The best Christmas markets in Europe. Magic wait time

Christmas markets open in November-December in many European cities. They can be found in capitals and small towns. The squares are decorated with garlands, everywhere it smells of mulled wine, pastries and pine needles. ATOR has collected several of the most famous and interesting fairs in Europe, where you can take a great walk without even waiting for the holiday itself.

Nativity scene in Old Town Square

This year, the Christmas festivities in the Czech capital open on November 20 at Peace Square. By the end of the month, the rest of the city's public spaces will also join it. The main fair of the country on the Old Town Square will start its work on November 26. On December 1, a garland will be solemnly lit there on a huge New Year tree. For a whole month, colorful festivities and celebrations continue here. On the square, according to the tradition, nativity scenes - decorative biblical compositions on the theme of the birth of Christ.

On the night before Christmas, an open mass service is traditionally held on the square, which can be attended by everyone. Throughout December, performances of modern and classical musicians, theater groups take place.

In total, according to local media reports, seven large fairs will be open in the city center. Some of them will work until Catholic Christmas, the rest will delight guests after the New Year. One of the most interesting promises to be the fair at Prague Castle, which opens on November 28. The fact is that only last year the Prague mayor's office agreed to organize a fair at one of the main Prague attractions. More than 70 wooden stalls with Christmas gifts and treats await guests. This fair will run until January 3.

By the way, it is Prague that is considered one of the most favorite places where tourists spend their Christmas holidays.

Norwegian salmon in Paris

Christmas markets in Paris are also starting to open in November. The famous Christmas markets on the Champs Elysees are already open. They are open from November 14th to January 4th from 10am to 11pm. This huge Christmas market is considered the most popular in France. More than one and a half hundred chalets stretch from the obelisk in Place Concorde to the start of Chanse-Elise Avenue. There you can buy a variety of gifts, enjoy gastronomic delicacies, not only French ones, such as Norwegian salmon baked over a fire.

But not only shops with hot chocolate and mulled wine, croissants, foie gras, duck breast and other delights can delight tourists. You can also purchase here designer clothes and accessories, see Paris from a bird's eye view on the Ferris wheel, go ice skating. About 15 million people visit this fair annually.

This year, the fair on Paris Saint-Germain square with festivities and carnivals will open on December 6, and will finish its work on the second day of the new year. But the Christmas gastronomy fair, where you can buy the best and most exquisite products for the holiday, will be open for only a few days from December 19 to 22 at Place de la Bourse (Exchange Square).

But Strasbourg is considered the birthplace of Christmas markets in Europe. It was there that the first Christkindelsmärik fair took place in 1570. It will open on November 25th. The whole city will be adorned with festive lighting, spruce wreaths and decorations will appear on the facades of houses. The streets around the famous Strasbourg Cathedral will house more than 200 chalet pavilions with original holiday decorations, designer Christmas decorations, handicrafts from Alsace, and popular Christmas sweets.

Santa Claus at the Red City Hall

One of Berlin's largest Christmas markets, the Gendarmenmarkt, will open on Monday 21 December and will host guests until the last day of this year. There you can not only taste local delicacies and delicious mulled wine, but also taste French wines. And also learn how luxurious Christmas decorations, masters will create New Year's magic right in front of the guests of the fair. Dance and musical groups will perform on special platforms between the shopping rows. And next to the fair there is one of the largest water rinks in Europe. However, the entrance to the fair is paid - 1 euro.

Also on November 21, the fair at the Red City Hall, very beloved by both Berliners and guests of the city, will begin its work - the quintessence of the festive atmosphere. A huge Ferris wheel, a skating rink by the fountain, traditional treats - sausages, pancakes, gingerbread and baked apples, as well as mulled wine and punch will delight guests until December 29.

By the way, at this fair you can also meet Saint Nikolaus (Santa Claus), talk to him and take memorable photos.

Also, Christmas markets are held at the Opera Palace, at the famous Alexanderplatz and others. In total, 82 Christmas markets will start working in the city on November 21. The first of them, by the way, opened on November 4 at Potsdamer Platz.

Trade fairs in Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Nuremberg are no less popular in Germany. Residents of each of these cities are sure that their fair is the most beautiful.

Mussels with chocolate

Surprisingly, but the first Christmas markets to open this year in Italy. In Morimondo, a small town located near Milan, on September 24 and 25, the first Christmas market has already taken place, or rather, the national premiere of the famous market in Bolzano.

