Vienna, Austria
Christmas markets in Vienna have existed since the 13th century and have now grown to 10 separate locations in the city. There’s a total of more than 150 stalls lining the streets of the markets historic centre Rathausplatz in front of the neo-Gothic splendour of the City Hall.
Vienna's markets are a traditionalist's dream, with handmade crafts and homemade foods lining the cobbled streets of Austria's capital. Some of the many gifts available include miniature wooden houses, traditional puppets, gingerbread and handmade clothing accessories including hats and gloves. Chestnut stalls waft the sweet smell of Christmas all across this beautiful city. Be sure to check it out!
Lille, France
The food and wine, as we all know, is fabulous in France. Lille’s Christmas market lives up to this reputation by providing culinary delights such as nougat and pommes d’amour. Only a three-hour drive from London or a quick train journey, Lille is the perfect pre-Christmas getaway. Picture yourself sipping vin chaud (mulled wine) whilst wandering through the Grand Place or past the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille.
Lille’s Place Rihour is beautifully lit up in lights and colour with over 81 wooden chalets that burst with traditional gifts, arts, crafts, and festive food and a big Ferris wheel. If you grow tired of the Christmas markets then remember that Lille is also famed for its antiques and boutique shopping. The Grande Braderie de Lille is the perfect location for the bargain hunters amongst you, to find that hidden gem or “the perle rare” as it is known in French.
Strasbourg, France
“Buona Natale!” - Merry Christmas in Italian! You don’t have to stay in Northern Europe to experience the wonderful markets on offer on the continent. Head south to Bologna, Italy, to experience Christmas the Italian way. The markets are spread along the 12th century San Pietro Cathedral, as well as the Santa Maria dei Servi church.
You can expect to find excellent food (you are in Italy of course) such as dark chocolate-dipped citrus peel and roasted nuts that are specific to the region. If the religious side of Christmas is more to your tastes then Bologna’s multitude of nativity scenes, religious gifts and churches are a traditionalist's dream.
Edinburgh
Why leave the country at all (or the Kingdom at least). The charm of Edinburgh is fantastic all year round, but at Christmas, this city really comes to life. With its imported German style markets and ice rink, there’s plenty to do for all the family. Edinburgh also hosts an Ethical Christmas Fair with an eco-friendly and fair trade goods. Be sure to catch the hundreds of Santas when they embark on a charity run around Princes Street Gardens!
Which Christmas markets do you rate?
Bologna, Italy
“Buona Natale!” - Merry Christmas in Italian! You don’t have to stay in Northern Europe to experience the wonderful markets on offer on the continent. Head south to Bologna, Italy, to experience Christmas the Italian way. The markets are spread along the 12th century San Pietro Cathedral, as well as the Santa Maria dei Servi church.
You can expect to find excellent food (you are in Italy of course) such as dark chocolate-dipped citrus peel and roasted nuts that are specific to the region. If the religious side of Christmas is more to your tastes then Bologna’s multitude of nativity scenes, religious gifts and churches are a traditionalist's dream.
Which Christmas markets do you rate?
I haven't been to any of these Christmas market! We keep meaning to go to Edinburgh but always seem to miss this time of year. The Manchester Christmas markets are local to us and they are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip, haven't been to Manchester, so a good one to check out.
DeleteI have never visited a Christmas market abroad but would love to in the future. X
ReplyDeleteEurope do Christmas markets so well.
DeleteI love Manchester Christmas Market one of Europes biggest and makes me feel soooo festive!! Great post!!
ReplyDeleteSoph x
www.sophobsessed.com
I have to go to this one I think.
DeleteMy son lives in Edinburgh, and it is fab to get up there at this time of year. The market there is fabulous. I feel maybe though that I should try Vienna (if only).(comment will show as Jen, I’m Janet Robertson-Peverley on FB)
ReplyDeleteVienna is so beautiful, we loved it there.
DeleteEdinburgh offers a fantastic Christmas market well worth the trip
ReplyDeleteI love The Royal Mile area, so historic and beautiful.
DeleteNice informative post here. Didn't know about these markets.
ReplyDeleteHope you get the chance to visit one year.
DeleteWhat a great list. I love walking around the Christmas markets, they are so magical :)
ReplyDeleteIt gets you in the mood for Christmas. I love all the food and drink!
DeleteI really want to visit Edinburgh Christmas market next year. It is only an hour away from me via train and it looks amazing xx
ReplyDeleteYou should go!
DeleteI haven't been to any of these :( I went to one in Prague and Paris and loved those ones x
ReplyDeleteI love a Christmas Market and I've been to Vienna - what a glorious place!
ReplyDelete