Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
Take a trip across Europe, wander through historic architecture, 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 ornaments, feel the sparkle of festive lights, and enjoy the most authentically European Christmas — this is truly a travel dream you must fulfill in your lifetime.
Take a trip across Europe, wander through historic architecture, 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 ornaments, feel the sparkle of festive lights, and enjoy the most authentically European Christmas — this is truly a travel dream you must fulfill in your lifetime.
Nine Unmissable Christmas Markets. (Image source / travelmoodz)
● Strasbourg France
The Strasbourg Christmas market in France has been celebrated since the 15th century and is the oldest in the country, making it the top choice for a Christmas getaway in France. What makes Strasbourg’s market most famous is its romantic and dreamy lighting, adorning the ancient local buildings and transforming the entire street into a fairy-tale-like Christmas town. The festivities begin four weeks before Christmas and reach their peak on December 24th, especially around the “Notre-Dame Cathedral” and “Place Broglie.” Here, you can find French handmade ornaments, traditional pastries, and all kinds of festive toys.
※ Event Period: November 28, 2014 – December 31, 2014
The Strasbourg Christmas market in France has been celebrated since the 15th century and is the oldest in the country, making it the top choice for a Christmas getaway in France. What makes Strasbourg’s market most famous is its romantic and dreamy lighting, adorning the ancient local buildings and transforming the entire street into a fairy-tale-like Christmas town. The festivities begin four weeks before Christmas and reach their peak on December 24th, especially around the “Notre-Dame Cathedral” and “Place Broglie.” Here, you can find French handmade ornaments, traditional pastries, and all kinds of festive toys.
※ Event Period: November 28, 2014 – December 31, 2014
Christmas in Strasbourg is as magical and glittering as a fairy tale. (Image source / reddit)
● Lille France
Located in northern France at the border with Belgium, Lille’s market blends French and Belgian flavors. Visitors can enjoy mellow fruit wines here, as well as authentic Belgian waffles, exchanging holiday greetings and good wishes for the new year. Of course, there’s also a towering Ferris wheel adorned with dazzling lights, and the colorful glow of the market together creates one of the most beautiful Christmas scenes.
Located in northern France at the border with Belgium, Lille’s market blends French and Belgian flavors. Visitors can enjoy mellow fruit wines here, as well as authentic Belgian waffles, exchanging holiday greetings and good wishes for the new year. Of course, there’s also a towering Ferris wheel adorned with dazzling lights, and the colorful glow of the market together creates one of the most beautiful Christmas scenes.
※ Event Period: November 19, 2014 – December 30, 2014
Christmas in Lille combines the styles of France and Belgium. (Image source / christmasnewyearcruises)
● Vienna Austria
The music capital of Vienna boasts many Christmas markets, but the largest and most worthwhile to visit is set up annually in front of City Hall Square, where a giant Christmas tree is erected. The square features hundreds of wooden stalls offering a wide array of goods, among which beeswax candles, wooden toys, and glass ornaments are the three most popular souvenirs over the years. For food, rich chocolate pastries filled with cream, candied fruits, roasted chestnuts, and specially mixed hot spiced fruit wine are among the most festive treats.
The music capital of Vienna boasts many Christmas markets, but the largest and most worthwhile to visit is set up annually in front of City Hall Square, where a giant Christmas tree is erected. The square features hundreds of wooden stalls offering a wide array of goods, among which beeswax candles, wooden toys, and glass ornaments are the three most popular souvenirs over the years. For food, rich chocolate pastries filled with cream, candied fruits, roasted chestnuts, and specially mixed hot spiced fruit wine are among the most festive treats.
※ Event Period: November 15, 2014 – December 24, 2014
The square in front of Vienna City Hall is brilliantly lit up with festive decorations. (Image source / travelmoodz)
● Dresden Germany
The Dresden Christmas Market, founded in 1434, is Germany’s oldest and one of its three most prominent Christmas markets. In its early days, it was a place where locals shared their crafts and skills. Though the bustling sight of neighbors mingling is no longer present, it remains a top destination to experience a European Christmas market. Whether it's Christmas trees, small ornaments, handmade toys, or local delicacies, they may not be more unique than elsewhere, but the rich old-world charm holds its own brightly among the many competing Christmas markets.
※ Event Period: November 27, 2014 – December 24, 2014
The Dresden Christmas Market, founded in 1434, is Germany’s oldest and one of its three most prominent Christmas markets. In its early days, it was a place where locals shared their crafts and skills. Though the bustling sight of neighbors mingling is no longer present, it remains a top destination to experience a European Christmas market. Whether it's Christmas trees, small ornaments, handmade toys, or local delicacies, they may not be more unique than elsewhere, but the rich old-world charm holds its own brightly among the many competing Christmas markets.
※ Event Period: November 27, 2014 – December 24, 2014
The oldest Christmas market, Dresden is one of Germany’s three major Christmas markets. (Image source / elines)
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