Most European fairs still open at the end of November. For example, the main square of Brussels, Belgium turns into a fabulous space with millions of lights from festive garlands and Christmas tree decorations. There is also a 55-meter Ferris wheel. Traditional treats are pots of mussels, strong beer, Belgian waffles and, of course, the famous chocolate.

Christmas markets in the capital of Hungary - Budapest - are located on Vorosmarty Square and near the Basilica of St. Stephen. You can also try local food here, such as the pompos toque, the Hungarian equivalent of pizza. It is recommended to drink it with traditional mulled wine or local sparkling wine. It also offers souvenirs such as knitwear or wrought iron candelabra.

One of the most famous is the Vienna Christmas market, which takes place on the Town Hall Square. There you can buy incredible beauty Christmas balls, figurines of angels, treat yourself to local delicacies.

The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, also completely changes during the Christmas holidays.

According to a survey of eleven European countries made for the Christmas market barometer of the British postal company Post Office, the most cost-effective Christmas markets are considered to be in the Baltic countries. The first place is taken by Tallinn, the second - by Riga. Stockholm was recognized as the most expensive for the Christmas weekend.

Where Russian tourists go

“Among our clients, the demand for the second half of November and December is the most popular - France, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic is also popular, the duration of the tour is from 3 to 6 nights, the depth of sales of such tours is on average 30 days. These are individual tours, ”the company noted. Experts emphasized that such events are of interest to Russians and are in demand. But in the range of TUI there are no package tours in these directions for this period, the operator organizes individual trips to Europe for the period of Christmas fairs.

Naturally, the more popular are not pre-Christmas, but New Year's tours. “For the New Year holidays, many countries have developed their own programs. We have formed special tours to the Czech Republic, for example, as part of check-in on December 30 for 4 nights, special New Year's program... Tourists, as a rule, buy ski tours (Bulgaria, Andorra, Italy) with the capture of New Year's dates, as such tours always include a festive program, special prizes and gifts in honor of the holiday, ”the company noted.

The beginning of winter in Europe is the time for Christmas markets and markets in the main squares of beautiful European cities.

If you want to spend a weekend in late November / early December in the atmosphere of a bright holiday with Christmas carols, warm lighting and the smell of all kinds of delicacies and traditional hot wine, you have to go.

Zagreb (Croatia)

Zagreb is considered the capital of European Christmas.
During this time, various events take place in Zagreb.
Lots of entertainment, great food, events from the art world, as well as a real Christmas atmosphere await tourists on the streets of the Croatian capital.

Flights in Zagreb can be found.
Hotels, apartments and other accommodation in Zagreb to book.

Colmar (France)

Colmar is a very compact and cozy city with many restaurants, cafes, wine bars.
Beautiful sights are within walking distance, for example.

Closest international to Colmar an airport with direct flights from Moscow: Baden-Baden - Karlsruhe () and Stuttgart ().
Car rent for a trip to Colmar and Strasbourg.
Hotels, apartments and other accommodation in Colmar to book.

Strasbourg (France)

For the last few years, Christmas in Strasbourg has been considered one of the most beautiful streets in terms of decor and events on the streets.
For the variety of souvenirs, gifts and on offer on the streets, Strasbourg can rival Zagreb.
2 weeks ago - a Christmas tree was already being set up on the main square.

It is very convenient that there is another Christmas spot nearby, which I wrote about earlier.
As well as around her.

Get to Strasbourg it is possible with a transfer in Paris or Frankfurt (), but it is cheaper to get to the same way as in Colmar (see above).
Rent a car() and travel between Strasbourg and Colmar by.
Hotels and apartments in Strasbourg can be found.

Vienna, Austria)

At the end of November, Vienna turns into a giant Christmas market.
This event will leave you with unforgettable memories and is ideal for both young and old alike.
Vienna is one of the safest places in Europe. Vienna is the ideal place for a wonderful holiday with friends, family or loved ones.

One of the most famous Christmas markets is the Viennese Adventure Magic, which turns Town Hall Square into a fairytale land.

Christmas gifts, wood decorations, sweets and mulled wine await you, as well as carousels and Christmas workshops for children.
The trees of the surrounding City Hall Park are festively decorated and radiate into a sea of lights - something you definitely won't want to miss!

