{"id":35573,"date":"2021-07-02T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-01T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=35573&preview=true&preview_id=35573"},"modified":"2024-09-21T00:06:51","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T14:06:51","slug":"our-guide-to-best-christmas-markets-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/our-guide-to-best-christmas-markets-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"Our guide to the best Christmas markets in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"

A sunshine-filled sailing trip around the coast of Croatia<\/a> or enjoying Sangria and tapas on a warm evening in Spain<\/a> might be what springs to mind when someone mentions a Euro trip, but there\u2019s so much to do during the colder months too. Yep, I\u2019m talking about taking a winter holiday<\/a> in Europe.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Visiting Christmas markets is one of the best things to do in Europe<\/a> at this time of the year. What\u2019s not to love? The festive spirit is at an all-time high, with locals and tourists joining together to enjoy mulled wine, decorations and entertainment. Lights twinkle above, snow crunches underfoot and the air rings with cheerful festive songs. And the food \u2013 oh the food! The smell of roasting chestnuts and freshly baked gingerbread is enough to make anyone giddy with excitement. Many would agree that it\u2019s the most magical time to be in Europe.<\/p>\n

Throughout December, we\u2019ll be running a special Christmas Market itinerary<\/a> through Germany<\/a>, Austria and Hungary taking in the best of the Yuletide festivities in Munich, Salzburg, Vienna and Budapest. The itinerary is packed with visits to the region\u2019s most famous markets \u2013 as well as some less conventional ones \u2013 and also features plenty of free time and general sightseeing opportunities. Come nightfall each evening, you\u2019ll rug up and head to the markets to eat, drink and peruse the stalls.<\/p>\n

CHECK OUT OUR 8-DAY CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF CENTRAL EUROPE SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The best Christmas markets in Europe<\/h2>\n

Here’s our guide to Europe’s best Christmas market getaways including our top tips for things to eat, drink, see and do.<\/p>\n

1. Munich<\/h2>\n
\"Wooden<\/a>

All the handmade decorations. Image by anna.q via Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n

Munich is home to over 20 Christmas markets, so you\u2019ll definitely want the expertise of your local leader<\/a> to help you determine which ones are worth your time. The Kripperlmarkt is the perfect market for Christmas traditionalists \u2013 it\u2019s literally a \u2018manger market\u2019, where you can buy everything you would ever need to recreate the perfect nativity scene. We\u2019re talking three wise men figurines through to farm animals and of course, the stable itself.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: 6 REASONS TO CONSIDER OFF-SEASON TRAVEL IN EUROPE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Tollwood is touted as the \u2018market of ideas\u2019 and is the place where different ethnic groups from around Germany come to share their diverse Christmas traditions. All the international food served is organic, so you can enjoy delicious global cuisine as you browse the toys, woodcrafts, candles and more.<\/p>\n

Even outside of the official marketplaces, there is plenty of festive cheer to be enjoyed around Munich. Wander over to the Town Hall and watch the daily Christmas concert that runs while the markets are on \u2013 or simply grab a hot gluehwein<\/em>, a traditional mulled wine, and watch the rugged-up crowds strolling by.<\/p>\n

2. Salzburg<\/h2>\n
\"Christmas<\/a>

Christmas in Salzburg. Image by LianeM via Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n

Possibly most famous for being the setting of The Sound of Music<\/em>, Salzburg\u2019s hills really do<\/em> come alive at Christmas time. The Christmas Market in Cathedral Square is a crowd-pleaser, with plenty of sugary snacks to sustain you as you explore the stalls and listen to the sweet sounds of the Salzburg choirs performing live around the market. Grab a cinnamon-dusted baked apple or some roasted nuts and immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE IN ONE WEEK – THE ULTIMATE GUIDE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

If you want to experience the festivities on a smaller scale, the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress hosts a more intimate Christmas market, called the Advent Market. You have to reach the fortress by cable car, but once you do, the stunning Christmas lights in both in the courtyard of the fortress and the distant city below make it all worthwhile. Snack on local treats and do your Christmas shopping to the soundtrack of the local trumpeters.<\/p>\n

3. Vienna<\/h2>\n
\"Vienna<\/a>

To be honest, everywhere in Vienna is beautiful! Image by S.Borisov via Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n

Vienna<\/a>\u2019s old-world charm is the perfect place to enjoy your own Christmas fairytale, with plenty of different Christmas markets to choose from. If arts and crafts are your thing, head to Christmas Village located in the old Vienna hospital and shop for (or simply admire) the handmade wares from craftsmen and women all over the country.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: 6 MARKETS IN THE WORLD EVERYONE SHOULD EXPERIENCE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The market in front of Sch\u00f6nbrunn Palace is an excellent place to soak up a bit of local culture and grab dinner. Here there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in Christmas snacks and seasonal Viennese food including a variety of hot grilled sausages, maroni<\/em> (simmered chestnuts) and a range of pastries such as doughnuts, pretzels and waffles. Don\u2019t forget to grab a cup of punsch<\/em>, a local spiced liqueur served hot.<\/p>\n

Or, if you\u2019re looking for a bit of everything \u2013 shopping, delicious local cuisine and a picturesque part of town to explore \u2013 then head to the Spittelberg Markets. This market is located throughout the historical Biedermeier quarter, which is known for its beautiful architecture.<\/p>\n

4. Budapest<\/h2>\n
\"Traditional<\/a>

Langos = YUM! Image via Shutterstock.<\/p><\/div>\n

The grandeur of a city like Budapest<\/a> is pretty special at any time of year but visiting during the festive season is even better. Head to Vorosmarty Square to see the biggest and brightest Christmas market Budapest has to offer \u2013 and when I say brightest, I really mean it; the whole area is decorated with Christmas trees and quaint fairy lights.<\/p>\n

RELATED: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO EAT AND DRINK IN HUNGARY<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

There are hundreds of stalls to explore, and a range of Hungarian fare on offer to keep your tummy happy while you shop \u2013 from dodolle<\/em>, a traditional potato dumpling to langos<\/em>, a deep-fried flatbread served with various toppings, sour cream, cheese and garlic butter. Or, if you\u2019re more of a sweet tooth, you can\u2019t miss trying kurtoskalacs<\/em>, a cinnamon Hungarian chimney cake that goes perfectly with a local mulled wine.<\/p>\n

Do you want to uncover local secrets at Europe\u2019s Christmas markets this winter? Book your place on Intrepid\u2019s Christmas Markets of Central Europe trip<\/a>.  Or check out our range of other winter trips.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Hero image by S.Borisov via Shutterstock.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Many would agree that it\u2019s the most magical time to be in Europe…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15978,"featured_media":35578,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1313],"tags":[46,260,85,89,1732],"class_list":["post-35573","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-europe","tag-food-adventures","tag-germany","tag-hungary","tag-winter","ipf_region-austria","ipf_region-germany","ipf_region-hungary"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe Best Christmas Markets in Europe | Intrepid 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