Europe comes alive every year with an abundance of Christmas markets brimming with treats and homemade gifts. To brighten up the long dark nights, cities across the continent offer tourists a glimpse into their traditions, and activities and entertainment to match.
From France to Finland, there are a range of incredible experiences to enjoy, so we have rounded up some of the best European Christmas markets you should consider.
Here are 11 of the best Christmas markets in Europe:
9. Bratislava, Slovakia
Featuring cobbled streets, Slovakia’s capital captures the Christmas spirit. Brought alive by lights, there’s an authentic touch with this market, located in Hlavne Namestie, which is smaller and less crowded. Stalls sell traditional wooden toys, with local food such as loksa (pancakes), grog (hot rum and spice) and strudels. This market is perfect for a one-day trip, where you can travel from Austria with ease. | SAMUEL KUBANI/AFP via Getty Images Photo: SAMUEL KUBANI/AFP via Getty Images
10. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is rife with Christmas markets. In fact, Germany’s capital has 80 markets spilling across the city. The biggest is Spandau, but the prettiest is Weihnachtszauber. If you can find it, there’s even a market for dogs. Winter world offers sports such as tobogganing, curling and an ice-skating rink, while traditional German food keeps the spirit warm, with classics such as schmalzkuchen – basically mini doughnuts, lebkuchen gingerbread and more international food like goulash and hot chips to keep an eye out for. Don’t, of course, forget the beer. | Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images Photo: Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images
11. Seville, Spain
In sun-drenched Seville lies Nervion’s Christmas market, but don’t worry there’s still (fake) snow. The temperature sits in the mid-teens, but there’s still an artistic and festive experience waiting for visitors. Wooden stalls line the street, and street exhibitions and performances feature in the back of cabins. Treats such as churros are available and in an Andalusian style there are 80 stalls selling authentic items such as ceramics, wooden toys, and jewellery. For children, there are camel rides, nativity scenes and sweets. | CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images Photo: CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images