Last year we went to a number of London Christmas markets and to be frank, we were more than a little disappointed by some of them. Where was the mulled wine? Traditional Christmas tree decorations? And unique, artisan gifts to buy? So this year, we thought we’d try further afield – here are our favourite European Christmas markets.
Stockholm
There are two lovely markets in Stockholm at this time of year – one in Gamla Stan, the Old Town, (open daily until December 23, 11am-6pm) where you can find delicacies like smoked sausages, reindeer jerky and sweets or handcrafted presents like traditional holiday decorations, great sheepskin booties for kids and knitwear. The second is at Skansen, the outdoor cultural museum that has had a Christmas market since 1903. There are plenty of homemade mustards, jams, sausages, marzipan, breads and cakes as well as traditional handicrafts (leather, embroidery, holiday decorations and more) and it is very family-friendly with dances around the Christmas tree and lots of activities for kids. (Open every weekend before Christmas, 10am-4pm).
Zurich
This market is held indoors at the main train station so is perfect if you’re stopping over or on your way skiing further afield. Keep a look out for the olive wood stall which sells great wooden boards for cheeses and meats. You’ll also find a range of traditional Swiss/German foods, wooden holiday decorations and jewellery. (Open daily until 24 December, 11am-10pm).
Berlin
There are quite a few markets in and around Berlin (apparently 54 in all!) but our favourite is definitely the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market set in a beautiful old, central square. There’s an enormous amount of food to try here – you could spend a morning alone browsing the food stalls – but what also makes it special is the wood carvers hard at work on the Christmas decorations, flax embroiderers and other entertainment such as choirs, jugglers and dance groups, not to mention the many arts and crafts stalls. (Open daily until 31 December, 11am-10pm. Free entrance Mon-Fri 11am-2pm).
Munich
Again there are many Christmas markets in Munich but probably the oldest, dating from 1642 is held at Marienplatz. Here you’ll find an emphasis on traditional Bavarian gifts, including wood carvings from Oberammergau, gingerbread (Lebkuchen) from Nuremberg and glassware from the Bavarian Forest. It’s also a great place to pick up everything you’ll need for a traditional crib plus there are Christmas concerts and lots of seasonal food to get you in the yuletide mood. (Open daily until 24 December, Mon-Sat, 10am-9pm, Sun, 10am-8pm).
Vienna
Located on the large town square between Rathaus (city hall) and Burgtheater, the Wiener Christkindlmarkt is by far the largest and probably best known christmas market in Vienna and sells a huge variety of food and Christmas gifts. (Open daily until 24 December, 10am-9.30/10pm). It does get somewhat crowded though, so we also recommend the Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg which focuses particularly on traditional craftwork. It’s a smaller market and the stalls are spread throughout the narrow streets but you’ll find plenty of cafes and small bars selling gluhwein to keep you going! (Open daily until 23 December, 2pm-9.30pm).
