![Christmas tram Sendlinger Tor Munich](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Christmas_tram_-Munich.jpg)
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](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Christmas-markets-1170x780-1.jpg)
![hot mulled wine at a German Christmas market in a seasonal cup](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/christmas_gluhwein.jpg)
![traditional decorations at the Christmas markets in Nuremberg](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/zwetschgenmaennla.jpg)
![Nuremberg decorated for Christmas](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/nuremberg_december.jpg)
![caluti traditionali suedezi din lemn](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/caluti.jpg)
READ ALSO: 10 Easy German Words For A Magic Christmas Markets Adventure
![Gingerbread store at the Christmas markets](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/nuremberg_gingerbread.jpg)
![City hall square in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Christmas market](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/rothenurg_ob_der_tauer_from_tower.jpg)
![Christmas pyramid in Germany](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/rothenburg_pyramids.jpg)
![Christmas wooden hut in Germany](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/christmas-stand.jpg)
READ ALSO: 8 Christmas markets in and around Nuremberg
![Winter Tollwood Theresienwiese - Christmas market in Munich](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/tollwood.jpg)
![Curling game at a Christmas market in Munich, Germany](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/curling.jpg)
![Rothenburg ob der Tauber dressed up for Christmas](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/rothenburg_ob_der_tauber.jpg)
![Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Christkindlesmarkt_Nuremberg.jpg)
![Stars at a Christmas market in Wurzburg, Germany](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Wurzburg_stars.jpg)
READ ALSO: BUDAPEST – VISITING THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN 2021
![Glass globes at the Christmas markets](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Wurzburg_Christmas_market.jpg)
![Furth Christmas market](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Weihnacht_Furth.jpg)
![twinkling fairy lights lighting up the dark sky](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/durbuy5.jpg)
![Christmas markets are real foodie wonderlands](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/durbuy1.jpg)
![Dinant - saxophones and Christmas light, Belgium](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/dinant.jpg)
READ ALSO: Quick travel guide for two days in Munich
![Who said you can't have beer at a Christmas market?](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/durbuy3.jpg)
![Who's in for a quick snack?](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/durbuy4.jpg)
![Soap never looked better](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/liege1.jpg)
![Apples covered in chocolate and other delicious sweets](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/liege3.jpg)
![at a Christmas market](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/luxembourg1.jpg)
READ ALSO: What makes Würzburg an excellent travel choice?
![Luxembourg Christmas market](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/luxembourg7.jpg)
![Welcome to a Christmas market next to Namur. Belgium](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/maredsous.jpg)
![Santa Claus in Rothenburg ob der Tauber](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Santa_Claus_Christmas_market.jpg)
READ ALSO: Sibiu and its secret legends, Romania
![Further Weihnacht](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Further_Weihnacht.jpg)
![Christmas market in Fuhrt Germany](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Furth_Weihnacht.jpg)
![Making Feuerzangenbowle in Nuremberg, Germany](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Feuerzangenbowle_Nuremberg.jpg)
![Candles making workshop at the Christmas markets in Germany](https://travelwithaspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/DIY_candles_Christmas_market.jpg)
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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