While each Christmas market has its own unique characteristics, they can quickly become one. Fortunately, there are plenty of markets in Europe that stand out from the rest for one reason or another. Here are ten Christmas markets that will hopefully have exactly what you've been missing from a perfect Christmas.
The bigger, the more magnificent
Liseberg in Gothenburg has been awarded the title of the best Christmas market several times, but it is also the largest Christmas market in Sweden and in fact in all of Scandinavia. Normally, Liseberg is just an amusement park, but during the Christmas season it is transformed into a real wonderland with more than 5 million lights and 700 Christmas trees. Over 70 traditional stalls where you can buy everything from handicrafts to traditional Swedish foods such as pickled herring and marzipan pigs.
For the lover of traditions
German Christmas markets are known all over the world for their traditions. The most traditional approach, however, can be found on the banks of the Elbe River in the town of Werben on the third weekend of Advent. Once Germany's smallest Hanseatic city, the Christmas market is so dedicated to staying true to tradition that it is held without the use of electricity. Of course, there is food and drink and plenty of gifts, but the unique approach means oil lamps and candles for light and cheerfully crackling fire pits for preparing food and drink.
Underground surprise
The Netherlands surprises with a truly unique Christmas market. The Valkenburg Christmas market is partly located in caves! More precisely, there are two cave systems. Gemeentegrot, which is Europe's largest underground Christmas market, and Fluweelengrot, which is located under the ruins of Valkenburg Castle. Fluweelengrot also has an 18th-century chapel, wonderful murals and sculptures, which all create a unique atmosphere. The Christmas markets, set up in cave passages, have stalls, Christmas lights and everything else that can be found on earth.
Something for dog owners
Man's best friend cannot be forgotten during the Christmas holidays, and Berlin has even created a special Christmas market just for them. All four-legged friends and their owners are welcome to the Christmas market at Forsthaus Paulsborn. The Christmas market is special because of its pet-friendly atmosphere and stalls where you can buy everything your pet needs: food, clothing, toys, treats, bedding and more.
The most diverse Christmas market
“Journey to Christmas” takes place on Red Square in Moscow. The Christmas market consists of 38 different areas with more than 100 stalls and in addition to souvenirs and local food, there are other things to do there. For example, children are taught figure skating, ice hockey and snowboarding! Adults can also take part in various short training courses, competitions and contests. A truly extravagant Christmas market, a visit to which will be remembered for a long time.
Zero cost for lovers
A Christmas market where everything sold is made with zero waste! Plastic-free, long-lasting gifts from local artisans are the stars of this Christmas market. The Zero Waste Christmas Market takes place in three different cities in the UK: Manchester, London and Brighton. This means you can choose a date that suits your plans and why not visit other markets along the way.
Christmas market for adults only
If you’ve had enough of the Christmas cheer and loveliness, Hamburg’s Santa Pauli Christmas Market might be just what you need to add a little spice to a cold winter’s evening. In addition to the usual Christmas market traditions, such as good food and nice gifts, the Reeperbahn Christmas Market also features a striptease tent, burlesque shows, adult-oriented Christmas decorations, and the opportunity to take part in a city tour that introduces the history of prostitution. However, you don’t have to worry that this is a cheesy Christmas market. The main goal is to have a good time and add a little spice to Christmas.
For craft lovers
In front of Vienna's famous Karlskirche you will find an alternative Christmas market with an emphasis on arts and crafts. All products for sale must be made by the vendors themselves, and a committee has been set up to monitor compliance with this requirement. All food and drink sold is organic and palm oil-free. The opportunity to taste local food and support artisans all give the Christmas market a whole new feel.
Tourist-free Christmas market
Although Luxembourg has a large foreign population, it is not usually the first choice for Christmas market visitors. However, this means that if you decide to visit the Luxembourg Christmas market, you will find shorter lines, fewer tourists and more locals. The cobblestone streets and castles contribute to creating a wonderful Christmas atmosphere, and the Feuerzangenbowle, or burning mulled wine, will be remembered for a long time.
For wine lovers
High-quality wine is one of the best tasting experiences, and Traben-Trarbach has long known this. Perhaps that is why the Mosel Wine and Christmas Market is held there. And where else could such a market take place if not in dimly lit historic wine cellars! Mulled wine, roasted almonds and of course top-quality wine, which is also worth buying home.
You can rent a minibus for your trip. www.rendibuss.ee