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Christmas in Europe is a magical experience. I love Christmas and when I first heard about the Christmas markets Europe, and how the city turns into a page straight out of a fairytale, I was instantly sold. Cold snow covered streets, festive stalls, and a cityscape replete with twinkling Christmassy lights… sign me up!
Being from Southern California, a white Christmas was never a reality. While I love the heat, there’s something magical about cozying up and actually using a fireplace during the holidays. In fact, if you’re a festive holiday seeker, Europe will provide just that and more.
What are the “Christmas Markets in Europe”?
Christmas markets in Europe are exactly as they sound — giant markets or festivals a city in Europe hosts during the holiday season.
The history of the first Christmas market, Krippenmarkt, ever recorded was traced back to 1298 in Vienna, Austria (source). Later on, in 1384, the first Christkindlmarkt, or outside Christmas market we associate now-a-days occurred in Germany.
Gaining momentum during the 16th century, these open air markets grew in size and began selling homemade gifts, seasonal treats, meats, and hosting musical performances.
Now-a-days, the most beautiful Christmas markets can be found all over Europe. Each one has their respective traditions and customs enlivened during the holiday market.
When do Christmas markets in Europe start?
Markets typically start the last week in November and end in late December or January. However, each country in Europe has different cultures and customs. For instance, in Zagreb, Croatia the markets start in November, while the markets in Kiev, Ukraine begin in December.
Be sure to do your planning ahead of time as Christmas in Europe is a busy time of year.
*This year, 2020, many Christmas markets will be closed due to the pandemic. Some are open like Zagreb Christmas market, but check the city’s guidelines to find out.
When is the best time to visit?
If you’re planning a Christmas market holiday trip, anytime late November or December is ideal to visit. Typically right after Thanksgiving (or the last week of November) markets will begin to open up. Because its the beginning of the holiday season, markets have very few crowds.
Honestly, anytime you visit will be ideal. Remember, winter is the off-season for many of these cities so again, anytime is the best time to visit Europe in December.
Here’s a Europe travel checklist, and wellness tips for holiday travel with additional resources for your trip.
Where are the best Christmas markets in Europe?
The best places to visit Europe in December are really any place that catches your fancy! Europe’s Christmas markets are huge and many major cities will have them, as well as smaller cities.
Last year Evan and I went on a Christmas market extravaganza crusade viewing several one-of-a-kind markets. Unprecedented by the former market, we embraced each cities and countries traditions, and had an extraordinary time exploring.
Here’s a list of markets in Europe to inspire you:
- Zagreb, Croatia
- Christmas in Italy
- Kiev, Ukraine
- Barcelona, Spain
- Madrid, Spain
- Sibiu, Romania
- Timisoara, Romania
- Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Brussels, Belgium
What are the best European cities to travel to in December?
This will depend on what types of experiences you want to have. Read this quick guide to learn more — how to pick a Christmas market.
Once you’ve selected what type of experience you want (warmer, snow-covered, a city with night life or thermal hot springs, romantic market) and your budget (cheap destinations or luxury trip), then select the European city you’d like to explore.
Evan and I love exploring off-the-beaten path destinations so we opted for Christmas markets in Eastern Europe and countries with beautiful snow-covered national parks.
However, there are a plethora of amazing cities to choose from. Here’s some to get you started brainstorming: Malta, London, Russia, Cyprus.
Winter tip: If you’re an outdoor adventure seeker consider visiting Plitvice Lake National Park in Croatia, or venturing to the warm turquoise waters of Ibiza, Spain for a winter boat ride.
Tips & tricks for visiting the Christmas markets
1. It’s a season
One phenomenal thing about Christmas in Europe, is it’s an entire season and the markets don’t end after a week. Some are a month long while others are a month and a half.
Remembering its a season give you ample time to explore all the European market has to to offer. It easily allows you to opt for slow days and soak in all the enchantment the market brings. Go off trail, meander threw quiet lit streets, stroll through Christmassy shops, and embrace all the season has.
2. Embrace traditional foods and customs
Europe is assortment of exceptional countries each with different histories, traditions, and geological terrains. Some countries have medieval cities, while others offer more metropolitan centers. My advice is to embrace the uniqueness each city has to offer.
While visiting Kiev, Evan and I learned about the Christmas tradition of Christmas being celebrated both on December 25th and January 7th. Per the Orthodox Christian tradition, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th following the Julian calendar.
In Romania, Christmas traditions include singing Romanian carols which historians say date back as early as the 4th century, eating sarmale (cabbage rolls), and participating in a Nativity fast (source). Following Orthodox religion, this Nativity Fast, Postul Craciunului, one must abstain from eating milk, eggs and meat for 40 days before Christmas.
Stay open-minded as you explore the holiday markets and you may walk away with a new tradition to incorporate at home.
3. Invest in winter clothing
Investing in some decent winter clothing is a essential for a winter getaway in Europe. While the holidays bring exciting Christmas activities, no one wants to be cold exploring a new city. Unless you’re like Evan and I who absolutely love winter hiking excursions.
Opt for packing warm layers, boots, scarfs, hats, gloves, fleece lined leggings, double up on socks and a heavy winter coat. Fill that suitcase up! If you’re like me and get cold easy, wear your layers on the plane so you can pack more. This includes your winter coat which you can place in the overhead storage space.
4. Stay active and stop often to get warm
It gets extremely cold in Europe, which is also part of the holiday fun. Take your time exploring the city, and practice some simple wellness tricks to keep you healthy and sick-free.
During nighttime the city lights up beautifully so consider dashing in cozy coffee shops throughout the day to keep you warm. Plus you can sample the local tea, coffee, and other warm baked goodies. On one trip I even found a gluten-free and vegan bakery for a warm pit-stop.
5. Take advantage of the daylight
While the Christmas markets are the showstoppers during the holiday season, don’t avoid going out during the day time. Getting vitamin D is important, especially in winter. With later sunrises and early sunsets, if you’re trying to take advantage of the tourist off season, aim to start your day early.
If you’re cold, consider indoor activities like museums, theaters, and discovering more quant restaurants and coffee shops. Roam around the city, exploring small streets, corner cafes and splurge in the different paid activities within the city. Winter is Europe’s off-season which means discounts, discounts and more discounts!
We visited Chernobyl and Plitvice Lakes National Park in winter, using discounts. Eventually it all adds up, saving you some money in the long run so take advantage of less tourist and cheaper prices.
Do you have a favorite Christmas market in Europe that you’ve explored? Or one you’ve been dying to visit?
Resources for winter travel in Europe
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