Travel
The ultimate destinations for bauble shopping!
Dreaming of a white Christmas? These magical European markets draw the crowds every year. Even if you can’t manage to be in Europe on December 25, special souvenirs from these market cities will help you channel the cosy festive vibe.
1 Zagreb, Croatia
Voted the best Christmas market destination in Europe three years in a row, the Croatian capital earned more than 200,000 votes in a survey by tourism body European Best Destinations. According to Lonely Planet, Zagreb got the nod for “the sheer spectacle during the advent period”. The market spreads throughout the city, with lights, decorations and daily open-air entertainment to help shoppers get into the festive spirit. Ban Jelacic Square and European Square are two of the main gathering spots, along with Zrinjevac Park, which is transformed into a winter wonderland with artist stalls, local food and live music. This Christmas, the market is open from December 1 to January 6.
2 Colmar, France
There are nearly six weeks’ worth of Yuletide festivities happening in Colmar, in the Alsace region of northeastern France. The city’s six Christmas markets opened on November 23 and don’t shut up shop until December 30. This destination scored second place in the race for the best European Christmas market but was recognised as France’s top spot for Noël novelties, thanks to its tempting mix of culture and food. Colmar’s charm includes a labyrinth of small streets lined with quaint houses and the city’s Old Town looking like something from a fairytale.
3 Vienna, Austria
In the festive season, the city holds more than 20 official advent markets which are open until Christmas Eve. One of the most well-known is the traditional Vienna Magic of Advent market. Locals decorate and light up trees around City Hall Square, which is transformed into a sparkling trading hub complete with a carousel, gifts, baubles, hot drinks, punch, chestnuts and fun Christmas workshops for kids. The forerunners of the present-day markets date back to the Middle Ages – in 1298, King Albrecht I granted Vienna’s citizens the privilege of holding a December Market or “Kripperlmarkt”.
4 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Advent Feast at the Basilica combines traditional Hungarian seasonal fare, along with modern elements such as contemporary crafts and spectacular 3D laser-light shows projected on to the cathedral. Children can skate on an ice rink around a ninemetre-tall Christmas tree and there are folk-dancing shows at the weekends.
5 Strasbourg, France
One-hour’s drive from Colmar is Strasbourg, just near the border of France and Germany. The city’s Yule market has existed since 1570 and takes place every year around the Notre Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral and on 12 sites in the city centre. The town squares are lit up, with more than 300 stalls selling local crafts and specialty foods. Centre of all the action is the landmark 30-metre-tall Christmas tree on Place Kléber. Littlies will love the children’s village in Place Saint Thomas, where acrobats and games will keep them busy as you shop.