Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2021

What better way to get into the spirit of the season than visiting a European Christmas market with friends or family? After many of the seasonal markets were cancelled in 2020, we are delighted to report that many plan to return this year.

This Christmas is going to be very special for many of us after the isolation of the last year or more. Planning a visit to a Christmas market is a great way to get started on your Christmas shopping and see a new city, while spending quality time with your nearest and dearest.

No matter where you travel to you can look forward to fairy tale lights, the crackle of chestnuts roasting over a fire and the spicy scent of mulled wine in the air. Soak up the Christmas atmosphere as you ramble around wooden chalets filled with decorations, candles, arts and crafts.

Christmas Market in Frankfurt

Germany is one of the original homes of Christmas Markets so you can be assured of an authentic experience on a weekend trip to any German city in December.

Frankfurt is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. It has been running since 1393. The traditional open air winter market is in Frankfurt’s beautiful old town centre which is decorated with thousands of Christmas lights, bells and ribbons.

Don’t miss the antique merry-go-round which will offer you or the younger members of your family a unique perspective on this most ancient of markets. Oh, and arrive hungry as the market offers a huge selection of German food and drink including bratwurst, pretzels, gingerbread and seasonal favourite, gluhwein.

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Christmas Market Vienna

Late every November, City Hall Square in Vienna is transformed into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and festive decorations to celebrate the ‘Magic of Advent’. As a visitor to one of the most famous markets in Europe you can expect a myriad of stalls selling everything from mass produced toys, games, and Christmas decorations to locally produced arts and crafts.

The best thing about Vienna at Christmas is you will find many seasonal markets around the city. Soak up the romance of the Schonbrunn Palace, backdrop to a smaller market focused on traditional handicrafts and handmade decorations. You can also take in a Christmas concert or one of the activities planned for children as part of their extensive children’s programme each year.

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Christmas Market Brussels

The EU capital pulls out all the stops for the Christmas Markets each year. In the picturesque old town, you will discover, light shows, full size ice-skating rink and Christmas trees glistening with lights and colourful baubles. If you are looking for an active break, this is the city to visit.

Another advantage of Belgian Christmas market is you can look forward to trying some fantastic hot chocolate. Home to some of the best chocolatiers in the world, the Belgians are also experts at turning it into that most comforting of hot drinks on a cold night.

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Christmas Markets Switzerland

Christmas markets will take place in Zurich in from mid November until the end of December 2021. The oldest market takes place in Zurich’s picturesque old town but there are several others dotted around the city.

The variety of markets will provide you with a huge selection of gift ideas for family and friends. Love cheese? The Zurich Christmas markets are for you! In addition to mulled wine and punch you will find some uniquely Swiss food at the markets in Zurich including fondue or raclette to enjoy.

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No matter which Christmas market you choose this year, it is bound to be a very special experience and a wonderful way to begin this most special year of festivities.

You can change any flight  for free until 31 December 2021. This applies to any flight you’ve already booked for any date in 2021, as well as any new flight you book for 2021.

What’s more, you can change your flight as often as you need to and up to two hours before you fly – for free. And with our guaranteed voucher options and refund fares, it’s easy to give your bookings even more wiggle room.

Book your flights for your European getaway today.