The best Christmas markets in Europe in 2023 will be held in Prague, Berlin, Brussels, and Copenhagen, reports the Mirror.
Berlin, Germany
Germany has always been famous for its Christmas markets, which are found in every German city, regardless of its size and number of residents. It is not at all surprising that more than 100 holiday fairs are organized in the capital at once. They take place from November to January in different squares, parks, and districts of Berlin. Some of the best are the Gendarmenmarkt (on Bebelplatz) with its magnificent decorations, delicious street food and entertainment, the traditional fair on Alexanderplatz, and the world-famous Spandau market with its variety of souvenirs, Christmas gingerbread, and mulled wine aromas.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a city where you need to visit at least once in your life. Its center is a concentration of beautiful architecture, fairy-tale streets, and an incredible atmosphere, making Prague a truly enchanting holiday destination.
There are many tourists in Prague all year round, but at Christmas, they come here for the special festive atmosphere. In addition, the Prague Christmas market is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Here you can enjoy the festive atmosphere, listen to Christmas melodies, take pictures near an incredibly beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and buy traditional Czech souvenirs.
The most important Prague fair takes place on the Old Town Square, where in late November and early December stalls with traditional pastries and hot drinks, souvenir shops, and workshops begin to operate.
Brussels, Belgium
One of the brightest and most original pre-Christmas fairs takes place in the homeland of chocolate and French fries – in Belgium, or more precisely, in its capital – Brussels. At the “Winter Wonders” Christmas market you can not only eat but also have a lot of fun.
From the end of November to the beginning of January, a whole shopping city unfolds in the historical center of Brussels, on the Grand Place, St. Catherine’s Square, and the adjacent streets. For five weeks, customers are offered sweets and culinary delicacies, toys and perfumes, useful utensils, and pleasant trinkets.
But the most important thing is the atmosphere of celebration and cordiality that reigns at the fair. In the evenings there is a light show, and the facades of nearby houses are painted with all the colors of the rainbow. Guests can enjoy a variety of winter pleasures: ice skating, round dances around the festive Christmas tree, Christmas performances, and evening concerts. And of course, all the most interesting things will happen on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Vienna, Austria
During the holidays, the Austrian capital turns into a real winter wonderland. At this time, the Old Town and shopping streets are decorated with festive lights, filling the city with Christmas spirit. Traditional Viennese Christmas markets take place at the Town Hall and in front of Schönbrunn Palace. Also worth a visit are the Christmas markets at Belvedere Palace and Maria Theresa Square. The air is filled with the aromas of Christmas baking, hot toddies, and sugared almonds.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danes are true professionals at creating hygge (a Danish-Norwegian word that describes a cozy, pleasant, and contented state).
Get into the Christmas spirit in Copenhagen and visit the various markets selling all sorts of souvenirs, wooden toys, decorations, sweaters with traditional Danish motifs, and interesting food items. A special attraction is the Tivoli Christmas Market with its amusement park and ice skating rink.