There is only a little time left before we leave another year behind and step into a new year with a new excitement. While you are feeling the excitement of welcoming a new year, if you would like to elevate this feeling with a well-planned travel plan, Christmas Markets will give you unforgettable colorful and sparkling moments.

The streets, houses and shops are decorated in many parts of the world, while colorful and magnificent Christmas Markets are set up in city squares in Europe full of festivities and overall lights. Christmas Markets bring a special joy to travel lovers during the winter holidays with the smells of hot chocolate and mulled wine emanating from small wooden shops which are attractive and giving a cozy feeling, with eye-catching traditional Christmas decorations, candies, souvenirs and unique tastes. These markets especially represent the color and culture of the place where they are held, both thrill us with Christmas enthusiasm and take us on a cultural journey.

What is the Purpose of Setting the Christmas Markets?

Christmas markets, which were first held in Germany in the 15th and 16th centuries, keep the New Year spirit alive all over Europe today. The origins of the Christmas markets date back to 1298, when the king of Vienna at the time requested the creation of a marketplace. In 1434, this tradition turned into the Christmas Markets event we know today. The first Christmas Market was held in Dresden, Germany, similar to today's Christmas markets. Every year, Christmas Markets begin about a month before Christmas, showcasing entertainment that reflects the region's unique culture and history. These markets serve as a joyful gathering place where people can come together to celebrate the Christmas spirit in a festive atmosphere with delicious food and lively entertainment.

The Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Dresden, Germany 

Dresden, the first city where a real Christmas market was held, keeps this tradition alive with more than 150 markets. Another reason why Christmas Markets are perhaps the most popular is that the most famous craftsmen of the Saxony region of Dresden gather here and exhibit the local handcrafted products. It also has countless flavors to try, such as fragrant cookies, fruit muffins and sugared almonds. The Stollen Festival, celebrated every year on the second Sunday of December in Dresden, is another event you can come across during this beautiful holiday. This flavor festival is celebrated with fruit cake, which has become a classic of the city and made by bakers and pastry chefs.

Brussel, Belgium 

Winter Wonders Christmas Market is held every year in the Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. The giant ice rink at the heart of the square is truly deserving of its place as one of the most magnificent Christmas markets, with its regional delicacies, colorful handcrafted gifts, glittering stalls, and flashy shows.

Strazburg, France 

Strasbourg, home to France's oldest and best Christmas Market, is located in the Alsace region on the France-Germany border. This market, which has a history of almost 450 years, is held in 11 different areas, including the Notre Dame Cathedral square. Strasbourg, known as the capital of Christmas in France, makes you feel the enthusiasm of the Christmas spirit in the best way with its German-style architecture, huge decorations, ice rinks and souvenirs. Make sure you try the unique mulled wine served accompanied by Christmas choirs and flavors of both German and French culture.

Vienna, Austria

The Vienna Christmas Market is set up in Vienna's Rathausplatz square in front of the city hall and in various parts of the city. It is as popular in Europe as the German Christmas Markets. The market's most iconic attraction is its renowned ice rink, one of the most famous in Europe. If you visit the city during the Christmas markets, you can have the chance to experience the city's most dynamic and sparkling time. Walking through the historical streets of Vienna accompanied by Christmas carols and tasting the best flavors in the market will make you feel great. Don't forget to try Christmas cookies, fried chestnuts and Austrian sausage.

Prague, Czech 

With its Gothic architecture and enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of medieval Europe, Prague is a captivating city to visit during Christmas, offering a truly unique holiday experience. Visiting Prague will give you a different experience with its beauty that will take you on a journey in time. At the same time, Prague is still one of the most affordable routes in Europe. The most famous Christmas markets in Prague are the markets held in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Christmas Markets in Prague are prepared with a different theme every year. Giant pine trees, Prague-specific puppets, famous trdelnik dessert and bright stands are the most beautiful features of the market.

Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Amsterdam, one of Europe's most vibrant and enchanting cities, should be at the top of your Christmas travel list, with its fascinating architecture and unique tastes. The stalls set up around the Museumplein ice rink and the various enjoyable activities further enliven the dynamic spirit of the city. Adorned with colorful lights that create a fairytale-like ambiance, this enchanting city is known for its famous flavors, including Christmas cookies, donuts, pancakes, and delicious cheeses from various regions across the country.

Copenhagen, Denmark 

Christmas preparations begin in November in Tivoli Park, Copenhagen's historical amusement park, and a magnificent Christmas Market is set up in this park.
Tivoli is among the most enjoyable and sparkling Christmas markets in Europe, with its fairy-tale atmosphere created by the market's landscape and lighting design, as well as entertainment that will represent the Christmas spirit. Entrance to Tivoli Park, with its vibrant atmosphere reflecting Nordic culture, requires a ticket-but we believe this unique experience is well worth it.

Naples, Italy 

Although Naples is generally one of the favorite destinations for summer holidays, it is also a must-visit during Christmas. During this period, the city gains a completely different atmosphere with glittering decorations. It is possible to find everything from delicious foods to souvenirs in the Christmas markets set up on streets such as Via Donizetti, Via Luca and Via Scarlatti. You can enjoy pizza and delicious snacks, especially in these markets where gourmet tastes stand out. In Naples, infused with the festive spirit of the New Year, you can savor unforgettable Italian delicacies— especially its famous pizza!