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Home | Elegant Traveller | The Best Christmas Markets In Europe To Make you Feel Festive

Elegant Traveller

The Best Christmas Markets In Europe To Make you Feel Festive

schedule9 Minute Read

27-Oct-2022 Amy Siwek

The Best Christmas Markets In Europe To Make you Feel Festive

Looking to get festive with a European getaway?

Christmas is right around the corner and that can only mean one thing, Christmas markets! From hot nuts roasting on a fire to mulled wine and stroopwafels, festive markets are a staple in European culture over the months of November and December and there truly is no better way to get into the holiday spirit. If wrapping up warm and enjoying the fragrant smells of spice is something you're craving, then keep reading to find a selection of the best Christmas markets in Europe to visit.

The best Christmas markets in Europe:

  • Edinburgh's Christmas Markets & Winter Festivals, Scotland
  • Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz, Vienna
  • Madeira Christmas Market, Portugal
  • Winter Wonderland, London

Edinburgh's Christmas Markets & Winter Festivals, Scotland

Aerial view of Edinburgh Christmas Market
Aerial view of Edinburgh Christmas Market
Edinburgh is known for being one of the most magical locations, especially at Christmas time and its famous Christmas market is one of the best in Europe spanning 60 stalls and countless rides, ice rinks and gift stalls.

The Jenna Way blog reports about their experience of Edinburgh Christmas Market: "The main event of Edinburgh's Christmas is the Christmas market. Over the years I have watched these grow from a cluster of cabins selling mulled wine and hot chocolate to rows and rows of independent artists and food stalls. Spend an evening (or a day) wandering in and out of the market stalls throughout Princes Street Gardens. If you have kids, or if you're just a big kid yourself, check out the fairground beside the Christmas markets. They have everything from a helter-skelter to dodgems. There is also a Christmas tree maze, where you can get lost (literally) in the Edinburgh Christmas spirit."

Running between Saturday 20th November 2022 and Tuesday 4th January 2023, you have five whole weeks to enjoy the festivities and the magic that the Scottish capital offers on a luxury holiday to Scotland.

Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz, Vienna

Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz, Vienna
Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz, Vienna
A location of extreme beauty in Austria, the bustling city of Vienna sits in the east on the Danube River and oozes festive magic in November and December. The Christmas market is situated in front of the city hall on the Rathausplatz.

We spoke to Dayna, blogger and lover of travel at Happily Ever Travels who told us a little more: "Christmas markets in Europe capture the absolute magic of the season, even if it's been a while since you felt that festive holiday spirit for yourself. If you're looking for a truly magical experience in Europe this holiday season, I highly recommend the market in Vienna.

"Vienna sets itself apart from the rest by placing its best Christmas market in front of the stunning city hall 'Rathaus der Stadt Wien'. The Christmas lights and stalls create a warm glow over the whole plaza and invite you in with homemade ornaments alongside baskets of warm baked goods. Unlike most markets, they have an ice rink so you can skate around an area of the market!"

Madeira Christmas Market, Portugal

Running between 1st December 2022 and 8th January 2023, Madeira Christmas Market is held in the Avenida Arriaga central walkways in the capital of Funchal. Portugal isn't always the first thought when it comes to festivities and a Christmas market, but it boasts some wonderful stalls including exotic flowers, traditional homemade souvenirs, and Portuguese delicacies. Plus, on luxury holiday to Madeira, instead of cold weather you'll be greeted with warm, tropical climes - perfect for sun-seekers.

Schmidt Christmas Markets explains a little more about what to expect in Madeira at Christmas, reporting: "The Madeira Christmas market takes place in the capital city of Funchal in the central pedestrian areas of Avenida Arriaga. It is part of the city's Christmas and New Year's festivities which kick off on December 1st and end on January 7th in accordance with the Advent season. It offers a variety of goods including flowers, souvenirs, and traditional foods and beverages. In addition to terrific shopping, the market also provides daily activities and entertainment. These include Christmas Carols performed by folk artists. The Funchal Municipal Garden sets up a play area for toddlers. You can also visit Blandy's Wine Lodges to taste and purchase the iconic Madeira wine. The market attracts more than 180,000 travellers a year. It consistently ranks among the top Christmas markets in Europe as voted by various publications year after year."

Winter Wonderland, London

Winter Wonderland, London
Winter Wonderland, London
Hyde Park's festive city appears once again at the end of November running right through until 2nd January 2023. Winter Wonderland started back in 2007 and has been one of the most popular festive attractions in London since. If you're planning a festive getaway to the capital and want to get into the spirit, then there really is no better place. This large expanse of space is crammed with unique food and gift stalls and a whole host of exhilarating rides and traditional fairground games.
Want to get cosy and wander the streets of some of Europe's most famous Christmas markets? Browse our range of luxury family hotels and book your very own festive getaway. If you are looking for more advice or travel tips, make sure you read our online our online luxury travel blog.
Amy  Siwek

Amy Siwek

Marketing Assistant

With a genuine love for all things travel, I love exploring new destinations and discovering something new, gaining a wealth of experience in luxury holidays along the way.

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