{"id":4425,"date":"2014-10-15T11:00:30","date_gmt":"2014-10-15T10:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rhworldimagery.wordpress.com\/?p=4425"},"modified":"2015-04-02T15:26:59","modified_gmt":"2015-04-02T15:26:59","slug":"europes-best-christmas-markets-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/2014\/10\/15\/europes-best-christmas-markets-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Europe&#8217;s best Christmas markets"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As the nights draw in and the weather gets chilly, Europe\u2019s cosy Christmas markets promise a magical atmosphere, gastronomic delicacies and unique gifts \u2013 the perfect excuse\u00a0for a weekend city break. What better than twinkling lights, hot\u00a0mulled wine and traditional hand-made crafts to warm the spirit\u00a0and put the fun back into\u00a0Christmas shopping?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Berlin<\/strong>: Many of the largest and most celebrated <em>Christkindlmarkts<\/em>\u00a0are in Germany (the inventors of Christmas trees),\u00a0and\u00a0Berlin is the capital of the festive crowd-pullers, hosting over 50 Christmas markets. Two of the best are at Charlottenburg Castle \u2013 boasting vendors from all over the country\u00a0selling traditional\u00a0handicrafts and tasty festive treats\u00a0from\u00a0decorated cabins \u2013 and\u00a0Gendarmenmarkt, in one of the most beautiful squares in the city, bringing together embroiderers and wood carvers\u00a0with\u00a0jugglers and choral singers.<\/p>\n<p>Crowds enjoy the Christmas market at Charlottenburg Castle, Berlin (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Jurgen Henkelmann\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4460 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-124616.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas market at Schloss Charlottenburg castle, Berlin, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-124616.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-124616-365x245.jpg 365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--more-->Christmas market on Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Bernhard Freisen\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4459 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-174989.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas market on Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-174989.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-174989-368x245.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Night view of the\u00a0traditional Christmas Market in Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Iain Masterton\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4463 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-369298.jpg\" alt=\"Night view of busy traditional German Christmas Market in Gendarmenmarkt in Mitte Berlin Germany\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-369298.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-369298-368x245.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Nougat for sale on a\u00a0Christmas market stall in Berlin (Stuart Black\/Robert Harding)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4448 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/846-1268.jpg\" alt=\"Nougat on Christmas market stall, Berlin, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/846-1268.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/846-1268-365x245.jpg 365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christmas market on Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Bernhard Freisen\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4464 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-174990.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas market on Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-174990.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-174990-368x245.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Wooden nutcracker dolls on a Christmas market in Berlin (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Ingo Schulz\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4446 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-185359.jpg\" alt=\"Nutcracker, wood craft on a Christmas market in Berlin, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-185359.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-185359-366x245.jpg 366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market at night, Berlin (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Karl Johaentges\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4461 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1113-24090.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas market, Deutscher Dom, Gendarmenmarkt, at night, Berlin, Germany\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1113-24090.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1113-24090-368x245.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hamburg: <\/strong>Germany&#8217;s cosmopolitan second-largest city plays host to a series of magical festive markets, the most notable\u00a0of which lights up the main square, Gansemarkt, overlooked by\u00a0the grand city hall and\u00a0a large illuminated tree.\u00a0Enjoy\u00a0spiced fruit punch\u00a0and old-fashioned carousel rides, as well as colourful Christmas parades that fill\u00a0the streets each Saturday. Most other markets are a short walk from this one\u00a0and cater to different\u00a0tastes\u00a0&#8211; there is even an erotic-themed Christmas market on the Reeperbahn. Hamburg is a port city famed for its criss-crossing waterways and lakes, and Fleetinsel market &#8211; on a tranquil\u00a0square surrounded by canals\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0reflects this\u00a0maritime character with decorated\u00a0vintage sailing ships moored nearby.<\/p>\n<p>Christmas Market and City Hall at night, Hamburg, Germany (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Robert Smith<\/span>\/Robert Harding)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/817-117763.jpg\" alt=\"J56-513226\" width=\"480\" height=\"318\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christmas market in front of the City Hall, Hamburg (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Andreas Rose\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4481 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-274462.