Who said you couldn’t buy some holiday spirit, we challenge you to go visit these markets and not feel some holiday cheer.
As Australians we would never admit to all secretly wishing we had a white Christmas, but we all do. Growing up, there weren’t really many Aussie Christmas movies, and then we see our European and American friends making snow angels and putting up real trees in their living room.
Luckily there’s a thing called travel and it’s easier than ever, so we can experience the full spirit of a white Christmas that’s been deprived of us due to our geographical location. In Europe they even have seasonal markets dedicated to providing some of that cheerful holiday spirit, so we bring you six European Christmas markets to visit.
Bolzano, Italy
Celebrating its 24th year, the Bolzano Christmas Market will feature 80 exhibitors, 8 partners, 3 food stalls and a small market dedicated just for the kids. There’s also a bunch of Christmas concerts and events happening around the area for you to enjoy.
Colmar, France
Not just one market, but five Christmas markets are happening in this historic city. They’re all about “the magic of Christmas”. Make sure you visit the “Land of Stars”, where each village becomes a little middle ages town again.
Trento, Italy
The 70 wooden huts of The Trento Christmas Market has made the town of Trento into one of the top destinations for visitors looking for a Christmas atmosphere. The huts sell traditional Christmas decorations, crafts, cakes, local products, gourmet specialties and original gift ideas. Make sure you try some of the local delicacies, my favourite being the “parampampoli”.
Innsbruck, Austria
The Old Town Christmas Market celebrates its 41st anniversary this year. Visit the viewing platform over the hut rooftops or the enchanting fairytale and giants alley, they’re unmissable.
Strasbourg, France
A vast outdoor Christmas market that spreads over the public space in front of the Münster. This is the oldest Christmas Market in France, dating back to 1570 when the Alsatian capital wasn’t even French. The market was voted as the “Europe’s best Christmas Market” by Europe Best Vacation.
Tallinn, Estonia
If you want the full fairytale experience, the Tallinn Christmas Market makes it possible. There’s of course Santa and his reindeers, but there’s also a huge Christmas tree towering over the city. There’s handicraft stalls, Estonian food and drinks, snow sculptures and even a mini zoo.
