European Christmas Markets That Will Make You Feel Festive

This week, we saw our first house decorated in flashing icicles, which confirms that Christmas is officially on its way. While we won’t be rushing to get the tinsel out just yet, one thing we do welcome during the festive period is the return of the Christmas markets – and nobody does them better than the Europeans. The smell of roasted chestnuts, baked gingerbread and mulled wine is enough to beckon us outside on a chilly evening. If you want to feel festive this season, start by heading to one of these Christmas markets in Europe.

Reims Christmas Market, France

Not only is it famous for a glass of bubbles, the city of Reims in the Champagne region is also regarded as the home of the first Christmas market in France. Combining 125 chalets, the streets of Place d’Erlon come alive with thousands of lights, carol singers, jazz bands and magicians. Selling gifts, decorations and delicacies, you can join the other 1.5 million people that visit the Reims Christmas market from 26th November – 25th December.

Bruges Christmas Market, Brussels

It’s not often that a European city is most popular in winter, but Bruges shines like the stars on a clear night sky when the Christmas market comes around. From 22nd November – 2nd January, the quaint cobbled streets will be brimming with food and gift stalls, at the centre of which is the ice rink within Bruges Market Square. Its medieval architecture and traffic-free streets contribute to the joyous atmosphere – and chocoholics will be in heaven thanks to the amount of chocolate shops selling delicious treats all through the year!

Aachen Christmas Market, Germany

From 20th November – 23rd December, the charming and historic centre of Aachen is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Brightly lit and lovingly decorated, the Christmas Village has everything you could possibly want for a local Christmas shopping experience including waffles and nougat to greeting cards and handcrafted wooden toys. Every day, there will also be live music from a capella ensembles to big band orchestras.

Budapest Christmas Market, Hungary

One of the longest-running in Europe, the Christmas market on Vorosmarty Square in Budapest runs from 13th November – 6th January this year. Sip on mulled wine in a festive mug, devour a sausage on a spit, and soak up the traditional atmosphere of choirs singing, folk concerts and handmade gifts from local Hungarians.

Copenhagen Christmas Market, Denmark

Illuminating the Tivoli Gardens in fairy lights, the Copenhagen Christmas Market is filled with mini events to catch your eye. From the 100-strong choir to the fireworks festival and Pixie Band, there’s so much going on, you could almost forget about the 60 stalls selling all of your Christmas goodies. Hot drinks to warm your cockles include glogg – a Danish take on mulled wine with raisins, cinnamon, cloves, almonds and aquavit – and sweet treats like iced donuts with blackcurrant jam are a combination of naughty and nice.

If you’re in Western Australia this Christmas, get some festive cheer with the Christmas Cruise along the canals of Mandurah.