It’s my one of my favorite times of year: Christmas market season! It’s an ideal time to visit Europe and immerse yourself in ancient traditions and festivities. From town squares dating back to the Middle Ages to fairytale German villages, you’ll be entranced by the settings for this seasonal merriment, which begins in November and carries on into the new year in some cities. I look forward to this holiday tradition every year! Here’s a look at a few options.
Aachen, Germany
November 22 to December 23, 2024
A short hop from Belgium and Cologne, Germany, the Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt is ideal for first time Christmas market goers. It’s not overwhelming as the entire market is compact and centered in the historic heart of the city adjacent to Aachen Cathedral. By the way, this impressive church structure was erected by the order of Charlemagne in 796 and is worth a visit while in the city. In its shadow, vendors offer all kinds of creative Christmas handicrafts and gifts, like whimsical, metal sculptures of animals; candles; and holiday decorations.
Wind past the cathedral and take a deep breath. The aroma of the food and drink will draw you to the food and drink stalls in front of the 14th century Rathaus, or Town Hall, another building worth a visit. It’s just around the corner from the cathedral. Here you’ll find wooden market stalls selling hearty German food and glühwein, a popular mulled wine. Be sure to try the famous Aachener printen, a gingerbread like cookie laden with spices. You’ll find them in the shops and market.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
November 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Amsterdam is always magical, and during the holiday season, the magic rises to new heights. This fabulous Christmas market is on my 2024 wish list! I can’t wait to see more than 100,000 lights twinkle throughout the city and along the canals. The heart of the Christmas market is located beneath the Rijksmuseum, the Netherland’s national museum dedicated to art and history. In the Museumplein, there is a fairground, a “Christmas Caravan,” and an Alpine chalet. Be sure to try some oliebollen, a deep-fried Dutch treat that is reminiscent of a doughnut. My Dutch neighbors make the best ones!
Bruges, Belgium
November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Bruges is known as Belgium’s most romantic city and filled with tourists year-round. Christmas is no exception. The Bruges “Winter Glow” Christmas market is quite small, but it is special. You’ll find two markets here. The first is in the main Marktplein (Market Square.) Get your taste buds ready for a treat! There are all kinds of exotic cheeses and dried beef, mulled wine and more. The second market is in Simon Stevinplein where you’ll discover lots of craft products perfect for that hard-to-please person on your Christmas list. Don’t miss the photo opportunity in front of the sparkling Christmas tree there.
Are you a skater? Check out the outdoor ice rink. And don’t miss the Light Experience Trail. This nearly two-mile walk highlights 10 light installations that are “connected by the glow of fire and ice.” Impressive!
Immerse yourself in the mystique of the city with a carriage ride on the winding cobblestone streets and really let the holiday spirit sink in.
Brussels, Belgium
November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025
The Brussels “Winter Wonders” has been called the best Christmas market in Europe. It is impressive. The city is transformed into a glistening jewel through January 5. The place to start your holiday adventure is at the iconic Grand-Place. A giant Christmas tree and nightly illuminations draw thousands here nightly.
A mile-long trail of quaint wooden market stalls sprawls along Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons offering an endless choice of crafts, foods and gifts.. Start with a glühwein to warm up, and then discover the wide range of culinary choices and gourmet foods. For the cook, there are wonderful cake molds, wooden rolling pins with holiday designs and pottery galore.
There are more stalls and even ice skating at Place de Brouckère. And the market a has whimsical carousel for the kids, a Ferris wheel overlooking the city, and a Christmas tour Tootbus.
Of course, while in Brussels, you have to try mussels, hot cocoa made from REAL Belgian chocolate, Belgian frites (fries), Belgian beer and waffles.
Cologne, Germany
November 18 – December 23, 2024
Cologne was one of the first cities I visited at Christmas time. It defined what a Christmas market should be. There are 12, yes, 12 Christmas markets here! It is mind boggling! Each Christmas market has a theme, like the Den Engel Markt (Angel Market), Cologne Harbor Market, and Winter Magic Eigelstein, but my favorite is the market below Cologne Cathedral. Wooden stalls with warm, colorful lights provide such a contrast to the majestic cathedral that towers overhead. Be sure to try some of Germany’s famous foods like the delicious kartoffel, a German potato salad made with hot broth, oil, and vinegar.
