If your concept of winter bliss includes sipping gluhwein, shopping infinite stalls of vacation items and getting misplaced in a sea of glittering fairy lights, plan to have a good time this season at one in all Europe’s Christmas markets. These conventional markets date again a whole lot of years and are nonetheless standard in lots of European international locations, from France to Estonia.
Yes, the climate is chilly (and snowy in some locations). However, the odor of roasted chestnuts, the glint of the lights and the overall feeling of vacation cheer greater than make up for it. Since many markets start in November and run by way of December, vacationers can snag a fall or winter flight deal, or off-peak award redemption.
So, bundle up and take a look at our suggestions for a number of the finest Christmas markets in Europe, full with tips about how you can get there and the place to remain.
Zurich, Switzerland
VIDAMOMENTS/GETTY IMAGES
Zurich’s Wienachtsdorf, which runs from Nov. 21 to Dec. 23, 2024, is without doubt one of the metropolis’s largest Christmas markets. It’s positioned at Sechselautenplatz, the sq. immediately in entrance of the Zurich Opera House and adjoining to Lake Zurich.
The charming Christmas village is made up of round 120 stalls, principally run by native designers showcasing distinctive jewellery and different vacation items. The market additionally presents a wide range of culinary choices, from worldwide dishes to conventional Swiss delicacies on the Fondue Chalet (reservations are really useful).
Stay: Stay on the Park Hyatt Zurich, only a 15-minute stroll from the Christmas market. Rates begin at $708 or 35,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time this November and December.
Arrive: Zurich Airport (ZRH) is a significant transportation hub with quite a few nonstop flights from the United States. Swiss, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines all have nonstop choices from East Coast cities like New York, Philadelphia and Boston. Then it is only a fast 25-minute practice experience to the guts of town.
Copenhagen, DenmarkThere are a number of different smaller Christmas markets in Copenhagen, together with this one at Hojbro Plads. ALEXANDER SPATARI/GETTY IMAGES
From Nov. 8 to Dec. 21, 2024, Copenhagen’s largest Christmas market, which is normally held at Kongens Nytorv (King’s New Square), will happen at Thorvaldsens Plads, only a 10-minute stroll away. The sq. in entrance of the Thorvaldsens Museum shall be remodeled right into a fascinating wonderland with a labyrinth of picket stalls, every brimming with pleasant Danish delicacies, toys and extra. Kids shall be thrilled to snap a photograph with Santa, whereas adults can unwind with a warming glass of spiced wine, or glogg because it’s known as right here.
Stay: The Nobis Hotel Copenhagen is a tranquil retreat only a 10-minute stroll from Thorvaldsens Plads and just one block away from Tivoli Gardens, the historic theme park that can also be a must-visit throughout the Christmas season. Plus, the luxury property is bookable utilizing Marriott Bonvoy factors. Rates begin at $411 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time this November and December.
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Arrive: There are a number of nonstop choices to Copenhagen Airport (CPH) from the U.S., together with New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Scandinavian Airlines is the primary supplier, however different airways, resembling Icelandair, provide layover choices for cheaper airfares.
Related: SAS awards now out there utilizing Delta SkyMiles (and different companions), together with on business-class flights to Europe
Edinburgh, ScotlandTRAVELPIX LTD/GETTY IMAGES
From Nov. 15, 2024, to Jan. 4, 2025, Edinburgh will host one of many United Kingdom’s most grandiose and beloved Christmas markets at East Princes Street Gardens, just under Edinburgh Castle. Picture greater than 130 charming huts, every illuminated with festive lights and strewn with decorations, creating a fascinating ambiance.
These stalls provide a plethora of native, handmade items and an array of delicious treats to savor. Don’t miss out on a mesmerizing experience on the massive wheel, presenting panoramic views of your complete festive extravaganza. The pageant has one thing particular for everybody, with numerous rides fitted to children and adults and even a Santa’s grotto for a close-up encounter with Santa Claus.
Stay: For an opulent keep, think about The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton, which is only a 10-minute stroll from the Christmas market and presents views of the citadel. Rates begin at $290 or 76,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time this November and December.
Arrive: Direct flights to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) can be found year-round from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on United Airlines.
Vienna, AustriaSEBASTIAN CONDREA/GETTY IMAGES
Wander previous greater than 100 stalls at Vienna’s largest Christmas market within the Rathausplatz City Hall Square from Nov. 16 to Dec. 26, 2024. Kids will love the ice skating rink, Ferris wheel and carousel. This yr, the market and its stalls will deal with enhancing sustainability, so count on extra eco-friendly merchandise and supplies.
