From angelic Salzburg to classic Cologne and glowing Bruges, Seonaid McGill picks the European Christmas Markets guaranteed to enchant this year.
Tallin Christmas Market © Kaupo Kalda/Visit Tallinn
Tallinn: our top pick for European Christmas market traditions
21 November to 26 December 2024
They say the very first Christmas tree ever was raised in Estonia, in front of the Tallinn town hall, in the mid-15th century. With an origin story like that, it’s no surprise that the Tallinn Christmas market shows off a bit. Buy one-of-a-kind gifts from stalls laden with local wares; hark to the cheerful sounds of bells and brass bands; pause on the cobblestones to take in the lovely medieval old town – hopefully under a light dusting of snow – then go gaze at the tree: it’s as tall as it ever was and in front of the town hall, as tradition dictates. Children less impressed by that type of European Christmas market heritage, are wooed instead by a jolly Santa, jingling carousels and a high chance of real reindeer.
Where to stay: CRU Hotel, Deluxe Double Room (2 adults, 2 children) from $251 per night
Fairy tale Basel at Christmas © My Switzerland
Basel: best fairy tale European Christmas market
28 November to 23 December 2024
Wrap up warm and come hungry to the Münsterplatz Christmas market in Basel. Easily one of the prettiest in Europe, it’s the largest in Switzerland and eating opportunities are many, and shamelessly carb-laden; throw caution to the wind for Flammkuchen and Kartoffelpuffer. It’s also another one where the gifts are almost too good to give away, and this year it has a Fairy Tale Forest too, right next to the market and packed with kids’ activities, workshops and cute goings-on like puppet shows and bread-on-a-stick baking over open fires.
Where to stay: Royal Hotel, Family Room (2 adults, 2 children) from $508 per night
Ice rink, Cologne night market © GNTB
Cologne: best European Christmas market for myths & legends
18 November to 23 December 2023
Another European Christmas market giant that favours many options, Cologne covers all bases with its collection; from Nikolausdorf, where kids can explore the real Santa story, to the spellbinding Markt der Engel in the shadow of mighty Cologne Cathedral. Heinzels Winter Fairytale is a winsome child-size delight, with the Heumarkt ice rink as an added bonus, alongside alleys lined with artisans peddling temptation. And if you’ve managed to lure teens into some good old fashioned festivities this year, reward them with a turn round The Super Christmas Market, for all things upcycled, local and fair: ‘tis the season to be sustainable.
Where to stay: Classik Hotel Antonius, Deluxe Double Room (2 adults, 2 children) from $587 per night
Bath: the Christmas market that’s unbeatable for browsing
28 November to 15 December 2024
Just when you think Bath Christmas Market has reached its full potential, it up and grows bigger. This year more than 220 stalls are taking over the historic city centre selling all sorts, from the wonderful – local cheese and chocolate – to the faintly weird – vodka made from milk. Festive food is as plentiful as ever, along with lots of toasty nooks for you to tuck in out of the cold. And glowing and gorgeous as it will inevitably be, Bath is also scoring high on sustainability this year, with only one HVO generator on-site.
Where to stay: Hotel Indigo, Premium Double Room (2 adults, 2 children) from $628 per night
Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz, Vienna © Wien Tourismus
Vienna: best for glitter, architecture and sheer variety
16 November 2024 to 4 January 2025
With 20-plus Christmas markets planned for this year, seems like Vienna believes you can never have too much of a good thing, and it’s not wrong. Spread yourself thin and see them all or be selective and get to know a few, intimately. Whichever way you play it, don’t miss the Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of the grand Rathaus. Running a close second on glamorous settings, is the Belvedere Palace Christmas Village: food heaven. However, for sheer cosiness, hit Spittelberg to buy someone you love pretty presents and hand-knitted jumpers.
Where to stay: SO/ Vienna, Urban Double Room (2 adults, 2 children) from $459 per night
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Winter Glow Bruges © Jan Darthet/Visit Bruges
Bruges: best for chocolate and Winter Glow
22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Bruges Christmas markets used to be best known for chocolatey aromas, and all that good stuff is still in place, although now there’s a little gentle competition from the new-ish Winter Glow experience. So definitely come for the Markt Square traditions of gift stalls, cosy eats, shimmery buildings and foolishly extravagant confectionery, but wrap up warm and walk a bit too. Practically every corner of the old town is aglow this year and if trekking the trails with your starry eyed kids doesn’t make you feel Christmassy to your core, go back and do it again.
Where to stay: Boutique Hotel Sablon, The Family Residence (2 adults, 2 children) from $405 per night
Strasbourg ‘Capital of Christmas’ © Vincent Muller/Visit Strasbourg
Strasbourg: the festive capital wins on splendour
27 November to 27 December 2024
The chilly north of France gives German markets a run for their money round about Christmas, and Strasbourg is always the one to beat. The medieval old town’s dramatic cathedral and half-timbered houses give it a head start, but the real ‘Capital of Christmas’ credentials lie in 100s of stalls tucked around central squares selling everything from delicate glass baubles to beribboned bredele biscuits. Although some credit also goes to the 30m-plus Christmas tree and a lavish take on street decorations. .
Where to stay: Hôtel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg, Prestige Room (2 adults, 2 children) from $529 per night
Christkindlmarkt, Salzburg © Tourismus Salzburg
Salzburg: the Christkindlmarkt that comes with angels
21 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
Some cities suit winter and beautiful Baroque Salzburg is one of them. Come November its frosty charm extends to the Christkindlmarkt that’s been held here since the 15th century. Around 100 stalls line Cathedral Square selling the type of hand-made gifts you covet yourself. Singing along with carols is encouraged on Tuesday nights. And if you go on a Sunday, that’s when the Christ Child and his Angels visit, just to captivate children completely. .
Where to stay: Hotel IMLAUER & Bräu, Family Room (2 adults, 2 children) from $312 per night
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