In the middle of the Holiday season, there are two things to do: you can decorate your Christmas Tree, or you can escape from the city and look for the best Christmas markets. On the Alps, there are so many cities where you can experience the festive mood, with all those amazing lights and decorations. If you’re looking for last minute travel ideas, discover with us 5 beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.
1) Dresden
Dresden Christmas market is the oldest in the world: since 1434, in fact, Striezelmarkt lights up the area around Frauenkirche church, recreating the typical Medieval atmosphere. Its name refers to Strietzel, a cake-like fruit bread that is also known as Stollen and that is the traditional German Christmas bread. But this is not the only Xmas fair you can visit in the city: don’t miss, as well, Loschwitz and Neustadt markets. You also need to visit the Christmas pyramid and all the events in the Cathedral and in the other three churches of Dresden (Kreuzkirche, Frauenkirche and Dreikönigskirche church). You can visit the Dresden Christmas market until December 24th.
2) Strasbourg
The French city is still competing with Dresden for the title of the oldest Christmas market in Europe. Scripta manent: the first news about the fair around Strasbourg Cathedral dates back to 1570, and since then little has changed. The focus is always on local artisanship and food and wine: be prepared to eat delicious Alsatian bread, cakes, foie gras, beers, and wine and to spend all your budget for Christmas gifts in typical floral and wood decorations. Not to be missed: the beautiful decorations on the buildings’ facades and the giant Christmas Tree in Place Kléber: Alsace, actually, spread the tradition of decorating trees with fruits and sweets for Christmas. You can enjoy the festive mood in Strasbourg until December 31st.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrBKS0Zlpmy/
3) Ortisei
The capital of Val Gardena hosts one of the most famous Christmas markets in the Dolomites, well known for its typical wooden houses where you can discover the best of the food and wine tradition of the area. The best attraction is the Advent calendar in Stetteneck Square: starting on December 1st, every day a little window is opened to unveil a surprise gift. When you’re in Ortisei, you can’t miss the cribs’ exhibition, with wood sculptures that will leave you breathless. You can opt to visit this small town also after New Year’s Eve: Ortisei Christmas market is open until January 6th.
4) Tallinn
Acclaimed as one of the coolest European city, Tallinn is also known for its beautiful Christmas market. The capital of Estonia has its own Xmas fair since 2001, but Christmas is a big deal here since the Middle Age: in 1441, in fact, in the same square in front of the Old Town Hall where the Christmas market takes place, a giant Christmas tree was exposed. Today, Tallin Christmas tree is the setting for a market that hosts about 50 stalls where you can buy typical Estonian artisanal products such as handmade wool sweaters, wooden objects, and amber jewelry. Haven’t you sent your gift letter yet? If you’re in Tallinn, you can find Santa Claus in his little house and delivery it to him directly. Tallinn Christmas market is open until January 5th.
5) Munich
Christmas trees are a big attraction also in Munich this time of the year. Since November, the famous Marienplatz Christmas Tree is the most photographed one from tourists, as well as the symbol of Münchner Christkindlmarkt, the oldest Munich Xmas fair. It’s not the only one, though. Munich is probably the city with the largest numbers of Christmas markets: don’t miss Tollwood market, that takes place in Theresienwiese, the same location of Oktoberfest, Wittelsbacher Platz medieval fair, and the Christmas Village at the Kaiserhof der Residenz. Do you want to see them all? Until December 24th, you can jump on the ChristkindlTram and taste cakes, cookies, beer and wine.
Do you want to feel the festive vibe? Don’t miss our Instagram stories with the best Christmas markets in Europe… and fly away with the best suitcase ever!