
There’s less than a month left until Christmas, and you can already feel the holiday atmosphere. It’s noticeable not only in shopping malls but also in the centers of many large towns. Christmas markets have already arrived in numerous European cities. Dresden, Prague, or perhaps Vienna? Where is it worth going for a Christmas weekend?
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Christmas Markets in Germany
It must be said that nowhere else will you feel the magic of Christmas as you do at the German Christmas markets. Germany leads in organizing the so-called Weihnachtsmarkt. The Christmas towns built by the Germans are characterized by incredible craftsmanship. You can feel like you’re on the set of your favorite Christmas movie. In addition to the beautiful surroundings, there is delicious food and drinks waiting for you, as well as a host of attractions. What can we expect to see at the German Christmas markets this year?
Nuremberg
Every year, Nuremberg hosts the largest Christmas market in Europe. It is located in the heart of the historic city, with its restored medieval buildings, creating a unique atmosphere. Therefore, a great idea would be to visit Nuremberg during the holiday season to combine sightseeing with drinking mulled wine and enjoying festive treats.
What should you definitely try?
List of Treats:
- Punch prepared in a huge cauldron
- Spicy Rostbratwurst sausage
- Nuremberg marzipan
- Bavarian beer
- Lebkuchen, the famous gingerbread
- Glühwein (mulled wine)
- Dried plums
Attractions:
- Ferris wheel
- Steam train
- Handicraft workshops
- Carousel with Santa and reindeer
- Santa Claus in person!
- Nativity play in the Gothic church
Open from November 29th to December 24th, 2024.
Dresden
The Christmas market in Dresden also attracts many foreign tourists. And for good reason! It is a market with a long tradition, the oldest of all German Christmas markets (this year it is being held for the 590th time!). Known as the Striezelmarkt, the name comes from the traditional yeast stollen cake with raisins or almonds. In addition to this treat, visitors can enjoy carol singing, handcrafted goods (a great idea for a gift for a loved one), and Dresden’s signature Pflaumentoffel – a chimney sweep figure made from dried plums (of course, edible!). There are also many attractions for children. One of them is the 14-meter-high Christmas pyramid, filled with surprises inside.
Open from November 27th to December 24th, 2024.
For more information, visit here: https://www.visit-dresden-elbland.de/en/christmas
Vienna – Famous Christmas Markets
Christkindlmarkt, the Vienna Christmas market, is located at the main square, Rathausplatz, as well as near Schönbrunn Palace and the Spittelberg district. At the first location, there are around 150 stalls offering handmade crafts, Christmas gifts and decorations, and most importantly, sweets and traditional treats.
What to try at the Vienna Christmas Market?
- Punch, alcoholic or non-alcoholic
- Fried potatoes with toppings
- Langos
- Slice of bread with lard
- Roasted chestnuts
- Roasted almonds
- Mulled wine
Attractions:
- Wiener Eistraum ice rink in the beautifully lit Rathauspark
- Double-decker carousel for children
- Ferris wheel
- Two ice tracks for playing Stockschiessen (Bavarian curling)
- Concerts
Open from November 15 to December 26, 2024.
For more information, visit here: https://www.wien.info/en/now-on/christmas/christmas-markets-342664
Prague – Famous Christmas Markets
The Prague Christmas market takes place in various parts of the city, but the most attractions can be found in the Old Town Square. A large Christmas tree, beautiful lighting, music, and scents… Anyone craving the Christmas atmosphere will be satisfied after visiting the Czech capital. The market is particularly popular for artistic craft demonstrations (blacksmithing, pottery, ornament decoration). There are also live concerts, a mini zoo for children, and the ceremonial opening of the nativity scene. After visiting the main square, we recommend checking out: Wenceslas Square, Republic Square, Tyl Square, Peace Square, Prague Castle, and Smíchov.
Christmas Delicacies to Taste:
- Roasted nuts
- Trdelník (known as kurtoskalác in Poland)
- Rotisserie ham
- Langos
- Regional cookies (cukrovi)
- Halušky (traditional dish with dumplings, sauerkraut, and bryndza cheese)
- Punch
- Mulled wine
What to Buy? A Few Ideas for Christmas Gifts for Loved Ones:
- Handmade and painted wooden figurines
- Christmas decorations: ornaments, advent wreaths, table arrangements
- Local products: honey, beer, wine, meat products, jams
- Jewelry
- Warm hats and gloves
- Gingerbread
Open from November 30 to January 6, 2024.
However, let’s not forget about the Christmas markets taking place in the UK. Where should you go for a Christmas weekend? We recommend visiting Manchester, London, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.