Christmas is just around the corner and to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year we’re bringing you a series of Christmas-themed blogs ranging from Christmas markets and festive traditions, to delicious food both savoury and sweet.
The first instalment in the series takes a look at the top Christmas markets in Europe; from Spain to Estonia, we have a selection of fantastic destinations perfect for shopping, sampling delicious treats and enjoying all things festive!
Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia – Voted the best Christmas Market 2019
With a fairy tale-like quality, the Tallinn Christmas Market exudes a genuine traditional charm. The Town Hall Square is home to the wide selection of stalls and the centrepiece is a stunning Christmas tree. Adding to the magic of this market, Tallinn was the first place in Europe to display a Christmas tree in 1441, so there’s great importance in continuing this tradition.
The square is bathed in Christmas decorations and lights and the stall merchants offer a range of handicrafts as well as traditional Christmas cuisine, including sour cabbage, gingerbread and hot drinks. For children there are merry-go-rounds, a Christmas programme and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in his own house!
When: 15th November 2019 – 7th January 2020
Opening hours: 10am – 7pm
Seville Christmas Market, Spain
With a fairy tale-like quality, the Tallinn Christmas Market exudes a genuine traditional charm. The Town Hall Square is home to the wide selection of stalls and the centrepiece is a stunning Christmas tree. Adding to the magic of this market, Tallinn was the first place in Europe to display a Christmas tree in 1441, so there’s great importance in continuing this tradition.
The square is bathed in Christmas decorations and lights and the stall merchants offer a range of handicrafts as well as traditional Christmas cuisine, including sour cabbage, gingerbread and hot drinks. For children there are merry-go-rounds, a Christmas programme and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in his own house!
When: 15th November 2019 – 7th January 2020
Opening hours: 10am – 7pm
Amiens Christmas Market, France
Amiens is a gorgeous city in Northern France and is known for its gothic Cathedral, quaint shops and delightful cafés. From late November to the end of December, the town centre is transformed into winter wonderland filled with 130 chalets and 2km of market stalls form all over the world selling beautiful handmade crafts and original Christmas gifts.
When: 25th November – 30th December 2019
Opening hours: The Chalets are open every day from 10.30am (2pm on Mondays) to 7.30pm (9pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Early closing on 25th and 30th December; closed on Christmas Day.
Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland
Located on the Rhine, Basel’s charming Christmas market can be found on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz in the heart of the city centre. With over 160 traders offering fantastic goods for sale in rustic wooden chalets, there’s plenty of gift inspiration for visitors. Tourists can also try delicious local foods such as waffles, Basel Läckerli (a kind of gingerbread), delicious Swiss raclette or the popular grilled sausages.
When: 28th November – 23rd December 2019
Opening hours: 11am – 8:30pm
Cologne Christmas Market – Germany
Right in the middle of Cologne’s old town, this Christmas market is one of the most attractive in Germany. Legend has it that Heinzelmännchen (house gnomes) would help the locals of Cologne with various tasks such as sewing clothes for the tailor, baking bread for the baker and preparing sausages for the butcher. The winding alleys of Cologne are all themed differently and feature delicious treats, toys, handicrafts and Christmas products. There’s also a range of attractions for children to enjoy, including a roundabout, puppet theatre and Santa Claus’ Quarter.
When: 25th November – 23rd December 2019
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of Europe’s best Christmas markets, we had a merry ol’ time writing about them!
Where will you travel this winter?
Iceland’s Northern Lights – 4 days from £599 per person
- Search for the Aurora Borealis on a Northern Lights excursion
- A full day at leisure to explore Reykjavik or take an optional excursion
- Witness the spectacular cascade of Gullfoss Waterfall and the eruptions of Strokkur Geyser
- Full-day tour around the scenic Golden Circle
- The UNESCO-listed rift valley of Thingvellir National Park and more…
The Grand Capitals of Russia – 7 days from £1,129 per person
- Discover the Kremlin, Russia’s political centre
- Ride a high-speed train through Russia’s Countryside
- Marvel at the magnificent St Basil’s Cathedral
- See artistic treasures at the Hermitage
- Tour Catherine the Great’s opulent palace
Norway’s Arctic Circle – 5 days from £1,249 per person
- City walk of historical Tromso
- Dogsledding with Alaskan Huskies followed by a traditional meal.
- Meet the huskies and puppies
- Witness the stunning Northern Lights from the Aurora Camp
- Reindeer sledding through stunning scenery