Christmas markets are an integral and magical part of the festive atmosphere in many European cities. It is an opportunity to admire beautifully decorated streets and squares, taste regional specialities, buy unique gifts and feel the magic of Christmas. Each city has something unique to offer, and travelling by coach from Poland is comfortable and economical. Here are our suggestions for the most interesting Christmas markets in Poland and Europe:
Krakow Christmas Market
Krakow is one of Poland’s most beautiful cities, and its market square is the 24-hour bustling heart of cultural and social life. During the festive season, the market turns into a fairytale setting, full of lights, Christmas trees and colourful stalls. The Christmas market offers traditional ornaments, handicrafts, jewellery, toys, and other souvenirs. Remember the delicacies such as oscypek, pierogi, mulled wine or gingerbread. Krakow’s Christmas market is one of the oldest and largest in Poland, and its history dates back to the 17th century. It is the perfect place to experience the authentic atmosphere of a Polish Christmas.
Christmas market in Berlin
Berlin is one of Europe’s most important political, economic and cultural centres. The multicultural German capital is home to over 60 Christmas markets, with “something for everyone”. If you visit the traditional market on the Gendarmenmarkt, you can enjoy artistic performances and taste German specialities such as sausages, beer or roasted almonds. On the other hand, going to the more modern market on Potsdamer Platz, you will find Europe’s giant mobile slide. Berlin is a city of contrasts and surprises; its Christmas markets are a prime example.
Oldest Christmas Market in Germany – Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a city of business, finance and culture, full of rich tradition. Its Christmas market is one of the oldest and largest in Germany, with its roots dating back to the 14th century. The market stretches from the Römerberg to Paulsplatz and offers more than 200 stalls with a diverse range of products. Christmas tree decorations, wooden sculptures, candles, ceramics and many other products can be found here. There is also no shortage of delicious food and drinks, such as apfelwein (apple cider), glühwein (mulled wine) or bethmännchen (marzipan cookies).
Vienna Christmas Market
Vienna is an imperial and musical city, but simultaneously romantic and elegant. Its Christmas markets are some of Europe’s oldest and most famous, dating back to the 13th century. Vienna offers more than 20 different Christmas markets, stunning in their beauty and class. Here, you will marvel at the impressive illuminations, listen to concerts and choral performances, and enjoy numerous attractions such as carousels, ice skating and tobogganing. At the fair, you will buy unique gifts such as glass baubles, handmade angels, jewellery, or toys. You can’t leave Vienna without sampling local delicacies such as sachertorte (chocolate cake), lebkuchen (gingerbread) or punsch (punch)
Christmas market in London
London is a significant and diverse city, full of life and energy. Its Christmas markets are some of Europe’s largest and most spectacular, with a vast range of activities. You’ll visit the iconic Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, which features a giant mill wheel, ice rink, circus and much more. You can also head to the Southbank Centre Winter Festival, where you’ll be wowed by spectacular light and art shows and sample exotic foods from around the world.
Tallinn – the most charming Christmas Market in Europe
Tallinn is a fairytale and magical city with a rich history and culture. Its Christmas market is one of Europe’s most beautiful and charming, and its tradition dates back to the 15th century. The market is located in the picturesque Old Town Square, where a giant Christmas tree stands, which, according to legend, was the first public Christmas tree in Europe. You will buy traditional handicrafts such as woollen gloves, felt hats, wooden toys or amber ornaments at the market. Don’t forget the delicious drinks and food, such as verivorst (blood sausage), piparkoogid (spice cookies) or glögi (mulled fruit drink).
Christmas markets in Europe are places of trade and gastronomy, as well as places for meetings and integration. It is an opportunity to learn about other cultures and traditions and feel the Christmas spirit. Travelling by coach from Poland is comfortable and economical and allows you to admire beautiful landscapes. So don’t wait any longer and visit one of these fantastic destinations!
