5 European Christmas Markets To Visit In 2022

With twinkling lights, brightly coloured ornaments and fantastic food, Christmas markets are brimming with yuletide cheer.

Christmas markets originated in Germany in the late middle ages and are now a staple in many European cities. Now, no matter where you’re travelling this holiday season you are bound to see Christmas markets across Europe.

After two years of restrictions, make your holiday unforgettable by exploring these Christmas markets. Here are some of the best options to visit in Europe.

Budapest, Hungary

They like to kick off the Christmas season early in Budapest, where food and gift stalls pop up.

The square in front of St Stephen’s Basilica is an amazing destination for holiday trinkets and treasures. The ice rink that surrounds the Christmas tree is a source of great fun for all ages.

The three-dimensional play of light and shadow on the facade of the Basilica every evening is one of the traditional highlights of the market.

Opening Dates: 18 November 2022 to 01 January 2023

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of the best Christmas destinations with the capital decorated with Christmas lights. There are Christmas markets in every little Square in the city centre.

The main market is traditionally held at the Old Town Square which features the official Christmas tree, as well as a stage for Christmas performances. The market is popular with Czechs and foreign tourists alike thanks to its mulled wine, sausages, sweets and gifts. It’s one you shouldn’t leave out for sure.

Opening Dates: 26 November 2022 to 6 January 2023

Salzburg, Austria

The market stalls crowding into the Austrian city’s main squares look straight out of a Christmas storybook.

The Salzburg Christmas Market offers visitors a varied social and cultural programme. These include an exhibition of Christmas mangers, exciting processions of Perchten in their frightening masks and costumes, as well as genuine folk song and dance performances.

Look out for quality gift ideas like hand-painted baubles and handmade knitwear. And sample some spicy gingerbread and schnapps as you go.

Opening Dates: 17 November 2022 to 01 January 2023

Zagreb, Croatia

Croatia’s capital goes into a six-week festive frenzy when at least a dozen Christmas markets take over Zagreb.

Each individual market has its own theme, decorations, and atmosphere, contributing to the ever-present Christmas spirit that befalls the city. The city-wide event lasts for a little over a month and is filled with all kinds of activities to do.

Visitors will be happy to discover that the streets are filled with lots of food stalls serving traditional Croatian food.

Opening Dates: 26 November 2022 to 7 January 2023

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg’s markets are widely considered to be one of the best Christmas markets in Europe with a history dating back to the 1500s.

This mediaeval city is transformed in the winter, as the main market square hosts the wildly popular Christmas market.

Nuremberg offers a variety of events so you can immerse yourself into the pre-Christmas atmosphere with concerts, music, church services, and Christmas exhibitions.

You can also explore the wooden booths so look at all sorts of ornaments, jewellery, decor and trinkets you’d expect from a festive market.

Opening Dates: 25 November 2022 and 24 December 202

Which Christmas market do you want to visit most? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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