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While you’re sipping your pumpkin spice latte and enjoying fall, it’s time to start making plans for your next winter getaway.
Fall brings cooler weather, vibrant colors, and all things pumpkin, while winter takes it a step further with snow but destroys the fall vibes.
While many may seek some fun in the sun to escape the bone-chilling cold, perhaps the best way to embrace winter is to explore Europe’s best Christmas markets.
Many cities in Europe host wonderful Christmas gatherings to celebrate one of the most magical times of the year.
But you may be wondering, “which ones are the best?”. There is a lot of competition, as virtually every major destination has its own version of a Christmas market.
These are the top 5 Christmas markets in Europe that you can visit this winter:
Budapest, Hungary
Advent Bazilika may be small in size, but it packs a punch with the amazing backdrop of St. Stephen’s Basilica.
@julimegyeri Advent Budapest✨. #coming#Budapest, Hungary #Budapest #este #forraltbor #bazilikaadvent #bazilika ♬ Budapest – George Ezra
According to The starthis holly cheerful event has been voted the best Christmas market in Europe for 3 years in a row.
Visitors love the intangible factor of simply feeling the Christmas spirit while they are here, proving that size doesn’t matter when it comes to Christmas events.
There are rave reviews about how comfortable and intimate it is, which is preferable to the usual huge crowds.
Like many other Christmas markets, visitors can expect free entry to a world of Christmas festivities, ranging from unique vendors reminiscent of an elf workshop to piping hot chocolate.
Travelers can pass through at any time November 24 – December 31, 2023.
Prague, Czech Republic
@whereinprague.cz Are you ready? 🎄✨🎅🏼 #EuropeanChristmasMarket #market #old City #pragoldcity #snowprague #Charles bridge #winterprague #zima #vzime #Christmas market #EuropeanChristmasMarket #ChristmasEurope #christmasprague #praguechristmasmarket #Christmas #snowprague ♬ original sound – Will | Prague tips in English
A visit to Prague around Christmas will not disappoint. There are actually several Christmas markets held here 2 of them are within a 5-minute walk of each other.
Not only can you double dip your milk and cookies like Santa, but you can also hit the Christmas markets the same evening.
This duo can be found in the beautiful Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where both offer great experiences to those who visit.
But perhaps the most beautiful of all takes place in front of the famous St. George’s Basicila. Entry is free for everyone, so prepare for some joyful Christmas market hopping in Prague.
The 3 main markets are open from December 2, 2023 – January 6, 2024.
Munich, Germany
@wilbertandspace Your cue to visit Munich during Christmas🎄❄️❤️ #Munich, Germany #munichtravel #munichaesthetic #munichchristmasmarket ♬ Suite from the Polar Express – Alan Silvestri
Soon Munich will trade their trade lederhosen for Christmas sweaters. With Oktoberfest soon to be over, it’s time to get ready for one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Germany has many Christmas markets to choose from, but there is just something special about what Munich has to offer.
The main festivities take place on the beautiful Marienplatz. Munich’s Christkindlmarkt may be a mouthful, but that’s just a precursor.
The markets here are a foodie’s paradise, which should come as no surprise in Bavaria. Not only do these events cater to foodies and the general Christmas-loving globetrotter, the city also has a Pink Christmas welcome to all, but focused on welcoming the LGBTQ+ audience.
@boredinmunich The carbon neutral fact is probably the coolest part of it 👏🏻💗 #boredinmunich #christmasmarketsinmunich #mulledwineseason #mulledweinmunich #lgbtqmunich #queerinmunich #munichpinkchristmas ♬ original sound – user35719243013
In fact, it is one of the most popular Christmas markets in the city as it is a safe place for all Christmas lovers.
The dates vary by market, but it’s a safe bet to get the last week of November until Christmas Day.
Vienna Austria
There are not many major cities in Europe that could be more beautiful than Vienna. The city is beautiful all year round, but the Christmas festivities unleash a new personality.
The vibrant decor brings out the magic of Christmas and you will have the winter trip of a lifetime. The holiday atmosphere spreads tenfold at the huge market on the beautiful Maria Theresien Platz.
@christmasvibesonly_742 Who wants to come with me??🎄🫶 – – – #Christmas #christmasshopping #best time of the year #fyp #holidays #winter #christmas2023 #readyforchristmas #christmasdecoration #December #besttime #everything I want for Christmas #vienenchristmas #Viennese Christmas Markets #snow #christmastime ♬ Sleigh ride – Ella Fitzgerald
Is there a better background possible? Doubtful! Vienna doesn’t stop there with its delicious seasonal treats and range of handmade crafts; there are several nice markets spread across the city.
Each has its own flair. All markets in Vienna are open from mid-November to the end of December.
Kosice, Slovakia
This Christmas market is a bit of a wild card as you may not have heard of this place before. However, Kosice is the second largest city in Slovakia.
Bratislava may get more attention, but Kosice will blow you away with its immaculate Christmas market with perfect snow and hot drinks to fuel your soul.
@colours.from.above Vianočné trhy v Košiciach, Christmas markets in Košice. . #djiglobal #aerialvideo #nightshoot #djimini3pro #dji #Slovakiainwinter #Slovakia #thisisSlovakia #saintelizabethcathedral #kosice #kosicemesto #visitkosice #winterincity ♬ original sound – colors.from.top
This winter wonderland of Eastern Europe takes over the entire historic city center and turns it into a real snow globe.
You’ll want to bottle it up and immerse yourself in this off-path city full of treasures at Christmas time.
The expected dates are December 5 – December 23, 2023.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
