The Best European Christmas Markets in 2022

1. Strasbourg, France The fair runs: from November 25 to December 24. The fair runs from November 25 to December 24. One of the oldest fairs in Europe, first held in 1570. Located in more than 10 locations. Around 300 stalls are scattered across 10 different markets, making Strasbourg one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. Visitors will find a wide variety of Christmas goodies including handicrafts, food and drink, and traditional Alsatian Christmas decorations. There is also the largest Christmas tree in France, which is grown specifically for the fair. In addition to the fair on the main square, several specialized ones are also held in Strasbourg: the Aromas of Alsace market, the Volkhov market, the Straps market, etc. 2. Vienna, Austria The fair runs: from November 19 to December 26, 2022. The fair is held in front of Vienna City Hall. There is everything here: reindeer riding, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, more than 150 stalls with various treats and drinks. 3. Brussels, Belgium The fair runs: from November 25 to January 1. The fair is more like a festival than a market. Takes place at the Bourse, Place Monnet, Grand Place, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marche-aux-Poissons. Here: a light and sound show, about 200 stalls with mulled wine, Belgian beer, local waffles and more, a huge Christmas tree.  4. Basel, Switzerland The fair runs: from November 24 to December 23. The largest fair in the area. Divided into two sections: Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. Here: about 200 stalls with various drinks, gifts and food; fairy tale forest on the Munsterplatz, with events such as gingerbread and candle decoration, a star workshop and a holiday train. 5. Prague, Czech Republic The fair runs: from November 26 to January 6. Prague gets really magical at Christmas. The main fairs are located on the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares. They are close to each other and can be visited in one day. Here: live performances, creative workshops, you can buy handmade gifts, local treats, etc. 6. Copenhagen, Denmark The fair runs: from November 19 to December 31. Christmas in Tivoli takes place on the territory of the amusement park in Copenhagen. This place is amazing at any time of the year, but at Christmas it becomes truly magical. Here: shopping pavilions where you can drink Scandinavian hawthorn mulled wine, buy traditional Danish holiday delicacies, and dozens of Christmas trees. In fact, in Denmark, the Christmas season officially starts after the opening of the Tivoli. 7. Budapest, Hungary The fair runs: from November 18 to January 1. There are two main holiday markets in Budapest: - a Christmas market near the Basilica of St. Stephen (Istvan), where a 3D light show takes place, there are more than 150 stalls with sweets, wines and various souvenirs. - Christmas market on Vereshmarty Square in the center of Budapest. The main highlight is a giant advent calendar, there are also shopping arcades and a New Year tree. 8. Berlin, Germany The fair runs: from 21 November to 31 December. It takes place in Berlin, between Franzosischer Dom and Deutscher Dom. There is everything that a Christmas market suggests: wooden stalls with mulled wine, gingerbread, Christmas gifts. In the evening, visitors can enjoy concerts and dance and music performances.  9. Barcelona, Spain The fair runs: from November 25 to December 23. A lively market located right next to the Cathedral of Barcelona (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia) and divided into 4 sections. Section 1 - Nativity scenes and figurines: here visitors can pick up decorations and nativity scene figurines. Section 2 - Greens and plants: here you can find natural or artificial trees, moss, eucalyptus branches and other types of plants. Section 3 - Crafts: here you will find all kinds of handicrafts and accessories, clothes, jewelry, decor items, gifts and much more. Section 4 - Zambombas: where you will be offered, in addition to the traditional instrument, tambourines and many other instruments to give a musical sound to your Christmas. There are also many other festive activities at the fair, such as storytelling, a Christmas parade, and caga tio, a huge Christmas piñata. 10. London, Great Britain The fair runs: from November 18 to January 2. One of the most anticipated winter events in the British capital. Located in the heart of London in Hyde Park. Here you can: visit more than 200 attractions, ice-sculpting workshops, enjoy a circus show, ride a skating rink (which is the largest in Europe), eat at Street Food Village. 11. Cologne, Germany The fair runs: from November 21 to December 23. Cologne is the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia and the birthplace of the Nutcracker. There are several fairs in the city, but the largest one is located in the city center, under the cathedral. Here: sales of Christmas gifts, an organ concert, shopping malls where you can find gingerbread houses and chocolate figurines. 12. Zagreb, Croatia In the capital of Croatia, Christmas is taken very seriously and the whole city turns into one exciting fair, with more than 25 different fairs. Wooden stalls line the streets in the city center and sell everything from knitted scarves, handicrafts, sweets and Christmas decorations. Every year the fair has a different theme, this year - toys. In addition to the main fair in the city you can visit at this time: Skating rink on King Tomislav Square. Advent in Zrinjevac - family gatherings with mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Restaurant Zagreb Stross - culinary startups. Ban Jelačić Square - Christmas shopping. European Square - street food. 13. Salzburg, Austria The fair runs: from November 17 to January 1. Mozart's hometown looks like it's in the 15th century around Christmas. Here you can attend free daily concerts at 17.00 in front of the cathedral. 14. Tallinn, Estonia The fair runs: from November 25 to January 8. Fairs are located in the heart of the city, where at this time the roofs are usually already covered with snow. The main fair is located on the Town Hall Square, where you can buy handmade wreaths, local arts and crafts, sweets, honey, carpets, etc. Since 1441, the largest Christmas tree in Estonia has been erected every year in front of the Town Hall. 15. Bratislava, Slovakia The fair runs: from November 24 to December 22. Christmas in the capital of Slovakia is a time of miracles. The Christmas trees are decorated with garlands and the market stalls sell traditional wooden toys and beautiful Christmas ornaments.