Tallinn (Estonia)

On the main square of the Old Town - Tallinn Town Hall Square, a tall Christmas tree is erected, which is surrounded by small houses with shining lights, where Christmas delicacies and handicrafts are sold.
walking along the Old Town.
which I can recommend.

Having touched the holiday, you can drive around Estonia, stop and see.
Descend into a real mine and dine underground with a mining ration c.
And getting to Tallinn is easy: an hour by plane or overnight by train.

Prague, Czech Republic)

The best Christmas market in the Czech Republic every year welcomes travelers from all over the world who are amazed at the beauty of the city dressed in Christmas colors.

The unique atmosphere of medieval central Prague makes the Christmas markets in Old Town Square very popular.
Unlike some of the larger markets throughout Europe, the Prague Christmas Market is a kind of intimate, allowing for a more intimate familiarity with European Christmas traditions.
Prague is incredibly romantic all year round; it ranks among the most romantic cities in Europe and is even more charming at Christmas.

Cologne (Germany)

Cologne is one of the favorite destinations for independent travelers. There is more than one Christmas market in Cologne - there are several and they are located throughout the city.
At this time of year, the entire city is dedicated to Christmas.

Advent is the time for Christmas markets and Cologne is no exception, the magic of Christmas will be felt throughout the festively decorated city.
The aromas of baked apples, cinnamon cookies and mulled wine will make their way through the alleys, and many different themed Christmas markets invite people to stroll.

Nuremberg (Germany)

The smells of mulled wine and rum punch, roasted almonds and Nuremberg gingerbread fill the air.
On the eve of the holidays, Christ of Nuremberg appears on the balcony of the Church of Our Lady to open the festive season.

The easiest way to get to Nuremberg is from Munich () or Frankfurt () by renting a car there.
Car rent in Germany ().
Hotels, apartments and other accommodation in Nuremberg (book).

Dresden, Germany)

Eleven completely different Christmas markets are opening in Dresden.
The sounds of celebration fill the air throughout the city.
Organ sounds are mixed with the festive sounds of street bands.

Christmas tales come to life in city theaters.
Dresden's museums hold special exhibitions and boats adorned with lights glide along the Elbe.

A visit to the Christmas market in Dresden can be combined with a trip to Saxon Switzerland and admire the views there:.

Flights to Dresden ().
Car rent in Dresden ().
Hotels, apartments and other housing in Dresden (

5 /5 (59 )

Fairs in Austria

As early as the thirteenth century, Christmas markets began to be held in Vienna. Today this beautiful city attracts Russian tourists who dream of spending winter holidays arriving here on board a Mediterranean cruise ship. More than a dozen markets with about 150 outlets are open from November 12 to December 24. Right in front of the City Hall, on the Rathausplatz, they buy dressed-up dolls, toy wooden houses, warm woolen hats, elegant leather clothes, gingerbread hearts.

On the small Spittelberg square, next to bars and restaurants, you can buy exquisite handicrafts made of glass, majolica, silver jewelry and dishes.

It is nice to combine holiday shopping with a delightful walk around the city, decorated with glowing garlands.

In the Rathauspark where they sparkle different colors pavilions and trees, amusement rides and a carousel. Modern LED beads transform dull cold streets into fabulous alleys that bring a lot of positive emotions to tourists and guests of beautiful Austria. The luminous avenues will also lead tourists to the first opera stage in the world - the Vienna State Opera. New Year's holidays in Vienna will delight the soul and will be remembered forever.

Almost fifty Christmas markets open in this city in mid-November and close on January 6 New Year's (now 2017).

The one that opens in the Altstadt microdistrict has long been recognized as the most romantic holiday market.

Numerous trade shops are literally heaped with mountains of glazed gingerbread, antique wooden toys, exquisite translucent handmade glass products.

Climbing Mount Nordkette on the funicular, you can see with your own eyes and capture on a video camera a beautiful view of the pre-holiday city, sparkling with all the colors of garlands.

Fairs in france

The fairs open in the city on the border with Germany on November 25 and run until December 31 (2016).

Strasbourg is considered the birthplace of the Christmas tree.

Legend has it that it was here that the first green beauty was installed, decorated with Christmas toys and the city-transforming holiday trade is recognized by connoisseurs as one of the finest in the world.

Plaza de la Cathedrale, covered in angels, stars, garlands and snowflakes, offers a variety of Christmas tree decorations.

The market place des Meuniers is advised to go for the delicious snacks of Alsatian cuisine.

