To enjoy Christmas to the fullest, you must be in the mood, which might not be easy if you are an alien in the city. With your loved ones far away, there is no better place to find that mood than at a European Christmas market with its finger-licking food, festive decorations, and cheerful crowds. Read on to learn about the best European Christmas destinations, which might be only a short trip away. And don't forget to enjoy the festive spirit with your family: we share a great tip on how to do this easily.
Salzburg
When thinking of Christmas in Europe, Austria and Salzburg, in particular, are probably the first places that come to mind. The merry visitors meander among the snow-covered stalls and decorations; the delicious festive aromas of roasted chestnuts and baked apples hang in the air, mixing with those of mulled wine and hot punch. Salzburg boasts not only one of the best European Christmas markets but also one of the oldest, mentioned as far back as the 15th century. Nestled in the heart of the Old City, between the Hohensalzburg fortress and the Cathedral, the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt's 100 market stands offer a wide selection of Christmas paraphernalia, from gingerbread hearts to wood carvings and knitwear. There is a rich festive programme to enjoy, including choral singing and traditional wind music known as 'Turmblasen'.
Prague
One of the most beautiful European capitals, Prague is also among the best Christmas cities in Europe. This year, its main Christmas events are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where the two largest Christmas markets have been set up. The festivities are on until 6 January 2024 and include music and dance shows, workshops, an ice rink, and cooking rybí polévka, the Traditional Christmas fish soup made with fresh carp. The selection of Czech Christmas culinary delights is mouthwatering. At this European Christmas market, you can try šunka, or roasted ham, klobása sausages, or various dumplings (knedlíky) among other things. Sweets and pastries are abundant, such as perníčky (spicy gingerbread) or the Czech version of chimney pie called trdelník. If it is too cold for the world-famous Czech beer, then warm yourself up with a glass of mulled wine (svařák) or honey wine (medovina). To those who are not done with their Christmas shopping yet, Prague offers unique hand-embroidered lace, marionettes and dolls, or purpura fragrances with hints of cinnamon, clove, and other seasonal spices.
Basel
Basel's festive winter atmosphere turns it into one of the best European cities at Christmas. Spread across Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, the Basel Christmas market's magnificent Christmas tree is surrounded by more than 150 wooden chalets selling a plethora of goods. A glass of mulled wine from the 13-metre-high Christmas Pyramid goes very well with local delicacies such as waffles, Basel Läckerli gingerbread, anise cookies, or Swiss raclette. After writing down your Christmas wishes in the Basel Wish Book at the City Hall, you can enjoy incredible vistas of the Old Town and the Rhine from Basel Cathedral or Pfalz viewing terrace.
Cologne
For many people, Germany is among the best European Christmas destinations. Germans love their holiday season and celebrate it wholeheartedly as Christmas markets across the country are bustling with people. One of the most popular is the market, or Weihnachtsmarkt in German, in Cologne. In fact, the whole city is transformed into one giant festive fair illuminated by thousands of Christmas lights. There are carousels and ice rinks, the Christmas Ferris wheel, and the Christmas Market Express to help you get from one location to another.
You can feel the traditional spirit while wandering through more than 200 market stalls at Cologne Cathedral, with its enormous Christmas tree. In the meantime, the lively harbour hosts its own more modern but still one of the best Christmas markets. Everything here is themed with ships and sailing, from white sail-like tents to 'pirate' entertainment set up on a real three-masted wooden ship. To warm you up, there is a selection of mulled wines and beers, as well as the famous Feuerzangenbowle rum punch prepared in a copper pot.
Budapest
One of the jewels in the European Christmas crown, the Advent Basilica in Budapest is among the best Christmas markets in Europe. Set up at two different locations, Vörösmarty Square and St Stephen's Basilica, the market turns Budapest into a place 'Where love takes your hand' – such is this year's official motto of the fair. The best European city for Christmas invites visitors to dive into the festive mood and have fun on the ice rink, listen to live music or admire 3D light shows. Over a hundred stalls offer local crafts and gifts. And what puts Hungary among the best European Christmas destinations is, of course, food. Must-tries include lángos – fried flatbread with a variety of toppings, teli szalami sandwiches, the famous Hungarian goulash, and Porkolt stew, all accompanied by a glass of mulled wine, Pálinka (fruit brandy), or Zwack Unicum herbal liqueur. For dessert, there are renowned Kürtőskalács, or chimney cake, and Flódni pastries filled with jam and chocolate.
Edinburgh
Those who find themselves in Edinburgh this holiday season are lucky to have the opportunity to visit one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Located in East Princes Street Gardens and open until 6 January 2024, this festive hub dominates several smaller markets spread across the Scottish capital. Visitors can enjoy local Christmas delicacies such as pigs in blankets and various pies (with vegan options available) and wash those down with mulled Irn-Bru, also known as "Scotland's other national drink". Besides the traditional crafts market where you can buy sweets, gifts and trinkets, there is a rich entertainment programme with unique projections and performances around the city. The ice rink offers a special kind of fun for those who are into an active pastime, and a ride on a Ferris wheel with its stunning views will make your Christmas truly unforgettable.
Barcelona
Looking at Christmas markets in Europe to visit, but the weather everywhere seems to be too cold? No problem! There is sunny Barcelona, which merrily spends its holiday season under palm trees and with a dozen Christmas markets scattered around the city. The most famous one is Fira de Santa Llúcia, which this year celebrates its 237th anniversary! The market is huge, with over 300 stalls selling Christmas-related hand-made products such as jewellery, puppets, Christmas decorations, and so on. Here, you can also get your Caga Tió, a log with a face cut on it, which is an important part of the Catalan Christmas tradition. Speaking of traditions, Fira de Santa Llúcia is not trying to copy its German counterparts, so you might not find mulled wine or fried sausages here. Still, it is among the best European Christmas markets, with its own distinctively festive spirit illuminated by splendid arrangements of Christmas lights!
Wherever the Christmas market of your choice happens to be this holiday season, you will want to share the mood with your loved ones. After all, Christmas is a family holiday. Call them, share photos and videos, and get them presents. Or, better still, send them a money gift! You can easily do it with Profee, an online transfer provider. We offer you sending money to over 65 destinations around the world. And it is a win-win arrangement: you skip the chaos of Christmas shopping and still get an ideal gift while saving time and money. At Profee, we offer an incredibly fast, transparent, efficient, and inexpensive service and plenty of additional benefits for our customers. Make yourself a gift by downloading the app and sharing the joy of Christmas with your friends and family back home!
