Christmas is just around the corner, and with it comes the magic of the holiday season. One of the most exciting ways to get into the festive spirit is by visiting a traditional Christmas market. The smell of mulled wine, the sound of carolers, and the sight of twinkling lights all combine to create a truly enchanting atmosphere.
In 2015, there are countless Christmas markets to choose from, each offering its own unique charm and character. Here are seven of the most magical Christmas markets to visit this year:
A) Vienna's Christmas Markets
Vienna is famous for its Christmas markets, and for good reason. The city hosts over 20 different markets, each one offering a unique take on the traditional Christmas market experience. From the Vienna Christmas Market in front of City Hall to the Spittelberg Christmas Market, there's something for everyone in this festive city.
Must-try food and drink:
- Mulled wine (known as "Glühwein" in German)
- Austrian gingerbread (known as "Lebkuchen")
- Christmas cookies (known as "Weihnachtsplätzchen")
B) Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik
Located in the heart of the Grand Est region of France, Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. Dating back to 1570, this market offers a wide range of festive goods, including handmade crafts, decorations, and local delicacies.
Must-try food and drink:
- Mulled wine (known as "Vin Chaud" in French)
- Alsatian delicacies such as tarte flambée and baeckeoffe
- French macarons and madeleines
C) Nuremberg's Christkindlmarkt
Nuremberg's Christkindlmarkt is one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany, attracting millions of visitors each year. This market has been in operation since 1628, making it one of the oldest in Europe. Visitors can expect to find a wide range of festive goods, including handmade toys, decorations, and local delicacies.
Must-try food and drink:
- Mulled wine (known as "Glühwein" in German)
- Nuremberg sausages (known as "Nürnberger Bratwurst")
- Lebkuchen (a type of German gingerbread)
D) Bruges' Winter in Bruges
Bruges is a beautiful medieval town in Belgium, famous for its picturesque canals and stunning architecture. During the winter months, the town transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with a festive Christmas market. Visitors can expect to find a wide range of festive goods, including handmade crafts, decorations, and local delicacies.
Must-try food and drink:
- Belgian waffles (known as "Wafels" in Dutch)
- Hot chocolate (known as "Chocolade" in Dutch)
- Flemish stew (known as "Waterzooi" in Dutch)
E) Prague's Old Town Square Christmas Market
Prague's Old Town Square is a beautiful location, famous for its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere. During the winter months, the square transforms into a festive Christmas market, complete with a wide range of festive goods, including handmade crafts, decorations, and local delicacies.
Must-try food and drink:
- Czech pastries (known as "Trdelník" in Czech)
- Hot wine (known as "Svařené víno" in Czech)
- Roasted chestnuts (known as "Smažené kaštany" in Czech)
F) Budapest's St. Stephen's Basilica Christmas Market
Budapest is a beautiful city, famous for its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere. During the winter months, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with a festive Christmas market in front of St. Stephen's Basilica. Visitors can expect to find a wide range of festive goods, including handmade crafts, decorations, and local delicacies.
Must-try food and drink:
- Hungarian goulash (known as "Gulyás" in Hungarian)
- Paprika-spiced sausages (known as "Kolbász" in Hungarian)
- Szilvás gombóc (a type of Hungarian plum dumpling)
G) Zagreb's Advent in Zagreb
Zagreb is a beautiful city, famous for its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere. During the winter months, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with a festive Christmas market. Visitors can expect to find a wide range of festive goods, including handmade crafts, decorations, and local delicacies.
Must-try food and drink:
- Croatian pastries (known as "Krafne" in Croatian)
- Mulled wine (known as "Kuhano vino" in Croatian)
- Ćevapi (a type of Croatian minced meat sausage)
Gallery of Christmas Markets
What is the most famous Christmas market in Europe?
+The most famous Christmas market in Europe is the Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, France.
What is the best time to visit a Christmas market?
+The best time to visit a Christmas market is usually during the week, as weekends tend to be busier.
What should I try at a Christmas market?
+Be sure to try some of the local delicacies, such as mulled wine, gingerbread, and festive pastries.
We hope this article has inspired you to visit one of these magical Christmas markets in 2015. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a fun family adventure, there's something for everyone at these festive markets. So why not start planning your trip today and experience the magic of the holiday season for yourself?