Stay: Just a 12-minute stroll from Rathausplatz, the Park Hyatt Vienna is the final word Viennese luxurious: excessive arching ceilings, an indoor swimming pool, and suites decked out with chandeliers and marble loos. Rates in November and December begin at $558 or 30,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time, however are considerably larger round Christmas.
Arrive: Austrian Airlines, the flagship provider of Vienna Airport (VIE), is a part of the Star Alliance. If you may have miles on any associate airline, you must have the ability to get a seat at a great valuation. Austrian flies immediately from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD).
GermanyThe Christmas market in Nuremburg, Germany. HARALD NACHTMANN/GETTY IMAGES
As one of the well-known international locations in Europe for Christmas markets, Germany has a market in virtually each metropolis. We could not decide only one, so listed below are a number of the finest:
Cologne: This metropolis, well-known for its towering Gothic cathedral, options almost a dozen completely different Christmas markets, together with the hopeful return of the LGBTQ+-friendly Christmas market after a two-year absence (most run from Nov. 18 to Dec. 23, 2024).Munich: Bavaria’s most well-known market is in Munich’s Marienplatz, which is embellished with 1000’s of candles and has over 100 stalls (Nov. 25 to Dec. 24, 2024).Munich Airport: Jump proper into the vacation spirit (and even go ice skating) throughout an extended layover at Munich Airport (MUC), which transforms right into a Christmas market (Nov. 15 to Dec. 29, 2024).Frankfurt: Enjoy buying and a 100-foot-tall Christmas scene at Frankfurt’s foremost Christmas Market (Nov. 25 to Dec. 22, 2024).Nuremberg: In addition to its world-renowned lebkuchen (gingerbread), hold a glance out for this market’s Christkind, a younger woman with curly blond hair dressed like a golden angel who makes frequent appearances on the festivities (Nov. 29 to Dec. 24, 2024).Berlin: Germany’s capital has quite a lot of Christmas markets, however probably the greatest is the WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt (Nov. 25 to Dec. 31, 2024), which is relocated in 2024 to the historic Bebelplatz close to the State Opera and St. Hedwig’s Cathedral. Expect the standard meals and buying but in addition holiday-inspired performances from fireplace eaters, acrobats, jugglers and choirs.Dresden: One of the nation’s oldest and largest markets, the Striezelmarkt in Dresden’s Altmarkt options puppet theaters, storytelling time and gingerbread-decorating workshops (Nov. 27 to Dec. 24, 2024).
Stay: The JW Marriott Frankfurt options 219 rooms and greater than 200 hand-painted artwork items by German artist Hartwig Ebersbach. Rates begin as little as $192 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time from late November by way of December.
Arrive: Star Alliance associate Lufthansa operates direct flights to Germany out of a number of U.S. airports, together with hubs like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte and Denver.
If you need to go to in consolation and elegance, you may splash out for one of the iconic fifth-freedom routes out of the U.S., provided by Singapore Airlines between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Germany’s Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Super-luxurious business-class awards on this route value 81,000 miles every manner by way of Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program. You can switch factors to KrisFlyer from all the transferable factors packages — American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
FranceLEONID ANDRONOV/GETTY IMAGES
You cannot go unsuitable with markets in French cities like Lyon and Lille. But since Strasbourg is called the Capital of Christmas, it is no shock that Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmarkt, close to town’s cathedral, is one in all France’s hottest vacation haunts for sipping mulled wine, tasting French wintery treats like tarte flambee or sugary bredele biscuits, and looking for wares among the many picket stalls (Nov. 27 to Dec. 27, 2024). Strasbourg’s towering Christmas tree, tens of millions of twinkling lights and festive ice rink can persuade any Grinch to like the festive season.
Stay: Consider a keep at one of many metropolis’s newer lodges, the Aloft Strasbourg Etoile. The lodge is welcoming and trendy, only a 15-minute stroll to the primary Christmas market. Rates begin at $154 or 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time whereas the market is open.
Arrive: Strasbourg is a smaller metropolis, and you may’t fly nonstop there from the U.S. Instead, fly to Strasbourg Airport (SXB) from hubs resembling Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) or Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Or, plan a layover to take a look at Munich Airport’s Christmas market (see above), then proceed on to Strasbourg. You may also take a practice from Frankfurt or Paris to the French metropolis.
Related: The finest methods to journey to Europe utilizing factors and miles
Tallinn, EstoniaRISTO0/GETTY IMAGES
Sample Baltic vacation delicacies like black pudding and gingerbread paired with spiced wine on the Christmas market in Tallinn’s medieval Town Hall Square (Nov. 22 to Dec. 27, 2024).
The setting is solely beautiful. Historic buildings encompass stalls promoting Christmas items and decorations (a lot of that are heart-shaped, as Estonians firmly imagine Christmas is a time of affection), with the big tree as a centerpiece. Look ahead to 2 completely different carousels for the little ones and a double-decker vacation bus to experience round city.
