Which Christmas markets are worth visiting?
Christmas is coming and with it something we are passionate about: Christmas markets! The perfect occasion to buy handicrafts, try the typical gastronomy or simply take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere because the cities become beautiful at Christmas. Everything is filled with wooden booths, lights and the smell of cinnamon. It is, without a doubt, the best time of the year. Whether you like Christmas or not, traveling to visit Christmas markets is a great plan and a super gift. So we are going to review the best markets that are going to be organized this year and that are worth visiting, according to European Best Destinations. Take note!
10 GOVONE AND ASTI (ITALY)
From November 12 to December 18 (only on weekends). Vittorio Emanuele Square. The best Christmas market in Italy sneaks into the world top 10 with the Magico Paese di Natale, an event that every year fills the streets of the small town of Govone, in the hills of Piedmont. This market houses selected artisans from all over Italy, a street food area and a wine shop, where visitors can taste the area's specialties. But what you can't miss is the Santa Claus musical show that takes place every day in the Savoyard royal castle of Govone. 9 BRUSSELS (BELGIUM)
From December 25 to January 1. Grand Place. The Belgian capital is one of the most desirable European cities to visit during these times of the year. The Winter Wonders market receives 2.5 million visitors each year, attracted by its light and music shows or its life-size nativity scene. One of the most beautiful markets in Europe is completed by a large tree, a skating rink, numerous exhibitions and the traditional wooden booths where they sell handicrafts and local products. 8 MADEIRA (PORTUGAL)
From December 1 to January 8. Avenida Arriaga boulevard in Funchal. Avenida Arriaga Funchal houses cabins that are different from those in the rest of Europe, as they are filled with exotic flowers, as well as seasonal gastronomic products and performances by folkloric groups, although without forgetting the typical Christmas carols, lights and decorations. You cannot miss its famous fireworks show, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe and which won the Guinness record for the largest show in the world on New Year's Eve from 2006 to 2007. 7 TRIER (GERMANY)
From November 18 to December 22. Hauptmarkt, in front of the Cathedral. For the 43rd year, 95 booths are placed in front of the medieval market and the Cathedral to offer mulled wine and gastronomic specialties such as roast sausages or potato pancakes. You can enjoy puppet shows, orchestras and choirs or buy handicrafts. 6 CRAIOVA (ROMANIA)
From November 11 to January 8. Mihai Viteazul Square, Old Center, William Shakespeare Square and Doljana Fountain. It opens with The Artist Awards, a show with the most important Romanian artists. An ice rink, a magnificent tree, attractions, concerts, food stalls and Christmas booths, painted and carved with different characters from fairy tales, are spread over four locations linked by more than a million LED bulbs, which make it also in the best Christmas lights destination in Romania. 5 MONTBÉLIARD (FRANCE) From November 26 to December 24Place Saint-Martin, in front of the temple of the same name. Around 140 wooden booths fill the streets of the French town. Its visitors can taste the delicious gastronomic products of the area, buy art and crafts, and dance to the rhythm of music and choirs. 4 VIENNA (AUSTRIA)
From November 19 to December 30. Town Hall Square. On the streets of Vienna, wooden booths, Christmas food and hot toddy await you. Its traditional Vienna Magic of Advent market offers crafts, tree decorations, gastronomy, children's activities and even a carousel. Austria also has a Christmas and cultural market in front of Schönbrunn Palace, which becomes a New Year's market after Christmas. 3 METZ (FRANCE)
From November 18 to December 30. Republic Square and Plaza de Armas. The lantern route, the Ferris wheel and the stalls are the hallmarks of the Metz market. The town not only welcomes tourists, but also creators, designers (such as Philippe Starck), start-ups, artists, fashion businesses... which make it one of the most interesting markets in France. 2 BASEL (SWITZERLAND)
From November 24 to December 23. Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz squares. It is down one position from last year, but it is still the most spectacular Christmas market in Switzerland. Following the tradition, the old town is filled with lights, fir trees, garlands and craft and gastronomy stalls where you can enjoy the traditional Basel Läckerli, Swiss raclette or grilled sausages. You cannot miss its Christmas tree, classified among the most beautiful in Europe. 1 BUDAPEST (HUNGARY)
From November 18 to January 1. In front of the Basilica of San Esteban. The Budapest Christmas market goes up one position compared to last year and is crowned the best in Europe in 2022. It has more than 100 stalls where you can find Hungarian crafts and food. A light show is projected daily on the façade of the Basilica and every Advent Sunday, following tradition, a candle from the shared Advent wreath is lit in a ceremony accompanied by musical numbers.
