For many people Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year, and this time around it is fast approaching. After last year’s coronavirus-imposed break, traditional Christmas markets are now returning.
For your inspiration we created a list of Advent markets we believe are worth visiting. It would be a shame to miss the festive atmosphere, beautiful Christmas lights and decorations, shopping for original gifts at street stalls, the taste of mulled wine, the smell of cloves and cinnamon, the sound of carols and even snowflakes. That feeling of Christmas in the air…
1) Vienna – Austria
The largest and most beautiful Christmas market in the Austrian capital is the “Vienna Christmas Dream” in front of Vienna City Hall, which started this year on November 12 and lasts until December 26. You can shop all day at stalls with beautiful Christmas items, handcrafted wooden products, treats and popular punch or mulled wine. An ice rink with skate rental is also a part of the event. The Christmas market in Vienna offers magic and unforgettable moments for everyone.
The Old Vienna Christmas Market on Freyung Square (starting on 15 November), the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz Square (from 17 November), the “Art Advent” arts and crafts market on Karlsplatz Square (from 19 November), or the Cultural and Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace (starting on 20 November) are also some of Vienna’s most notable.
2) Bolzano – Italy
From 26 November 2021 to 6 January 2022, you can visit the largest Italian Christmas market in Bolzano in South Tyrol.
The magnificently decorated Piazza Walther offers stalls with small gifts and hot drinks. The Bolzano streets and picturesque alleyways will be full of sparkling lamps and flickering candles.
The scenery of the mountains gives this place a magical winter atmosphere. It’s just a perfect winter fairy tale!
3) Dresden – Germany
Dresden boasts the oldest Advent market in Germany. Dresden’s main market Striezelmarkt is also the largest in Germany with a tradition dating back to 1434! It runs from November to December 24 on the Altmarkt. Traditional music, a huge lighted square, ancient carousel, richly decorated wooden stalls with various ceramics, textiles and goodies and the irresistible aroma of mulled wine. And it should be noted that these are no cheap box wines. You will certainly recognize a good welder at each stall making their drinks from quality wines.
Striezel is a traditional Christmas delicacy – a famous braided yeast pastry, which is produced in its best form here. At the beginning of December, you can also visit the Striezel festival, where they bake one huge Striezel pastry weighing tons! And you can also look forward to the 14-meter Christmas pyramid, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
4) Brussels – Belgium
In the capital of Belgium, it looks like a fairy tale at Christmas. Between November 26, 2021, and January 2, 2022, the most magical Advent market is located in the Grand Palace Square. More than 200 snow-dusted wooden chalets will be serving local waffles, traditional Belgian chocolate, glühwein and other goodies. The typical sweet and spicy aroma will be drifting through the air while you stroll along the cobbled streets brought to life with Winter Wonders.
Enjoy the view from the top of the Ferris wheel, take a spin on the merry-go-round or have some fun skating on an ice rink.
5) Paris – France
Paris is not only beautiful in spring, when everything is blooming, but also worth seeing in winter. Especially during Christmas when you will find Christmas markets on almost every corner. All Parisian Christmas markets are characterized by tastings of delicious cheeses, sausages, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and other regional specialities. Parisians and tourists from all over the world buy various arts and crafts at wooden stalls until late at night and take pictures with Père Noël – the French equivalent of Santa Claus.
Among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Paris is the market in the Tuileries Gardens (formerly held on the Champs-Élysées), which takes place from mid-November 2021 to early January 2022. It is said to be the biggest, the liveliest, the loudest, and the most fun-filled Christmas market in the city, partially traditional, partially a holiday carnival.
We also recommend stopping at La Défense market, which will be open from 25 November 2021 to 29 December 2022. In 350 stalls, you will certainly find a nice souvenir and something that will satisfy your taste buds.
6) Copenhagen – Denmark
Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest European park is beautiful all year round but at Christmas it comes to life even more and thanks to the unique lighting, Nordic ornaments, excellent food, carousels, fireworks, and designer gifts. This place offers a truly exceptional experience.
