Every year in November and December, many cities all through Europe rejoice the vacation season with a really outdated custom: Christmas markets.
You have possible seen pictures of those markets: little picket huts draped with greenery or twinkle lights, promoting every part from mugs of steaming mulled wine to handmade picket ornaments. The festive spirit of those markets has unfold world wide, however when you really wish to expertise the magic of them, you must journey to Europe.
Why Europe? As a result of that is the place the custom of the Christmas market started! There have been particular winter markets in Europe for the reason that Center Ages. So with 700+ years of historical past to construct on, it is no surprise that Europe does the Christmas market greatest!
Issues to know earlier than a Europe Christmas market journey
I’ve personally been to dozens of Christmas markets throughout Germany, France, and Switzerland, and stay obsessive about the custom. BUT, when you’re headed to European Christmas markets for the primary time, there are some essential issues you must know with the intention to take advantage of out of your journey.
1. Germany does Christmas markets greatest
I really do not even assume it is a scorching take if I say that, in relation to Christmas markets in Europe, nobody does them higher than Germany. This is sensible, although, for the reason that Germans just about invented them! (The very first variations of the Christkindlmarkt (Christ baby market) or Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Eve market) started in German-speaking elements of Europe.)
I have been to Christmas markets all throughout Germany, from markets scattered all through massive cities to markets confined to tiny city squares – and so they’re all extremely charming. The markets in Germany have the right combine of lovely stall designs, unbelievable meals, cute market mugs, and a magical ambiance that’s inconceivable to manufacture (or imitate).
So when you’re uncertain of the place to go to your Christmas market journey, you possibly can’t go mistaken with Germany. (Take a look at this post for the best Christmas markets in Germany.)
2. Many nations placed on Christmas markets
Europe isn’t just Germany, nevertheless, and I am conscious that I am generalizing on this publish by saying the following tips are for “Christmas markets in Europe.” And that is as a result of Germany will not be the one nation that places on Christmas markets yearly!
Different nations the place you may discover a number of markets embrace France (particularly within the Alsace area, near Germany), Austria, and Switzerland. Poland has good Christmas markets, too! And you may additionally discover wonderful Christmas markets in some giant European cities, like those in Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; Prague, Czechia; Brussels, Belgium; Helsinki, Finland; and Tallinn, Estonia.
3. Most markets shut earlier than Christmas
As you are planning your Christmas market journey, a very powerful factor to know is that these markets often coincide with the spiritual interval of Introduction, which is the 4 weeks main as much as Christmas. That means most Christmas markets open in late November, and shut by December twenty third or twenty fourth!
Whereas there are a handful of markets that may keep open by Three Kings Day/Epiphany on January 6 (often at the very least one in most main cities), do not count on to plan a Christmas market journey in between Christmas and New Yr’s, as a result of most of them will probably be closed by then!
As soon as you have determined which cities you wish to go to, try their official Christmas market web sites to see the dates/instances they will be working.
PRO TIP: Additionally double examine these opening days; a handful of markets (particularly smaller, themed ones) are solely open on weekends!
4. Larger cities have a number of markets
Whereas smaller cities and villages often simply have one Christmas market (almost definitely on the primary city sq.), bigger cities often have a number of completely different markets – and generally they’re even themed!
In Germany, for instance, cities like Munich, Cologne, Berlin, and Stuttgart all have as much as a dozen completely different markets scattered all through the town (look out for medieval markets, youngsters’s markets, LGBTQ markets, and so on.). You possibly can simply spend a pair days in greater cities like this, hopping round to completely different markets.
(And, for what it is value, Cologne might be my favourite massive Christmas market metropolis in Germany! It all the time has at the very least half a dozen completely different themed markets, and so they’re all stunning.)
5. Standard markets WILL be crowded
Although you could find actually hundreds of Christmas markets throughout many nations in Europe, you must take into account that the preferred and well-known markets possible WILL be busy. Sure, there are many choices of locations to go to, however cities each massive and small get inundated with Christmas market crowds.
And, the extra “well-known” the town/city is for its Christmas markets and decor, the extra crowded it is more likely to be. (For instance, Strasbourg and Colmar and a few of the different small cities within the Alsace in France are tremendous well-known for Christmas markets, and are subsequently all the time going to be crowded.)
Themed markets can even draw greater crowds – the medieval market in Esslingen, Germany, for instance, is among the busiest I’ve ever been to – and cities alongside rivers which can be visited by Christmas market river cruises can even be busy.
Mainly, the extra touristy a neighborhood, city, or metropolis is, the extra possible it’s to be crowded at Christmas! (However I imply… duh, proper?)
To keep away from the worst of the Christmas market crowds, my prime ideas are:
- Go to on weekdays when attainable, as weekends are often busiest.
- Go to widespread markets within the morning, as they have an inclination to get extra crowded after darkish.
- Do not simply go to the “well-known” Christmas cities; a few of my favourite markets have been smaller ones (like Obernai in France, and Trier and Ludwigsburg in Germany).
6. They are not only for vacationers
Any why do Christmas markets get so darn crowded? As a result of, opposite to widespread perception, they’re NOT only for vacationers!
