6 Christmas markets to visit in Europe

The end of the year is approaching. The first snows are falling on European cities, covering them with a white blanket. But it’s a time for celebration: the lights are shining, magical, and everyone is joyfully busy, searching for the perfect gift to place under the Christmas tree. Tradition dictates that streets and squares are filled with chalets: it’s Christmas and its markets! Lille, Strasbourg, Cologne, Barcelona, Munich, and Bruges offer beautiful examples of these events: an opportunity to enjoy a pleasant stroll, to go from curiosity to curiosity, from delicacy to delicacy!

Strasbourg

In Strasbourg, the Christmas market is an institution. Since the 16th century, merchants have been setting up in the Alsatian capital. They set up their stalls, selling all kinds of goods. This year, nearly 300 chalets are spread throughout the city. From November 25th to December 24th, the aromas of cinnamon, spices, and fermented grapes fill the air: it’s the smell of mulled wine, the conviviality of Alsatian gastronomy. On the dozens of sites that make up the market, you can taste all the delights: pretzels, bredeles, foie gras are just some of the treats that delight visitors’ taste buds.

Cologne

Cologne also knows how to celebrate Christmas. In the port alleys, all over the city, merchants set up their stalls. But it’s at the foot of the magnificent cathedral of the old episcopal city that the atmosphere is most magical: from November 21st to December 23rd, 160 chalets stand under a starry vault that shines brightly. Artists perform there, playing festive songs while, nearby, nativity scenes are displayed celebrating the Nativity. Little princes of Christmas, children are not forgotten: a carousel, a puppet theater, and an ice rink are specially designed for their enjoyment.

Munich

Still in Germany but a little further south, in Bavaria, Munich celebrates Christmas with just as much enthusiasm. On Marienplatz, the city’s main square, a thirty-meter tree decorated with 2,500 candles illuminates the market. Festive tunes escape from the balconies of the town hall. In these places, you wander as if in a dream: you enjoy local gastronomy, gingerbread, and prune chimney sweeps, you visit the nativity fair, the largest in Europe, as well as the medieval market. For the younger ones, a post office is open: why not leave a gift list there?

Lille

In Lille, the Christmas market plays the international card. Open from November 18th to December 30th, it highlights local craftsmanship as well as Russian, Quebecois, and Native American creations. Smaller than the German and Alsatian markets, it does not lack charm. For the occasion, the northern metropolis dons its festive attire: on Place Rihour, among the 80 chalets that make up the market, an 18-meter tree stands covered with garlands and lights. Further away, a Ferris wheel delights both young and old: comfortably seated in one of the 18 gondolas of the structure, they enjoy a magnificent view of the market and its surroundings.

Bruges

Across the border, in Belgium, enchanting Bruges hosts one of the most magical Christmas markets. The “Venice of the North” offers a perfect setting: the old stones of the city, the canals reflecting the lights create a dreamlike atmosphere that captivates the visitor. From November 25th to January 1st, visitors can go from chalet to chalet, indulge in the famous Belgian chocolates before enjoying a glass of mulled wine. On the Markt square, the most important one, an ice rink is set up where you can enjoy the pleasures of skating, intoxicated by the scents of cinnamon and pine emanating from the cabins.

Barcelona

Barcelona sets a completely different scene. Christmas is milder here without losing the festive spirit. At the foot of the magnificent Sagrada Familia, on the Gran Via, the stalls overflow with goods: Christmas decorations, clothing, gastronomy, visitors are spoiled for choice. As elsewhere, it is at nightfall that the market is most magical. One must take advantage of the mild Catalan temperatures and stroll at the foot of the cathedral all aglow with light: if there is a place to feel the magic of Christmas, it is here.