{"id":2856,"date":"2016-10-18T13:00:59","date_gmt":"2016-10-18T13:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.routeperfect.com\/?p=2856"},"modified":"2024-05-15T12:02:00","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T12:02:00","slug":"10-best-christmas-markets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/10-best-christmas-markets\/","title":{"rendered":"Europe&#8217;s 10 Best Christmas Markets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Browse Europe&#8217;s best Christmas markets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Christmas is just around the corner, and we can almost feel the cool air and imagine the twinkling lights. Europe will turn into a magical wonderland, filled with Christmas markets that will make you fill like a kid again. Check out our list for the best Christmas markets in Europe&nbsp;and let us help you get there using our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/trip-planner\/\">European trip planner<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"titleitineraries has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Popular itinerary &#8211; Best Christmas Markets Route:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"piw-container\">\n<iframe class=\"responsive-iframe\" src=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/widgets\/popular-itineraries?id=65f4b85c\" title=\"\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Zagreb, Croatia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;entire city turns into a magical Christmas market! The parks, the town&#8217;s squares, the streets, everything is full of dance shows, traditional music performances, and you can even take a tram ride with Santa Claus. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/croatia\/zagreb\">Zagreb<\/a> is pure Christmas magic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full alignnone wp-image-2857\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/zagreb_art_pavilion_zagreb_croatia.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/zagreb_art_pavilion_zagreb_croatia.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/zagreb_art_pavilion_zagreb_croatia-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/zagreb_art_pavilion_zagreb_croatia-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Advent in Zagreb, Croatia, Ice park and Christmas decoration<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strasbourg, France<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This Christmas market is the oldest in France and the most renowned, for a good reason. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/france\/alsace\/strasbourg\/\">Strasbourg&#8217;s <\/a>town squares are full of picturesque wooden huts filled with local produce, and decorated with breathtaking decorations.&nbsp;That&#8217;s why planning a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/france\/\">road trip to France<\/a> in this period can be a special experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full alignnone wp-image-2858\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"636\" src=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/entrance_to_the_city_center_of_strasbourg_on_christmas_time_france.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13371\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/entrance_to_the_city_center_of_strasbourg_on_christmas_time_france.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/entrance_to_the_city_center_of_strasbourg_on_christmas_time_france-300x191.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/entrance_to_the_city_center_of_strasbourg_on_christmas_time_france-768x488.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Entrance to the city center of Strasbourg on Christmas time<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Colmar, France<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/france\/alsace\/colmar\">Colmar<\/a> is a fairytale town, and it turns into something truly magical during Christmas. The narrow cobbled streets will be full of light and beautiful Christmas decorations, as well as 65 stalls. Don\u2019t forget to sip some hot chocolate to keep warm!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full alignnone wp-image-2859\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/christmas_decorations_in_colmar_france-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13372\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/christmas_decorations_in_colmar_france-.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/christmas_decorations_in_colmar_france--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/christmas_decorations_in_colmar_france--768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">streets decorated for christmas in european city in December, shoppers, movement blur, christmas concept<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Brussels, Belgium<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/belgium\/brussels-capital\">Brussels<\/a> turns into a true wonder at Christmas time. There&#8217;s an ice-skating rink, a huge Christmas tree, a magical light show, a Christmas Parade, a Ferris wheel and over 200 stalls full of Christmas goodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full alignnone wp-image-2860\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/grand_place_of_brussels_belgium_and_a_huge_christmas_tree.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/grand_place_of_brussels_belgium_and_a_huge_christmas_tree.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/grand_place_of_brussels_belgium_and_a_huge_christmas_tree-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/grand_place_of_brussels_belgium_and_a_huge_christmas_tree-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Grand Place of Brussels Belgium and a huge Christmas tree<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Dresden, Germany<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With a total of 11 different Christmas markets, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/germany\/saxony\/dresden\">Dresden<\/a> is the ultimate Christmas playground. Each of the markets boasts a different theme, from a medieval market to a ski one. The entire city is in full Christmas mode, with Christmas tales being shown in the city\u2019s theatres and museums that host special exhibitions. Even the boats are decorated with lights along the Elbe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full alignnone wp-image-2862\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"664\" src=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/dresden_christmas_market.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/dresden_christmas_market.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/dresden_christmas_market-300x199.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/dresden_christmas_market-768x510.