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas market in front of city hall, Hamburg, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-274462.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-274462-368x245.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Entrance to the Christmas market in front of the city hall, Hamburg (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Andreas Rose\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4482 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-274460.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas market in front of city hall, Hamburg, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-274460.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-274460-368x245.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Illuminated stars at Christmas Market, Hamburg, Germany (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Engel &amp; Gielen\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4483 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1113-39599.jpg\" alt=\"Illuminated stars at Christmas Market, Hamburg, Germany\" width=\"480\" height=\"321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1113-39599.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1113-39599-366x245.jpg 366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Town hall and Christmas market at dusk, Hamburg (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Christian Ohde\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4480 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-108285.jpg\" alt=\"Town hall and Christmas market at dusk, Hamburg, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-108285.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-108285-375x245.jpg 375w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Fleetinsel Christmas market and\u00a0sailing boats in Hamburg\u00a0(<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Christian Ohde\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4491 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-175926.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas market on town canal island in Hamburg, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-175926.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-175926-365x245.jpg 365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cologne<\/strong>: The majestic, twin-spired cathedral (the largest gothic church in Northern Europe) forms the spectacular backdrop of a huge festive market that attracts around four\u00a0million visitors per year, featuring traditional wooden stalls and free entertainment including choirs and brass bands.\u00a0Try quality organic goods and regional culinary delights such as decorated gingerbread biscuits, delicious stollen and German K\u00f6lsch ale,\u00a0while perusing wood carvings,\u00a0handmade books, glass, ceramics and toys.<\/p>\n<p>Aerial view of the illuminated christmas market and Christmas tree in front of Cologne Cathedral, North Rhine-Westphalia (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Sabine Lubenow\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4452 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-352382.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of the illuminated christmas market and christmas tree in front of Cologne Cathedral, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-352382.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-352382-368x245.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>A wooden carved Santa Claus at a\u00a0Christmas Market in Cologne (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Martin Child\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4469 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/785-207.jpg\" alt=\"Santa Claus (Father Christmas), Christmas Market, Cologne, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/785-207.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/785-207-366x245.jpg 366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christmas market on Roncalli Place with the cathedral in the background, at Night, Cologne (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Michael Leonhard\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4470 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-362679.jpg\" alt=\"Christmans Market on Roncalli Place with Cathedral at Night, Cologne, Germany\" width=\"480\" height=\"353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-362679.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-362679-333x245.jpg 333w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-362679-462x340.jpg 462w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>People under a chain of lights,\u00a0visiting the Christmas market in front of Cologne Cathedral\u00a0(<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Sabine Lubenow\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4471 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-352384.jpg\" alt=\"Chain of lights, people visiting the christmas market in front of the Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-352384.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-352384-368x245.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Munich<\/strong>: With daily concerts, ice skating rinks and elaborate nativity scenes, the home of Oktoberfest is also a great place to experience the Christmas spirit. The Bavarian capital boasts\u00a0one of the oldest and most traditional Christmas markets, said to hail from the 14th Century,\u00a0in the lively pedestrian heart of the city.\u00a0\u00a0When you&#8217;re all Christmassed out, head to one of Munich&#8217;s renowned beer halls\u00a0such as\u00a0Hofbr\u00e4uhaus in the old quarter, for a litre tankard of Bavaria&#8217;s best.<\/p>\n<p>St. Nicholas impersonator at Munich Christmas market, Bavaria, Germany (Godong\/Robert Harding)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/809-86.jpg\" alt=\"St. Nicholas impersonator at Munich Christmas market, Munich, Bavaria, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"321\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christmas market on Marienplatz in the evening, Munich, Bavaria (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Ulli See\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4474 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1113-64060.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas market on Marienplatz in the evening, Munich, Bavaria, Germany, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1113-64060.