Christkindelsmärik market is recognized as one of the oldest shopping centers France, it has been open since 1570. More than a dozen themed villages, which are full of "goodies" and "beauties". Pay attention to the peculiar bredele cookies, with the taste of orange, coconut, cinnamon, it can decorate not only a sweet table, but also a New Year tree.

The winter series of holidays in Paris begins on December 6, the day of St. Nicholas. French Santa Claus - Pierre Noel brings small gifts to small children on this day.

The whole family gathers the French on December 25. And 31 are greeted with friends in a restaurant or cafe, over a pie in which a bean is to be baked. Whoever gets a bean is appointed the bean king for the entire new year's eve... The king gives ridiculous orders, everyone obeys them.

The La Defense quarter is the largest market in Paris. After sunset, the bazaar begins to sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow.

Excellent street trading takes place throughout Paris: on the Champs Elysees, Boulevard Saint-Germain, at the Church of Saint Sulpicius.

LED strips twine around trees on city streets and avenues of parks, in the festive bazaar near the Eiffel Tower, ice rinks and houses offer entertainment and treats from all over the world.

Holiday cottages and mountains of yummy await you in the village of Montparnasse, by the Arch on Défense, in Place d'Italie and Gare de l'Est.

Fairs take place in the Place des Nations, in the Bois de Boulogne, at the Limousine house, even 150 galleries of the Louvre are decorated with flowers and Christmas here smoothly turns into New Year.

The winter markets in Paris are open from November 25 to January 2 (2017), with some local date changes. At Notre Dame, in the Latin Quarter, from December 2 to January 2.

Fairs in Lille will be open from November 18 to December 30 of the outgoing year. The main kiosks, which tourists call a gourmet paradise, are located at the Place Rihour.

The Festival of Lights opens winter fun in Lyon. The festival has been celebrated here since 1852. Since the day when the Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary was erected on the picturesque Fourvière hill.

Every year on December 8, residents of the city light paper lanterns in honor of St. Mary and arrange concerts and festivities on the streets of the city.

A wonderful place where you will feel the festive spirit - the bazaar on the L'Horloge square.

From 11/27/16 to January 2 of the New Year, the market is packed with sellers, kiosks, buyers, musicians.

Sweets, oils, Provencal wines, fine fabrics, handmade clay pots, souvenirs, toys, snowflakes, lanterns, garlands can be found in front of the City Hall.

Provence

New Year's Eve trade from December 17 to January 1 of the New Year takes place throughout Provence.

Amazing sale of gifts in Muan Sartou, and Place Masséna is flooded with ice rinks. It is here that they offer to taste 13 traditional Christmas desserts and buy local souvenirs. And where, if not in Provence, to taste Provencal wine?

Germany fairs

All sites in Hamburg are uniquely diverse.

The oldest market is located near the City Hall. Here you can find rows of sweets, with cakes, lollipops, pastries and sweets, and handicraft products, decorated with silver, wood, leather.

There is a real toy paradise for children - the Spielzeuggasse.

Romantics prefer the Jungfernstieg markets, with a huge selection of gifts for loved ones and delicious products.

Lovers of solitude choose New Year's souvenirs at the Fleetenzel river fair. Flickering lights and sailing boats will remind you of romantic antiquity and an amazing holiday.

If your route runs through Germany, it is useful for you to remember that in Stuttgart the local Weihnachtsmarkt is open from 11/23/16 to 12/23/16.

Trading on this site was opened back in 1692. More than three hundred pavilions are located along the streets, sparkling with lights. Homemade fruit liqueurs, multi-colored knitted hats, felt slippers for the beloved grandmother, horse hair brushes for artists and other original gifts will be offered to tourists.

Each site is dedicated to its own topic. At Stadtgarten, they slowly sip mulled wine, sell honey of various sorts, warm slippers, and jewelry. Holiday trade on Rudolfplatz offers fun wooden Toys and handmade souvenirs.

Worms

Cozy colorful town located just south of Frankfurt. Christmas markets will open here from 11/21/16 to 12/23/16. This town is considered to be the oldest in Germany. An ice rink will be flooded next to the festive market, where everyone can practice in sports races.

Fairs in Italy

Markets in Bologna are open from 11/23/16 to 01/06/17.

Winter Fun in Italy is great Mediterranean cuisine with mouth-watering creations for sale everywhere. Live nativity scenes, houses of Santa Claus, green festive Christmas trees decorate numerous markets in Italy. More than 400 trading floors, sparkling and decorated in the most unexpected way, greet the guests of the country.

