Christmas is a very special time and it is just around the corner. Before we know it, cities will be decked out in lights and decorations to celebrate this special and emotional time. At Neo Travel Designers Here is a list of the main ones, although there are many more scattered throughout Europe.

What are the main Christmas markets in Europe?

From mid-November onwards, the Christmas atmosphere can already be felt in the main European cities. Lights, decorations and Christmas carols flood the streets and fill the air with illusion. And how could it be otherwise, the Christmas markets set up their stalls in the city centre squares. Here you can buy traditional handicrafts, typical food, Christmas decorations, toys, clothes, etc. 

Tallinn Christmas Market (Estonia) 

This is one of Europe's Christmas markets that always has a place in the ranking of the best Christmas markets. Tallinn's market, which looks like something out of a Christmas card, is located every year in the Town Hall Square (Raekoda Plats) and has the country's most famous Christmas tree at its centre. In addition, Father Christmas himself comes with his reindeer to the market to meet the children's requests. How exciting!

Berlin Christmas Market (Germany)

The German capital is home to some sixty markets of Christmas in boulevards, squares, narrow streets and museums. One of the most celebrities is the one in front of the baroque Charlottenburg Palace. With the castle in the background, is one of the most beautiful in the German capital. Here you can buy quality handicrafts and jewellery, and the stalls are heated, which is a welcome feature in the cold weather. berlin christmas. 

Prague Christmas Market (Czech Republic)

Prague's impressive Astronomical Clock is dressed up in lights and gala thanks to the Christmas market that takes place every year in the Old Town's Town Hall Square. Wooden toys, puppets, glass Christmas decorations, corn husk figures and Advent wreaths are just some of the things you can buy at this beautiful Christmas market.

Vienna Christmas Market (Austria)

The City Council of Vienna,  a neo-Gothic building and one of the focal points of the Austrian capital, serves as the backdrop for another of Europe's most bustling Christmas markets, the Christkindlmarkt. A Rathausplatz Choirs come from all over the world to sing symphonic Christmas carols. Stalls serve hot punch, gingerbread, toasted almonds, and children are entertained in workshops making Christmas gifts such as buns, cakes, clay objects and candles.

Edinburgh Christmas Market (Scotland)

EdinburghAs well as being one of the most beautiful cities in the United Kingdom, it also has several wonderful Christmas markets. The most spectacular of these is the East Princess Street Gardens. In this market you will find an area dedicated only to children and here you will also find the Santa's house. If you want to warm up with sport, you will find the ice rink at the St. Andrew's Square.

The most unique event of the Christmas season is the Hogmanay torchlight parade, a parade with many years of history. The good news for visitors is that the spectacular decorations are not dismantled until 4 January, and in this atmosphere the fabulous New Year's Eve street party. In this Edinburgh Christmas Tour you can experience the best of Scottish Christmas.

Budapest Christmas Market (Hungary)

The city hosts several Christmas markets, but the most popular one is the Adventi Ünnep, at St. Stephen's Basilica. Numerous wooden huts emulating mountain chalets offer passers-by all kinds of decorative objects and clothing, and as everywhere else Hungarian Christmas marketThe local gastronomic specialities, such as langos bread, sausages, filled chocolates to hang on the tree, and cakes. Mulled wine is served in mugs that can be taken home as souvenirs.

Nuremberg Christmas Market (Germany)

This Christkindlesmarkt is Germany's Christmas market par excellence, dating back to 1628. The Infant Jesus presides over the market from the choir of the Frauenkirche Church. Craft stalls, Christmas decorations, mulled wine, Bratwurst sausages and Lebkuchen biscuits are everywhere. Almost 200 wooden stalls compete with each other for the prize for the best decoration of their stalls. This competition makes the Nuremberg is one of the most charming Christmas markets in Europe.

What is the biggest flea market in Europe?

The Christmas Market in Strasbourg (Alsace) is not only the largest in Europe, but also the oldest in France (1570). Its more than 300 wooden stalls are spread over several squares in the city centre, in particular on the Place Broglie and Cathedral square.

Strasbourg is considered the capital of Christmas.. And it's no wonder when you consider that Alsace is one of the regions where this time of year is experienced with the most emotion. Proof of this is its five weeks of festivities in which Gallic and Germanic traditions come together to create a Christmas market full of magic and folklore. Strasbourg is definitely worth a visit at this time of year, when shop windows sparkle, the smells of spices and cinnamon evoke moments of childhood and Christmas carols resound inside churches.

When do the Christmas markets start??

Christmas markets in Europe usually begin in early to mid-November and end in time for the start of the new year or the visit of the Three Wise Men. It all depends on the prevailing customs in each country, so the best thing to do is to visit the website of the city council of the city you are going to visit. There you can find out the dates when your favourite Christmas market will be open this year.

Remember that at Neo Travel Designers we have a special section for your Christmas holidays. Are you going to miss it?