The festive season is fast approaching, and we are so excited. And Winter is quickly becoming one of the most popular and exciting times to go on a short break in Europe, especially when Christmas markets are involved. Luckily, Aer Lingus is currently having their Winter Sale, so there has never been a better time to plan your European Winter getaway.
So, you’re probably contemplating where to head to for a few days this year, and there is one thing you should be considering when choosing your destination: the Christmas markets. Because no European Winter break is complete without a visit to one of the many famous (and yet to be discovered) Christmas markets on the continent.
So here are seven amazing Christmas markets you should most definitely check out when heading to these wonderful cities.
And if you find that you’re feeling inspired, you can check out all the limited deals on flights here.
1. Náměstí Míru Christmas Markets, Prague
Prague is famous for its Christmas markets, and while larger ones like Staromestske Namesti in Old Town Square come to mind, there are loads of little ones that are well worth checking out, that are probably less likely to be jammed to the brim with tourists.
If you’re looking for authentic handmade goods rather than products just aimed at tourists, definitely head to Náměstí Míru Christmas Markets, which is one of the smaller markets in the city.
Náměstí Míru Christmas Markets takes place from Wednesday, November 20 until Tuesday, December 24.
2. Kollwitzplatz Christmas Market, Berlin
What is great about this Christmas market is that it’s totally eco-friendly, and only offers goods that were produced under fair working conditions and environmentally friendly practices.
You can expect to find everything you would hope for at an authentic German Christmas market such as wooden toys, tree ornaments, handicrafts and textiles, as well as organic food and snacks, mostly produced by local farmers.
And of course, you can expect festive favourites such as mulled wine and Christmas biscuits, as well as flamed Bratwurst!
Kollwitzplatz Christmas Market takes place on Sunday, December 1, 8, 15 and 22 between 12pm and 7 pm.
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3. Le Village de Noël at Les Halles, Paris
This Christmas market has all the magic that any great Christmas market should possess.
Being one of the biggest festive markets in the city with over 60 vendors, you’re sure to walk away with some gorgeous decorations and incredible handmade crafts while enjoying some amazing Parisian food while you’re there.
The market is also home to an ‘Enchanted Forest’, where you can release your inner child and look for Père Noël’s house. And if you have kids with you, there are also workshops where the little ones can write their letters to Santa.
Le Village de Noël at Les Halles starts on Thursday, November 14 and lasts until Sunday, December 29, 2019.
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4. Prague Castle
One of the biggest and most picturesque markets in Prague takes place in the stunningly beautiful Prague Castle. With over 70 stalls selling a huge array of festive goods such as authentic Czech festive treats, crafts and decorations.
The market will take place from November 23 until January 6.
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5. ‘O Bej! O Bej!’, Milan
“O Bej! O Bej”, meaning “Oh Belli! Oh Belli!” or, “Oh how beautiful! Oh how beautiful!”, dates back centuries. Nowadays, it is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Milan and takes place on Saturday, December 7 to honour the patron saint of Milan, Sant’Ambrogio.
Expect Italian artisans, food and drink, and of course, festive decorations and ornaments.
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6. Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l’Est
Foodies, this is a market in Paris that you’re not going to want to miss. Centred around (but not only consisting of) kougelhopf, which is a famous Alsatian brioche cake with raisins and almonds and made in a special mould, you’re going to want to taste all the treats this delightful market has to offer.
You’ll find festive delights such as gingerbread, brioche, galettes, funky Munster cheese, tangy sauerkraut, rich foie gras and of course, kougelhopf.
Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l’Est takes place throughout December 2019 until January 2020.
7. Advent in the Düppel Historic Village, Berlin
Not only is this a market that is jam-packed with fantastic food, crafts and gifts, but it’s also an opportunity to step into the Berlin of yesterday in this old medieval town.
It’s probably one of the more exciting Christmas markets in Berlin, as jongleurs make music and fire-eaters perform incredible tricks. And you can be sure to find some rather unusual and truly unique Christmas gifts, such as beautifully crafted ceramics, linens, jewellery, furniture, and crafts made from recycled materials.
Advent in the Düppel Historic Village takes place on December 14 and 15.
Feeling inspired to book a Winter getaway? Well, you can check out the fabulous Winter sale over at Aer Lingus here.
