It’s that time of the year again. Christmas decorations, lights, trees, Christmas markets, and Glühwein. Well, at least when you are in Europe 😉
Christmas here in Australia still feels weird with Tropical Temperatures, and we certainly miss the cozy atmosphere and the Christmas markets in Europe when beautiful pictures of snow and Christmas markets pop up everywhere.
This made us go through our own photos of a few Christmas Markets in Europe we visited in the past and made a selection of our favorite European Christmas Markets.
Christmas Markets in The Netherlands | Valkenburg
Our favorite Dutch Christmas markets are the ones in Valkenburg, located in the province of Limburg. Valkenburg is also called the Christmas city of the Netherlands.
The Christmas market in the Municipal Cave – located at the foot of the well-known Cauberg – is the largest, oldest and most popular underground Christmas market in Europe. You will be amazed by the beautiful settings and decors, and stalls offering Christmas gifts and other must-haves.
And then there is the Christmas Market in the Velvet Cave, which is more than beautiful decorations and stalls alone. You can also find sculptures and mural paintings, as well as a unique 18th-century chapel.
Valkenburg also has a Christmas fairytale parade and a Santa’s Village with more Christmas Markets and activities.
Belgium | Antwerp
Antwerp is always a beautiful city but during Christmas time, when Antwerp is beautifully illuminated and decorated, it has even more atmosphere.
Approximately 100 Christmas stalls can be found all over the city of Antwerp. The Christmas market stretches from Groenplaats through to the Market Square, via Suikerrui to Steenplein.
The Groenplaats is illuminated with festive Christmas lights and music is playing in the background. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a glass of Glühwein, and finish the night in one of Antwerp’s cozy cafe bars.
Germany | Christmas market Country
The German Weihnachtsmarkte (Christmas Markets) are definitely the best in Europe, and probably in the world. There is so much atmosphere, the best Glühwein, and other very delicious treats.
Of many German Christmas Market cities, our favorites are the Christmas Markets in Cologne and Dusseldorf, with Cologne our number one choice.
Christmas Market Cologne
When the Christmas markets in Cologne open their gates on the last Monday before Advent, millions of visitors from around the world are visiting this beautifully decorated city.
There are more than 150 beautifully illuminated wooden stalls at the Christmas Markets in front of Cologne’s famous Cathedral, which offers everything from regional specialties and delicacies, presents, arts, crafts, toys and lots of Glühwein. And boy, does Gluhwein taste good?! Yes, it does! 😉
Apart from the Christmas Markets in front of the Cathedral, there are many more Christmas Markets in Cologne with the most attractive Christmas market being the Alter Markt in front of Cologne’s town hall.
Here you will find everything you are looking for in a Christmas market. Treats, toys, handicrafts, Glühwein, and coziness.
There are also several little (pop-up) cafe’s where you can get a typical German treat and of course… Gluhwein.
The oldest Christmas Market in Cologne, the Angels Christmas Market, is located on the Neumarkt, which is the city center market in the shopping district of Cologne.
The Angels Christmas Markets have these cute little chalets with many little lights, stars in the trees and of course.. angels, which are a highlight for many children.
The angels, dressed in white are walking through the alleys of the markets and sprinkling their magic glitter powder. And once a week, even Santa Claus joins in!
The harbor Christmas Markets in Cologne are also definitely worth visiting. In a picturesque setting overlooking the Rhine, there are more than 70 festive decorated pagoda tents and a massive boat where you can order your drinks.
Another great thing about this market ( at least if you are a chocolate lover ) is that the harbor Christmas Markets are located right next to the Chocolate Museum, and after personally tasting and testing their own delicious chocolate milk and chocolate, we can guarantee you that you want more!! Definitely go here to warm up and taste one of their delicious beverages.
Christmas Market Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is another German city which is famous for it’s great Christmas markets. With over 200 festive decorated huts, beautiful illuminations, and music and festivals all over the city, there are lots of things to see and do for everyone.
During Christmas market period, Düsseldorf’s City Hall will be a magical setting for the Christmas Market on Marktplatz (market square). A Christmas market quarter will stretch across the square with huts designed in the color and style of the brick building of the renaissance city hall situated at the heart of Düsseldorf’s old town.
There are several other places everywhere in the city with Christmas markets and beautiful Christmas decorations all over the place.
A stroll along the very famous shopping street the Konigsallee is also a must do when visiting the Christmas markets in Dusseldorf. There are thousands of lights sparkling in the mega chestnut trees, lined up along the boulevard, which gives a beautiful atmosphere.
This is only a small selection of the many Christmas markets in Europe, and there are several Christmas Market destinations still on our bucket list like London, Munster & Berlin.
