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Every year, Christmas seems to come round quicker and quicker. That may mean the end of summer and start of long, cold nights – for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere at least; but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Just like the excitement of planning and booking your next trip, there is something distinctly magical about the build up to Christmas.
Late November and early December is one of my favorite times of year to travel. Flight and hotel prices tend to be lower and most destinations are much less crowded. Plus, no one really enjoys fighting through crowds of Christmas shoppers on their local high street, but when you’re browsing for gifts somewhere else, it has a whole different feel.
Better still, the run up to Christmas means it’s Christmas Market season, and there is just no doubt that Christmas markets is something Europe does very well. The first Christmas Market was held in Dresden, Germany in 1434. Since then, they’ve spread across the world, many still firmly celebrating their centuries-old German traditions.
Here’s our take on the best European Christmas Markets for 2024 and the Christmas foods you simply must try in each of them.
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Dresden, Germany
It’s no surprise that the birthplace of Christmas Markets tops our list of Europe’s best Christmas Markets. That first market in 1434 was the Striezelmarkt, held in the Altmarkt in what is now Dresden’s old town. The Striezelmarkt is still going strong, but Dresden now hosts six other Christmas Markets spread across the city.
2024’s markets will run from November 27 to December 24. Aside from Striezelmarkt, highlights include the Winterlights of Dresden market on Prager Strasse which boasts a 15-meter tall Christmas tree and vintage carousels. For a more unique experience, head to Frauenkirche where the markets sell local handicrafts including pottery, glassware and lace.
Dresden’s Royal Palace is home to the Stallhof Advent Festival which features two wooden hot tubs alongside entertainers and crafts. If you’re looking for something a bit quieter, the Romantic Christmas Market next to the Kempinski Taschenbergpalais hotel is the place to go.
Unique foods to try at Dresden Christmas Markets
You’ll have no trouble finding stalls serving every delicious treat imaginable among Dresden’s Christmas Markets, but there are a few local specialities you really shouldn’t miss.
Dresden christstollen is a traditional fruitcake filled with dried fruits, nuts and spices, coated with a dusting of icing sugar. If you need something to warm you up, grab a kartoffelpufer, a hot potato pancake served with applesauce or sour cream.
Getting to Dresden
Dresden Airport is nine kilometers from the city center with regular S-Bahn trains taking around 20 minutes to complete the journey. Year-round flights serve destinations across Germany, as well as Zurich and Antalya.
If you’re arriving from elsewhere, connecting in Frankfurt, Munich or Zurich is the best option. Alternatively, fly into Berlin and take the train, which takes just under two hours, or a Flixbus which takes just under three hours.
Valkenburg, The Netherlands
Germany’s neighbor, the Netherlands, is also home to some excellent festive markets. Valkenburg hosts not only one of the best European Christmas Markets, but one of its most unique. Running from November 15, 2024, right through to January 5, 2025, Valkenburg’s “Christmas Town” is a true winter wonderland.
What makes Valkenburg one of Europe’s best Christmas Markets is that it is the largest underground Christmas Market in Europe. Every year the Municipal Cave and Velvet Cave are transformed into an endless maze of market stalls, lit by sparkling lights.
Tickets to enter the cave must be booked online. They cannot be purchased on arrival, so get yours in advance to make sure you don’t miss out.
Above ground, view the Christmas Story in 3D at MergelRijk and catch the Christmas Parade which takes place twice every week.
Unique food to try at Valkenburg Christmas Market
In keeping with tradition, you’ll find all the German Christmas Market staples in Valkenburg, but you’ll also find some Dutch favorites which are well worth a try. Indulge your sweet tooth with freshly baked stroopwafels and poffertjes, a miniature pancake served with butter and sugar.
Oilebollen, deep fried dough balls, are another local delicacy, traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve but always on offer in Valkenburg’s Christmas Town. The food alone might be enough to qualify Valkenburg Christmas Market as one of the best European Christmas markets.
Getting to Valkenburg
Valkenburg is very easy to reach from anywhere in the Netherlands. If you’re arriving by air, Amsterdam Schiphol is the closest major airport served by regular flights from all over Europe and across the world.
The best way to get to Valkenburg from the airport is to take a train. The journey takes just over three hours, with a couple of connections required. Don’t let that put you off though, Dutch railways are very user-friendly.
Nuremberg, Germany
For the third contender on our list of the Europe’s best Christmas Markets, we’re heading back across the border to Germany. Best known for the Nuremberg Trials upon the fall of Nazi Germany, Nuremberg is a beautiful, historic city which often flies under the tourist radar.
