Planning a festive get away this year? You don’t have to go far! Europe is famous for its Christmas Markets, many of which are steeped in tradition and culture, as well as a few quirky things to see and do – so there’s something for everyone in our MIA Christmas Market Guide.
When you think Swedish Christmas Markets, your mind probably doesn’t go to Liseberg Amusement Park, but it should. While some of the rides are shut for winter, that doesn’t mean the fun stops. There’s a medieval market, Christmas shows and plenty of shopping opportunities.
Of course, Gothenburg is a stunning place to visit all year-round, but at Liseberg Christmas is spectacular! Expect hundreds of fir trees, mountains of artificial snow and countless fairy lights to make this a truly magical experience.
The jewel in the crown of the market is the adaptation of A Christmas Carol on ice – so book yourself into one of the daily showings and enjoy the local tipple of Glögg, a traditional Scandinavian mulled wine, to keep you warm – on the inside at least!
If you’re looking for a traditional, picture postcard of a Christmas Market consider St. Stephens Basilica, it’s pure heaven!
You’ll be treated to nativity scenes, stalls festooned with twinkling lights and a large ice-rink, people watching is next level here with whimsical scenes of skating red nosed and rosy cheeked children, and couples holding tight to each other’s gloved hands – a scene from a Hallmark Christmas movie…
If ice-skating isn’t really your scene, take a trip down the river Danube on one of the local boats and enjoy good food and live music, while watching a wintery wonderland go by.
There are so many Christmas Markets to choose from in Prague, but one of our favourites is Wenceslas Square, famous for its market and the Christmas Carol, ‘Good King Wenceslas’ so where better to be this festive season?!
The seasonally decorated, and therefore gloriously effervescent, Bohemian architecture makes a beautiful setting for this historical market, featuring locally crafted gifts, decorations and toys.
If you travel a little further, you’ll find the Old Town Square, which is a sight to behold after dark when it really comes to life.
Travelling with children? Then we’ve found the Christmas Market for you! The Viennese Dream Christmas market is a large market selling local products and delicacies. The imposing City Hall provides the backdrop for this family friendly and bustling market that boasts over 150 stalls.
There are opportunities for children to take part in the fun and get their hands dirty, making cookies, decorating candles and adding sparkles to their own money boxes but more importantly they’ll be making memories! There are also two ice-skating rinks that are especially opened for the season as well as a handful of traditional carousel styled rides aimed at the littlest of little ones.
Grown ups can expect lots to do and see too, there’s the shopping of course but there’s also Glühwein the local drink of choice at Christmas that’s very, very grown up…
Nuremberg is the Bavarian Christmas Market destination of Europe, in our opinion. The Christkindlesmarkt is simply full of history and long-lived quirks, as it’s one of the oldest recorded markets in Europe.
This market has it all, exquisite handmade Christmas decorations, locally made Rostbratwurst - a small locally made sausage, traditionally served as three sausages (!) in a freshly baked bun. There’s also honey infused gingerbread made by the local bakeries and children, big and small, are invited to decorate them.
Souvenirs are big business here, the strangest but one of the best are the Prune Men which are dressed up as Father Christmas, Elvis or Hula Dancers and just about everything in between. They’re thought to bring luck and prosperity to the homes in which they live, so stock up!
And if all that isn’t enough, there’s a Christmas Market just for children with games, crafts and a feeling of fun that only really radiates from children at Christmas time.
