Christmas fairs in European cities

Christmas markets appeared in Germany in the late Middle Ages. One of the oldest, in Dresden, dates back to 1434.Although German cities are still leading in the number of holiday bazaars, they can now be found all over Europe. 

Cologne, Germany

Datesof the event: from November 21 to December 23, 2022

There are traditionally several Christmas markets in Cologne, the largest of which is located in the city center in front of the Cologne Cathedral. More than 150 trade tents and pavilions, as well as about 60 artisan workshops are set up on Ronkalliplatz Square. All of them attract tourists with bright lights.

The Market of Angels (Markt del Angel) is widely known for its wonderful decoration: hundreds of twinkling lights suspended overhead like stars, and angels fluttering between the elaborately decorated pediments of fair houses.

Not far from the Cathedral there is another Christmas market – The village of St. Nicholas (Nikolausdor). This festive playground is aimed at children. On the Alter Markt Square, next to the old Town Hall, the Village of Elves (Heimat der Heinzel) greets travelers. For young children there is a puppet theater, toy houses with figures of elves, as well as a Santa Claus corner.

Salzburg, Austria

Datesof the: from November 17, 2022 to January 1, 2023

At Christmas time, Mozart's homeland is closer than ever to its origins. Fairground tents look almost the same as in the 15th century, when they were first installed. The famous Christmas hymn "Silent Night" sounds special here, as it was written and performed for the first time near this place.

At the fair in Salzburg, the emphasis is not on quantity, but on quality, so in local shops you are more likely to find excellent hand-knitted socks, rather than modern factory candles.

Concerts are held daily at 5 pm in front of the temple, and every Tuesday from 18:00 to 20:00 you can join in the Christmas carols.

Berlin, Germany

Datesof the: from November 21, 2022 to January 1, 2023

In Berlin, traditional Christmas fairs are arranged in a modern way. In total, there are more than 80 festive venues in the German capital, so it is unlikely to be possible to get around them all.

The most classic fair – Weihnachtszauber – with a large selection of art and crafts takes place on the most beautiful square of the city Gendarmenmarkt (Gendarmenmarkt). However, this year, due to the reconstruction, Weihnachtszauber moved to Bebelplatz near the German State Opera.

You can spend time with health benefits at Winter World on Potsdamer Platz. Here you will find all kinds of winter entertainment: sledding and skating, curling. The children are given free lessons of sliding on ice.

Prague, Czech Republic

Datesof the event: from November 26, 2022 to January 6, 2023

Winter Prague seems to be specially dressed up and posing for Christmas cards. The atmosphere in the city is magnificent. One of the places of attraction is the Old Town Square. On one side there are two twin spires of the Cathedral of Our Lady in front of the 14th century, on the other side there is a tower with the famous astronomical clock of the 15th century. Between these majestic sights there is a bright, noisy and cheerful seasonal fair. Here you can taste grilled sausages, fresh pancakes, flatbreads with garlic and cheese, the famous hot pancakes with icing sugar and cinnamon, as well as citrus drink, Czech version of mulled wine, – svarak. According to tradition, betlems (nativity scenes) – compositions on the theme of the birth of Christ are installed at the fair. Sometimes there are real animals in the nursery - sheep, goats, donkeys, which are very friendly. They can be petted and fed. 

Strasbourg, France

Dates of the: from November 25 to December 26, 2022

The tradition of Christmas fairs in Strasbourg has been going on since the end of the 16th century. Since then it has been called Christkindelsmerik (Christkindelsmärik), which means the market of the Christ Child. Today in the "capital of Christmas" (that's what Strasbourg is called in France) there are several sites with street stalls and kiosks decorated with hand-painted wooden toys.Dozens of small Alsatian producers present their products at the festive festival. You can buy sausages from them, as well as brioche-like pastries – kugelhopf.

Vienna, Austria

Dates: from November 11, 2022 to January 8, 2023; most close on December 26

Vienna sparkles with magical lights on Christmas Eve.There are countless Christmas markets along the narrow streets of the old town. There are many traditional wooden toys and handmade products on the shelves. The aroma of roasted chestnuts and freshly baked pretzels is in the air. A mug of steaming mulled wine will help to warm up in the fresh air.   

Tallinn, Estonia

Datesof the event: from November 25, 2022 to January 8, 2023

The Christmas fair is held in the very center of this beautiful medieval town on the Town Hall Square. Every year since the distant 1441, a large Christmas tree has been installed here.

Handmade wreaths, local decorative and applied art products, sheepskin rugs, sweets, honey are sold at more than sixty counters. The performances of brass bands, bell ringers and numerous dance groups do not let vacationers get bored.

Santa is ready to welcome all the children at the festival, who arrives at the square on a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

Brussels, Belgium

Datesof the event: from November 25, 2022 to January 1, 2023

The Christmas fair «Winter Wonders» takes place annually on the Grand Place in the heart of the capital of Belgium.Guests can stroll along the almost 3 km long promenade along the rows of elegant chalets with Christmas goods. There are almost 250 such trading houses in total. Both here and there serve freshly baked waffles, warming mulled wine and, of course, Belgian beer and chocolate.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Datesof the: from November 19, 2022 to January 3, 2023

The city is shining with lights during this magical period. There are festivities at the Christmas market in East Princes St. Gardens from morning to evening (from 10:00 to 22:00). There is an ice rink, an elf workshop, kiosks with wooden toys and gifts on the theme of Harry Potter. Of course, you should definitely try a hamburger with game meat and drink a glass of mulled wine "Irn Bru".

On the eve of the New Year in Edinburgh, you can witness a very special spectacle. These days, the Hogmanay Festival is taking place, which begins with a torchlight procession, thousands of people are walking, carrying lighted torches in front of them.

Krakow, Poland

Dates: from November 25, 2022 to January 1, 2023

The oldest Christmas fair in Poland takes place in Krakow on the Main Market Square. Here, Christmas decorations, decorative items, as well as delicious dishes of local and not only cuisine, sweets, hot drinks are sold on bright counters. You should definitely try the traditional oscipek (cheese), grilled with cranberries, and try the Galician mulled wine.  

Budapest, Hungary