Europe’s Christmas markets, unwrapped
The North Pole may be home to Santa’s workshop, but some of the most atmospheric and charming Christmas markets are held in the village squares, parks and streets of Europe’s oldest cities. Cloaked in joy, festivity and fun, these traditional markets are the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and stock up on gifts for under the tree. We have highlighted some of our favourites for you to explore. So fire up the sleigh and get ready for an unforgettable trip.
A very British Christmas
Christmas in London could be the opening scene of any good rom-com, and Covent Garden’s Christmas Market sets the stage perfectly. Think dazzling decorations, show-stopping light displays and a glittering ice rink to glide across. But if newer and brighter tickles your tree, head over to the Winter Wonderland theme park in Hyde Park, where the rides are big, the thrills are bigger and the fun is bigger still. Following the festivities north, you will find the historic charm of the Edinburgh Christmas Market nestling beneath Edinburgh Castle in Princes Street Gardens. Its festive cheer is well worth the visit.
Twinkling lights and tradition in Germany
Germany delivers postcard-worthy traditional Christmas markets. Most notably, the Nuremburg Christkindlesmarkt in Hauptmarkt Square. One of the oldest and most famous, it dates to the 16th century and is a bonanza of traditional crafts, treats and music. You may even see the iconic Christkind, the bringer of gifts! If the scent of pine needles is on your “nice” list, the Dortmund Christmas Market delivers. Home to the largest natural Christmas tree in the world, it attracts over 3.5 million visitors annually. Another top market to meander is the visually stunning Stuttgart Christmas Market, its elaborately decorated stalls and Renaissance backdrop transport you back in time.
Unexpected festive finds in the Netherlands and Austria
When it comes to unusual markets, the Kerststad Valkenburg market in the Netherlands takes the Christmas cake. It’s a magical experience that includes underground caves with decorated passages and tiny stalls with a surprisingly charming medieval feel. Amsterdam, on the other hand, delivers a mix of city energy and festive spirit as the Museumplein transforms into a Christmas village filled with stalls, food and merriment. From here, it’s a restful pause at a Priority Pass lounge and a quick flight to Austria – another glittering star on the European market map. The Christmas World in the Rathausplatz is quite probably the most famous in Vienna, where the beautiful neo-gothic city hall provides an impressive backdrop for the extensive stalls, lights and holiday cheer. Another top stop is the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt on Domplatz and Residenzplatz. Famed for delivering a “classic” Salzburg market experience, it's filled with traditional Austrian crafts, seasonal treats and evening concerts.
Keep the Christmas spirit alive with Priority Pass
Hearts full of festive cheer and bags brimming with treasures from Europe’s most magical Christmas markets, treat yourself to a moment to catch your breath in a Priority Pass lounge before carrying the magic of Europe’s Christmas markets home with you.