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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe
winter markets introSince nothing says “festive season” like feasting on spiced sweets and hot mulled wine in a village of tiny wooden chalets, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful winter markets the Old World has to offer.
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
HelsinkiWith snow all but guaranteed in the midwinter season, Helsinki was practically made for festive markets. Go ice skating in the rink at Railway Station Square, stroll down the brightly festooned shopping streets with their seasonal window displays, then pop over to the St. Thomas Christmas Market to knock back a steamy mug of glögi – hot wine that’s often spiked with a splash of vodka.
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
TallinnConsider nipping down to Tallinn for a more intimate take on the classic winter market in a storybook setting. Sip hot chocolate and enjoy traditional Estonian dishes, then visit the mini petting zoo and peruse the display of snow sculptures. On weekends, performances by music and dance groups from various countries add international flair to the quaint atmosphere. [Photo: Risto0/iStock]
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
copenhagenFather Christmas himself greets guests at one of the world’s oldest theme parks, which transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens are host to a reindeer park, choir processions, stagings of the Nutcracker Ballet, and an Alpine village with a festive market. Where else can you ride a vintage wooden roller coaster, pet a reindeer and eat Danish specialties all in one day?
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
berlinBerlin is home to more than 80 rather epic winter markets: Charlottenburg Palace gets creative with light displays and art exhibitions; Gendarmenmarkt hosts live performances of acrobats, jugglers, fire artists and musical ensembles; Alexanderplatz offers rows of stalls that transport visitors to the 1900s; and Potsdamer Platz draws adventurous types with its 70-metre toboggan run. [Photo: klug-photo/iStock]
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
salzburgThere’s nary a more picturesque place to stroll through a winter market than Salzburg’s Cathedral Square. Choirs and brass bands regale visitors as they wander through the stalls huddled below the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress, selling handicrafts, spiced wine and Christmas cookies. The “Christkind” and his angels pay a visit every afternoon, but beware of the frightful Krampusses and Perchten, who find their way to the market on 6 and 21 December to strike fear in the hearts of the naughty. [Photo: christkindlmarkt.co.at]
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
zurichAlready shivering at the thought of being outdoors? Head to Zurich, where the main train station is transformed into one of Europe’s largest indoor festive markets – and maybe one of the swankiest, too. We’re talking light displays, carolling choirs, more than 100 quaintly decorated stalls, and 7,000 Swarovski crystals dangling from a 15-metre Christmas tree.
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
budapestForget Bratwurst and Glühwein – in Budapest, it’s all about the kürtőskalácor and tokaji (buttery holiday pastry and sweet golden wine, respectively). Vörösmarty Square puts a festive foot forward with wooden huts selling only Hungarian handicrafts and cuisine. Stay past sundown to see the lighting of the giant Christmas tree and dance to live Hungarian jazz music. [Photo: florin1961/iStock]
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
praguePrague is a gem at any time of the year, but it’s during the festive season that the city really dazzles. Stroll through the winter markets at the Old Town Square or Wenceslas Square to browse handmade trinkets, from jewellery to toys and embroidered lace, then watch all manner of sugary pastries and succulent hams being baked and roasted before your eyes.
