all its color and scents in the Old Town Square .
Although the capital of the Czech Republic is one of the cities with the most Christmas spirit and has many markets at different points -for example, in Wenceslas Square- , the biggest attraction is concentrated in the old town, where the tree stands of Christmas.
A few meters from the famous astronomical clock , the wooden stalls sell typical handicrafts and souvenirs, such as puppets or Bohemian glass, blown glass balls, hand-embroidered tablecloths and wooden toys.
You can also taste traditional mulled wine, Czech sausages, cookies and roasted chestnuts.
2) Basel, Switzerland
It was chosen as “the best Christmas market in Europe in 2021” . Like every year, the old town was transformed with fir trees, garlands and lights everywhere. Until December 23, Basel residents and tourists alike can enjoy a good glass of mulled wine (Gluhwein) with views of the Rhine and the lights of the Swiss city where tennis player Roger Federer was born.
The meeting points are the squares Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz , in front of the specially decorated cathedral. There, merchants and artisans offer their products in 155 carefully decorated wooden booths. You can also taste typical delicacies such as the authentic Basel Lackerli -a type of gingerbread-, Swiss raclette -the local cheese- and grilled sausages.
A classic: the public wish book , which is placed in the inner courtyard of the Basel Town Hall and is filled with thoughts, letters to Santa Claus and wishes for health, peace and love.
3) Budapest, Hungary
Until January 2 , the appointment is in front of the Basilica of San Esteban, since one of the most popular markets in Europe is located there. The spirit of the Holidays shines throughout the Hungarian capital, especially at the market in Vorosmarty Square .
The large Christmas tree and an ice rink stand out, along with wooden booths for buying gifts and decorations. In addition, the open-air stalls offer local foods and typical sweets, such as flodni cake.
4) Brussels, Belgium
In the GrandPlace and the center of Brussels, Winter Wonders is the most important Christmas event and market in Belgium. Until January 1, this space will offer not only the classic outdoor stalls, but also a wide variety of festive activities.
In this way, the light and musical shows will take place within the framework of an amazing decoration, with an imposing tree, a life-size nativity scene, an ice skating rink and various exhibitions.
Winter Wonders receives more than 2 million visitors each year , who attend the proposals, buy crafts in more than 200 booths and enjoy local products.
5) Dresden, Germany
It is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world , since its origin dates back to 1434. Known as the Striezelmarkt, it will remain open until next December 24 in the Altmarkt square, the old market square located in the historic center of Dresden.
In addition to the size of the tree, a stepped pyramid 14 meters high and more than 240 craft stalls (for example, the famous nutcrackers) and food (such as Stollen, the typical Christmas bread) stand out in the place. As one of the largest and most authentic markets in Germany, every year it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world.
With the Elbe River and its lights-adorned boats as a backdrop, theatrical performances and exhibitions are held in the city for the Holidays.
6) Manchester, UK
Lights and wooden stalls in Albert Square, opposite the Town Hall.
Until December 22 , this is one of Manchester’s many markets, offering good food to enjoy and selling knickknacks, toys, clothing and handicrafts.
7) Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain
Until December 31 , Madrid residents and visitors will enjoy this traditional Christmas market.
In the emblematic Plaza Mayor , more than a hundred red booths will sell ornaments, manger figures, musical instruments, toys and even “joke items”.
According to the Association of the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market, although in the 17th century fruit, vegetables and decorations for the Holidays were sold in the Plaza de Santa Cruz, it was from the 19th century when several stalls were established in the Plaza Mayor.
At first it was a market for the sale of turkeys, nougats and sweets, and over the decades, other items were added and the awnings were replaced by booths.
