Christmas is a beautiful holiday. With all of the lights, good cheer, and food and drinks, you can’t help but be joyful. If you’re in Europe for the Christmas season, you may want to visit some of the best markets available. You’ll get a true European Christmas experience.
Brussels, Belgium
The Plaisirs d’Hiver/Winter Pret festival starts with the opening of one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. It started about 13 years ago, and it’s been growing ever since. Theatrics are part of the market located at the Gland Place. You’ll also see 240 wooden chalets, countless handmade crafts, and souvenirs. You can also enjoy many Belgian foods such as moules, caricoles, fires, and waffles. Of course, you can’t forget what the country is known for – chocolates and beer. There’s plenty to choose from as you walk throughout the market. If you’re looking for some activities, go ahead and join the ice skaters at the end of the market or ride the 160-foot Ferris wheel.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The market in Copenhagen, Denmark is located in Tivoli Gardens. The country celebrates Jul or Yuletide during this time of year. You’ll enjoy four miles of lights, crafts, and many stands with iced doughnuts with black currant jam, steamed hot mulled red wine laden (glogg), and if you can make it around 6 in the evening may be able to see the town crier.
Dresden, Germany
Have you ever seen a four-ton fruitcake? Well, you may get to if you visit Dresden during the Christmas season. The fruitcake is part of the parade, which is led by the “Fruitcake Maiden” also known as the Stollenmadchen. The parade makes its way through the entire Striexelmarket, which is where you’ll find 230 craft booths all decorated in lights. The traditional of this market dates back to 1434, so if you’re lucky enough to go, you’ll be part of the oldest running Christmas market in Europe.
London, England
The Christmas shopping seasons starts early in London – November. That means you can enjoy it no matter if you’re there before the season or right during it. The celebrations start with a Regent Street ceremony in which they snap on the Christmas lights and have a parade. Then they open the Trafalgar Square ice skating rink. You can also enjoy the toboggan slide, Ferris wheel, and of course all of the stands in Greenwich Market in December. You’ll also get to attend some concerts, which are held regularly throughout the season.
Munich, Germany
The market in Munich might be small, but there’s a lot that’s packed into it. There’s a 100-foot Christmas tree in the middle. You’ll then get to munch on sausages and potato pancakes and gingerbread as you walk around the “Heavenly Workshop.” You can even take the Munich trains around it. Don’t miss the Town Hall’s pub because you’ll see kids dressed up as angels selling cookies, arts and crafts. There’s also music every night at 5:30 and carolers on the balcony of Town Hall. It’s a true Christmas atmosphere that everyone should take advantage of at some point in their life.