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
Slide Nr 10From the sweet scent of roasted chestnuts to the soothing sound of live choir concerts and the dreamy sight of twinkling holiday lights, Bratislava’s Main Square market knows how to set a scene. Wander the cobblestone streets and explore the beautifully lit Old Town with its imposing Christmas tree, set against a stunning backdrop of the city’s medieval architecture. While you’re at it, sample the sizzling spicy sausages and trdelník pastries, sip a glass of honey wine, and shop for handmade wooden toys, a local specialty. [Photo: sedmak/iStock]
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
gothenbergSeasonal amusement park events often to err toward the kitschy, but not at Gothenburg’s Liseberg Park. Perfect for families, the atmosphere is chock-full of enchantment, from the spectacular illuminations to the medieval market and Santa’s workshop, plus rides for the children. Parents can enjoy a glass of glögg (spiced wine) and a reindeer meat kebab – just maybe don’t tell the kids what’s in it. [Photo: klug-photo/iStock]
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
barcelonaIf you’re spending Christmas in Catalonia, you’re going to need a Caga Tió (according to an endearing and irreverent Catalan custom), and Barcelona’s Fira de Santa Llucia is the place to get one. Dating as far back as 1786, this traditional market holds court in front of the imposing Barcelona Cathedral and is the place to go for handicrafts and regional holiday sweets, like honey-soaked almond nougat. [Photo: OlyaSolodenko/iStock]
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
valkenburgOften referred to as “the Christmas city of the Netherlands”, Valkenburg has earned its title by hosting one of the most unusual festive markets in Europe – in a cave beneath the ruins of a medieval castle. Decked out with lights, trees and holiday decorations, the Velvet Cave is the main attraction, while other highlights include the Municipal Cave, an above-ground Santa’s Village and, for 2015, a sand sculpture exhibition that recounts the Christmas story. [Photo: kerststadvalkenburg.nl]
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
bolzanoAn intriguing mix of Italian gusto and Austrian joviality, Bolzano (or Bozen, in German) lays claim to Italy’s largest winter market, and one of its most captivating. The snow-capped Alps rise above Walther Square, where stall vendors are hard at work cooking up local, traditional specialties, and craftsmen are exhibiting their wares made according to strict regulations protecting time-honoured artistry. [Photo: mercatinodinatalebz.it]
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
Slide Nr 15If you’re looking for holiday spirit at more humane temperatures, look to Seville. With an unexpected blend of seasonal atmosphere and Mediterranean climate, this Andalusian city is one of Spain’s top winter market destinations. Here, festivities centre around the Feria del Belén, an artisan market held near the Seville Cathedral selling handcrafted nativity figures. Displaying a nativity scene is a widespread holiday tradition throughout Spain, with families heading to markets like this one in search of new figures to add to their displays each year. For thoughtful gifts made by local artisans, from jewellery to toys and clothing, visit the handicraft market in front of city hall. In between, take time to stroll the exuberantly lit city – a light show in itself – stopping by a fragrant food stall for roasted chestnuts or churros and chocolate along the way. [Photo: Sami Auvinen/iStock]
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
edinburghIf you thought Edinburgh Fringe was something else, just wait for the festive season. St Andrew Square is a wonderland of fun with an ice rink, carousel, Ferris wheel and Santa Land attractions; the Royal Mile is ablaze with an architectural installation featuring 60,000 lights; and performances from cabaret to comedy, theatre and circus enhance the lively mood. As for the markets, notable ones include the kid-friendly Children’s market in Santa Land, as well as European- and Scottish-themed markets peddling specialties from various regions. [Photo: f11photo/iStock]
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
strasbourgMost of the world’s oldest and most famous winter markets are located in Germany and Austria, but there’s one notable exception: the Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik. First held in 1570 in front of the main cathedral, today 11 unique markets are spread across the historic city, illuminating the typical Alsatian timber-framed houses with festive lights and lending an especially magical air to an already delightful destination. [Photo: Diego Martin Lopez/iStock]
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
brusselsBelgian waffles, Belgian chocolate, Belgian beer, Belgian pommes frites – there’s no better place to indulge in the country’s most decadent delights than in Brussels, at the country’s largest and most decadent winter market. Think 240 wooden chalets, a 60-metre skating rink, roaming choirs and performers, processions and extravagant light displays set against the city’s iconic landmarks.
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
manchesterManchester pulls out all the stops to spread yuletide cheer throughout the city, hosting over 300 market stalls selling everything from amber jewellery to bonsai trees, and cooking up international favourites like paella, bratwurst, goulash and the ever-popular hog roast.
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
ravenna gorgeDid you just step through a wardrobe and into a winter fairy tale? Ravenna Gorge, deep in Germany’s Black Forest, is the site of a holiday market that will have visitors rubbing their eyes more than once. A traditional Teutonic affair with mulled wine, sausages and all manner of handicrafts, what sets this event apart is its dreamy setting, nestled in a wooded gorge under a stunningly illuminated viaduct.
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20 Magical Winter Markets In Europe.
munichChoosing between Munich’s markets can be difficult: drink mulled wine from a wooden goblet at the medieval market, visit the “Bavarian Christmas Village” at the Residenz, or marvel at the grandeur of the Rathaus and its giant Christmas tree at Marienplatz. But if you’re only in town on a layover, check out the full-scale holiday market conveniently located at the airport – complete with Christmas trees and an ice skating rink.
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