European markets go all out during the Christmas season.
During your next trip to Europe, here are some of the best Christmas markets where you’ll find festive lights, free concerts, comfort food, and entertainment.
Advent in Zagreb, Croatia
Over the last three years, Zagreb has been voted as the best Christmas market in Europe by European Best Destinations’ online poll.
According to the platform, during Advent, the whole city of Zagreb transforms into a magical place full of lights, festive food and drink, colorful displays, concerts, choirs and more.
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Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, Germany
As the fourth largest city in Germany, Cologne has a variety of Christmas markets.
The most popular market is the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market that draws more than 4 million visitors each year.
The market, which runs from Nov. 26 until Dec. 23, features food, mulled wine, and many differently themed Christmas markets where people can take a stroll to enjoy the lights, shop and explore.
Winter Wonders and Christmas Markets, Brussels, Belgium
The Winter Wonders event takes place before and during the Christmas holidays, at the Grand-Place in Brussels and around the Bourse, the Place de la Monnaie, the Place Sainte-Catherine and the Marché aux Poissons.
From shopping, fairground attractions, ice-skating, concerts, and more, Winter Wonders attracts more than 2.5 million visitors each year.
Festivities run from Nov. 30 until Jan. 6, 2019.
Christmas Market in Budapest on Vorosmarty Square
The Christmas Market on Vorosmarty Square is the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest, full of color, holiday music, and of course, food.
From Nov. 9 through Jan. 1, 2019, people can enjoy arts and crafts, concerts, and more.
Entry is free.
The Christmas Lights of Montbéliard, France
Every year, during the Advent period, Montbéliard revives the tradition of Württemberg.
The Christmas Lights of Montbéliard visitors will have the chance to enjoy handcrafted craftsmanship and enchanting display of light.
Located in Eastern France, the town of Montbéliard holds its Christmas Festival from Nov. 24 until Dec. 24.
Fira de Santa Llucia in Barcelona, Spain
In Barcelona, the Fira de Santa Llucia Christmas Market has gone on for hundreds of years in front of the cathedral where people can purchase fir trees, decorations, and mistletoes.
Organizers, however, say it’s the various items that you can buy to create the nativity scene that are the market’s biggest draw. Here you’ll find figures, moss, cribs, fountains and the curious caganer, who appears in surprising new guises every year.
This year, Fira de Santa Llucia runs through Dec. 23
Aachen Christmas Market, Germany
According to European Best Destinations, the Aachen Market has become famous due to its pleasant and familiar atmosphere.
For about four weeks before Christmas, the squares and lanes around Aachen Cathedral and town hall are transformed into a Christmas village that immolates a snow globe.
Aachen runs until Dec. 23.
Viennese Christmas Market, Vienna, Austria
The Christmas markets in Vienna are truly are an age-old tradition.
The Viennese Dream Christmas Market, held in front of the City Hall, will give you an unforgettable experience that highlights the spirit of the season.
You have until Dec. 28 to embark on seasonal joy in Vienna.
https://travelnoire.com/the-best-places-to-visit-in-december/
