Why battle the crowds along the ubiquitous high street when you can meander around an old town square, where the only things you have to dodge are the angelic choirs and the hot punch stands?
Europe’s Christmas markets offer a peaceful alternative to gift shopping and a perfect escape from the pre-festive madness. If they don’t get you in the mood for the big day back at home, nothing will…
Germany: Munich’s Crib Market (Fri 25 Nov to Sat 24 Dec) Germany is the Christmas market capital and Munich’s is one of the most celebrated. The Crib Market takes over the city’s main square and boasts around 140 stalls selling glass baubles, wooden toys and speciality foods including gingerbread. For the little ones, there are free afternoon workshops, all presided over by a huge candlelit Christmas tree. Fly to Munich with Easyjet. Read more.
Austria: Salzburg’s Chriskindlmarkt (Sat 19 Nov to Sat 24 Dec) Framed by thousands of twinkling fairy lights in the shadow of the gothic cathedral, Salzburg’s Christmas market sees row upon row of wooden booths crammed full of handmade crafts, glassware and sheepskin. Choirs perform here each day. Fly to Salzburg with Ryanair or Sky Europe. Read more.
Hungary: Budapest Christmas Fair (Sat 26 Nov to Sat 24 Dec) Stalls at the Budapest Christmas Fair are allocated only to the country’s top craftspeople, so the porcelain, glass and leather are of the highest quality. Hot spicy sausages and honey cake are served alongside the outdoor skating rink. Fly to Budapest with Ryanair, Air Berlin or Sky Europe. Read more Read more.
Belgium: Brussels Christmas Market (Sat 3 Dec to Mon 2 Jan) One for foodies, Brussels’ Grand-Place is transformed into a gastronomic paradise, with Belgian choccies, biscuits and preserved fruits nestling alongside gorgeous goodies from all over Europe. Street entertainers and an outdoor ice rink keep the kids amused. Travel to Brussels with Eurostar or fly with Ryanair. Read more.
Denmark: Copenhagen Seasonal Market (Fri 11 Nov to 30 Dec) Half a million lights and hundreds of Christmas trees cover Tivoli Gardens, Europe’s oldest amusement park, the scene of this local market producing wooden and porcelain crafts. Fly to Denmark with British Airways or Easyjet. Read more.
For the best Christmas markets in the UK see what’s on.
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites. Images of market courtesy of credit : Office de Tourisme de Lille /Alain Bénard; image of wheel courtesy of Daniel Rapaich/SCIM Ville de Lille.