Stay: The Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallin is a 15-minute stroll away from the city sq., which you’ll view from the lodge’s out of doors terrace. Rates begin at $102 or 44,000 Radisson Rewards factors per night time.
Arrive: Although you may’t fly nonstop from the U.S. to Tallinn Airport (TLL), you may join simply to hubs resembling Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), Istanbul Airport (IST), Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Brussels Airport (BRU) after which fly on over. If you fly Finnair between the U.S. and Helsinki Airport (HEL), a ferry to Tallinn takes about 3 1/2 hours. From numerous London airports, you may fly to Tallinn on low-cost airways like airBaltic, Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Brussels, BelgiumCORINNE POLEIJ/GETTY IMAGES
While the markets in Antwerp, Ghent and Brugge have a extra charming and comfortable vibe, Brussels’ Winter Wonders Market (Nov. 29, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025) is the biggest and most spectacular in Belgium, with greater than 200 stands weaving by way of town middle.
Take a spin across the ice rink, fly excessive within the Ferris wheel or take pleasure in a go to from Santa. The market additionally presents an immersive audio and visible Christmas present, an modern option to expertise all the vacation enjoyable.
Stay: Budget vacationers can keep amid the motion on the Holiday Inn Express Brussels — Grand-Place for as little as $140 or 29,000 IHG One Rewards factors per night time this vacation season.
Arrive: Fly to Brussels on Star Alliance carriers from hubs like New York and Washington, D.C. Some of the most effective redemption choices embrace United MileagePlus, Avianca LifeMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan and Singapore KrisFlyer. Consider combining a visit to Brussels with different European cities (or Christmas markets) utilizing the Brussels Airlines pit-stop service. This stopover program permits passengers to remain from one to 5 nights at no additional cost in Belgium.
If you fly from the U.S. to London, you may fly to Brussels on British Airways and Brussels Airlines. Taking the Eurostar practice between London and Brussels is another possibility — the experience takes simply over two hours. Rates begin as little as $66 every manner this vacation season.
Prague, Czech RepublicPETER PESTA PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES
It’s arduous to resolve whether or not to go to Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas Market or Wenceslas Square Christmas Market (each Nov. 30, 2024, to Jan. 6, 2025). Considering they are a 10-minute stroll aside, it is easy to go to each. The markets promote comparable objects, like medovina honey wine and Czech crafts like puppets and dolls, however Old Town Square has stay animals like sheep and donkeys for kids to pet.
Stay: The Andaz Prague, which opened in 2022 inside a historic 1916 constructing, is a 10-minute stroll from Old Town Square. Rates begin at $320 or 21,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time in November and December.
Arrive: Unfortunately, Delta’s nonstop flight to Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) from New York’s JFK airport would not function within the winter months. However, many airways fly to Prague from quite a few European hubs, together with London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR), Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
Zagreb, CroatiaXBRCHX/500PX/GETTY IMAGES
Christmas in Zagreb is particular, with your complete metropolis decked out with lights, Nativity scenes and decorations. While there are dozens of Christmas markets to go to, begin on the Zrinjevac Park Christmas Market (Nov. 30, 2024, to Jan. 7, 2025), the place you may pattern sizzling strukli, a pastry with melted cheese, or medenjaci cookies paired with soul-warming wine as you browse handmade ornaments and toys.
Then go to Zagreb Cathedral with its well-known Nativity scene out entrance. Finish the night up with a number of laps round King Tomislav Square ice rink or a experience on the carousel in Strossmayer Square.
Stay: A brief stroll away from the Christmas motion, the Westin Zagreb is right for these wanting a quiet, up to date area to calm down whereas nonetheless staying near all the vacation cheer. Rates begin at $122 or 16,500 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time throughout the vacation season.
Arrive: Getting to Zagreb Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) will take you a couple of flight since there aren’t any nonstop flights out there from the U.S. to the Croatian capital. On numerous European carriers, you will must cease first in locations like London, Frankfurt, Istanbul or Frankfurt en path to Zagreb. Both British Airways and Croatia Airlines fly between London and Zagreb.
Basel, SwitzerlandJUERGEN SACK/GETTY IMAGES
Wander amongst greater than 160 snow-covered picket stalls at Basel’s Christmas Market, stretching from Barfusserplatz to Munsterplatz (Nov. 28 to Dec. 23, 2024). A steaming mug of gluhwein completely enhances conventional delights like waffles, gingerbread and melted Swiss raclette.
Stay: The Basel Marriott presents the most effective of Swiss tradition with out sacrificing modernity. Rates begin round $167 or 21,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time this vacation season.