You’ll need more than a day to explore all of the markets, but don’t miss Den Engel, the Market of Angels at Neumarkt. It is an explosion of color and twinkling fairy lights. Wide alleys encourage shoppers to meander between elaborately decorated houses as they do their holiday shopping. The tourism office recommends you make a stop here for chef Maximilian Lorenz’s award-winning cuisine. Try the oysters and truffles
The list of what you will find in Cologne could go on for days, but like the other markets in the region, you have to try the glühwein. This seasonal, hot spiced wine is sold throughout the city at Christmastime. Some stands even serve it in souvenir ceramic Christmas mugs. You’ll find lots of things to buy. I picked up a handmade, wool hat; some ceramic goods; and holiday decorations.
Ghent, Belgium
December 5-31, 2024
I fell in love with Ghent when I first arrived in Belgium in 2016. Ghent is less touristic than nearby Bruges, and many people prefer this medieval city. During “Winter in Ghent,” this medieval university city is decked out in its holiday glory. Walk through the historic city to Sint-Baafspleain and continue to the end of Korenmarket. Along the way, you’ll discover more than selling food, drink, trinkets and holiday gifts. I had my first-ever bratwurst at the Ghent Christmas market. It was delicious!
Food vendors will keep you well fed with a selection of delicacies from the region like bratwurst, sausages, pancakes and hot chocolate. After a snack, head to St. Bravo’s cathedral for a ride in a flying sleigh or try the “Grand Soleil” Ferris wheel for a bird’s eye view of the market. There’s also a new attraction this year: the City Pavilion roller skating rink. It’s the country’s largest mobile roller rink and you don’t have to worry about inclement weather.
A visit to Ghent isn’t complete without a visit to medieval Gravensteen Castle and the Winter Wonderland Castle, where you’ll find festive decorations and lighting to brighten up those dark winter days. Climb to the top and take in the view of the city center and its holiday lights and visit the atmospheric winter bar.
While in Ghent, sample the traditional “waterzooi,” a traditional soup-like stew that features fish or chicken. And don’t forget to head home with some “cuberdons,” the purple, nose-shaped gelatinous candies in the traditional raspberry flavour..
Strasbourg, France
November 27 to December 27, 2024
Strasbourg is called the “Capital of Christmas,” and it has rightly earned that title. With Christmas markets here since 1570, they know what they are doing. Wander down the quaint streets with the half-timbered shops and homes and you’ll understand the appeal. Garlands and lights seem to adorn every corner.
Nearly two million people visit the city yearly to experience the market at 10 different sites in the Grand Île district. The most famous spot is Place Kléber Square where the Christmas tree soars nearly 100 feet overhead. Minutes away is the Christkindelsmärik (market of the baby Jesus) where you’ll discover many wooden chalets and a seemingly endless range of Christmas decorations to bring your home some holiday cheer.
There are more than 300 market stalls here, so you’ll need lots of time to maneuver the market. I love the wooden, handprinted ornaments and holiday candles and lights. I always come home with new treasures. On the food front, there’s lots to try like the tarte flambée, fried onions and sausages.
Monschau, Germany
November 29 to December 22, 2024
Monschau is a fairytale village that sparkles and shines at Christmas. The holiday market is small, but it’s a nice addition to this Eifel area village. Market stalls are set up in the main market square and offer German specialties and all kinds of sausages and beverages. Of course, mulled wine is on the menu here. For the kids, there is a historic merry-go-round and a gnome path. Speaking of specialties, don’t leave town without sampling the incredible mustards, served as condiments, in soups, and even in a liqueur. Stop by the historic mustard mill and discover their 19 mustards! They are a perfect holiday gift. There is also a year-round market in the Monschau Glass Works. After watching a demo of the timeless art of glass blowing, wander through the aisles in the shop and pick up a unique piece to take home with you. Want to discover even more? Hike up to the castle overlooking the city for wonderful views.
A Word of Warning
Christmas market are teeming with visitors and a perfect place for pickpockets to extract some of your holiday joy. Keep your valuables secure, especially your cell phone. The pickpockets here are expert and will swoop at any opportunity to grab a phone. The police aren’t much help if your phone is stolen, so be alert.
