35 Photos to Inspire You to Visit the Christmas Markets

Christmas tram Sendlinger Tor Munich

There’s something magical about going on a tour of the Christmas markets in Europe around the holidays. Cities and small towns in Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, Poland, Croatia, Estonia, Romania and many other countries are all dressed up for the season. These winter wonderlands are the best places to find that special handmade item for your friends and eat traditional seasonal foods you’d have never thought of. I won’t tell you which the best Christmas markets are, as this is something each one has to decide. My personal favorite one till now is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. But this is, of course, subject to change.


READ ALSO: Rothenburg ob der Tauber – the town of Christmas


35 Photos to Inspire You to Visit the Christmas Markets

Some Christmas markets in Germany were cancelled and Austria is in lockdown until the 13 of December. However, many other are still open. And even if we might or not get to some Christmas markets this year, I still love looking at the ones from the years passed. While I can’t capture the smell of roasted chestnuts, grilled sausages and warm mulled wine or the sound of bells and Christmas music, I’ll do my best to get you into the Christmas mood and dreaming of a tour of the most beautiful markets around Europe.

gingerbread store at a Christmas market in Europe
A gingerbread miniature village lit up for Christmas
hot mulled wine at a German Christmas market in a seasonal cup
One can almost feel the aroma of holiday spices
traditional decorations at the Christmas markets in Nuremberg
Funny and traditional handmade decorations at the Christmas markets in Nuremberg
Nuremberg decorated for Christmas
Ready for winter
caluti traditionali suedezi din lemn
Some Swedish wooden horses look great in a Christmas tree

READ ALSO: 10 Easy German Words For A Magic Christmas Markets Adventure

Gingerbread store at the Christmas markets
Seasonal cookies and cakes at the Christmas markets
City hall square in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Christmas market
The beautiful Christmas market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber seen from the city hall tower
Christmas pyramid in Germany
Miniatural Christmas pyramids at the Christmas markets in Germany

Christmas decorations in Germany

Christmas wooden hut in Germany
Wooden chalet selling all kind of goodies

READ ALSO: 8 Christmas markets in and around Nuremberg

Winter Tollwood Theresienwiese - Christmas market in Munich
Winter Tollwood on Theresienwiese in Munich
Curling game at a Christmas market in Munich, Germany
Let’s play a curling game at a Christmas market in Munich, Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber dressed up for Christmas
Gingerbread houses are even more beautiful during the festive season
Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany
Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany
Stars at a Christmas market in Wurzburg, Germany
Stars at a Christmas market in Wurzburg, Germany

READ ALSO: BUDAPEST – VISITING THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN 2021


Glass globes at the Christmas markets
Beautiful decorations for sale at the Christmas markets
Furth Christmas market
Little angels at the Christmas markets
twinkling fairy lights lighting up the dark sky
Twinkling fairy lights lighting up the dark sky
Christmas markets are real foodie wonderlands
Christmas markets are real foodie wonderlands
Dinant - saxophones and Christmas light, Belgium
Dinant – saxophones and Christmas light, Belgium

READ ALSO: Quick travel guide for two days in Munich

Who said you can't have beer at a Christmas market?
Who said you can’t have beer at a Christmas market?
Who's in for a quick snack?
Who’s in for a quick snack?
Soap never looked better
Soap never looked better
Apples covered in chocolate and other delicious sweets
Apples covered in chocolate and other delicious sweets
at a Christmas market
Wooden huts at a tiny Christmas market

READ ALSO: What makes Würzburg an excellent travel choice?

Luxembourg Christmas market
Luxembourg Christmas market – one of the liveliest I’ve been until now
Welcome to a Christmas market next to Namur. Belgium
Welcome to a Christmas market next to Namur. Belgium

Colorful candles at the Christmas markets

Santa Claus in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Meet Santa at a Christmas market in Germany

READ ALSO: Sibiu and its secret legends, Romania

Further Weihnacht
Hot mulled wine goes perfectly with the crisp cold air
Christmas market in Fuhrt Germany
Christmas pyramid at a market in Germany
Making Feuerzangenbowle in Nuremberg, Germany
Feuerzangenbowle – the strongest drink you can find at a Christmas market
Candles making workshop at the Christmas markets in Germany
Candle making workshop at a Christmas market in Germany

Handmade candles at the Christmas markets in Germany

Before you go…

Just one small piece of advice before I leave you head your way. Make sure to wear lots of layers and sturdy shoes. Winter in Europe can be very cold and it’s always easier to take off a jacked than to get a new one. Besides the Christmas markets will be much more enjoyable if you feel warm and comfortable than freezing.

And when planning an European Christmas Markets tour, why not include the city were the first decorated Christmas tree in Europe once stood? In case you’re wondering, that’s Riga in Latvia. The spot is marked with a small tree all year round.

Pack up your suitcase, get your warmest and fluffiest clothes and go look for your favorite Christmas market in Europe! What could be better? Maybe a Christmas markets cruise, but that’s way out of our league, at least for now!

Where’s your favorite Christmas market in Europe? Let me know in the comments section below!

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