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1113-64060-365x245.jpg 365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Close-up of painted wooden figures on sale in\u00a0Munich, Bavaria\u00a0(Godong\/Robert Harding)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4472 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/809-89.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of painted wooden figures at shop in the Christmas market in Munich winter garden, Munich, Bavaria, Germany, Europe\" width=\"321\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/809-89.jpg 321w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/809-89-164x245.jpg 164w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/809-89-227x340.jpg 227w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 321px) 100vw, 321px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Cakes sold at Christmas market, Munich, Bavaria\u00a0(Godong\/Robert Harding)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4473 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/809-92.jpg\" alt=\"Cakes sold at Christmas market, Munich, Bavaria, Germany, Europe\" width=\"321\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/809-92.jpg 321w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/809-92-164x245.jpg 164w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/809-92-227x340.jpg 227w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 321px) 100vw, 321px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Christmas market on Marienplatz, Munich (Alan Copson\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4475 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-111634.jpg\" alt=\"G59-393436\" width=\"480\" height=\"319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-111634.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-111634-369x245.jpg 369w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Prague:\u00a0<\/strong>With its chocolate box beauty, Prague is a great place to experience the Czech Republic\u2019s unique brand of Christmas market, and do some sightseeing while you\u2019re at it. Bright wooden huts fill the Medieval Old Town Square and the\u00a0aptly\u00a0named Wenceslas Square, selling lace, wooden toys,\u00a0jewellery, scented candles and traditional puppets. Sample sizzling sausages, roasted hams and\u00a0sweet treats\u00a0such as trdeln\u00edk &#8211; a rolled pastry topped with sugar and walnuts &#8211; accompanied by mead or hot punch. Once your hunger and thirst are sated,\u00a0how about a festive concert in one of the city&#8217;s ancient churches or\u00a0concert halls for an uplifting end to a perfect\u00a0day.<\/p>\n<p>Old Town Square Christmas Market in Prague (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Chmura Frank\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4478 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-300374.jpg\" alt=\"Czech Republic, Prague, Old Town Square, Christmas Market, Aerial, Buildings, Christmas, City, Cityscape, Europe, Exte. Czech Republic, Prague, Old Town Square, Christmas Market, Aerial, Buildings, Christmas, City, Cityscape, Europe, Exte\" width=\"480\" height=\"313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-300374.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-300374-376x245.jpg 376w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Church Of St. Nicholas and Christmas Market, Prague (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Allstar\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4449 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1130-1808.jpg\" alt=\"Church Of St. Nicholas And Christmas Market, Prague, Czech Republic,\" width=\"480\" height=\"321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1130-1808.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1130-1808-366x245.jpg 366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christmas market at the\u00a0Old Town Square with gothic Cathedral, Prague (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Richard Nebesky\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4453 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/737-467.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas market at Staromestske (Old Town Square) with Gothic Tyn Cathedral, Stare Mesto (Old Town), UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prague, Czech Republic, Europe\" width=\"318\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/737-467.jpg 318w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/737-467-162x245.jpg 162w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/737-467-225x340.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 318px) 100vw, 318px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>A stall at the Old Town Square Christmas market selling mead in Prague (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Peter Erik Forsberg\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4476 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-227029.jpg\" alt=\"Old Town Square Christmas market in Prague Czech Republic Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-227029.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-227029-366x245.jpg 366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Old Town Square, Christmas Market,\u00a0Prague\u00a0(<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Chmura Frank\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4477 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-300007.jpg\" alt=\"Czech Republic, Prague, Old Town Square, Christmas Market, Christmas, Cities, City, Cityscape, Cityscapes, Color, Colo. Czech Republic, Prague, Old Town Square, Christmas Market, Christmas, Cities, City, Cityscape, Cityscapes, Color, Colo\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-300007.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/817-300007-368x245.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christmas Market and the\u00a0Old Town Hall, Prague\u00a0(<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Allstar\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4479 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1130-1811.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas Market And Old Town Hall, Prague, Czech Republic,\" width=\"480\" height=\"321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1130-1811.