Enchanting Christmas markets in Europe

Now that Halloween is over, the countdown to Christmas has officially started! And what better way to prepare for the festive season than by planning a quick and hassle-free European trip to explore some of the best Christmas markets in the world. We fly to several European destinations from Heathrow, so you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to get into the festive spirit!

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, providing visitors with an authentic festive atmosphere for a wonderfully jolly experience. Small and larger markets are filled with twinkling lights and traditional food to suit whatever vibe you’re looking for. Here are the most popular Christmas markets in the city that are guaranteed to fill you with festive cheer.

Old Town Square Christmas Market

If you want to visit one of Prague's biggest and longest-running Christmas markets, you should head to Old Town Square. It has the most picturesque setting, with rows of wooden huts that surround a massive Christmas tree, towering over the market with its grand stature. You will be treated to an array of festive goodies, from homemade gingerbread cookies to handcrafted Christmas decorations.

Wenceslas Square Christmas Market

Just a short walk away around the corner sits another fabulous Christmas market in Wenceslas Square. It is a stone’s throw away from the city’s National Museum and is surrounded by restaurants and cafes all around it. Foodies will also find delicious traditional Czech treats within the market, from tasty crepes to grilled sausages. The market also contains an array of handmade toys and trinkets for a spot of gift shopping.

Prague Castle Christmas Market

If you’d like a break from the bigger Christmas markets and would like to visit a smaller one, head to St George’s Square near Prague Castle. You will find 60 stallholders that sell festive handmade tree decorations and unique jewellery. Head to the top of the castle for a spectacular birds-eye view of the entire market, and back on the ground, you may be lucky enough to catch some carol singers. Bear in mind that this market closes a little earlier than the others, so it may be worth visiting during the day to make the most of it. 

Vienna, Austria

Christmas markets are an age-old tradition, going all the way back to the Middle Ages when Albrecht I granted the citizens of Vienna the privilege of hosting a December market known as ‘Krippenmarkt’. Since then, the markets have evolved into the modern-day festive wonderlands we are able to visit today, with over 20 Advent markets to explore in the city.

Viennese Dream Christmas Market

One of the highlights of the festive season in Vienna is paying a visit to the Viennese Dream Christmas Market. Located right in front of the City Hall, the distinct backdrop gives the market a unique charm that pairs perfectly with the delicious aromas of freshly made festive food. There is an area inside the City Hall where kids can learn to make Christmas candles and cookies. International choirs also perform carols for families to listen to and enjoy.

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace

Another very popular place to explore in the city is the Christmas Village Belvedere Palace in the heart of Vienna. The world-famous residence sits proudly as the glorious baroque backdrop of the market and is one of the most beautiful and significant sights to see in Vienna. Inside the market, you can wander around between the 40 festively decorated stalls offering seasonal handcrafted goods and tasty culinary delights.

Christmas Village of Maria Theresien Square

The Christmas Village Campus University of Vienna, formerly the General Hospital, is an enchanting place to visit to get a real taste of the traditional Viennese atmosphere. It is made up of several narrow alleyways that are lined with beautifully decorated market stalls offering unique Christmas gifts and local festive treats. 

Berlin, Germany

Germany's capital city is one of the most famous places in Europe to visit during Christmas for those wanting to get into the festive spirit. It has several family-friendly Christmas markets, making it a popular destination for those travelling with kids over the holidays. 

Gendarmenmarkt (Bebelplatz) Christmas Market

One of Berlin's most famous and popular Christmas markets is Gendarmenmarkt, which will be taking place in Bebelplatz this year. This market has it all, from thousands of bright, shining Christmas lights to musicians, acrobats and fire artists providing incredible performances. Visitors can also enjoy an array of handmade wooden festive crafts to browse through and local culinary delights to tuck into.

Spandau Christmas Market

Spandau’s Old Town is transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland during the exciting Christmas season. Complete with an impressive tall Christmas tree, the historic market contains over 400 stalls to satisfy all your senses. At the heart of the market is St. Nikolai church, adding to the character of the market that also hosts sing-alongs with Santa, making it a very family-friendly place to visit.

Charlottenburg Palace

The famous Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin is spectacularly illuminated during the festive season as it grandly overlooks the market. This is a wonderfully charming market as local vendors provide freshly baked goods such as marzipan and stollen for visitors. It is also great for kids, with classic children’s fairground rides available for families to enjoy together for a dash of added merriment. 

Book with British Airways

British Airways has a number of spectacular package deals to these top European destinations, as well as several others, if you are hoping to plan a trip during the festive season. Fly directly from Heathrow for a simple and hassle-free start to an enchanting European holiday this Christmas.