The Christmas market, which takes place from 19 November 2021 to 2 January 2022, will appeal mainly to children thanks to the ubiquitous fairy-tale motifs.
7) Krakow – Poland
Poles have vibrant and bustling Christmas markets too. Take a trip to Kraków and head straight to the Rynek Główny, the old town main square with its traditional Advent market. You can find traditional Polish products here such cut glass, jewellery, products made of wool and wood and knitted baskets. The holiday mood is completed by carols, folk dances, nativity scenes with colourful figures and, of course, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and other delicacies, such as grilled oscypek cheese with cranberries, slow-cooked hearty soups, and goulash.
The market is open between November 26 and December 26 with other markets continuing into January for the Epiphany festival (27 December 2021 to 2 January 2022).
8) Budapest – Hungary
Another tip for magical Christmas markets is Budapest. The most beautiful one can be found on Vörösmarty Square which starts on 19 November 2021 and ends on 31 December 2021. Another popular market is at the Basilica of St. Stephen. You will not only be able to admire the skills of folk artists and craftsmen, but you will certainly find beautiful hand-made gifts for yourself, your family, and friends. Christmas stalls offer classic welder, pastries, strudel, sweets, traditional Hungarian langoustines, sausages, goulash, and other specialities.
After a day at the Christmas markets, you might want to enjoy some relaxing time in Budapest’s famous thermal baths.
9) London – UK
London’s Christmas Markets start on November 19 and end on January 3, 2022. If you are after the most beautiful Christmas market in London, head to the Southbank Centre, stroll along the river Thames under twinkling lights and taste some indulgent drinks, amazing street food and seasonal goodies.
Not to be missed is the largest Christmas market, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park with an ice rink, a giant Ferris wheel and a magical ice kingdom. The Christmas market in Leicester Square with its classic stalls, Santa’s Cave and a wide range of performances is also worth visiting.
Christmas has already started in Covent Garden, and it is supposed to be the most magical yet as it will be dusted with white snow each day. The piazza has 115,000 lights, a magnificent 60-foot hand-picked Christmas tree, and giant mistletoe chandeliers.
10) New York – USA
Ever thought of going to New York for Christmas? Don’t miss Bryant Park! The “Winter Village” has returned to Bryant Park this year with more than 170 kiosks offering various delicacies and a very atmospheric ice rink dedicated to all lovers of skating. Its Christmas tree is gorgeous and timidly competes with the one at Rockefeller Center. Every year, merchants from all over the world sell unique home-made toys, jewellery, and, of course, plenty of scrumptious street food to munch on. The Winter Village is open each year from Halloween to early March.
11) Québec City – Canada
In the heart of Old Québec, a charming German Christmas Market (Marché de Noel Allemand) offers an unforgettable moment to spend with your family and friends. The market is running from November 25 to December 23, 2021.
You will be able to browse through original artisanal gift ideas in more than 90 quaint wooden kiosks. Its exhibitors are coming from Québec, Germany, and other European countries. Here you will find everything from European handicrafts such as hand-blown glasswork and wood craft to made in Quebec snowshoes, apparel, and recycled fur accessories.
You will love all the colourful lights, Christmas tunes, outdoor shows, board games, and many free activities for both children and grown-ups. Have some mulled wine to warm up or fill up on tasty German specialities like bratwurst, warm pretzels, and traditional cakes.
– – –
Anti – coronavirus measures
In connection with the rapidly changing situation regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, the dates, scope and actual holding of individual Christmas markets may be changed or even cancelled. Different hygiene measures may apply in each country. We therefore recommend that you check the current situation of selected Christmas markets before you travel.
– – –
Have we inspired you? Or is there any other winter wonderland you would like to visit this Christmas? Pristine Jet Charter will fly you anywhere you want, anytime you want… safely, privately, quickly, fully rested and in style. Moreover, all December bookings come with a Christmas gift of your choice. Be it an iPad, a Samsung tablet or a Gift Voucher of the same value to make your journey even more Christmassy! Contact us and choose your freebie.
– – –
Author: Elie Nehme