A while ago I decided 2011 was going to be the year I finally get to explore some of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets. While I’ve had quick visits to Christmas markets in Paris and Prague, I’ve never taken the time to really see what they have to offer. I’m still researching where to go and would appreciate any comments from people who have been but so far I’ve come up with the following contenders for next month’s festivities.
Christmas Markets in Europe 2011
While some people like to visit the markets to buy Christmas decorations and gifts, others go to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the entertainment with their children or grandchildren. For me though, I’ll be focusing on the culinary delights which is sure to include a not insignificant amount of mulled wine, cakes, gingerbread, crepes and other local specialities. It’ll be interesting to see the regional differences and how much variety there is between the different cities.
Cologne
Almost everyone I’ve asked has said Cologne is their favourite Christmas market, including the locals I met when visiting Cologne last year. There area a number of different markets around the city, the largest and most impressive situated close to Cologne Cathedral. One of the more interesting for me though is the floating Christmas market on the Rhine. The floating market is relatively small with only 40 stalls but you get great views of Cologne Cathedral and the old town. This is the only Christmas market in Cologne which is not free. Check back here in December when I’ll report on whether it’s worth the €2 entrance fee.
Image: Cologne Tourism
Strasbourg
Many of my Parisian friends visit the Strasbourg Christmas market every year. Strasbourg is just over 2 hours from Paris on the TGV so it’s a good option for Parisian residents like me as well as visitors to France. Strasbourg reportedly comes a close second to the Cologne markets so I would love to do a comparison of the two markets. This market is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the 16th century, and along with shopping for local handicrafts you can try the traditional brindle cakes. Not only is Strasbourg a great place to visit for Christmas, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in France and I highly recommend visiting. Unfortunately many of the hotels are already booked for Christmas 2011 due to the European Parliament being in session in mid-December so I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it this year. If you want to visit the Strasbourg Christmas markets be sure to book well in advance.
Image: Bumpy Tours
Vienna
On my first visit to Vienna in 1999, the city was covered in snow and was absolutely stunning. I fell in love with Vienna on that trip and am looking forward to going back this Christmas to see the markets they are well known for. There are a number of markets around the city with the largest located at Rathausplatz in front of the town hall and another popular one at Schönbrunn. At the Vienna Christmas markets I’ll be looking out for gingerbread and roasted chestnuts amongst other Austrian specialities.
Image: -12°C
Prague
My trip to Vienna was followed by a quick trip to Prague and although it has a completely different atmosphere to the Austrian city, I love it too. I did stop by the Christmas market on that first trip but aside from drinking some mulled wine, I didn’t spend much time at the market. I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it to Prague next month but I’m told the winter wonderland is well known for selling wooden toys, puppets, Bohemian crystal, sausages, corn on the cob, hot wine and of course Czech beer, all of which you can enjoy to the sound of Christmas Carols. Unlike other markets, Prague Christmas market is open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Image: Zach Klein
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is another hugely popular German Christmas market. Food-wise they have a few local specialities I’d love to try. Firstly there is Lebkuchen which is kind of like a gingerbread cookie although it comes in many forms and can sometimes be more like a cake. There is even a stall selling Lebkuchen strudel which should be very interesting! The other tempting speciality is Fleischküchle, a kind of German meatball. I’m not much of a meat eater but I might give it a go if it looks tasty. The Nuremberg market is also well known for the Christmas Market Angel who looks over Nuremberg during the city’s busiest time of year.
Image: springm / Markus Spring
Paris
While Paris is not know for its Christmas markets, I can testify that the one on the Champs-Elysees is stunning. You’ll might want to save your centimes for a cheaper market but visiting the stalls while admiring the Christmas lights, the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde is a fantastic experience. Another popular market in Paris is at La Defense (at the end of Line 1 metro) and is a better option for shopping with lower prices and fewer tourists.
Image: slasher-fun
Lille
While I’m not entirely sure which markets I’ll be visiting this year, in 3 weeks I’ll definitely be heading to Lille to see the Marché de Noël and the la Grande Roue. Along with food and handicrafts from Lille there are also merchants selling specialities from Russia, Canada and Lithuania. I’m looking forward to trying some vin chaud and pain d’epices.
Image: guillaumeo
Munich
Munich is another destination I’ll definitely being visiting in 2011. I’ll be heading straight to Marienplatz to experience the city’s most famous and longest running Christmas market. When Marienplatz gets too busy I’ll head for one of the quieter markets held around the city, most probably starting with the market near the Residenz as it has a wide variety of stalls devoted to food. Potato rosti, roasted nuts, crepes and German cakes will all be on the agenda. What I’m most looking forward to is the Tollwood Winter Festival which is an organic Christmas market promoting green living.
Image: FHgitarre
Dresden
Like most German cities, Dresden has a number of Christmas markets around the city including the ‘Christmas mile’ market street. The most famous market though is the Streizelmarkt in the Old Market Square. There’s plenty to eat here including bratwurst served in little loaves of bread known as semmel as well as some potato dishes and sweet and savoury crepes. The toffee apples seem to be a popular choice with kids and being a big kid at heart I’m going to have one when I get to Dresden.
Image: Sanako*
Of course there are many, many other Christmas markets happening around Europe in November and December. Which are your favourites?
About Andrea
Prague was pretty cool for Christmas markets, though it was totally freezing the weekend we were there.
I am quite partial to our own “little market” in Freiburg of course. All the local specialties in the stalls. I’ve been to Nuremberg and though it was enormous it didn’t feel cozy and friendly, just big. The partner city stalls were neat though. I enjoyed that part more than the main market actually.
A few people have mentioned that the bigger Christmas markets are a bit overrated but I will see for myself when I go to Nuremberg next week. Freiburg sounds like an adorable town from what you’ve said and the pics I’ve seen, I look forward to visiting one day to see for myself.
Wonderful photos! Anyone going to Prague should pack a copy of The God Complex by Chris Titus. It’s a new thriller novel that is set in Prague. It’ll turn you trip in to an adventure.
James