All roads in Rome, with numerous festive markets spread along them, lead to Piazza Navona, which is the historical center of the city. Here, right between the ancient buildings and fountains, the works of the great Bernini, in December and January, numerous pavilions are opened, decorated with luminous garlands of LEDs.

Here you can buy toys, art objects, wooden decorations, figurines for interior decoration and Christmas trees.

Christmas in Rome is magical nights when the lights of the markets illuminate the Eternal City. Guests enjoy roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, hot chocolate and classical music performed by pipers.

In Italy, bazaars on the same days are held in Naples, Venice, Milan, Turin, Trento, Livigno, Vipiteno, Aosta, Brunico, Bressanone, Merano, Bolzano.

The shopping arcade will offer crispy almonds, hazelnuts, nougat, sweets, hundreds of types of cheese, dried fruits. All cities are decorated with multi-colored Christmas balls, snowflakes, glowing ribbons, which give tourists a charming fairy-tale mood.

Authentic bazaar in Stockholm

The first bazaar of Old Stockholm opened 500 years ago on Stortorget Square. The Scandinavian markets are very interesting and authentic. Open from 11/23/16 to 11/23/16.

Holiday trade

The luxurious Swedish bazaar Skansen is the protest of local residents of the famous depression. Cheerful, decorated stalls, brightly lit streets against the ever-missing light. The pavilions are literally littered with designer Christmas decorations, real works of art, miniatures made of ceramics, colored glass, and designer jewelry.

The most common sweets of the festive winter Stogkolm are cookies with ginger, waffles, venison, smoked sausages.

Trondheim Christmas market

Here you can see the tents of traditional Sami dwellings, ornate wooden chalets. Sleighs with horses decorated with colorful ribbons, a fire burning under the sky, gift items from folk artisans, delicious dishes from fish, local berries, smoked meats, meat delicacies, silver cups of wine await guests and tourists.

Fair in

In Budapest, next to St. Stephen's Square, tourists will see a hundred pavilions of the Vorosmarty bazaar from 11/13/16 to 01/06/17.

It sells delicious Hungarian cakes, designer knitted items, fur hats and mittens, artificial flowers, unique jewelry, chocolates and marzipan gingerbread. An exquisite wrought iron candelabrum that can please on any occasion can be ordered from a blacksmith right on the spot. It will be made in half an hour.

Holiday trade in Belgium

In Bruges, the tradition of the Christmas trade dates back to eight centuries. You can get on them from 11/18/16 to 12/1/17.

Traditional Belgian treats are chocolate.

Knitted stoles and hats, toys carved from wood, author's products from thin skin, designer jewelry of fine workmanship.

Christmas in Vilnius

You can see the local holiday trade and buy gifts from 11/26/16 to 12/29/16. Tourists will walk around Vilnius, see a huge Christmas tree glowing with thousands of stars, which the TV tower changes into. In the center of Vilnius, on the Cathedral Square, a wonderful fair is unfolding.

Atmospheric streets of old Riga

The smells of mulled wine and roasted almonds have been spreading on the Dome Square since November 26. Painted piparkukas, warm mittens, souvenirs and handicrafts, creative workshops, many lights and garlands, performances by musicians - all this suggests that the holidays are just around the corner. All visitors are greeted on the streets by Santa Claus, to whom children whisper their wishes.

Tallinn Old Town Fair

On the Town Hall Square since November 18, there is the main spruce, around the stalls in the form of Christmas houses, a real Santa Claus with reindeer. Concerts are held here on weekends. On other days, until 19:00, you can meet not only artisans and traders, but also animals: geese, goats, lambs, ponies, hares.

Christmas market in Prague

Winter holiday markets are open from 11/26/16 to 01/01/17. A magnificent show will unfold on the Old Town Square. There will be not only the richest trade, concerts of national dance ensembles and wonderful chants of choirs.

Christmas trade in Athens

Already at the end of November, in all resort villages and cities of Greece, the spirit of Christmas fairs soars, where gifts for all family members are bought. There is also a large number of sweets, Christmas tree garlands, balls, snowflakes, stars, icicles, decorations, toys for children.

Christmas in Greece is celebrated together with Christian Catholics according to the Gregorian calendar on December 25-26.

