The Top 3 European Christmas Markets You Must Visit Once in a Lifetime

By
Anita C
-
Image via Tyler Delgado on Unsplash

December is right around the corner, and what equals with December? Christmas of course! And Christmas markets! From mulled wine and gingerbread cookies to beautiful decorations and fairy lights, December is one of the most magical time of the year. Keep scrolling to see the prettiest Christmas markets in Europe.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is definitely one of the most attractive European capitals that attract curious tourist, all year round. However, during the holidays it is even more magical. The Christmas Fair and Winter Festival at the Vörösmarty Square begins in early November and lasts till January 1st. Beautiful wooden houses, fairy lights, and yumminess are there to make your Christmas magical.

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So it turns out little kids really like Christmas. I'm not sure if Lisa's two year old mind knows how to tie the whole holiday season together, but she sure does like all the individual elements. All day long she has been stuffing random objects into socks and yelling "present!" as she hands them to us. I asked her what the weather was like, and she answered "snowman!" It takes us forever to walk down the street because we have to pry her away from every window display and Christmas tree. This photo was from a Christmas Market we visited in Budapest last month, and Lisa was so excited because she thought she was going to get to ice skate like the kids just outside the frame. Sorry sweetie, not quite yet. Two year olds can't ice skate, can they? . Anyway, it's going to be an adorable and tiring couple weeks until we leave Vienna just before the New Year. . . . . #budapest #hungary #visitbudapest #christmasmarket #christmastree #christmaslights #iceskating #holidayseason #christmastime #christmastravel #christmasdecorations #holidaydecor #happybaby #kissonthecheek #happytoddler #childhood #explorebudapest #budapestchristmasmarket #holidaycheer #gettingexcited #slowtravel #travelwithkids #secondchristmas #twoyearold #readyforchristmas

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Vienna, Austria

Vienna is also one of the most visited cities on the Old Continent, especially during the holidays. And those who have already visited the capital on Christmas time can confirm that the Advent in Austria is fairytale-like. The first Christmas fair opened in 1298. and since then it has grown enormously.  Nowadays, there are over 20 smaller markets that will welcome you in Vienna.

Dresden, Germany

Dresden Striezelmarkt is known as the oldest Christmas fair in Germany. Its name comes from a local dessert called Dresdner Christstollen. Every year, on the opening day, the mayor first cuts a piece of this 3-meters-long sweetness which is later distributed to the poor.