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Christmas markets to explore across Europe this winter

Destination | 22 Mar 2025

Christmas markets to explore across Europe this winter

Christmas is an essential Christmas holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah around whom the religion is based. This means that your young ones will be expecting not just gifts from you but some treats too. Some of you may have a Christmas holiday for them in mind and you will be wondering what activities to plan for them. The celebrations on this day and around it are grand in Europe. Most locals spending the festive holidays in their city will be taking their kids to the markets to join others as they enjoy the lighting and displays there. So, you can choose a destination for your break where you will find good markets and your young ones will get to interact with young people of their age group.

Not more of the same

If you are a group of professionals or friends, planning a Christmas trip to Europe, you can add a trip to the market in the evening to the itinerary. In the popular markets, you will always have Santa with his assistants to entertain you and they may grant your wish too. Yes, you will go to the local markets in your locality on your weekends for shopping, and they too will have some special decorations this Christmas to attract you towards their merchandise, but you may have got bored of it and will be looking for a different shopping environment. Yes, the shops will be offering discounts too and you will be able to get some items that may not be on offer in your country. There will be cafes too where you can sip coffee while people watching. So, here we suggest some destinations in Europe where visiting markets on this all-important day is a tradition.

The old markets in Stockholm, Sweden

This city is popular with those seeking a winter city break in Scandinavia. It is close to the sea, which means that the temperatures don’t get too low when you consider the weather in Europe in this season. There are numerous Christmas markets here some, historic and old where the shapes of the shops and the streets will take you back to the old days of these lands. You can expect to see large Christmas trees, not just in front or inside stores, but in the center of the market too. Gamla Stan Julmarknader is the most recommended Christmas market here, based in the city center where red stalls are set up offering items that you can use in winter. There are others too some offering you items that were traded in the older times and some that are set up just for Christmas celebrations.

The Grand celebrations at Christmas Markets in Brussels, Belgium

The capital of Belgium comes alive in winter during Christmas celebrations. There is the event Winter Wonders which attracts millions of tourists, is spread over markets in and around the city center. It starts towards the end of November and ends towards the end of the year. Here you will find lighting displays on walls of tall buildings and the young ones will find the other lighting effects mesmerizing. There will be rides for them including a large Ferris wheel and ice rinks for older ones to skate around. You will get to enjoy traditional and non-traditional dance performances. There will be stalls stacked with items that you can take to fill the socks for gifts and others will be offering warm delicacies, something different for your taste buds.

Tradition continues at Christmas markets in Edinburgh, Scotland

This city just doesn’t have castles and old large churches, but there are talented storekeepers who come up with innovative ideas to sell their merchandise, apart from the discounts. The farmers market at the weekends will have some new offerings for you. There are markets in the city and on its edges, each inviting you with their imaginative displays. The East Princes Street Gardens market is the one that most tourists are recommended, with glorious views of impressive architecture all around. For the adults, there will be spiced whiskeys and wines, while your younger ones can enjoy the Santa train rides. In December there will be some Christmas fairs too, ideal for families on winter holidays here.

- By cheapdealsfare Team