Market squares are decorated not only by trade pavilions illuminated by LED strips, but also by improvised nativity scenes, concert venues, and boats. In any local tavern, you can sample traditional Mediterranean festive cuisine, recognized as the healthiest in the world. The whole family these days stroll through magical parks with swings, attractions and carousels. Ships are a traditional decoration of the maritime state; they are found here as often as nativity scenes.

The first Christmas tree was decorated in Athens in 1834. But the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree finally took root in this country in the fifties of the twentieth century. For many years, numerous ancient rituals associated with Christmas have been preserved in Greece. Many of them can be seen even now if you go on a tourist tour to Greece during the winter holidays.

For Christmas in Europe, they begin to prepare from the end of November, when the time of Advent comes. The duration of the latter is necessarily four Sundays, that is, three full weeks with the addition of a certain number of days. During Advent, in Catholic churches in Europe, the Holy Mass is served in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first new Year decoration and gifts, and cities are beginning to be decorated with Christmas trees and garlands.

Numerous Christmas markets that open in the centers of major European cities are an integral part of the holiday. You can use them to buy classic national souvenirs, Christmas products typical for this country, winter clothes and new Year gifts... The less time remains before Christmas, the more fun and crowded it becomes in the sparkling glittering frost and lights in the markets. Local musical groups begin to perform at them, various contests and promotions are held.

Christmas stalls in Munich appear at Marienplatz at the end of November. They offer Christmas tree decorations, souvenirs, handicrafts, traditional German sausages, gingerbread cookies, aromatic mulled wine to local residents and guests of the city. Spicy scents are classic Christmas scents in Europe. Every Friday, a brass band performs at the Munich Christmas market, and a choir sings from the balcony of the local Town Hall. There is another festive market in the Wittelsbacherplatz area - the medieval one. Here you can plunge into the history of ancient Munich - learn how to cook ancient dishes and take part in local folk amusements.

2. Nuremberg (Nuremberg) -the most famous fair in Germany.

The Nuremberg Christmas market has been held since 1682 and is considered the largest and best in Europe

The Christmas market in Nuremberg opens by placing a beautiful golden angel on the Church of Our Lady. About two hundred trading stalls on the main square of the city offer New Year's decorations and children's toys, Christmas gingerbread cookies and spicy mulled wine to Europeans on vacation. The most popular Christkindlesmarkt (Christ Infant Fair) delicacies are heart-shaped gingerbread with the inscription “I love you” (in German). Unlike other fairs in Nuremberg, it is not customary to entertain guests with attractions. Only Christmas stalls work here.

Christmas trade fairs Germany... Top 10 most beautiful

There are two Christmas markets in Edinburgh - German and Scottish. The first is located on Mound Precinct and offers its visitors numerous New Year decorations, Christmas tree decorations, gifts made with my own hands, and local national food. The Scottish Christmas Market is located at East Princes Street Gardens. It has a pronounced national character. In the shops decorated with Christmas lights, you can buy exquisite jewelry (the Scots have established themselves as skilled jewelers since the Celtic times), local whiskey, traditional Scottish haggis - a unique dish of mutton giblets cooked in a lamb stomach.

Cologne is famous for several large Christmas markets. The most "delicious" of them opens at the end of November on the square in front of the Cologne Cathedral. More than a hundred pavilions sell handmade souvenirs, candied almonds, and chocolate-covered fruits. The medieval market opens up the ancient history of Germany in the area of the Chocolate Museum. Everything in it is imbued with the spirit of antiquity: street musicians play medieval instruments, the square is lit with torches, townspeople and tourists are entertained by harlequins and a real puppet theater.

The Salzburg Christmas market is considered one of the oldest in Europe. Its history dates back to the 15th century, when local townspeople began to sell various festive goods near the main cathedral. Today, the Salzburg Christmas market is located on Cathedral Square and Residenzplatz and consists of eight dozen pavilions where you can buy festive decor, fried chestnuts, local sausages, almonds and, as elsewhere in Europe at this time of year, aromatic, spicy mulled wine ... From time to time, the Salzburg Market is immersed in the magic of Christmas tunes and choral singing.

The Christmas market in Brussels is one of the youngest in Europe. It first began its work in 2002, and already in 2003 it was recognized as the most original Christmas market. Situated on the square of St. Jean, St. Catherine and the streets and squares adjacent to them, it is, at the same time, one of the largest festive European formations. More than two hundred trays of traditional fries and lush waffles, mussels and clams, national souvenirs and New Year's decorations are combined with magical illumination, night light shows and a long ice rink at the Fish Market.

