Christmas is that time of year when you dive into a magical world thanks to city lights, large decorated Christmas trees, culinary specialties such as chocolate logs or hot chestnuts. So, what better way to prepare for the end-of-year celebrations than to stroll between the market chalets to (re)discover traditional objects such as socks to hang above the fireplace or wooden toys, but also to shop the new 2018 trends? So, to guide you in your visits, here is our top 3 of the most beautiful Christmas markets to visit in Europe.
The Strasbourg Christmas market*, created in 1570, is one of the oldest in Europe and has become a real reference thanks to these two original features:on the one hand, the city incorporates a cultural dimension into the event by also offering visits, tastings and even themed shows, and on the other hand, the market is located in the heart of the Grande Ile de Strasbourg, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not far from the German border, and therefore introduces specialties from the two neighboring countries. We can then taste French pastries and German cakes like the delicious candied fruit bread called “Stollen” (yum)! Clearly, the 300 wooden chalets will immerse us in the magic of Christmas and seduce the curious and the gourmet alike.
* from November 24 to December 30, 2017, free entry.
You will have to have the audacity to cross the border of the Arctic Circle, north of Rovaniemi in Finland, to discover Santa Claus Village* (the village of Santa Claus, in VF)… but we will not be disappointed! Immediately immersed in a magical world, we discover illuminated houses, the gift factory and even the (very) famous post office where the man dressed in red would receive letters from children around the world! The opportunity to do your Christmas shopping but above all to take advantage of the many activities that the park has to offer:400 m² of exhibition space, shows, sleigh rides, a toboggan run, an igloo hotel, a restaurant/bar entirely decorated with ice cream and of course… a meeting with Santa Claus (even if he is super busy in November)!
* from November 18 to January 17, from €33.
One thing is certain, Prague knows how to celebrate Christmas! The city has the particularity of offering not one, but 5 markets*, including two main ones in the old town square and in Wenceslas Square. Czech traditions are honored and you can shop there for various handmade products such as candles, puppets or even toys. Some chalets even offer souvenirs made from Bohemian crystal, one of the purest in the world (just that)! The city is decorated and illuminated, you can admire a nativity scene and a large Christmas tree there, but also taste specialties of the country such as the braided Christmas cake called "vánočka".
*Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), from December 2, 2017 to January 6, 2018
Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí), from December 2, 2017 to January 6, 2018
Tylovo Square (Tylovo náměstí), November 23 to December 24, 2017
Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), November 25 to December 24, 2017
Peace Square (Náměstí Míru), November 20 to December 24, 2017
Free entries.
