A European tour of the most beautiful Christmas markets

This year, discover Christmas off the beaten track. Here are our specially selected European destinations to visit in December for exceptional festive celebrations. 

Stopover No. 1: Dresden, Germany

 

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This Eastern German city is home to the oldest Christmas market in the world: the Striezelmarkt. As the end of the year approaches, wooden huts pop up on Altmarkt, an immense square surrounded by arches. Here, you can sample traditional yeast cake and wash it down with mulled wine. During the day, stroll through the town to marvel at its impressive architecture.

Stopover No. 2: Florence, Italy

 

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Swamped with tourists from all over the world during summer, Florence also makes a charming Christmas destination. An immense market is organised every year on the Piazza Santa Croce, one of the historic squares of the city. The inspiration here comes from across the Rhine: the different stands offer foreign specialities, such as pretzels and Bavarian beer. Fashion and gastronomy fans will also be thrilled by the Gucci Garden, launched in early 2018, where you can enjoy a gourmet meal at the Gucci Osteria by Michelin star chef Massimo Bottura.

Stopover No. 3: Vienna, Austria

 

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Head to the Rathasplatz, a spacious square in front of the Rathaus, an imposing town hall with a characteristic neo-gothic style. This is where you will find one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. After trying some acrobatic moves at the ice-skating rink during the day, recharge your batteries with an Austrian pastry sold in the little wooden huts. As for the ambience, think winter wonderland.

Stopover No. 4: Oslo, Norway

 

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This is where you will find one of the biggest Christmas markets in the entire country, designed like a village. When night falls, some 250,000 lights illuminate the square around the town hall. In this twinkling atmosphere, you can discover some local culinary specialities, such as fiskekaker, which are Norwegian fishcakes.

Stopover No. 5: Valkenburg, Netherlands

 

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In this special place, the festivities take place underground in a velvet cavern nestled beneath the Cauberg hill. This unique location also houses a chapel from the French era (18th century). Make the most of your stay to enter the magical world of stories at Fairytale Forest, an amusement park focused on children’s fairytales.

Stopover No. 6: Prague, Czech Republic

 

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As Christmas approaches, an enormous Christmas tree decorated with lights and ornaments takes pride of place in the Old Town square. An iconic Christmas market is set up here every year. Choirs sing carols between the rows of wooden huts, which offer various gourmet foods and comforting drinks. If you’re feeling courageous, you can also climb up to the highest tip of the Old Town tower to take in a panoramic view of the city.

Stopover No. 7: Nuremberg, Germany

 

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Not one but two Christmas markets are organised here every year. First, the Christkindlesmarkt, and then the children’s Christmas market, where little ones can notably enjoy a carousel and Father Christmas’s sleigh. Both are connected by the “Street of Nativity Scenes”, where guests and locals can stroll and sample foreign specialities.

Stopover No. 8: Barcarès, France

 

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Although not as well-known as the Strasbourg market, this Christmas village in southern France has a growing reputation. In Barcarès, a small commune between Perpignan and Narbonne, fans of the festive season can go ice-skating, walk around the huge Christmas tree set up in the place of the iconic palm tree, and discover the enchanted forest. A fun way to celebrate Christmas with your feet in the sand, while still enjoying the magic of the season.