Christmas Markets
Can’t believe we are saying this but as we fast approach the Festive Season, European cities come alive with their Christmas markets. These traditional markets are a much love tradition and dates back many centuries.
They offer visitors a magical experience filled with twinkling fairy lights, local delicacies, handmade decorations and entertainment for all the family.
The markets will generally start mid to late November and close on New Years Day but each destination will be different to make sure you check the dates before booking any flights.
Germany is possible the most well-known city to host the markets, but they span over many cities Germany, France, Austria, Hungary, Poland and even the UK cities take part.
There are some lovely UK markets as options too – Edinburgh, Manchester, Chester, York & Canterbury are a few of the most popular markets.
One of the most famous German Christmas Markets is found in Nuremberg, Germany and is called Christkindlesmarkt and dates way back to the 16th century and is best known for its iconic red and white striped stalls, where you can buy handmade tree ornaments and delicious festive treats like Gingerbread (known as Lebkuchen) and the famous mulled wine (known as Gluhwein). The market is home to the Christkind a fairy like figure who is the official symbol of the market. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Scotland so would need to be via Amsterdam or London.
However, BERLIN does have direct flights from Glasgow and Edinburgh. There are around 80 markets dotted all over Germany’s culture-packed capital, each with its own unique atmosphere. The Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt is the most popular. Here, twinkling star-topped stalls rub shoulders with historic buildings like the Concert Hall and the French and German Churches, and a huge Christmas tree takes centre stage.
This year we are delighted to have a short season for the markets in Vienna, Austria and runs from mid-November to December with a direct connection from Glasgow. Vienna is a must visit market and will get you right into the festive spirt. The market is held in front of the famous city hall and has over 150 individual stalls selling traditional Austrian crafts, gifts and again lots of local delicacies. You can enjoy a ride on the carousels, listen to carollers performing all the classic carols and even though they are not in English you will still recognise the tunes. There will be ice skating and plenty of activities for the children making Vienna a great destination for the whole family.
For something different you can fly to Malaga and they offer what is considered to be the best Christmas lights in Europe and offer a sound and light show every night during the markets and this starts on the 25th November 2024 and runs until 5th January 2025. They have 3 markets but the biggest one is held in the Park of Malaga. You might even see sunshine in Malaga in December so you can leave your hats and scarves at home for this one.
Post Covid we are seeing a huge increase in multi-generational holidays and a Christmas Market would be an ideal option for all the family to join in and create lasting family memories.
Many of the markets will offer a range of live entertainment and activities so its not just shopping. They offer concerts, dance shows and other cultural events all adding to the festive atmosphere. Children can enjoy rides on traditional carousels and visits to Santa and many craft workshops, whilst the adults can enjoy wine tasting, cookery classes. The markets area hub of activity and really does have something for everyone and not just for tourists but the locals really get involved too.
Some tips to get the best out of your trip.
- Go midweek and skip the crowds
- Wear warm clothes as you will outside for hours so hats and gloves are a necicity
- Sensible shoes as you will be walking and as there could be snow make sure you have good shoes or boots.
- Do a lap of the market first before spending money to see all that is on offer
- Split your food so you get to try lots of options
Markets that you can fly to DIRECTLY from Scotland
- Berlin
- Vienna
- Prague
- Budapest
- Malaga
In conclusion a trip to a European Christmas Market is magical and will capture some great memories so what are you waiting for?
