Christmas in Europe: Top 5 Markets You Can't Miss this Winter!

Christmas is a time when festive spirits make Europe a winter wonderland. As snowflakes fall gently on the ground, you can hear tinkering of bells and carols wafting through beautifully lit streets. Even the cold winter air doesn't stop people from shopping in Christmas markets. In fact, these spectacular markets are the highlight of any European winter holiday! Don't believe me? See for yourself:

Vienna

How about living a magical Christmas in Europe the Austrian way? Beautifully adorned trees, romantic lights, smell of cotton candy and pudding – it can't get more traditional than this!

The capital city of Vienna oozes with character and plays host to nearly 25 Christmas markets! The largest, and most famous, is the one that takes place in front of Vienna's City Hall.

If you're here on a winter break, bundle up and make your way to the markets outside Schoenbrunn Palace or Spittelburg in the evening. From felt slippers to Schnapps, there are plenty of locally produced items that can be bought as gifts for loved ones.

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Budapest

If you love the old world charm, step back in time and immerse yourself in the festivities of Christmas markets in Budapest. Picture a sepia tinted postcard with little stalls, romantic lights and choirs – that's the Christmas market in Vorosmarty Square for you! There are plenty ofhttps://www.makemytrip.com/blog/hotels-in-budapest (yummy) local dishes to savour – sausages, mulled wine, cinnamon pastries...the list goes on. A short walk from here is the fair at St. Stephen's Square in front of the Basilica. Don't forget to buy local handmade gifts while you're in the winter land!

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Read more: Best Hotels in Budapest: 3 for Every Budget

Rome

“All roads lead to Rome”, and this holds true especially during the festive month of December. The highlight of any Roman Christmas (besides the food, of course) is the historical Christmas Market at the oval-shaped Piazza Navona in Rome with its Bernini fountains.

Christmas tree decorations, lucky charms of La Befana, a Christmas witch in Italian folklore considered equivalent to Santa Claus… the square is filled with items to buy for loved ones and carnival games. The kids will love a go on the carousel, one of the oldest German merry-go-rounds.

On Christmas Eve, climb 124 steps that lead up to Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, or Altar of The Heavens. Midnight Mass in this 7^th century church is one of the most impressive events you’ll ever attend. While the festive décor includes chandeliers and tapers, the nativity scenes are a delight in itself!

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Prague

Famous for its opera houses and magnificent ancient buildings, Prague is a city whose charm increases manifold during the month of December. While the Christmas market at the Old Town Square is considered the most impressive of all, the one at Wenceslas Square in New Town also reflects the Czech culture. Take a carriage ride, watch a traditional Czech dance and join in the merriment! Kids will love the beautifully adorned Christmas tree in Old Town that comes to life late evening. There are plenty of outdoor performances to keep one busy. While you’re at the market, indulge in some Christmas shopping! Czech glass and crystal, including boxed sets of wine, are great for celebrations back home. Ladies, crystal jewellery is the one thing you can’t miss out on! Fabrics with traditional designs and ornaments are other great buys in Prague.

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Read more: Best Hotels in Prague: 3 for Every Budget

Lucerne

In the heart of Switzerland, Lucerne is a city whose beauty is hard to describe in words. And in the winter, the snow-covered streets have a charm of its own with Christmas markets.

In the first week of December, a special Christmas market called DesginSchenken is held over three days. From creative gifting ideas to unique designs, this is the place where design labels come and showcase their beautiful products. Around Christmas, the railway station goes through a makeover with The Christ Child Market sporting 50 beautifully-decorated stalls.To celebrate the festive season, locals and tourists flock to Lucerne’s main Christmas market at Franziskanerplatz. Handicrafts, delicious food (yes, fondue too!) are just a few things available here. A unique market, however, is Venite. People from over 20 countries feature Christmas items from their hometowns. See Christmas traditions come alive and enjoy a magical vacation in the Swiss Alps.

Christmas is approaching fast, so why not be a Santa for loved ones and take them to Europe this winter? Let us know which beautiful city you cross off the wish list.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, y’all!