Christmas is such a wonderful time for many people. And, with the nights getting darker earlier, the lights look even more stunning. The smell of hot apple Pimms in the air, and a mince pie in hand. Blissful.
Sweden
If you are partial to the Nordics, and who isn’t, then Gothenburg has the perfect thing for you. Liseberg Christmas Market is the largest one in Sweden and is decorated with 5 million fairy lights. But that is not all. It has 700 Christmas trees too! There are more than 70 stalls with a range for traditional Swedish food like marinated herring and roasted reindeer. You can pretty much put money on the fact that there will be snow too.
Germany
A German Christmas market might just be the very one you heard of first. The one that grabs your interest. Cologn has a deep sense of history and is stunning in the winter months. There is a range of arts and crafts, toys and food stalls. And the giant Christmas tree is certainly a sight!
Hungary
Budapest has what might be the most beautiful of markets. Vorosmarty Christmas Market is a foodies heaven. It has a range of sweet funnel cakes, drinks, and the sausages and stew are a delight in the icy evening air. There are well over 100 stalls, and if you spend some time look, you’ll find puppet shows and some handmade wooden toys. As well as craft workshops.
France
Strasbourg Christmas Market is jam-packed with region produce, which means if you adore french cuisine you are in for a treat. You can visit the Catherdral and talk a walk around all of the dreamy historical buildings too. There are around 300 little chalets all heaving with goodies for you to buy.
Belgium
Brussels during the winter is a whole experience. The Winter Wonder markets make it incredibly difficult to not fall in love with the season too. In the middle of the market, you will find a Big Wheel which lights up the key. And there are 250 beautiful chalets that are spread across the city. You are in for some amazing salmon smoked over an open fire, alcohol-filled hot-choc, mulled wine, and of course, Raclette will make an appearance.
No matter where you choose, if you love to try new foods, and have some good winter boots ready, you will have such an amazing time. The lights twinkling against a dark and snowy backdrop. The friendly stalls and of course, having your hands warmed with a giant mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine is bliss.