Arrive: Getting to EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL) from the U.S. requires a cease someplace in Europe. The airport is definitely in France, although it is a quick drive from each Basel and the border of Germany — excellent for visiting three international locations in a single journey. You may also fly Swiss to Zurich, stopping there rapidly earlier than hopping on a Swiss Federal Railways practice to Basel, bookable as one full ticket on the Swiss web site.
Helsinki, FinlandBRUEV/GETTY IMAGES
Helsinki’s Christmas Market (from Nov. 29 to Dec. 22, 2024) in Senate Square, with Helsinki Cathedral as its backdrop, is town’s oldest and hottest. It’s not simply in regards to the vacation stalls, although there are many these providing the whole lot from handmade items to native treats. On Dec. 13, do not miss the St. Lucia procession, a practice honoring a 4th-century martyr. And sure, Santa visits day by day, whereas the free merry-go-round provides a nostalgic contact.
Stay: If you are on the lookout for an opulent place to remain within the coronary heart of Helsinki, The Hotel Maria is a improbable possibility. Opened in June 2024, this 117-room lodge is without doubt one of the latest members of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection and is only a 10-minute stroll from Senate Square. Rates begin at $330 per night time throughout the holidays.
Arrive: Getting to Helsinki Airport (HEL) is a breeze, particularly with Finnair providing nonstop flights from New York, Los Angeles and Dallas. For vacationers from different cities, you will probably want a connection, however most main carriers make it simple with fast stopovers.
Malaga, SpainRUBEN EARTH/GETTY IMAGES
From Nov. 25, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025, the Malaga Christmas market on the Paseo del Parque will deliver festive magic to Spain’s sunny south with roasted chestnuts and conventional sweets like turron. Don’t miss the dazzling Christmas lights on close by Larios Street. The Three Wise Men parade on Jan. 5 is a sugary, gift-filled spectacle.
Stay: You’ll love the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio. It’s bought killer views of the port, and also you’re only a quick stroll from the Malaga Cathedral and Museo Picasso. Plus, it is an ideal deal, with charges beginning at $177 or 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time this vacation season.
Arrive: If you are flying to Malaga from the U.S., Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is straightforward to succeed in, although you will want a stopover. For instance, TAP Air Portugal stops in Lisbon from New York City. Once you arrive, you are nearly a five-hour drive from Madrid and two hours from Seville, making it an ideal base for exploring southern Spain.
Stockholm, SwedenSmall Santas on sale on the conventional Christmas market on the Skansen open-air museum in Stockholm. JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
The Christmas market on the Skansen open-air museum is a should if you happen to go to Stockholm throughout the holidays. Running from Nov. 29 to Dec. 22, 2024, it has been a vacation staple since 1903 and is filled with festive appeal. Picture 70 stalls with Christmas goodies and handmade crafts, plus waffles and mulled wine to heat you up. You may even attempt your hand at old style Christmas crafts or stroll by way of the magical Winter Lights. It’s cozy and enjoyable — the proper option to get into the vacation spirit in Stockholm.
Stay: The Hilton Stockholm Slussen is only a four-minute stroll from the closest transit station, making it tremendous handy for exploring town. Rates begin at $111 or 29,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time whereas the market is open.
Arrive: Getting to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) from the U.S. is easy, with Scandinavian Airlines providing direct flights from Newark (EWR) year-round. If you are coming from different cities, count on a stopover in a European hub like Oslo or London.
Oslo, NorwayNURPHOTO/CONTRIBUTOR/GETTY IMAGES
Oslo’s Winter Wonderland on the Spikersuppa sq. is again from Nov. 9 to Dec. 31, 2024. This festive spot on Karl Johans Gate — town’s foremost road — has all of the classics, like charming stalls promoting items, an ice-skating rink and a Ferris wheel. But the actual star? The meals. Think coconut cupcakes, caramel apples, glogg, currywurst and smoked salmon from the Lofoten Islands. Feeling fortunate? Spin the chocolate wheel!
Stay: Sommerro is within the coronary heart of town, inside a 15-minute stroll of the Christmas market. The 231-room lodge is understood for its luxurious design and comfortable vibes, plus it has a year-round rooftop pool. Rates begin at $272 per night time throughout the holidays.
Arrive: SAS presents nonstop flights to Oslo Airport (OSL) from Newark (EWR), and Norse Atlantic Airways flies immediately from Miami within the winter. If you are flying from anyplace else within the U.S., you will probably have a layover in one other main European metropolis.
Bottom line
The finest Christmas markets in Europe provide a festive option to have a good time the vacations, full with native gastronomy, mulled wine, ice skating and twinkling vacation decorations. If you need to go to different European locations, it is probably in addition they have a Christmas market. Many cities have variations of those seasonal markets, together with Gothenburg, Sweden; Madrid; Budapest; and Krakow, Poland.
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