10 unique Christmas markets in Europe
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, copious amounts of mulled wine and some of the best hot chocolate you’ve ever had.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across Europe as hundreds of yuletide markets set up their seasonal shops for 2022. While most popular in towns throughout Germany and Belgium, Christmas markets appear across the continent with a wide range of themes, specialty goods and local food traditions.
From Alpine summits to tiny island towns, go off the well-trodden Christmas market trail for these 10 European favorites that shine with their own unique yuletide culture.
Locally-made crafts at Innsbruck’s traditional European Christmas © KlavdiyaV / Shutterstock
Innsbruck, Austria
Dates: November 15 – December 23, 2022
In the snowy Austrian Alps, Innsbruck hosts several enchanting Christmas markets. In the medieval old town, a huge tree glitters in front of the Golden Roof, folk bands play and chalets sell decorations, candles, gingerbread and mulled wine. Kids love the traditional fairground rides and puppet shows on riverside Marktplatz or take them to fairy-tale-themed Kiebachgasse. Market stalls and trees packed with twinkling lights light up Maria Theresien Street.
Austria’s national parks are an Alpine playground
The views at Mt Pilatus’ Christkindlimärt are spectacular © Marco Thali
Mt Pilatus, Switzerland
Dates: November 18 – 20, 2022
For novelty value and sensational Alpine views, ride to Europe’s highest Christmas market on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, which has been trundling up to 6995ft (2132m) Mt Pilatus since 1889. Perched above Lake Lucerne, the mountaintop Christkindlimärt…
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