Belgian treats
Although the Brussels Christmas market has only been around since 2002, its Plaisirs d’Hiver (Winter Pret) festival is one of a kind with a spectacular sound-and-light show that takes place on the Grand Palace. More than 200 wooden chalets house artisans from all over the world selling everything from Christmas ornaments and handicrafts to none other than pots of mussels and Belgian waffles of course. There’s also an ice-skating rink and staggering 160-foot Ferris wheel.
Dates: Late November to January 1
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Bright lights and Danish delights
Copenhagen celebrates its market, Jul, on the grounds of the famous amusement park - Tivoli Gardens. Lights are strategically hung on the willow trees and stalls covering nearly four miles of the city. The market welcomes almost a million visitors each year, most of who undoubtedly come to see the 150-year-old double-decker merry-go-round, the oldest carousel of its kind in the world.
Dates: Mid-November to late December; closed December 24-25
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Stollen moments
One of the oldest markets in the world is Dresden's Striezelmarkt which was first mentioned in the 15th century. More than 200 stalls with artisans from all over the country gather selling the best crafts Germany has to offer. Regional specialties include Dresden’s famous blue and white ceramics, crafts from the Ore Mountains, blown glass from Lauscha and much more. The highlight of the market is the arrival of the 3-ton stollen (fruitcake) after it’s paraded through the streets of the city.
Dates: End of November to December 24
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The plummest market
Dating back to 1628, Nuremberg’s Christmas market is one of the best known in Germany and attracts two million visitors annually to its candy cane striped stalls. The aroma of gingerbread, glühwein, and bratwurst fills the Old Town while live music is performed well into the night. An unusual competition of tiny prune puppets takes place and the winner receives the "Gold Plum Person" prize.
Dates: November 30 to December 24
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Bohemian treasures
Centred on a giant Christmas tree in the Old Town Square, Prague’s two famous Christmas markets feature beautifully decorated stalls selling everything from Bohemian crystal and Czech marionettes to braided pastries and gingerbread. While shopping from stall to stall it’s customary to sip on svaree vinoor sweet mulled wine.
Dates: Early December to early January
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Viennese magic
Three million visitors fly to Vienna from all over the world to experience its magical Christmas markets. The Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz starts earlier than most, in mid-November, and is among the biggest in Europe. More than 150 stalls dominate the square, selling traditional decorations and handicrafts as well as scrumptious Viennese pastries and Weihnachtspunsch (a spiced punch). Those in favour of a smaller market can head to courtyard of the baroque Schðnbrunn Palace. Don’t miss a weekend Advent concert in the Rathaus.
Dates: Mid-November to December 24
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The grand dame
Occupying the most coveted area in the city - right in front of the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral - is France’s largest and oldest Christmas market, Christkindelsmarik. For more than 400 years Strasbourg has welcomed visitors to its market where unique handmade Christmas decorations, Nativity figurines and traditional delicacies fill the stalls. While strolling around pick up a favourite speciality, the Flammekeuche, a thin pizza topped with bacon, onions and cream.
Dates: Late November to December 31
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Seema Salaam
© Cheapflights Ltd
Updated October 2009
