These Are the Top EU Christmas Markets for 2022
If you have had the slightest idea of doing something different for Christmas this year, we suggest you first read this article and by the end of it, you will be booking a flight and packing your bags to grant yourself an exceptional experience in one of these countries in Europe.
Travelling in the post-pandemic times has rediscovered the appreciation for all Christmas markets in Europe and, being frank, these destinations have really stepped up their game this year.
According to European Best Destinations, the Christmas markets in Europe for 2022 are noticeably more romantic and richer this year, making this an unforgettable experience. But, in case you can’t make it to visit all 27 countries in the bloc, visiting the local cities is a journey on its own and we at SchengenVisaInfo.com have put together a guide-like article for you.
Venice, Italy
No, this isn’t a generic option but the destination is really worth it. Visiting Venice during summer can be a hassle due to mass tourism and high temperatures. But, visiting during the end of the year holidays, is another thing, enabling visitors to actually enjoy the romantic city of Venice.
The city is lightened up with millions of sparkling lights that reflect on the waters, reminiscing of a magical place and visiting Christmas markets (mercatini di Natale) will give you the giggles of the end of the year holidays – the sensation of being ready for something new and big.
Enjoy the food in the romantic city, go shopping or soak in Christmas hymns, if you are a simple person that wants to keep the holiday very traditional.
Govone, Italy
This destination is considerably calmer than others but it doesn’t mean it is less festive. As a matter of fact, this small town has one of the best Christmas markets in the country.
The entire town of Govone transforms into Santa Claus’s enchanted kingdom throughout the winter, along with a variety of cultural and culinary attractions. However, the musical production hosted at Savoy royal castle of Govone is the highlight of this destination.
Nuremberg, Germany
This charming Bavarian town isn’t the biggest or most crazy-bright Christmas market in Germany. However, the town makes you fall in love with its incredible displays, as it attracts more than two million visitors each year and nearly 200 vendors displaying their produce.
What makes this town unique is that the market council makes sure that only traditional handmade toys and holiday goods are sold, raising awareness of the country’s traditions as well as sustainability (which we all should be committed to improving in 2023!)
As per foods, it doesn’t count as Christmas if you don’t have a taste of Glühwein or mulled wine, binge on gingerbread, try sweet roasted almonds or sausage – samples of German cuisine at this time of the year.
Trier, Germany
The Trier Christmas Market will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and will once again be the loveliest market in Germany.
The 95 stalls provide a great setting for the market, where there will be family-friendly shows ranging from historical puppet theatre to star singers. The opening dates this year are between November 18 to December 22.
Strasbourg, France
We have picked this destination because it checks all the boxes; it is traditional and modern, loving and adventurous and on top of everything, it is known as the Capital of Christmas, where you can also find the Christmas village.
You can find over 300 wooden chalets around the city, transforming the city to an enchanting setting. The city is also a very strategic point, as it is less than two hours away from Metz – one of the best Christmas markets in the country, which is especially loved by the locals.
If you are planning to have a romantic escape during Christmas, you can visit Paris, the city of love which is about five hours away from Strasbourg.
Barcelona, Spain
This city is often chosen for its warm winter weather so you will still be able to enjoy taking a walk along the popular architectural spots, in your own comfort.
You should definitely visit Fira de Santa Llucia, which is the oldest and most important Christmas market in the whole 27-nation block, dating from 1786. All residents of Barcelona get their ornaments and multiply the Christmas magic at this market, which opens on November 30.
For something very unique, we suggest you visit the Belen viviente de Corbera de Llobregat, which is only 30 minutes away from Barcelona.
Malaga, Spain
The city has made a name for itself among the world’s trendiest destinations, with great warm weather, rich and authentic culture, as well as tradition and shopping for those that enjoy these activities.
Malaga has several Christmas markets, decorated with high-quality of its Christmas lights to enjoy in the evening while during the day you can lie on the beach.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Christmas season is all about spending time with your loved ones, food and shopping. Copenhagen, the Tivoli Gardens to be more specific is ideal for shopping during this time of the year. The city’s atmosphere is cosy, with lots of handmade gifts, delicious roasted nuts aroma and slight rides drawn by reindeer, as the city has one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.
The Tivoli’s winter season is very important for celebrating Christmas by Danish residents. It is open from November 19 until the end of the year, being one of many options in town.
Maastricht, the Netherlands
The most fun thing you can do in the Dutch town is skate on the large rink of Magical Maastricht, which is a unique experience. This light trail can take you to different places such as Wyck, and Jeker Quarter. Here you can enjoy the staple food such as stoop waffles and fries, while also visiting many cultural and historical treasures.
The city has also a lot of fun activities and attractions for kids, which makes the experience quite heart-warming. The Christmas market in Maastricht is open between November 26 and December 31.
The Hague, Netherlands
If you are visiting the Netherlands, you must stop by the Royal Christmas Fair in the Hague – one of the biggest markets in the country which guarantees to give you a lovely Christmas mood. The city is filled with many gifting options for your loved ones, design decorations and delicious food such as mugs of hot chocolate or Gluhwein, the mulled wine which is a must during this period of the year.
