The countdown to Christmas Day has begun!
One of the highlights to the Festive Season is shopping and Europe offers some fabulous destinations that host special Christmas markets.
Several European cities become winter wonderlands with snow-dusted rooftops, illuminated squares, sparkling trees, wooden chalet stalls and festive treats.
The BusinessClass.com guide to the 10 best Christmas markets in Europe:
Brussels, Belgium
The trilingual (French, German and Dutch) Belgian capital has reinvented itself from a medieval city with Art Nouveau architecture to a cosmopolitan metropolis, boasting a vibrant nightlife and multi-ethnic eateries. From galleries flaunting artwork of surrealist René Magritte to street murals by cartoon king Hergé (TinTin), Brussels never fails to impress.
One of the Christmas capitals of the world, Brussels draws throngs every year for a one-of-a-kind fiesta, "Winter Wonders" The setting is the monumental Grand-Place, considered to be one of Europe’s most spectacular squares, decked with ornate guild houses. Apart from a massive Christmas tree, the market features an ice skating rink, a light-and-sound show and a signature Ferris wheel. But the piece de resistance is a mile-long stretch of snow-covered chalets, where you can buy fresh waffles, mulled wine, Belgian beers and decadent chocolates.
Dates to bookmark: 28th November to 5th January, 2025
Stage of splendour: Grand Place
Gorge-worthy festive delights: Toasted waffles
Stay: Hotel Amigo - read the full BusinessClass.com review
Getting there: Brussels Airlines Business Class - read the full expert review
Budapest, Hungary
A fairytale city with graceful bridges, heritage buildings, charming courtyards and cobbled streets, Budapest stands on the banks of the Danube, split into the hilly castle enclave of Buda and the bustling Pest. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to ruin pubs and thermal baths, the Hungarian capital has countless surprises to keep you hooked.
Follow the scent of cinnamon and roast chestnuts to the most popular Christmas market at Vorosmarty Square. The carnival atmosphere comes packed with traditional Hungarian food vendors, fine-quality handcraft stalls, folklore performances, music concerts, and puppet shows. Head to the nearby market of the St. Stephen's Basilica for more stalls, an ice-skating rink and folk dance shows. The Christmas laser projections on the Basilica are a bonus you wouldn't like to miss.
Dates to bookmark: 17th November to 1st January, 2025
Stage of splendour: Vorosmarty Square and St. Stephen's Basilica
Gorge-worthy festive delights: Cinnamon chimney cake cooked over an open fire
Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Cologne, Germany
The fourth-largest city of Germany and the cultural hub of Rhineland is a mixed bag of old-world charm and contemporary verve. Modern bars and vintage brew houses serve local Kölsch beer and old Rhine cuisine, with a nonstop party atmosphere. Romanesque and Gothic architecture adorns the rustic cobblestone streets of the 2,000-year-old city, where the showstopper is the soaring edifice of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral and a thriving art scene provides an unexpected twist to the itinerary.
The "Cathedral City" glitters during the Christmas season. The scene of all the action is the market at the square under the Cathedral. Here, the most gigantic Christmas tree in all of Rhineland takes centre stage. Hundreds of sparkling fairy lights, wooden stalls, regional dishes and a traditional carousel attract locals and visitors alike. Further ahead, there are more pitstops, including Angels' Christmas Market in Neumarkt Square with gingerbread-like wooden chalets, Nikolausdorf with a chocolate box village chapel and Heumarkt with an ice-skating rink, stage performances and gospel.
Dates to bookmark: 18th November to 23rd December, 2024
Stage of splendour: Cologne Cathedral, Nikolausdorf, Heumarkt
Gorge-worthy festive delights: Steaming Glühwein (mulled wine) and Käsespätzle
Stay: Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dam
Getting there: Lufthansa Business Class - read the full expert review
Edinburgh, Scotland
Built on seven hills, the striking city of Edinburgh overwhelms with its dramatic skyline, a monumental castle, medieval architecture, mysterious wynds and graceful Georgian buildings. But the Scottish capital is also about Michelin-starred restaurants, chic cafés, buzzing pubs, famous festivals and outstanding art galleries.
One of the world's best traditional Christmas Markets is located at East Princes Street Gardens, in the heart of the downtown. Rows and rows of stalls tempt holiday revellers with authentic and artisanal products. The market is inaugurated with an eye-popping lights ceremony and fireworks display. Meet elves, buy Harry Potter themed gifts, sample local delicacies and sway to music performances. Top up the extravaganza with a ride on the 108-foot-tall Edinburgh Eye. The panorama is staggering.
Dates to bookmark: 18th November to 5th January, 2025
Stage of splendour: East Princes Street Gardens (market), West Princes Street Gardens (family-friendly funfair), George Street (ice rink & market), and St Andrew Square (Santa & Festival of Kindness).
Gorge-worthy festive delights: Spiced cider
Stay: The Glasshouse, a YTL Hotel
Getting there: British Airways Club World - read the full expert review
Gothenburg, Sweden
Sweden's second city is a haven for culturists with opera, theatre, museums, experimental cuisine and music scene. The Scandi city is pure eye-candy with Dutch-style canals and leafy boulevards. Not to mention the public saunas and fashion-forward shopping. But what really gives Gothenburg an edge is the nearby archipelago of 20 villages.
