Christmas is a time of magic, warmth and family time spent together. One good way to feel this extraordinary atmosphere is to travel around Europe by coach. With this mode of transport, you can comfortably visit charming and atmospheric Christmas markets and discover non-obvious tourist attractions in a beautiful winter setting. You can find the first part of our little ranking here. Here, we begin part two!
Basel – a Swiss feast for the senses
The Basel Christmas Market offers a real feast for the senses. In addition to the traditional stalls offering Christmas decorations, handicrafts and delicacies, look out for the ‘Basler Läckerli’ – sweet almond cookies typical of the region. However, this is not Basel’s only attraction. The city also offers a beautiful Art Museum (Kunstmuseum), where you can admire works by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall. A stroll through the picturesque Old Town and along the banks of the Rhine also guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Gdańsk – Seaside Christmas Market
The Polish coast, especially Gdańsk, is a city that becomes a real fairytale at Christmas time, attracting tourists worldwide. In addition to visiting the Christmas stalls in the Coal Market, it is worth attending the extraordinary exhibition presenting the Polish history of Christmas at the Gdansk National Museum. St Mary’s Basilica is an absolute must-see for lovers of Gothic architecture. You can admire its beauty and climb the tower, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city and the Baltic Sea. And if you stroll through the Gdansk Old Town in the evening, you will be amazed by the decorations made of a thousand lights.
Christmas momentum in Warsaw
Warsaw is the heart of Poland, where Christmas is celebrated on a grand scale. In addition to the Christmas Markets in the Old Town, head to the Royal Castle and the Palace of Culture and Science, stunning in their history and architecture. The Royal Baths Park, where Christmas carol concerts and fairs are organised during the festive season, is also worth a visit. An unusual attraction is the Neon Museum, which presents a cult story from the communist era.
Christmas Market in Poznań
Poznań is known for one of the oldest Christmas markets in Poland. The main attraction is the beautifully decorated Old Market Square, where a giant Christmas tree lights up as the hour counts down. However, the city has much more to offer. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, where you will admire the beautiful Gothic vaults and Rococo altars. Stary Browar, on the other hand, is where history meets modernity. You will find boutiques, restaurants and art galleries in this shopping centre (a restored former brewery complex).
Brussels Christmas Market – a feast for the palate
The Christmas Market on St Catherine’s Square in Brussels is a paradise for every foodie. In addition to the traditional stalls offering delicious delicacies, try the famous Belgian fries and warm up with a hot chocolate drink (and as we all know, Belgian chocolate is the best!). A not-so-obvious attraction is the Atomium district, where you’ll find a futuristic structure resembling an atom, as well as the Manneken Pis – the city’s world-famous symbol depicting a statue of a little boy who is dressed up in various costumes during the festive season.
Christmas in “Florence on the Elbe”
It is, of course, about the German city of Dresden, known as the “Florence on the Elbe,” where Christmas takes on a unique sparkle. The Dresden Christmas Market offers traditional decorations, handicrafts, sweets and mulled drinks. In addition, the Royal Castle and the Holy Trinity Cathedral, among the city’s most important symbols, are worth a visit. A slightly less obvious attraction is the newly opened Frauenkirche, which was reconstructed after the destruction of the war and now impresses with its beauty.
Christmas in … Georgian style
Tbilisi may not be the first place we associate with Christmas, making it unique. This exotic city offers traditional stalls with regional delicacies and handicrafts at the Christmas markets and cultural highlights. In addition to visiting the fair, visit the National Museum of Art, where you will learn about Georgia’s history and culture, as well as the Orthodox churches, museums and the charming old town. A not-so-obvious attraction in Tbilisi is Narikala Fortress, a hilltop castle with breathtaking views of the city and the Kura River.
How about a Christmas Market in Italy?
Italy is not only the place to enjoy the flavours of Mediterranean cuisine. You can discover the Italian Christmas magic in the charming city of Genoa. In addition to traditional delicacies and handicrafts, you should visit the Aquarium, one of Europe’s largest. For lovers of maritime history, the Palazzo Spinola Gallery, which houses works of art related to the city’s history and its picturesque harbour, will also be an exciting highlight of the trip. An unusual attraction is the Great Park of Genoa, where you can relax surrounded by greenery and nature.
Vilnius – A Christmas Market full of splendour
Lithuania’s capital city is where Christmas takes on a unique, glamorous charm. In addition to the traditional stalls at the Christmas Market, visit the Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Vladislaus, where you can admire the beauty of this church and the stained glass windows and altars. An unusual attraction is the Socialism Monument Park, where you will see many sculptures and monuments from the communist period.
Málaga Christmas Market – unlike any other
Malaga is where Christmas is celebrated differently from other European cities, but just as magical. The event is, of course, full of atmospheric stalls with traditional foods, but also… the sounds of flamenco music. In addition to the Christmas Market in Málaga, the Picasso Museum, displaying the works of the famous artist born in the city, is well worth a visit. An unusual attraction is the Alcazaba, a palace and fortress complex that reminds of Málaga’s Muslim heritage. After shopping at the markets, relax on one of the most beautiful beaches – the Costa del Sol, which is also worth relaxing on.
Travelling by coach to the Christmas Fair is a convenient option to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere of the festive season. Coaches provide the comfort and flexibility to travel and avoid the stress of organising transport. See how to prepare for your coach journey.
On our portal, buying coach tickets becomes even more accessible. We offer access to a wide range of routes and travel dates, allowing you to plan your trip conveniently. Book your coach ticket on our website and participate in a fantastic journey through the European Christmas Markets, where the magic of Christmas will surround you from all sides. This is a chance to create unique Christmas memories and experience the magic of Christmas in different cultural contexts.