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1130-1811-366x245.jpg 366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vienna: <\/strong>Austria&#8217;s capital comes into its own at Christmas and is famed for its festive markets, filled with ornate decorations and\u00a0delicious traditional cuisine\u00a0&#8211; try roasted\u00a0chestnuts, waffles and candied fruit washed down with\u00a0Gl\u00fchwein, hot\u00a0mulled\u00a0wine. If the children tire of gawking at shiny decorations and colourful gifts, the City Hall offers a space where they\u00a0can get their hands dirty\u00a0&#8211; learning to decorate candles and make Christmas cookies.<\/p>\n<p>Baubles at a Christmas market\u00a0in\u00a0Vienna (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Alexander Poschel<\/span>\/Robert Harding)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-942 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/832-263711.jpg\" alt=\"Baubles, Christmas market, Belvedere, Vienna, Austria\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/832-263711.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/832-263711-368x245.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christmas market at Rathausplatz square, Vienna (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Rainer Mirau<\/span>\/Robert Harding)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-944 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/1113-48988.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas market at Rathausplatz square, Vienna, Austria, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/1113-48988.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/1113-48988-368x245.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christmas Market and Town Hall at Rathausplatz at twilight, Vienna (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Richard Nebesky\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4466 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/737-484.jpg\" alt=\"Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) and Rathaus (Town Hall) at Rathausplatz at twilight, Innere Stadt, Vienna, Austria, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/737-484.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/737-484-368x245.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Girl and woman looking at Christmas decorations at a stall, at the\u00a0Christmas Market at Rathausplatz, Vienna (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Richard Nebesky\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4467 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/737-478.jpg\" alt=\"Girl and woman looking at Christmas decorations at stall, Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) at Rathausplatz, Innere Stadt, Vienna, Austria, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/737-478.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/737-478-365x245.jpg 365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Brussels: <\/strong>The ever-expanding Brussels Christmas market (known as Winter Wonders) now extends over a mile,\u00a0along an illuminated route\u00a0through the city&#8217;s picturesque centre. As well as quintessentially European crafts it is the perfect place to buy Belgium\u2019s mouth-watering speciality,\u00a0chocolate &#8211; available\u00a0as a toasty\u00a0hot drink as well as\u00a0perfectly formed truffles or pralines to take home to your loved ones. When you\u2019re done shopping, take a break by enjoying the magical\u00a0light shows,\u00a0outdoor concerts,\u00a0a\u00a0toboggan slope, a 200 foot ice\u00a0rink and an illuminated ferris wheel.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Christmas fair in the evening, Brussels, Belgium (R. Kiedrowski\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4504 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1127-6906.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas fair in the evening, Brussels, Brabant, Belgium\" width=\"480\" height=\"322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1127-6906.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1127-6906-365x245.jpg 365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Night shot, Maison du Roi and Christmas market, Grand-Place or Grote Markt square, Brussels (<span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Tpg\/Robert Harding)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4505 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-172377.jpg\" alt=\"Night shot, Maison du Roi and Christmas market, Grand-Place or Grote Markt square, Unesco World Heritage Site, Brussels, Belgium, Europe\" width=\"480\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-172377.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-172377-336x245.jpg 336w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/832-172377-466x340.jpg 466w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Market stall at a\u00a0Christmas fair, Brussels\u00a0(R. Kiedrowski\/Robert Harding)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4503 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1127-6904.jpg\" alt=\"Marketstall on Christmas fair, Brussels, Brabant, Belgium\" width=\"480\" height=\"322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1127-6904.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/1127-6904-365x245.jpg 365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Most Christmas markets open in\u00a0the last week\u00a0of November and continue until around Christmas Day.<\/p>\n<p>See more Christmas market photos <a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertharding.com\/results.php?Search=christmas market\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the nights draw in and the weather gets chilly, Europe\u2019s cosy Christmas markets promise a magical atmosphere, gastronomic delicacies and unique gifts \u2013 the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4446,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_vp_format_video_url":"","_vp_image_focal_point":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,1192],"tags":[118,157,245,259,360,431,466,698,834,1122],"class_list":["post-4425","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture","category-travel","tag-berlin","tag-brussels","tag-christmas-markets","tag-cologne","tag-europe","tag-germany","tag-hamburg","tag-munich","tag-prague","tag-vienna"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Europe&#039;s best Christmas markets - robertharding<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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