I’ve been to dozens of festive destinations, and I’ll tell you: the Christmas markets in Europe are pure magic. The mouth-watering scent of local food on the grill or in the oven – sausages and chestnuts and so much more – with festive music infusing everything with cheer. A nip in the air, with a warm beverage. And so much to sample, browse and buy
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And my very favourite part? No two markets are created alike. Each town and city has its own atmosphere, specialities, and colourful characters. Visiting one just entices you to experience more. Here are 15 of the very best, all across Europe.
Budapest, Hungary: East meets West
BEST FOR: FOODIES
Budapest is a city filled with the truly unforgettable. For example: once you sail along the Danube after dark, the sight of all the sparkling lights – on the Chain Bridge and illuminating parliament and palaces climbing away from the rivera – will live in your memory forever. And plenty of things are better here in winter, including a soak in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, enveloped by a cloud of steam in the cold air. And, of course, the city’s Christmas markets.
The main market unfolds on Vörösmarty Square from 15 November until 31 December 2024. Just getting there is a glittering experience, walking under the lights of pedestrianised Fashion Street. At the 100 stalls here (which are also easily reached by metro), families will have plenty to keep them busy, from the playhouse and craft classes to the kid-sized miniature railway.
Foodies, too. This is one of the best markets for cuisine, especially dishes with their delicious roots in Central and Eastern Europe. Think: stuffed cabbage and lepeny (a traditional flatbread), and of course, a hearty bowl of Hungarian goulash. Finished off with strudel or sekler cake – the famous Budapest chimney cake.
TRAVEL TIP?
Fill up, then bed down at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, where some of the cushy, recently renovated rooms overlook Fashion Street.
Munich, Germany: Bavarian magic
BEST FOR: CITY AND SYLVAN PLEASURES IN ONE PLACE
Munich is the city where all your Bavarian dreams come true – and that’s doubly the case during Christkindlmarkt season. Frosty steins of beer, bratwurst, lederhosen, you name it, Munich delivers. And Münchners have been gathering in Marienplatz to shop and celebrate Christmas since the 14th century.
Munich’s New Town Hall is the scene for one of the city’s bustling Christmas markets.
In the shadow of the neo-gothic New Town Hall, and lit up by the thousands of candles adorning a seven-story Christmas tree, you’ll find more than 100 stalls, completely filling the square from 25 November until 24 December 2024. But Munich is a city with multiple markets, and you’re best-advised to explore. Those looking for an idyllic experience – and some of the best festive food – should head to the centre of the English Garden, one of the world’s largest urban parks.
It’s an easy trip from the main square – take a tram, then walk the rest of the way along well-maintained paths through the forest. Under the five-level wooden pagoda of the Chinese Tower, you’ll feel a million miles from the city. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage, then enjoy the food stands, which serve everything from rotisserie chicken to spaetzle and salads, plus sausages and something called brizza, a beautiful combination of pretzel and pizza.
Click here for our guide to the best of the festive season in Kempinski hotels around the world.
And families should definitely spend some time at the Residenz. Bavaria’s Wittelsbach royal family began construction of this palace in 1385, and continued to build over the centuries, resulting in a rambling, 130-room redoubt. Every year a Christmas village pops up in some of the 10 courtyards, with a focus on kid-friendly attractions like puppet shows. Lots of fun.
Tags: festive season, Kempinski hotels
