Explore 4 European Christmas Markets & Collect Winter Surprises

The Christmas market in Salzburg offers a dazzling array of goods. (Photo: DAGUANG Images)

Despite the chilly European winter, the streets remain bustling with life — and that’s the magic of Christmas markets. They energize cities from dawn to dusk, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere bathed in daylight and twinkling neon lights. If there’s one topic that dominates the year-end spotlight, it’s undoubtedly Christmas. Want to know about Europe’s most distinctive Christmas markets? With just two months to go before the holidays, take a sneak peek at the ones billed as Europe’s largest and most traditional — and collect your winter surprises all in one go.

Germany – Nuremberg Christmas Market: Dec 1, 2017 – Dec 24, 2017

Germany’s Nuremberg Christmas Market is known as Europe’s largest and most traditional, with a history spanning at least 400 years. Every December, the city welcomes a flood of tourists eager to experience this centuries-old Christmas tradition. As you step into the old town, the festive atmosphere is palpable. From the entrance all the way to the central square, the streets are lined with Christmas stalls, creating a lively scene. The stalls offer a variety of holiday goods and local delicacies, but you absolutely must try a warm glass of mulled wine — Prost Up！

Czech Republic – Prague Christmas Market: Dec 2, 2017 – Jan 6, 2018

The Prague Christmas Market is mainly spread across Wenceslas Square and extends to the Old Town Square. The market features a colorful array of products, along with many Czech specialties such as street food, candies, roasted pastries, pizza, and cinnamon rolls. When it gets cold, besides mulled wine, you can also enjoy a cup of sweet-and-sour hot apple juice. And for budget travelers, prices in the Czech Republic are generally lower than in other parts of Europe, making the experience especially relaxing and enjoyable.

Austria – Salzburg Christmas Market: Nov 23, 2017 – Dec 26, 2017

The Salzburg Christmas Market is filled with a strong festive vibe. (Photo: DAGUANG Images)

The Prague Christmas Market is mainly spread across Wenceslas Square and extends to the Old Town Square. (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

Germany’s Rothenburg is known as the most beautiful fairy-tale town. Although its Christmas market is not very large, the town’s ambiance alone is enough to make you feel incredibly dreamy and romantic. (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

Located around Salzburg Cathedral in the old town of Austria, the Salzburg Christmas Market is laid out in a circular fashion. The outer ring is mostly food stalls, while the inner ring features merchandise. Each stall is exquisitely decorated, offering a variety of chocolate stands and taverns, as well as an abundance of glass ornaments and crystal balls. There are also charming mini chalets that capture the essence of the Alpine region, making it truly unique.

Germany – Rothenburg Christmas Market: Dec 1, 2017 – Dec 23, 2017

Germany’s Rothenburg is hailed as the most beautiful fairy-tale town, with ancient city walls encircling the town. It attracts 1.5 million visitors every year. Though the local Christmas market isn’t very big, the town’s atmosphere alone is enough to make you feel wonderfully romantic. It’s also home to the flagship store of Kathe Wohlfahrt, Germany’s premier Christmas market decor retailer, offering everything from wooden carvings to Christmas trees and various decorations.

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