Imagine this, so you are walking through a thin layer of soft white snow; towards a glorious smell in the air; a range of different sensations from cinnamon, spices and wood fire. As you get closer you see the Christmas Markets; beautiful wooden houses all lined up in a row decorated with homemade trinkets; the smells of homemade spiced door reefs and glorious food. The Christmas lights sparkle as you sip your mulled wine and listen to the music; these are the top 6 places to experience the magic of Christmas in Europe.
ALL major cities in Europe start decorating the city streets in November; most of the Christmas Markets will run from the end of November until the first week of January. The whole continent gets involved and brings the dark winter months to life; with creativity, fairy lights and incredible Christmas Displays. Where ever you choose to spend Christmas in Europe we can guarantee you that you will feel the magic; your eyes will be opened to the differences in our Christmas traditions and how above and beyond the Europeans go. After all; this is the season to be jolly so why not share the Christmas cheer.
1. Prague, Czech Republic
There are 2 main places we would recommend “Czeching” out; one is right outside the main shopping centre and the main tram stop Praha Hlavní Nádraží. The whole area is lined with beautiful Local fresh food markets and Christmas Stalls.
Head towards Old Town Square, this square is magnificent, bustling with people, buskers, restaurants, Cafés and the astronomical clock. The beauty is magnified at Christmas time; when Old Town Square becomes a winter wonderland for all ages. There is always a giant Christmas tree that towers over the square; so beautifully decorated. Beneath the dazzling tree you will find a Czech Marketplace; with beautiful wooden stalls of Czech Glass, local products, handmade embroidery, Christmas decorations, handmade Christmas gifts; and our personal favourite stalls of food, glorious food. Be sure to try the mulled wine; the traditional Czech Christmas biscuits and of course the melt in your mouth flame-grilled meats. Prague is one of our favourite places the city is a perfect balance between medieval, charm and modern-day life.
2. London, United Kingdom
Christmas is when London transforms into a city of magic and lights; every which way you turn in the city; light poles, Christmas trees, parks, streets are decorated to capture the beauty of Christmas. Oxford Street is a main street in the city centre which is shopping heaven; during the Christmas period, it is a work of art with fairy lights.
Leicester Square
Home to M&M world; a giant store filled with every M&M item you can possibly think of; however we are talking about the Magic of Christmas; just down the road from M&M road you will find Leicester Square. Usually home to movie premiers, night clubs, music theatres and high-end shopping. At Christmas time it is transformed into beautiful little wooden stalls with locally made products and foods. Santa usually sets up his sleigh in Leister Square if you want to see the big man himself.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is transformed into London’s “Winter Wonderland”; the festivities start around the 23rd November and go for about 6 weeks; the beauty of this fantastic festival; is it is free entry! Free entry and you have access to entertainment, rides and Christmas Stalls; selling crafts, jewellery, toys and handmade Christmas decorations. Winter Wonderland is open all day and well into the evening; there are live bands and the Uk’s largest outdoor ice skating rink.
Banks of the River Thames
Jump on the tube and head to Tower Bridge Station; from there walk along the banks of the River Thames towards the world-famous London Bridge. You will find rows and rows of Christmas Markets. Mostly made up of FOOD!!! You heard right FOOD; from sweets to savouries you name it you will find it along this stretch of Christmas Magic. Just a little tip we recommend heading to these markets on an empty stomach; because you will not be able to resist the delicious treats.
3. Paris, France
Paris, the city of love, romance and passion; we are then going to add the Magic of Christmas to the mix, and you are almost guaranteed a beautiful experience. The main street of Paris that we would recommend checking out for Christmas festivities; is the Champs Elysees right down to the Place De La Concorde. The already elegant and stunning boulevard is home to perfect rows of Christmas lights and wooden stalls. Here you will find local produce, arts and crafts, unique little gifts and lots of handmade Christmas decorations.
Champs De Mars – Beautiful grassed area underneath the Eiffel Tower; the trees line the area and are decorated with shimmering fairy lights; but the best part of all is the glorious Eiffel tower lighting up the night sky; with over 20,000 twinkling lights. Now that is an experience that everyone needs to have in Paris; and then add the Christmas festivities on top of that, we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
4. Berlin, Germany
Christmas time is where Germany shines quite literally so you basically need to spend the whole month of December; cruising around Germany checking out the amazing Christmas markets and displays.
This time we are going to talk about Alexanderplatz in Berlin; just below the iconic TV tower in the main square; you will find one of the most beautifully presented Christmas Markets. In true German style there is a HUGE beer hall in the middle filled with long tables; steins of beer and singing people enjoying the festivities. The beer halls are the basis of social life in Germany; the long tables and benches set out in a way that you can’t help but make friends. Inside and outside the hall you will find traditional Mulled wine; an aroma of spices and food that instantly make you hungry. Make sure you try the German BBQ sausages, Pork Knuckle and the Hungarian Langos.
5. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a very unique city in itself; we have them to thank for so many notable pages of the history books. Every year the city is lit up with the fairy tales of Kings and Queens; one of the best areas to check out is the City Hall Square. Every tree, every light post, the bus stop is elegantly decorated like a fairytale land. Market stalls are set up all through the park areas with Christmas workshops; treats, delicious traditional foods, warm drinks and the most amazing atmosphere.
Another place you could check out is in front of the Schonbrunn Palace; divine elegance and Christmas spirit with the romantic backdrop of the Imperial Palace. It is here you will find some pretty amazing free concerts, or you can book your seat at one of the most prestigious concerts in Vienna the Boys Choir.
6. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is the most magical; the main square is like a fairy tale; dotted with restaurants, cafes, Christmas Markets and medieval charm. In front of the restaurants is outdoor seating, beautiful tents; set up with heaters or fires to keep you toasty and warm; while you gaze upon the Christmas festivities of the marketplace.
The sound of music and laughter comes from the main stage; the smell of the market food is absolutely divine. Traditional market stalls sell handcrafted goods; Christmas present ideas, jewellery, knitted goods, winter woollies and so much more. Just to the right off the main square is an indoor marketplace selling mostly souvenirs; however, it is a good place to get inside; out of the snow and warm up. Another great way to warm up in -5 degrees; yup you guessed it MULLED WINE!
The food stalls in Rynek are amazing; especially the giant meet BBQ (sorry to those Vegetarians); there is an array of sausages, meats and grilled vegetables. Grab a plate and try EVERYTHING. As you have probably worked out by now we are all about the food, and Christmas Markets have the BEST food. A little tip; make sure you graze throughout the day and evening don’t eat massive meals; grab small portions and be sure to try it all.
The Magic of Christmas in Europe
The Europeans genuinely love the entire season and are proud to decorate their houses and streets. Where ever in Europe for the festive season; you will feel like you have stepped into a movie. The charm, the character and mystery. Who knows you may even be lucky enough; to have a sprinkle of snow to really feel the magic of Christmas in Europe. Europe is such an amazing continent with so many different cultures and ways of life for some tips on quirky things you may come across in your travels check out our Public Toilets in Europe or Tipping in Europe.
