The 8 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets
1. Nuremberg, Germany: Gingerbread and a historic setting
The Christkindlesmarkt in the heart of Nuremberg's old town is undoubtedly one of the most traditional and beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Handmade Christmas decorations, gingerbread and the lantern procession of the Nuremberg children are just some of its highlights. In a sea of red-and-white decorated wooden stalls, around two hundred traders present traditional wares such as the handmade Nuremberg «Zwetschgenmännle» (prune figures). The historic backdrop of the castle and the city wall adds to a unique and enchanting atmosphere.
2. London, England: Winter Wonderland and ice rink
For Christmas enthusiasts, there is no avoiding London: during Advent, shopping streets such as Oxford Street and Covent Garden shine with wonderful Christmas lights. Meanwhile, Hyde Park turns into a true «Winter Wonderland»: alongside the Christmas market you will find a huge choice of festive entertainment and activities, such as ice skating on the largest open-air ice rink in Britain. In the «Magical Ice Kingdom», made up of more than 500 tonnes of ice, there are ice tunnels, ice slides and an ice palace to discover.
3. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: Straight out of a fairy tale
With its towers and mighty city walls, Rothenburg seems to have stepped out of a medieval fairy tale: the winding little lanes and small squares framed by half-timbered houses in the old town invite you to linger. The Reiterlesmarkt is clearly one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Germany and looks back on a centuries-old tradition. Enjoy the medieval ambience between the town hall and St James's Church while warming yourself with a cup of mulled wine.
4. Lindau, Germany: Harbour Christmas with an Alpine panorama
At Advent, Lindau turns into a Christmas island: Lake Constance with the impressive, shimmering Alpine panorama in the background creates a uniquely contemplative atmosphere. Discover the Fairy-Tale Forest with legendary figures and real animals, and go shopping in Lindau's old town. The stalls of the Christmas market sell fair-trade goods and local products.
5. Colmar, France: Small and refined
If you love dreamy little lanes and want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the larger Christmas markets, you should not miss picturesque Colmar at Advent: the historic buildings and narrow streets of the old town now shine with festive decorations and warm light. Each of Colmar's six themed Christmas markets is a little village of its own, where enthusiastic craftspeople present their wares. Wine lovers can discover Alsatian wines in a Christmas wine cellar.
6. Einsiedeln, Switzerland: In front of a monumental monastery
The Christmas market in Einsiedeln offers a special setting with its impressive monastery dating from the 10th century. As the largest place of pilgrimage in Switzerland, it attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. The festive Christmas lights, the big Christmas tree and the cosily decorated stalls all contribute to the perfect Advent mood at the Einsiedeln Christmas market.
7. Brussels, Belgium: With a sound and light show
In the square in front of Brussels' iconic town hall, you will find more than 200 chalets, a 22-metre-high Christmas tree, an ice rink and a Ferris wheel at Advent. The façades of the venerable guild houses are bathed in a sound and light show: this audiovisual event is definitely the highlight of Brussels' «Winter Wonders». There are also further illuminated art installations and laser projections to admire.
8. Merano, Italy: Shopping and pony rides
South Tyrol offers a special Mediterranean Advent magic. Discover the atmospheric Christmas market on the Passer Promenade in Merano, which will enchant you with its unmistakable charm. Ice skating, a Christmas bakery and pony rides for children are some of the highlights of this Christmas market. Enjoy a mulled wine while your gaze wanders over the snow-covered mountain backdrop behind the town. For shopping fans, Merano's town centre is a true paradise: here you will find exclusive boutiques, delicatessens and bookshops.