Festive events start in mid-November and continue through the New Year.

Copenhagen's Christmas market is more like a fairy tale than a familiar market. Located in the Tivoli Gardens, it shimmers with the lights of about 2,000 garlands hanging from the local trees. There is a huge Christmas tree in the center of the fair, and fairy elves and Santa Claus himself roam the paths of the park. In numerous pavilions, you can buy warm sweaters with national patterns, designer candles and soap, silver jewelry, delicious donuts with black currants or apples.

Before Christmas, several festive markets open at once in London. The Old Spitalfields Christmas Market is decorated in the style of the 18th-19th centuries, and you can also buy vintage gifts there. The Southbank Center celebrates Christmas Market every year under the sign of a specific country - in 2012, the market copies the German Christmas markets. Leaden Hall Christmas Market allows you to buy food for the holiday table. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Christmas Market, located in Hyde Park, and Greenwich Christmas Market are classic Christmas markets with many attractions, souvenirs and culinary products.

The Strasbourg Christmas market has absorbed best traditions Germany and France. With over 400 years of history, it is currently located in the Cathedral area and Broya Square. Hundreds of fairgrounds delight the townspeople and guests of Strasbourg with local sweets, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Only here you can try the original thin Flammekeuche pizza, made from bacon, onions and sour cream. Theatrical performances are performed on the square in front of the main cathedral. There is an ice skating rink not far from the market.

On the eve of Christmas, several festive markets are opening in Vienna at once. The main one is located in front of the central Town Hall on the Rathausplatz square. The building of the city administration "counts" the calendar days until the main Catholic holiday; glass and wooden toys, gingerbread and cotton candy, mulled wine and grog are sold in numerous fairgrounds. You can buy handicrafts at the Christmas Village on Maria Theresa Square. The best place to look for original Christmas gifts is Karlsplatz.

Prague Christmas markets function in the style of classic European holiday markets. You can take children on them to introduce them to cute goats and adorable lambs. You can buy traditional Bohemian crystal and jewelry with pomegranates, wooden and straw toys and ceramics, honey cakes, wicker buns with raisins and nut cookies with rum. Czech beer and hot wine are an integral part of all Christmas markets in Prague. The main fairs are located in Wenceslas and Old Town Squares.

12. Stuttgart, Germany.

The Christmas market in Stuttgart is over 300 years old. Occupying the central square, it pleases residents and guests of the city with festively decorated shopping stalls, where you can choose both classic New Year gifts (for example, souvenirs made of sheep leather, wood or glass), and taste traditional German sausages, lamb ham, sheep cheese, baked apples , gingerbread, Christmas punch and mulled wine. From time to time, there are Christmas concerts, a Ferris wheel and a variety of attractions for children.

Works:

Christkindlimarkt November 21 - December 24
Europaallee November 23 - December 24
Market in the Old Town December 5-23

The main Christkindli-Markt in Zurich is based in the spacious lobby of the local train station. The latter contains more than one and a half hundred Christmas pavilions and a huge tree decorated with six thousand Swarovski crystals. Wooden stalls sell local souvenirs, roasted chestnuts and traditional sausages. The smallest and youngest Christmas market in Zurich is Werdmühleplatz. It is a multi-tiered area in the form of a Christmas tree, which can accommodate everyone who wants to perform popular Christmas melodies and songs. The main thing is not to forget to put on a green hoodie and a red cap.

Like any major European city, Paris boasts a galaxy of Christmas markets. The Christmas market on the Champs Elysees is a collection of stalls selling all sorts of things. Here you can buy souvenirs from different countries peace, try foie gras and French ham. The Christmas markets on Boulevard Saint-Germain offer fashionable designer clothes and traditional sweets. The Limousine House Christmas Market offers the townspeople and guests of the capital classic French delights - purple mustard, Corsican ham, alpine cheeses, hazelnut cake, French sweets and liqueurs.

The Striezelmarkt Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe. It first appeared on the streets of the city in 1434. Today the market is located in Altmarkt square. In its center is a huge Christmas tree, around which four classic Christmas figures have gathered - the Snowman, Nutcracker, Miner and Prune Man. Wooden, glass and blue and white ceramic souvenirs are available at the Striezelmarkt. The Dresden market abounds in sweets, the main of which is a muffin with fruits and nuts. In early December, a stollen parade is held in the city (this is the name of this delicacy), on which the sweet symbol of Christmas is transported to the city center with great honors, where it is subsequently cut into small pieces and released for free sale.

