Top 9 Unmissable Christmas Markets in Europe for a Romantic Christmas 2014!

By MOOK Scenic Spots Home Travel Life Network Editorial Team

Take a trip to Europe, wander through historic buildings, gaze at charming old churches dusted with snow like powdered sugar, slowly savor local street food, sip on a warm glass of mulled wine, pick out Christmas gifts and decorations, soak in the twinkling Christmas lights, and enjoy the most authentic European Christmas experience—this is truly a dream trip you must accomplish in your lifetime.

● Strasbourg France
The Strasbourg Christmas Market in France, which has evolved since the 15th century, is the oldest Christmas market in the country and the top choice for a Christmas getaway in France. The market is most famous for its romantic and dreamy lights adorning the ancient local architecture, transforming the entire street into a fairy-tale-like Christmas town. Every year, the festivities begin four weeks before Christmas and reach their peak on December 24th. The most lively spots are around the “Notre-Dame Cathedral” and “Place Broglie.” Here, you can find French handmade ornaments, traditional pastries, and all kinds of festive Christmas toys.
※ Event Period: November 28, 2014 – December 31, 2014

● Lille France
Located in northern France at the border with Belgium, the Lille Christmas Market features a blend of French and Belgian vibes. Here, visitors can enjoy fruity mulled wine as well as authentic Belgian waffles, exchange greetings and wishes for the new year. Of course, there's also a towering Ferris wheel adorned with dazzling lights and a market lit up with a brilliant sea of lights, creating the perfect Christmas scene.

※ Event Period: November 19, 2014 – December 30, 2014

● Vienna Austria
The music capital of Vienna boasts many Christmas markets, but the largest and most worthwhile is the one in front of City Hall Square, where a giant Christmas tree is erected every year. The square features hundreds of small wooden stalls offering a wide array of goods, among which beeswax candles, wooden toys, and glass ornaments are the most popular souvenirs. As for food, rich chocolate pastries filled with cream, candied fruits, roasted chestnuts, and specially brewed hot fruit wines are the most festive local treats.

※ Event Period: November 15, 2014 – December 24, 2014

● Dresden Germany
The Dresden Christmas Market, established in 1434, is the oldest in Germany and one of the country’s three major Christmas markets. In its early days, it was a place for locals to share their crafts and skills. Although the sight of neighbors mingling has faded, it remains a popular destination for experiencing a traditional European Christmas market. Whether it’s the Christmas trees, small ornaments, handmade toys, or local delicacies, they may not be more unique than elsewhere, but the rich traditional charm holds its own among the many festive markets.
※ Event Period: November 27, 2014 – December 24, 2014