Sure, vacationers from world wide journey to Europe to go to Christmas markets, however they’re simply as widespread with locals! You may discover locals assembly up at Christmas markets for after-work drinks or dinner with pals, and markets which have kid-focused actions are nearly solely designed with native kiddos in thoughts.
Now, are the kitschier souvenirs made with vacationers in thoughts? Sure. And are touristy cities extra more likely to have touristy-feeling markets? Additionally sure. However loads of locals attend Christmas markets, too!
(And truthfully, this is likely to be why they really feel as festive and magical as they do. It is as a result of, in lots of instances, they’re simply as a lot a wintertime staple for locals as a draw for vacationers.)
7. Most markets are free – however not all!
The overwhelming majority of Christmas markets you are more likely to go to in Europe are free. They’re placed on by native metropolis governments and native teams, and individuals are free to come back and go as they please. Most Christmas markets do not promote tickets or cost an entry charge.
There are, nevertheless, some exceptions! For instance, markets which can be held at castles are sometimes ticketed, and most famously the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market in Germany’s Black Forest requires timed tickets (and so they promote out months upfront!).
So, once more, double examine throughout your journey starting stage whether or not any of the markets you intend to go to require any pre-booking.
8. Deliver some money
For markets all through Central and Western Europe, having some native money readily available is a necessity. Many foods and drinks stalls are cash-only (you may positively want money to pay the deposit on market mugs), so having small payments and cash on the prepared is a good suggestion. (Plus, you may want money to make use of public bathrooms in lots of cities, too.)
The exception to this rule might be the Nordics/Scandinavia, the place nations like Sweden and Finland are nearly completely cash-free at this level. However when you’re principally going to be visiting markets in locations like Germany or France, positively plan to have some Euros on you.
9. Put together to pay mug deposits
Each Christmas market sells some model of mulled wine – in Germany it is glühwein, in France it is vin chaud, in Czechia it is svařák, and so on. – in often crimson and white (and someday rosé) varieties.
You may additionally discover different scorching drinks like apple cider, scorching chocolate, and extra specialty drinks on provide, like Eierpunsch (a creamy egg-based punch) and Feuerzangenbowle (mulled wine with a shot of rum and sugar dice that is set on hearth) in Germany, and even scorching spiced orange juice within the Alsace in France.
And at most Christmas markets, any scorching drink you order will probably be served in an actual glass or mug of some kind. As a way to encourage individuals to return these mugs after ending their drink, markets will make you pay a mug deposit along with the price of your drink. (In German-speaking nations, that is referred to as pfand.)
The deposit is often within the €3-€5 vary, and you will get this again once you return your used mug. (Bear in mind, you may want money for these!)
However you possibly can preserve the mug, too; they make wonderful and inexpensive souvenirs! You need not let anybody know you are taking the mug. Simply go alongside your merry means, and the drink stall will preserve your deposit as fee for the mug.
PRO TIP: If you wish to preserve a mug after you have completed your drink, many drink stalls will fortunately swap out your used mug for a clear, dry one – simply go up and ask!
And whereas most markets simply have one mug per 12 months for the entire market, a few of the greater ones have a number of! I all the time scope out mug choices at markets I wish to get a memento from to make sure I am getting the very best one.
Notice: The lovable ceramic mugs are most frequently present in Germany. In France, they’re extra more likely to have market-specific plastic cups, which in my view will not be almost as cute or collectible.
10. Eat all of the meals!!
Together with attempting all the recent and mulled drinks attainable, I additionally encourage you to eat as a lot as you possibly can at Christmas markets! Christmas market meals in Europe will not be the identical as “truthful meals” within the US; it is so significantly better!
Every nation and area could have its personal specialties, however a number of issues it’s best to positively strive when you see them embrace:
- Roasted or candied nuts, together with almonds and chestnuts
- Contemporary-cooked sausages in Germany (the kinds offered will fluctuate area to area; Käsewurst and Nürnberger Bratwurst are my private favorites)
- Käsespätzle (tacky egg noodles) in German-speaking nations
- Flammlachs (flamed salmon) in Germany – the sandwiches are SO GOOD
- Dumplings (strive Dampfnudel, or candy dumplings)
- Schneeball pastries in Germany
- Tarte Flambée (like a pizza) within the Alsace in France
- Ache d’épices (spiced bread) in France
- Raclette cheese in France
- Potato pancakes
- Langos (fried dough; it is Hungarian, however you may discover it throughout)
- Pancake/crepe dishes (my favourite is Kaiserschmarrn in Germany, but additionally search for Poffertjes, that are tiny Dutch pancakes)
And as for costs, to me Christmas market meals could be very inexpensive!* It is regular for the objects listed above to clock in below €10 (a typical sausage sandwich will often value €4-€6 in my expertise; an even bigger dish like Käsespätzle may cost €7), and for a mug of mulled wine to value round €5.
I filmed this video final 12 months the place I ate all my meals for the day at completely different Christmas markets in Munich. With a number of meals (together with a pricier salmon dish), a pair snacks, plus 4 scorching drinks (2 of them alcoholic), I spent a complete of €58.
