The first Christmas market similar to those that we can see now in most of the European cities was held in the 13th century.
The tradition started in Austria and has spread to many countries of the world since then.
The food stalls, the kids’ zones, the sweets, and gifts have always been the reason to come here.
People meet their old friends, celebrate the birth of a little savior, and feel the Christmas spirit.
The Christmas decorations, candies, and street food convey that special feeling that stays in your heart until next Christmas.
We bet you have visited one of the Christmas markets in Europe either in the city where you live or elsewhere during your winter vacation in Europe.
Check these top 10 European Christmas markets to refresh memorable moments of joy or to find inspiration for your next trip.
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Dresden, Germany
The market is open from November 24 to December 24.
The first time that the citizens visited the Christmas market in Dresden city was far in 1434.
The central Altmarkt square was chosen to hold the annual winter holiday markets and has become one of the largest German Christmas market places in the entire world.
This truly historical place has always set the highest Christmas tree in the world.
Nuremberg, Germany
The market in Nuremberg is open from November 25 to December 24.
The Christkind or a Christmas gift-bringer is the most popular German Christmas fair illuminated with thousands of lights.
Every year more than 180 little houses with stalls are all set for celebrations.
The German city has always been filled up with dizzying flavors of German sausages and gingerbread.
Cologne, Germany
The market is open from November 11 to December 23.
Cologne enjoys an unchanged reputation of the German city of Christmas.
Millions of visitors come here to unfold the beauty of the market and taste the most remarkable delicacies.
You are sure to see a huge Christmas tree surrounded by a massive skating rink when you arrive here for your next Christmas holiday.
Graz, Austria
The market in Graz is open from December 1 to December 24.
What has been so special about the annual Christmas market in Graz?
The very first and the only Christmas market had held in Vienna, Austria.
The visitors had the chance to enjoy a few simple meals and buy traditional gifts then.
In Graz, though, there are seven Christmas markets nowadays, and this Austrian city treats guests with a special drink called Feuerzangenbowle.
This mixture of wine and rum burnt before use.
If you want to get to the biggest market in the city, head to the city hall.
Prague, Czech Republic
The market is open from November 26 to January 6.
The Prague Christmas Market has the sizable amount of ancient dishes which is one of the most distinctive features of the market.
The guests will get a true style of Central European culinary art.
The second place where you can drink a glass of champagne at New Year’s eve could be a huge tree that stands in the center of the Old Town square.
A rare and worthy spectacle in Prague is the modern Christmas decorations standing in contrast with the Gothic vogue infrastructure.
Stockholm, Sweden
The market is open from November 19 to December 23.
The Christmas market in Stockholm doesn’t lack the essence of the vacation.
The center of the town is filled with traditional stalls selling sweets, smoke-cured sausages, and deer meat.
You can taste a traditional mulled wine called glögg, and alternative ancient Swedish foods.
With the snowy peaks of the Alps surrounding you, it’s so easy to plunge into the Christmas spirit.
Colmar, France
The market is open from November 25 to December 30.
During Advent, the city of Colmar in France is especially attractive and charming.
The roofs of the houses, the Christmas market stalls are all decorated, and people themselves try to be as much festive as possible.
What is more, Colmar is often covered with snow at this time.
Your smile and Christmas mood will enlighten this European Christmas market.
Zagreb, Croatia
The market is open from November 26 to January 8.
For dedicated followers of the Christmas markets that have recently started coming after the European Christmas traditions, Croatia would be your best choice this season.
This country has not been off the charts with the traditional winter celebrations, but more and more people have started discovering this country as their Christmas destination.
Zagreb citizens decorate the central square of the city with ice sculptures, skating rinks, gift shops, and food stalls.
The market counted over 55 thousand guests last year.
Brussels, Belgium
The market is open from November 25 to January 1.
The traditional Brussels Winter Wonders Christmas markets (and they are indeed numerous – 10 markets around the city) have thousands of stalls loaded with gifts, food, and beverages.
Those who are looking for the perfect Christmas spirit in the center of Belgium will find it right here.
Birmingham, England
The market is open from November 17 to November 29.
This is probably one of the shortest Christmas markets that are held in Europe.
If you are going to do a tour through the European cities at Christmas time, be sure to start with Birmingham.
Surprisingly, this English city follows the German and Austrian traditions during Christmas time by placing the largest authentic Christmas market outside Germany.
Over 200 kiosks are collected in one place under the name of Frankfurt Christmas Market which takes place on Victoria square.
I absolutely love visiting Christmas markets in Europe! The festive atmosphere, delicious food, and unique gifts always make for a magical experience.