With all this scenery, you are now set to celebrate a very happy Christmas in the Dutch city.
Gdansk, Poland
The most romantic Christmas market in Europe can be easily granted to the Polish city of Gdansk. The city has a special set-up for lovers to sneak a kiss under the mistletoe, and as the legend goes, those that kiss under the mistletoe will have a long and lasting love.
The city gives out a Christmas feeling to both locals and visitors, captivating their attention with fairytale-like views.
Warsaw, Poland
With a Christmas market that opens on November 25, Warsaw will make you fall in love with its lovely views and polite locals. Here you can enjoy the view of sparkling objects, decorated with Christmas lights, and have a gingerbread cookie or some mulled wine. One thing that is highly recommended to do is go Christmas shopping, where you can choose between hand-decorated baubles, caps, scarves and woollen sweaters.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s capital, which in English means the ‘beloved one’, is indeed a destination you will love if you are looking to avoid the mass consumerism found in other destinations. The city is an eco-friendly spot which is focused to support local businesses, zero-waste products and promoting delicious Slovenian cuisine.
The main Christmas market in the city takes place near Preseren Square, on the river, which makes it equally romantic and an unforgettable view for visitors.
Radovljica, Slovenia
This Slovenian town is known for a very atmospheric market where all kinds of activities can be enjoyed during this period. The Festive December starts at the beginning of the month and ends on December 30, right before New Year’s Eve.
On the opening of the Saint Nicholas fair, visitors can enjoy delicious food in the local restaurants, as part of the Month of Taste Radoljica. Later, there are festive programmes hosted, with different activities for kids and families.
Tromso, Norway
This small town in Norway is known as the Christmas town, gaining this name due to its profound dedication to the celebration of this holiday. The streets are all decorated with Christmas lights and markets are filled with all sorts of decorations and local produce.
If you want to take it a step further and make your experience a bit more magical, you can go see reindeer.
Oslo, Norway
Two things are at high stake of happening if you visit Oslo this Christmas; there will be snow and you will have a great time in the city. Markets in Oslo streets are rich, where you can get some heartwarming gifts for your loved ones, ride a Ferris wheel or go ice skating.
By visiting Oslo, you can learn how the locals used to celebrate Christmas in different eras, as well as attend Christmas decoration workshops, teaching you how to decorate and prepare gifts for your loved ones, increasing the magical feeling of this holiday.
Bratislava, Slovakia
In Bratislava’s main square, also known as Hlavne namestie, you can find a marvellous bright Christmas tree and dozens of cosy stalls, selling decorations and offering tasty specialities from the local cuisine.
This destination is quite committed to sustainability as it offers a Zero Waste Christmas Market, Vegan Christmas Market and a Christmas Market by Eurovera, indicating a big shopping mall complex.
Prague, Czech Republic
The biggest Christmas market can be found in Old Town Square, which has beautiful wooden stalls, located between the church and the 15th-century astronomical clock.
The Christmas market is open from November 26 until January 6 and different fun activities will be hosted during this period, indicating events like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, with a free-of-charge entry for all visitors.
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
This is one of the best day trips from Prague, with a view that looks like it’s straight from a storybook. The Český Krumlov Christmas market is held in Svornosti Square. The market has many unique activities such as Christmas post office, tour guides, and other Christmas-related events.
Some other places worth visiting in Czechia during the Christmas time include Karlovy Vary, Brno, Plzen, Olomouc, and Telc.
Zagreb, Croatia
The Croatian capital is the perfect destination for those seeking thrills and that prefer highly acclaimed destinations. Zagreb has been named the Best Christmas Market in Europe for three consecutive years, and the city lives up to these awards.
The Advent programmes are rich, entertaining and diverse, while in the markets you can find some of the most delicious foods offered by the locals.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The city where Games of Thrones was recorded, is magical on its own. The Christmas Fair, held every year, is open from November 26 until January 6 and a lot of handicrafts, ornaments, toys, embroidery, porcelain, candles and glassworks can be found.
The typical foods served in the city are Christmas cookies and sweets, in addition to candied orange peels and quince cheese sweets. Visitors can enjoy Christmas songs as the Christmas Fair will be open from Saint Nicholas Day, and visitors can have a very traditional Dubrovnik carol.
Stockholm, Sweden
The open-air museum of Skansen, situated in Stockholm’s national city park is an attraction visitors shouldn’t miss. The Christmas market is historical and it dates from 1903. Here you can check stalls and get traditional Christmas food while children can pet the resident animals in craft workshops.
Dottinghold Palace in Stockholm is also another sight not to miss, especially for those that are traditional in style and love luxury.
Budapest, Hungary
Christmas carol in Budapest is a magical sight that anyone who is excited about the holidays will love. The city has been for a long time among the most favourite destinations in the EU, with an atmosphere of loving and exciting time for the holiday. Budapest was the top destination for Americans and Britons in 2021, and the third-most favourite for Italians.
Visiting this city, you are guaranteed a very jolly Christmas and after almost two years of no travel activity due to COVID-19, visitors are encouraged and more than welcome to engage in more travelling.
