From alpine peaks to tiny island towns, we set off from the well-trodden path of the Christmas bazaars to introduce you to ten of our European favorites for holiday shopping, delicious treats and the best holiday mood.
Innsbruck, Austria
From November 15 to December 23
In the snow-covered Austrian Alps of Innsbruck there are several charming Christmas markets. In the medieval old town, a huge Christmas tree sparkles in front of the Golden Roof, folk ensembles play, and jewelry, candles, gingerbread and mulled wine are sold in shawls. Children enjoy the traditional fairground attractions and puppet shows on the Marktplatz River Square, as well as the fabulous themes of Kibachgasse. Market trays and trees, decorated with twinkling lights, illuminate Maria Terezin Street
Mount Pilatus, Switzerland
November 12-14
To enjoy the novelties and sensational alpine views, go to the highest Christmas market in Europe by the world’s coolest cog railway, which since 1889 climbs Mount Pilatus 2132 m high. counters selling beeswax candles, Christmas figurines, gingerbread and other goods for filling stockings.
Hellbrunn Castle, Austria
November 18 – December 24
Christmas markets sparkle all over Austria on Christmas Eve, but some are as charming as the Hellbrunn Advent Magic, held in Salzburg’s Hellbrunn Castle. Here you will find carols, craft shops, a Christmas train and a zoo for children, and the 24 windows of the Baroque palace turn into a giant Advent calendar. The Christmas parade, brass bands, alfornas, Christmas scenes and a real forest of 400 shimmering Christmas trees make the julet special here.
Colmar, France
From November 26 to December 29
To experience the true spirit of Christmas, you can’t do without Colmar in Alsace, where five different Christmas markets are held in the gingerbread, old half-timbered city. The intertwined Petite Venise has a children’s market, where children are entertained by a carousel, an animated Christmas scene and Santa’s mailbox, and antiques, arts and crafts buyers roam Ancienne Douane. Alsatian gingerbread, Bredele spicy cookies, Sprengerle aniseed cookies and Berawecka fruit cake with kirsch are excellent fillings for gourmet stockings.
Barcelona, Spain
From November 27 to December 23
Who needs Santa when he has a log smiling with gifts called Caga Tió? You will find this Catalan miniature Christmas wonder in miniature, along with mistletoe, nougat turrón and the biblical land of Christmas figures at Barcelona’s Fira de Santa Llúcia fair, located in front of the Gothic cathedral in Plaça de la Seu. And if you think Caga Tió is bizarre, wait until you see the disrespectful Caganer, a figure of defecation hidden in a Christmas scene for success and a fertile harvest.
Gengenbach, Germany
From November 27 to December 23
Few cities look as Christmasy as Gengenbach in the German Black Forest. Its half-timbered old town becomes a real snow globe when fairy lights are lit, wooden houses are lit and carols are sung in front of the 18th century town hall in pink and cream tones. Take a seat here at 6pm to see one of the 24 windows open and show a scene of an Advent calendar written by famous artists and illustrators.
Tallinn, Estonia
From November 26 to January 2
In Tallinn, snow is more or less guaranteed for Christmas. Festive events take place throughout the UNESCO-listed Old Town. A huge Christmas tree rises above the bizarre wooden houses on the Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats), its medieval center. Estonian crafts, such as hand-knitted hats, seagrass animals, wickerwork and wood carving, are the best purchases. In the evening, Santa Claus often appears here. In the cafe by candlelight you can relax from sub-zero temperatures and warm up with hearty Estonian dishes such as sauerkraut and blood sausage.
St. Helier, Jersey
From November 25 to December 5
The support of local artisans is central to the Genuine Jersey Simply Christmas Market in St. Helier, Jersey. Chestnut trees hung with lights illuminate the Royal Square, and market stalls give customers a festive mood, offering mistletoe, real ale, minced pies and locally made products. There will also be live music and entertainment, and all the Christmas mood will be gathered in one attractive package.
Malmo, Sweden
Dates vary
Malmo offers a buffet with Christmas markets, concerts and twinkling Christmas trees. Find handmade jewelry and warm up with a glg (mulled wine) with peppercorns (gingerbread cookies) or a lussecatter (saffron-flavored buns). The Katrinetorp estate (December 3-5) houses a market for antiques, poinsettias and holiday food, and the market in Gustav Adolf Square sells fair, recycled and vintage gifts. Put on your skates and go outdoor skating in Raoul Wallenbergs and Folkets Park.
Padstow, England
The next event is in December 2022
The Christmas Festival in Padstow, located on the harsh coast of Cornwall, is a real celebration. Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth and Nathan Outlow are among the star chefs who hold demonstration culinary workshops to diversify the Christmas dinner. Jazz bands and carolers entertain crowds of people crowding the dock stalls selling Cornish chutneys, pies and mulled wine, wooden toys and decorations. For children there is a detachment with deer and a fun race of Santa, where about 200 followers of Santa Claus take part in a charity race. Fireworks will be heard in the harbor on Friday at 20:30.