Christmas is approaching, and cities across Europe are turning into winter wonderlands. The town squares are thus slowly taking the form of traditional Alpine villages offering mulled wine and artistic products. But not all Christmas fairs are the same. We've found the most exciting and unusual Christmas markets for you, perfect for a unique holiday experience. Here are the absolutely unique Christmas markets in Europe.
They are here unique Christmas fairs, which are definitely worth your visit.
Ravenna Gorge Christmas Fair, Breitnau, Germany
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcNzMvOn0Rf/
Beneath the stunning Ravenna Gorge Viaduct in Germany's mystical Black Forest lies a Christmas village that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The fairy-tale village lies in a deep valley, and local artisans and entertainers give visitors a real feel for the Black Forest, one of Germany's most popular destinations. The Christmas Fair also offers a program for children, which means that visiting this fair is also a great choice for families. The fair is open this year from November 30 to December 23.
hochschwarzwald.de
Christbaumwald im See, Lake Milstat, Austria
An hour from Klagenfurt is Milštat Lake and a lively village. They are surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and because of the steep shore of the lake, which resembles a fjord, we quickly feel that we are somewhere in Norway. During the winter months, this shore is the scene of one of the most unique Christmas markets in Europe, Christbaumwald im See, which means 'Christmas forest on the lake'. A charming fair with a handful of stalls provides an intimate festive atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy mulled wine by an open fire and watch the reflection of Christmas lights on the water. The fair is open this year from November 29 to December 31.
millstaettersee.com
Christmas fair in the cave, Valkenburg aan de Geul, Netherlands
Valkenburg, a lively village near the city of Maastricht, is often called a hidden Dutch gem. The annual Christmas Fair is one of the oldest underground fairs in Europe and takes place in the deep Velvet Cave, located beneath the charming Valkenburg Castle. The cave houses an 18th-century chapel that has impressive murals and sculptures, creating a unique festive atmosphere. Valkenburg also hosts a Christmas parade every Wednesday and Saturday evening. The Christmas market is open this year from November 16 to December 30.
kerststadvalkenburg.nl
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
The famous amusement park Tivoli Gardens is located in the heart of Denmark, and first opened its doors in 1843. For the past 21 years, it has hosted an annual Christmas fair, which usually starts in mid-November. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by Santa Claus himself, and afterwards they can enjoy a traditional Alpine village and Christmas fair, the Nutcracker ballet, a park with reindeer, a choir procession and festive food and refreshments. Of course, we must not forget what makes Tivoli Gardens so popular all year round - the amusement park. The Christmas fair is taking place this year between November 17 and December 31.
tivoligardens.com
Schwimmender Christkindlmarkt Floating Christmas Market, Vilshofen an der Donau, Germany
The sleepy town in eastern Bavaria is home to a unique Christmas market that takes place partly on a ship. The biggest attraction of the fair - the world's largest wooden nativity scene, which is 20 meters long - is located right on the ship, while most of the stands are located on the picturesque banks of the Danube. At the fair, you will also find local craftsmen and artists from Lower Bavaria, who present their products at the fair every year and demonstrate the traditional methods by which they are made. The Christmas market is open this year from November 30 to December 2, from December 7 to 9 and from December 14 to 16.
vilshofen.de
Zürcher Christkindlimarkt, Zurich, Switzerland
One of the most famous Swiss Christmas markets takes place at the main train station in Zurich. But it's not just the passengers who provide the lively atmosphere - with around 150 stalls, the Zürcher Christkindlimarkt is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. At just over 15 meters, the centerpiece of the fair is a beautifully decorated Christmas tree adorned with more than 6,000 crystal ornaments. You can see the Christmas fair this year between November 22 and December 24.
christkindlimarkt.ch
Lieseberg, Gothenburg, Sweden
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqnMxwxnow_/
The biggest Christmas market in Sweden can be found in Lieseberg amusement park. It is famous for its wooden death trains, and in winter it becomes a holiday land that attracts thousands of visitors. They can see more than 80 stands and visit the part of the Designtornet fair dedicated to arts and crafts. When visitors are done shopping, they can indulge in adrenaline-pumping adventures. The Christmas fair awaits you this yeard 29 to 30 November, from 1 to 2, from 5 to 9, from 11 to 23 and from 26 to 30 December.
liseberg.com
Santa's Village, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
The perfect location for a Christmas market is certainly Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and the official home of Santa Claus. Santa's Village is located inside the Arctic Circle and is open all year round, meaning visitors can enjoy Christmas 365 days a year. On 400 square meters, they can observe Finnish Christmas traditions, while children can visit the toy factory where the gnomes work. Those who like to shop can expect a range of products - from local handicrafts to high-end Finnish design products that can be sent straight from Santa's Post.
santaclausvillage.info