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dresden Weihnachtsmarkt &#8211; Dresden christmas market  22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>London, England<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hyde Park&#8217;s &nbsp;Winter Wonderland in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/united-kingdom\/london\/london\">London<\/a> is truly the most magical Christmas celebration you can imagine. You can find a giant Ferris wheel, a magical ice kingdom, a Christmas circus, and a huge outdoors ice rink alongside countless winter stalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full alignnone wp-image-2866\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/hyde_parks_winter_wonderland-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13922\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/hyde_parks_winter_wonderland-1.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/hyde_parks_winter_wonderland-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/hyde_parks_winter_wonderland-1-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hyde Park&#8217;s winter WonderLand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Copenhagen, Denmark<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/denmark\/capital\/copenhagen\">The city&#8217;s<\/a> number one Christmas market is held in Tivoli Gardens, where you can meet Santa and his reindeer, and go on some amazing rides while snacking on traditional sweets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full alignnone wp-image-2865\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the_carousel_and_christmas_illumination_in_tivoli_gardens.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13923\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the_carousel_and_christmas_illumination_in_tivoli_gardens.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the_carousel_and_christmas_illumination_in_tivoli_gardens-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the_carousel_and_christmas_illumination_in_tivoli_gardens-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christmas fair on the Red square at evening, Moscow, Russia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prague, Czech Republic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This impressive Christmas market brings locals and tourists together to celebrate the Christmas spirit. There is a giant Christmas tree in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/czech-republic\/central-bohemian\/prague\/\">Prague&#8217;s <\/a>Old Town Square, and even a small petting zoo, alongside stalls full of wooden toys and handmade jewellery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full alignnone wp-image-2867\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/prague_christmas_market_in_the_old_town_square.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/prague_christmas_market_in_the_old_town_square.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/prague_christmas_market_in_the_old_town_square-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/prague_christmas_market_in_the_old_town_square-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC- DEC 02, 2015: Prague Christmas market on Old Town Square with gothic Tyne cathedral. Centre of Prague is UNESCO protected.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Vienna, Austria <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As expected, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/austria\/vienna\/vienna\">Vienna<\/a> is full of music, especially on Christmas. The city hosts choirs from around the world to sing Christmas songs. Other than that, expect a traditional and lush Christmas market, full of beautiful decorations and Christmas goodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full alignnone wp-image-2868\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas_market_in_vienna_austria.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas_market_in_vienna_austria.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas_market_in_vienna_austria-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/christmas_market_in_vienna_austria-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Illuminating gate in front of the Christmas market by City hall &#8211;  Rathaus in night Vienna, Austria.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Rome, Italy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Christmas market in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/italy\/lazio\/rome\">Rome<\/a> turns Piazza Navona into a winter wonderland. The fountain in the Piazza gives the market a festive and magical feeling.&nbsp;That&#8217;s why an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/italy\/\"><strong>trip to Italy<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;during Christmas time is much recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full alignnone wp-image-2869\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/st._peters_square_at_christmas_rome.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/st._peters_square_at_christmas_rome.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/st._peters_square_at_christmas_rome-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/st._peters_square_at_christmas_rome-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">St. Peter&#8217;s square at Christmas (Rome)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>What&#8217;s the best Christmas market you&#8217;ve ever been to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you liked this article you may also be interested in reading our latest winter inspired articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/finding-santa-claus-lapland\/\">Finding Santa Claus In Lapland<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/surviving-christmas-traveling-with-kids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Surviving Christmas With Kids!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/top-10-ski-resorts-europe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Top 10 Ski Resorts In Europe<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Browse Europe&#8217;s best Christmas markets Christmas is just around the corner, and we can almost feel the cool air and imagine the twinkling lights. Europe will turn into a magical wonderland, filled with Christmas markets that will make you fill like a kid again. Check out our list for the best Christmas markets in Europe&nbsp;and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13368,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[461,305,139,146,408,16,52],"class_list":["post-2856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-tips","tag-christmas","tag-euro-trip","tag-europe","tag-eurotrip","tag-markets","tag-travel","tag-wanderlust"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2856"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2856\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13924,"href":"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2856\/revisions\/13924"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13368"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2856"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.routeperfect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}