*Clearly “inexpensive” means various things to completely different individuals. However, as an American who’s used to doling out $20 for a mediocre meal at a baseball recreation, or spending $8 on a cup of fries at a county truthful, I really feel like Christmas market meals/drink costs are affordable! (And, when you go to any “Christmas markets” within the US, you may positively spend at the very least $15 on mulled wine alone.)
11. Store native when you possibly can
As Christmas markets have gotten extra widespread, they’ve additionally gotten extra industrial. Go to sufficient Christmas markets all through Europe, and you may begin to discover sure stalls promoting very related objects at nearly all of them. It is because there’s positively a variety of mass-produced stuff being offered today. The whole lot from ornaments to picket nativity scenes to little ceramic homes will be – and sometimes is – made abroad.
Smaller markets usually tend to characteristic native handicrafts, however it’s also possible to be discerning once you’re buying. In case you see a number of stalls promoting the identical objects, or when you flip one thing over and see a “Made In China” sticker, then you possibly can really feel okay about transferring alongside.
(Or simply purchase it when you find it irresistible; on the finish of the day, no matter you purchase will most likely nonetheless be tied to good Christmas reminiscences!)
Some objects which can be widespread to carry dwelling from Europe Christmas markets embrace:
- Picket ornaments (you possibly can often spot the really handmade ones simply)
- Nutcrackers
- Picket Christmas pyramids
- Ornamental paper stars
- Räuchermänner/Smoking Males incense burners
- Sheepskin slippers
- Embellished lebkuchen (gingerbread)
You may also discover lots of this stuff (particularly something picket) on the market at a retailer referred to as Käthe Wohlfahrt, which opens up a number of pop-up retailers at Christmas markets all through Germany.
12. Carry a collapsible bag
Once you’re out and about at Christmas markets, positively have a tote bag of some kind on you. Stalls will not often give you a bag once you buy issues, so it is best when you come ready with one among your personal.
A small foldable shopping bag like this one is a worthwhile buy. I all the time have one among these on me after I’m touring!
13. Have a plan for getting purchases dwelling
And when you plan to do a LOT of Christmas buying on the markets, have a plan for the way you are going to get all of your purchases dwelling! Distributors at markets aren’t going to supply trans-Atlantic delivery providers, so you may must schlep every part you purchase dwelling your self.
I am not joking after I inform you that I do know individuals who go to Europe with whole empty suitcases simply to allow them to store. Deliver an additional empty suitcase (pack your garments in a small carry-on suitcase, and put that one in a bigger check-in bag for the journey over), or at the very least an additional fold-up tote bag to your purchases.
(And my tip for getting market mugs dwelling safely? Deliver some further thick socks, and put every mug in a sock to move it dwelling!)
14. Costume for the climate
In case you were not conscious, Christmas markets all happen exterior! Which suggests you may be out within the components, no matter they’re – so you must pack and gown for the climate.
“Europe” is a whole continent, and the climate can fluctuate from nation to nation throughout the winter months. Some Christmas markets is likely to be blanketed in snow, whereas others may by no means see a single flake of the white stuff.
It is essential earlier than your journey to double- and triple-check the climate forecast for the cities you may be visiting and pack accordingly. I have been to Christmas markets in Germany when the temperature was principally within the 50s F (round 10 C), and have additionally gotten stranded in Munich throughout a snowstorm when temps have been barely within the 20s F (-6 or -7 C). Typically, layers would be the reply!
And keep in mind that if it is not snowing in December, it very effectively might be foggy or raining! So my greatest tip is to be sure you pack some heat, waterproof footwear or boots to your journey (these are my favorite), and at the very least a water resistant jacket or coat.
In case you come from a heat local weather, then winter in Central/Western Europe will most likely really feel chilly to you. Pack fleece-lined pants and winter jacket if you understand you are more likely to be chilly. (Once more, you are going to be spending a number of time outside, together with at night time when will probably be even colder!)
15. Do not stress about language obstacles
A query I all the time get about touring (to Europe or wherever else!) is how I cope with language obstacles as an American who solely speaks English. I do really communicate a little bit of German, too, however you need not stress about language once you go to Christmas markets.
The overwhelming majority of Europeans – and particularly ones who work in public-facing jobs in tourist-friendly cities – communicate superb English! (Their English is definitely higher than my German, French, Czech, and so on.!)
And even when you do run into somebody in a smaller city who would not communicate a variety of English, it truthfully would not matter; you do not haggle costs at Christmas markets, so it is easy sufficient to simply level at what you need.
(Although it is all the time good to at the very least discover ways to say “good day” and “thanks” within the native language everytime you journey.)
Extra Christmas market content material you may like:
And that is it! All of the issues you actually need to know with the intention to get probably the most out of your Christmas market journey in Europe. In case you’ve learn this far, thanks, and I hope you feel extra assured about planning a vacation market journey now!
Have you ever been to Christmas markets in Europe? What stunned you probably the most?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her dwelling base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas based mostly on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!
