Once in a Lifetime Christmas Markets You Must See

Paper cones filled with roasted steaming chestnuts, the air perfumed by cauldrons of hot, mulled cider, cinnamon and cloves. Sacher torte with peppermint-laced cream. Blown glass ornaments delicate as soap bubbles, hand-painted eggshells, their holiday scenes painted with a feather brush. St. Nicholas, Pere Noel, Weihnachtsmann, Father Christmas…

The Christmas season offers an intimate portrait of a country’s customs and its people.

But…

Christmas Market Travel is a big business. Know this first before you plan your 2023 adventure. Start now as hotels book early. Over-scheduled tour packages will have the eager traveller numbed and exhausted with Yuletide-ness. This won’t be you!

My advice, pick a city with a spectacular Christmas market and use that as the centerpiece of your visit while you explore the country. Here are a collection of wonderful cities with Christmas Markets you must see, once in a lifetime. All in countries packed with tons of sightseeing and dining options.

Strasbourg, France

Dates – November 25 to December 26, 2022
Not to Miss – the historic Christkindelsmärik

The Christkindelsmärik tradition began on place Broglie in 1871. Ever since, it has continued to be the heart and soul of the Christmas market.

To learn more about the history of this Christ Child Market, discover the exhibition devoted to it and take a detour round the Town Hall in the center of the square. 

This year, the façade of the historic Town Hall on place Broglie will be adorned with magical Christmas decorations. Come discover or rediscover this iconic building, illuminated and decorated in the colors of Christmas

Must see attractions from Strasbourg Christmas Market site

One of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, this one in Strasbourg began back in 1570 and is spread over ten different locations, each offering different specialties. “Capital of Christmas” looks like a real-life nativity scene at this time of year. You’ll find 300 traditional market stalls crowding the city’s central squares with a huge selection of hand-painted wooden Christmas decorations. Look for the Market of the Invincible Small Producers of Alsace for sausages and a moist, almond filled Kugelhopf will delight!

Brussels, Belgium

Dates – November 25 to January 1, 2023
Not to Miss – Gourmet food selections

Belgium is a foodie paradise under any conditions but here during the holiday season, Brussels shows off with specialties unlike no other country in Europe. The Christmas Market is spread across Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons, with ice skating rinks, music and light shows.

A spectacular Christmas tree takes front and center and you can explore a mile-long stretch of more than 200 snow-blanketed wooden chalets while sampling the iconic Belgian waffles, mulled wine and the incomparable Belgian chocolates.

Basel, Switzerland

Dates – November 24 to December 23, 2022
Not to Miss –  food and fairytale delights
Switzerland does everything to perfection and Basel’s Christmas market is no exception. This is the country’s biggest and most beautiful with over 150 meticulously decorated stalls selling a wide array of culinary wonders from sausages, and authentic Basel Lackerli (a local twist on gingerbread), to hot punch and eternally festive fondue. Stop for a steaming plate of chill-challenging raclette.

Barfuserplatz features handmade wooden pieces including nativity scenes, toys and holiday miniatures. Munsterplatz is a fairytale light show and workshops offering lessons in ornament making and gingerbread decorating.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Dates November 19, 2022 to January 3, 2023
Not to Miss – Hogmanay Torchlight Procession

An historically beautiful city in a country of unparalleled, Scottish cultural and holiday festivities meet in the magic of the Edinburgh Christmas Market. And stay through the New Year to enjoy the Hogmanay celebrations.

An important element of Hogmanay celebrations is to welcome friends and strangers, with warm hospitality and of course a kiss to wish everyone a ‘Guid New Year’. The underlying belief is to clear out the vestiges of the old year, have a clean break and welcome in a young, New Year on a happy note.

Scotland.org

But first, enjoy visits to Santa’s Grotto; an oval ice rink; fairground rides, such as the Star Flyer; an elves’ workshop hidden within the Christmas Tree Maze; stalls selling wooden toys, Harry Potter themed gifts, and mulled Irn Bru; special projections, performances, and artworks showcasing local talent.

If you’re so inclined, enjoy the Christmas lighted bar crawl of George Street then head to the Royal Botanic Garden to sip spiced cider and marvel at its magnificent Christmas illuminations. If you can only visit once, be sure to come at the end of December to join the city’s enchanting Hogmanay Torchlight Procession through Edinburgh’s Old Town on December 30.

Bag a ticket and you can return for the Hogmanay street party and stunning fireworks display on December 31. Don’t miss the famous ceilidh and concert in Princes Street Gardens on New Year’s Eve.

CNN

Merano, Italy

Dates November 25, 2022 to January 6, 2023
Not to miss – South Tyrollean mountain majesty

One of Italy’s lush treasures, visit Merano in the country’s northern Alps and you’ll find a fusion of Austrian and all of Italy’s most cherished holiday customs. Merano is postcard pretty , a spa town with the charming chalets of the market following the shore of the Passirrio River. Book ahead and take advantage of one of the spa packages offered.

What could be more picturesque than holiday shopping with Italy’s snow-capped Alpen backdrop. Merano has all of the traditional selections of homemade crafts, gifts, toys, ornaments paying special attention to the live musical performances providing the soundtrack for your seasonal experience. And did I mention the baked goods? Sudtirol cakes and apple strudel. And a mug of mulled wine to stay warm.

Just a few of the many options to explore but each offers a distinct experience and opportunities move beyond the markets into a rich, rewarding holiday travel experience. Happy Holidays!