Christmas fairs in Europe impress us every year. The smell of cakes, cinnamon and mulled wine wafting through the city, the twinkling of lights and Christmas decorations on the prettiest wooden houses while we gather with family and friends - all this creates the festive atmosphere that we love so much. Classic Advent destinations are German and Austrian cities, which over the years have perfected their Christmas fairs so much that we are always happy to return to them.
In addition to them, other cities such as Budapest, Brussels, Strasbourg and even Tallinn have stood out in the last few years.
1. Budapest, Hungary
Advent in Budapest is getting more popular every year, and readers of the European Best Destinations portal have already visited it twice declared the most beautiful in Europe. At the Christmas market in front of the basilica you will find delicious Hungarian and international specialties and attractions such as a children's ice rink surrounded by a beautiful Christmas tree. The fair is also known for the spectacular lighting and projections that are shown on the facade of the basilica every day of the fair.
2. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is probably one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations, where you can enjoy the holiday magic with family, friends or loved ones. Vienna, as a city of culture and tradition, shines every year in the most beautiful colors of Christmas. The Christmas market is a place of gastronomic hedonism, where you can enjoy the smells and tastes of Christmas pastries, gingerbread, punch and mulled wine. On weekends, concerts are held in front of the town hall, in which international choirs participate.
3. Basel, Switzerland
According to the European Best Destinations portal, Basel was declared the best Advent city in 2021. This charming city has the largest Advent fair in Switzerland and takes place in two locations, namely two city squares, Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. This year, visitors will be able to enjoy themselves at 130 Advent stands, and the gastronomic offer is extremely interesting, as you will find everything from mulled wine and waffles to gingerbread, the famous Swiss raclette and grilled sausages.
4. Leipzig, Germany
The oldest Christmas fairs are located in Germany, and the market in Leipzig has nurtured its tradition since 1458. Every December, the historic center of the city dresses up in Christmas attire. The fair is spread over as many as 6 sections and more than 200 houses, where you can buy goodies, gifts and play board games.
5. Berlin, Germany
Although Berlin is not often at the top of the list of the most beautiful Christmas markets, in recent years Advent there has become more and more special and magical. The center of Berlin is adorned with over 80 decorated fairs, each of which is different, so don't try to visit them all, but enjoy a stroll through the city and the culinary delights until you find a place that captivates you.
The Spandau Christmas Market is the biggest, while the Weihnachtszauber in the magnificent Gendarmenmarkt is the most beautiful with lots of it arts and crafts offerings. Enter the winter world at Potsdamer Platz - where you can enjoy winter sports; in addition to sledding, curling and an ice rink, they have free classes for children.
6. Strasbourg, France
The Strasbourg Christmas Fair is the most famous fair in France and one of the oldest in Europe. There are around 300 wooden houses in the city center, where you can find everything from treats to Christmas decorations. A special feature is the 30-meter high Christmas tree, which with its height exceeds the tops of the houses, and the multitude of lights and balls create a special light.
7. London, England
The most beautiful Christmas market, Winter Wonderland, returns to London's Hyde Park this winter. The specialty of this wonderful fair are ice sculptures as well as workshops for making ice sculptures, the largest open ice rink with live music, circus and acrobatic shows, an ice bar with a bar and tables made of ice, as well as classic stands with a handful of unique gifts, works of art, jewelry and decorations. Advent walks are a must with hot chocolate or mulled wine. The winter fairy tale is open until January 3. Important Christmas markets that you can also visit in London are Southbank Center Winter Market, Selfridges Christmas Market, Covent Garden Christmas Village, Greenwich Christmas Marke, Kingston Christmas Market.
8. Tallinn, Estonia
According to a survey by the European Best Destinations portal, Advent in Tallinn was declared the most beautiful in Europe years ago. In winter, the town hall square becomes magical Christmas fair with a magnificent Christmas tree. The tradition of celebrating the Christmas holidays dates back to 1441, when the first Christmas tree in Europe was placed right on this square. At the fair, you can enjoy traditional Estonian Christmas cuisine, from black pudding and sauerkraut to gingerbread and warm Christmas drinks, as well as browse and buy local crafts and gifts for your loved ones.
9. Erfurt, Germany
The medieval German city of Erfurt is home to one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. It is located in the square in front of the cathedral, where there are houses with delicious delicacies, specialties and Christmas decorations. A huge Christmas tree lit with candles and a 12-meter-high pyramid certainly add to the experience.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is beautiful at any time of the year, but at Christmas time there is a special atmosphere in this city. The Christmas market on the Old Town Square is very popular among tourists. Although you will find the typical range of food, sweets and souvenirs in the huts, rest assured that you will enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
11. Brussels, Belgium
Advent in Brussels is called Winter Wonders and it really looks wonderful. The main Christmas market is located on Place Sainte-Catherine, but there are around 250 wooden houses around the city where you will find various specialties, original gifts and the best chocolates and other attractions and fun activities.
12. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is a small town by the Austrian lakes and it is really difficult to decide when it is more beautiful - in spring or in winter. But it is somehow especially magical in the run-up to Christmas. This beautiful town with narrow streets will impress you at first sight. You can go on a day trip to Hallstatt or choose it as a weekend destination. If you choose this second option, we suggest you visit other picturesque towns nearby, such as St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang, but you can also "jump" to Salzburg, which boasts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe.
13. Cologne, Germany
The Christmas markets in Cologne attract millions of visitors from all over the world every year. Cologne's Christmas markets are one of the most beautiful in Germany, and its beautiful Christmas tree ranks among the most beautiful Christmas trees in Europe. You will find everything from an ice rink, a Santa Claus village with attractions for children, gifts and handmade products to culinary specialties.