There are three largest Christmas markets in Berlin. The first - with the fabulous name "The Magic of Christmas" - is located on the Gendarmenmarkt square. Unlike other Christmas sales, here all gift and souvenir products are made right in front of the buyer and only for him. Berlin's second Christmas market is located in Spandau. Its unique feature is the ability to write a letter ... to Jesus himself! They say that if you try very hard, then the desires set out in the message to God can be fulfilled within a year. Berlin's central Christmas market, located in Schlossplatz, is the third largest market in the German capital. It has not only the usual shopping pavilions, but also an amazing fairy forest, numerous cafes and carousels.

Medieval Bruges hosts one of the prettiest fairs in Europe from 20 November to 3 January.

Perhaps its main feature is the colossal selection of local beer.

One of the most beautiful European cities, which has almost completely preserved its medieval architecture, from the second half of November is completely immersed in the Christmas mood. Its streets and squares are decorated with colorful garlands, and in numerous shopping pavilions a brisk trade in local sweets opens up - the famous Belgian chocolate, jenever balsam, hot pancakes. The Bruges Christmas market offers local souvenirs and leather goods, skating rinks and live costume shows.

The Budapest Christmas market is located on Vöresmarty Square, where, starting in late November, festive melodies begin to sound and the tart aromas of food spread. From early morning until late at night, they sell traditional Hungarian fried sausages with paprika, apple strudel and mulled wine. Local musicians perform national compositions on a small stage throughout the day. The fair pavilions sell classic Christmas decorations, souvenirs, New Year gifts.

Tallinn, Raekoja plats
20.11.2015 - 08.01.2016, 10:00 - 19:00

Tallinn's Christmas market is one of the youngest markets in Europe. Based in the Town Hall Square area, it offers its visitors numerous crafts and local specialties. Here you can buy warm knitted sweaters and jackets, felt boots and patchwork quilts, buckwheat pillows and black pudding, gingerbread and sauerkraut. There is a large Christmas tree in the center of the market.

Christmas bazaars of Riga

Market in the Old Town 23 November - 23 December
Skansen Market: November 30 and December 1; December 7-8; December 13-14; December 20-21

The Stockholm Christmas Market is located in the Old Town at Stortorget Square, next to the Royal Palace. It abounds in local souvenirs, traditional Swedish sweets, smoked sausages, red fish, national delicacies, and handicrafts. At the market, you can taste hot glögg with almonds and raisins and mulled wine, watch musical performances and take part in an exciting quest walk called “Explore the Old Town”.

21. The most unique is the Valkenburg Christmas market, the Netherlands

This market is located in a cave underneath the city. Walk with a candle that illuminates the labyrinth of passages and caves where gifts and other things await you.

22. The coldest Christmas market is Barcelona

Held from December 1st to December 24th and December 28th on “Innocent Saints” Day (Spanish version of April Fool's Day).

The Catalan capital is often considered one of the coolest European cities, and Christmas in Barcelona is no exception. But during this time, the weather is still warm to roam the city at night, and the street artists on the Ramblas add an amazing vibe. In this market, you can buy unusual gifts as well as various sweets. If you plan your stay in the city on December 28th, you will be on the Day of Jokes. At this time, the streets will be filled with music, artists, as well as a huge amount of entertainment.

Bratislava Christmas Market is a traditional, but not very large market in Slovakia. Of course, this is not the most famous seasonal fair, but tourists and locals like this market, there are gifts and many other entertainments here.

24. Oxford, UK

The largest takes place on Broad Street, near the theater Sheldonian and buildings of the student hostel. It is notable not only for authentic British products, but also for a touching cultural program: local choirs perform Christmas songs, giving visitors an amazing mood.

25 Helsinki

Open from mid-November until Christmas

Christmas markets in Finland are a lot of fun. And I must say that shopping on them is special. You can buy a wonderful thing and have fun. All kinds of competitions, music, dances attract many visitors and onlookers here. It seems that things are being sold, and along with them, in a load, they also give you a Christmas mood. A fairy tale comes to life on city squares during fairs. Santa opens his residences. Gnomes build houses, light candles on Christmas trees and treat visitors with a hot gleg. Children and adults alike order surprises for Santa and begin to look forward to Christmas.