Liseberg is the spot for Sweden's most famous Christmas open-air market, where 700 trees are illuminated with millions of lights. Dozens of handicraft shops, winter rides and fine restaurants are on offer as part of the festivities. Apart from a mesmerising light show, the highlight of the market is the daily ballet show.
Dates to bookmark: 16th November to 31th December, 2024
Stage of splendour: Liseberg
Gorge-worthy festive delights: Goblets of Scandinavian mulled wine, Glögg
Stay: Upper House
Getting there: SAS Business Class - read the full expert review
Manchester, England
Multicultural Manchester is known for its rich industrial and maritime heritage and ranks as Britain’ second city in terms of cultural importance. It also has an impressive sporting legacy marked with two world-class football teams and a laudable musical heritage with one of Britain's most famed orchestras. Packed with Neo-Gothic buildings, excellent museums and unparalleled dining options, Manchester is a superb choice for a city break in the U.K.
The city hosts the best Christmas market in the country, where over 300 chalet-style stalls are dotted across multiple sites, attracting millions of visitors every year. The central hub of the markets this year will be Piccadilly Gardens or Winter Gardens. The fiesta will continue at Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, King Street and Market Street.
Dates to bookmark: OPEN NOW to December 22nd, 2024
Stage of splendour: Piccadilly Gardens
Gorge-worthy festive delights: Cookie dough with whipped cream and mulled gin.
Stay: The Stock Exchange
Getting there: British Airways Club World - read the full expert review
Oslo, Norway
Norway’s capital is a heady blend of cultural traditions, renowned museums and natural beauty. The city has a culture steeped in arts and history, but it is also a thriving metropolis and party hot spot. Get your art fix at the Munch Museum, a session of history at the Viking Ship Museum and an entertaining evening at The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet to know the pulse of Oslo.
Jul i Winterland, located in Oslo city centre, is Norway's largest Christmas market. Decorated stalls, a tree-lined ice skating rink, theatre, concerts and theme park rides promise nonstop fun. Meet-and-greet with Santa, attend gingerbread house workshops and stroll through the iconic tunnel of twinkling lights for truly Norwegian holiday cheer.
Dates to bookmark: OPEN NOW to 31st December, 2024
Stage of splendour: Jul i Vinterland
Gorge-worthy festive delights: Risengrynsgrøt (hot rice pudding)
Stay: Hotel Continental - read the full BusinessClass.com review
Getting there: SAS Business Class - read the full expert review
Prague, Czech Republic
Mother of all Cities, Prague, is the stuff of storybook romance, with a flowing river, medieval bridges, a majestic castle, ancient squares and winding cobbles. Art Nouveau design influence of Alfons Mucha, quirky sculptures of David Černý and Cubist facades stand shoulder to shoulder with Baroque buildings and Gothic churches in postcard-perfect Prague.
Bookmark the Christmas markets in Old Town Square for a glorious, old-world setting between 14th-century twin spires of Our Lady Before Týn and the 15th-century Astronomical Clock. The square buzzes with live shows, carol concerts and dance performances. Bohemian glass artefacts, wooden toys and cookie cutters are up for grabs in the stalls. Spiced mulled wine, gourmet specialities and gingerbread biscuits cater to gastronomic urges.
Dates to bookmark: 30th November to 6th January, 2025
Stage of splendour: Old Town Square
Gorge-worthy festive delights: Trdelník and a glass of grog
Stay: Mandarin Oriental Prague
Salzburg, Austria
Famously dubbed the Golden City of High Baroque, Salzburg is synonymous with its most famous son, Mozart and the shooting locations of 'The Sound of Music. Austria’s prettiest city makes an impact with its Baroque churches, medieval palaces, concert halls, monasteries, lavish gardens and ancient marketplaces. The portrait-like setting against the snow-capped Alps, along the Salzach River, adds to the magnetic appeal.
The World Heritage-listed Old City where the 'Silent Night' was written is ideal for celebrating a memorable Christmas. 15th-century-style market stalls pull visitors with sweet apple strudels, traditional wind music and twinkling lights. Take a dive deep into the festive mood by joining the concerts at the Cathedral or singing carols on the streets.
Dates to bookmark: 23rd November to 1st January, 2025
Stage of splendour: Dom and Residenzplatz
Gorge-worthy festive delights: Glühwein or hot chocolate
Stay: Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Getting there: Austrian Airlines Business Class - read the full expert review
Tallinn, Estonia
The Estonian capital is a cultural hot spot with a well-preserved walled city filled with ancient churches, medieval streets and aristocratic merchant houses. But Tallinn has rapidly reinvented itself from a post-Soviet, seaside town with a host of fine restaurants, Nordic-inspired cuisine and craft breweries.
The snow-blanketed cobbled streets of Town Hall Square are the location for the continent's most epic Christmas market. In this very market, the first Christmas tree was displayed in Europe, way back in 1441. Stock up on handmade wreaths, local crafts, honey and sheepskin rugs before you drop in to see Santa in his winter grotto.
Dates to bookmark: 24th November to 7th January, 2025
Stage of splendour: Town Hall Square
Gorge-worthy festive delights: Vana Tallinn (rum-based liqueur) and black pudding
Stay: Schlössle Hotel
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