In 2024, Nuremberg’s annual Christmas Market will run from November 29 to December 24. Like Dresden’s Christmas Market, Nuremberg’s markets are steeped in history. They date back to the early 16th century when Martin Luther, a Protestant reformer, decided to steer away from the Catholic tradition of giving gifts on December 6 by giving his gifts on what we now know as Christmas Eve, December 24.
The market is held on the Hauptmarkt, with three smaller markets on the surrounding streets. Expect traditional Bavarian produce, arts, crafts and gifts, along with plenty of festive cheer. To get an insider’s view of the markets, and to discover some hidden treasures, take a guided tour which includes tastings of some classic Nuremberg dishes.
Unique foods to try at Nuremberg Christmas Market
It wouldn’t be right to visit Nuremberg and pass up the chance to savor the city’s two most famous exports. Head to the Original Regional market by City Hall to get your hands on a world-renowned Nuremberg Bratwurst. Traditionally enjoyed with sauerkraut and potato salad, only here can you try a “Weggla” which features two – or sometimes three – sausages in one bun.
Be sure to save room for another Nuremberg favorite: lebkuchen. The city’s famous gingerbread, this sweet and spicy treat has been being made here for over 600 years. Wash it down with a cup of feuerzangenbowle, a red wine and rum punch served from a giant bowl.
In fact, Nuremberg’s Christmas Market is home to the largest feuerzagenbowle in the world. That might be enough to place it firmly on the list of the best European Christmas markets for some.
Getting to Nuremberg
Five kilometers north of the city center and connected by U-Bahn (metro) every 10 minutes, Nuremberg Airport serves destinations across Europe. Direct flights are available from various German cities and all major European hubs including a new winter service from London Heathrow.
Copenhagen, Denmark
With centuries of shared history with Germany, it’s no surprise that the Danish capital makes our list of Europe’s best Christmas Markets. Held in the stunning and world-renowned Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s most famous Tivoli Christmas Market will run from November 14, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
The city’s three other markets (King’s New Square, High Bridge Square and Hans Christian Anderson market) have slightly different start dates and all end on December 21, 2024.
Aside from being able to explore all of the usual attractions in Tivoli Gardens like the fairground rides, Christmas in Tivoli is one of the most magical Christmas Market experiences you’ll find anywhere in Europe. With an olde-worlde atmosphere and traditional wooden stalls, it gets even more magical when snow falls. The show that Tivoli puts on is the reason why its one of the best European Christmas markets.
Unique foods to try at Copenhagen’s Christmas Markets
In Denmark, Christmas is all about the pastries. A tradition which goes back centuries, you’ll find stalls selling delicious Christmas cakes, special festive kringles and risalamande, a vanilla cookie topped with puffed rice and white chocolate.
If you’re craving a more filling meal, Danish Christmas dinners are known for their lavishness. Expect a feast of roast duck and caramelised potatoes finished off with a delicious serving of risalamande.
Getting to Copenhagen
Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup is well served from destinations across Europe, North America and Asia. From the airport, take a train or metro into the city center; the journey takes less than 15 minutes.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
As much as British travelers love heading to mainland Europe to experience the festive spirit, some of the best European Christmas Markets are, in fact, in the United Kingdom. London’s Hyde Park transforms into Winter Wonderland every year, whilst Manchester and York host some of Britain’s best markets. The Scottish capital Edinburgh, though, is our favorite.
Edinburgh’s Christmas will run from November 17, 2024, until January 6, 2025. Centred around Princes Street Gardens, the markets include fairground rides and traditional stalls. Marvel at Edinburgh Castle, illuminated by a light display every night during the Christmas Markets or time your visit to enjoy the Hogmanay celebrations.
Alongside Princes Street Gardens, Christmas Markets are also held in St Andrew Square, George Street and Castle Street.
Unique foods to try at Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Of course you’ll find all the Christmas Markets favorites here from Bratwurst to mulled wine, but this is the perfect opportunity to try some of Scotland’s amazing cuisine. Sample handcrafted pies, delicious curries and hearty Highland Burgers.
Getting to Edinburgh
Edinburgh Airport is served by regular flights from across the UK and Europe as well as North America and the Middle East. The airport is five miles from the city center, with bus and tram connections available. If you can’t fly directly into Edinburgh, connect at London Heathrow, or fly to London and take the train.
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