Do you hear what I hear? It is the sound of church bells nestled inside tall steeples, Christmas music drifting by way of the air, and folks of all ages chattering at Christmas markets. Christmas in Europe is magical. There is not any higher option to describe it. Is it chilly? Sure. However put in your warmest coat and fuzziest socks and marvel at the great thing about the quaint villages, snow lined rooftops, and over-the-top extravagant Christmas decor. I’ve complied 25 pictures that can encourage you to spend Christmas in Europe.
Once I moved overseas many individuals requested, particularly across the holidays, if I used to be homesick. However my reply was a powerful, “No”. The rationale? There’s simply an excessive amount of to see and do across the holidays. Large cities like London, Paris, Munich, and Vienna exit of their option to embellish each inch of storefront and deck their complete streets with lights. Smaller cities like Strasbourg, Colmar, and Heidelberg are gingerbread cities come to life with Christmas markets dotted beside the half-timbered houses.
See the perfect Christmas Markets in Europe right here.
I assumed one of the simplest ways to indicate you these locations was to provide you a number of the prettiest footage from winter in Europe. From Switzerland, France, Germany, and past. The Introduction season begins with the start of Christmas markets all through Europe however is particular to locations like Germany and Austria since Christmas markets originated right here. The “Weihnachtsmarkt” (Christmas Market) or “Christkindelsmarkt” (actually means Christ little one market) has been historically held within the city squares since 1310 in Munich. Vienna, Austria had the primary December market all the way in which again in 1296. So once you’re at a Christmas market or spending Christmas in Europe, you are taking part in a time honored custom. So seize the glüwein and let’s get to it!
Advised Route
Begin in Frankfurt, it is a main airport hub permitting easy accessibility to many stunning locations, and make your approach by way of Germany. I would recommend renting a automotive to have ease of getting from place to put. However you too can discover the prepare system very simple. Frankfurt just isn’t a phenomenal place (sorry, Frankfurters) however they do have a market there. My suggestion? Skip it and head on all the way down to Heidelberg.
From Heidelberg make your approach to some different German Christmas markets. Those in Nuremberg, Worms, Rothenburg Ob der Tauber, and Munich are distinctive. Make your approach subsequent by automotive or prepare over to the stunningly stunning markets in France. I would recommend Strasbourg and Colmar. Each are on the border of Germany, so it is a simple trek over the border.
Subsequent, I recommend heading south to Switzerland! Right here you possibly can go to Basel, only a brief journey over the German Border. Try the Christmas markets there then take a brief journey to stunning Bern. About an hour away you will discover Lucerne located on the lake.
That is a number of floor to cowl, however if you would like to see extra of Europe then carry on heading east. You might then make your approach over to Vienna, Austria for some of the magical Christmas markets on this planet. If you happen to nonetheless have not had your fill, go north to Prague for Christmas markets all through town.
The 25 pictures beneath will characterize the journey alongside the route.
Heidelberg, Germany
A real illustration of a beautiful German Christmas market is Heidelberg. You will discover piping scorching glüwein and an ice skating rink beneath a grand citadel. The stalls are ornately embellished and there are numerous choices for purchasing and consuming!
Try my full information to Heidelberg’s Christmas markets.
The Black Forest, Germany
I moved to Germany to journey Europe, and I typically neglect simply how fantastic the wonder close by Heidelberg could be. The Black Forest is an ideal instance of this. We drove from the city of Baden Baden and watched the solar set over the mountains. It is a actually breathtaking view. Right here you will discover snowboarding, stunning chalets, and scrumptious Black Forest Cake in close by cafes.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg is likely one of the most conventional and well-known Christmas markets in Germany. You may get an actual really feel for what Christmas markets had been like again within the 1300s and a number of the embellished stalls promoting meals and Christmas decor date again to 1890.
Worms, Germany
Worms is a small metropolis however boasts some critical historical past. This is the place Martin Luther is commemorated to be declared a heretic. The Christmas markets right here will not be overcrowded, but you will nonetheless get the standard really feel.
See my journey information to Worms and Nuremberg for Christmas.
Rothernburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany
Sure, Rothernburg Ob Der Tauber has an extended title but it surely refers to the truth that it is nonetheless surrounded by its metropolis partitions. This medieval metropolis will really feel like Christmas irrespective of the time of yr you go. However they do have pretty markets and even a Christmas museum. Right here you will discover the unbelievable Christmas retailer Käthe Wohlfahrt.
Try my full information to Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber.
Munich, Germany
The jewel of Germany is Munich. You will discover a number of the prettiest structure, enjoyable eating places, and the house of Oktoberfest. However the snow lined rooftops of Munich within the winter is perhaps the loveliest. Munich is claimed to be the the place Christmas markets originated after Vienna, Austria had the primary preliminary market.
Try my full information to Munich.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg at Christmas could be described in a single phrase: magical. This elaborate, basic Christmas fantasy city simply over the border from Germany, looks like a Currier and Ives winter etching come to life. Golden lights twinkle atop lengthy stretches of particular person market stalls embellished with imaginative Christmas settings — toy land, sweet forests, dreamy snowscapes — all tinseled and glowing. Locals tempt the fixed movement of strolling market-goers with regional meals, scorching mulled drinks, hand-knit mittens, scarves, and an array of cold-weather clothes.
See my full information to Strasbourg at Christmas right here and lots of extra footage!
Colmar, France
If you happen to thought Strasbourg was fairly, wait till you enterprise to Colmar. The whole city appears to be like like a gingerbread wonderland full with multicolored houses promoting macaroons, croissants, and painted by hand glass ornaments. It is a type of locations that I can not totally fathom is actual.
Basel, Switzerland
Once I traveled to Basel with my Mother I wasn’t anticipating a lot. I used to be improper. This beautiful metropolis is located on a river and the Christmas markets are brightly embellished stalls brimming with trinkets and decor.
Bern, Switzerland
One of many very best treats I’ve ever had at a Christmas market was in Bern, Switzerland. The melt-in-your-mouth caramel was decadently divine and one thing I can not seem to discover anyplace else. The town has a gargantuan cathedral, fairly tree lined boulevards, and sheepskin furs on nearly each chair. It simply feels costly. Perhaps as a result of it’s. However it’s value it to go.
Try my full information to Bern, Switzerland.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Beautiful Lucerne is situated on the banks of the lake of the identical title. Stroll throughout the oldest lined bridge on this planet and marvel on the pretty lit up metropolis at evening. The markets listed here are uniquely Swiss and remarkably full of life. One girl scores a sale of her woolen hats by exhibiting how the gadgets hanging from her chalet-style stall come from her sheep raised and sheered by her father and stitched collectively by her mom on her household’s close by farm.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is well-known for its overpowering structure and highly effective bridge. It is a quintessential Christmas vacation spot because it echos the way in which Christmas markets had been orchestrated previously. The markets are stuffed with scrumptious pastries referred to as Trdelníks and roasting meats.
See my information to Prague.
Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is likely one of the most stunning cities I’ve ever seen in my life. The glistening alps above and the spectacular metropolis beneath. Irrespective of the time of yr, it is a good time to go to Innsbruck. It feels such as you’re inside a snow globe on this cheerful, vibrant metropolis.
See my journey information to Innsbruck, Austria right here.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is well-known for its stately structure. However come Christmas time it is much more opulent with string lights on each constructing. I am significantly infatuated with the chandeliers seemingly hung in midair on the flamboyant streets. The Christmas markets are clear and vivid and you may’t NOT stroll round this metropolis and not using a smile in your face.
Try my full information to Vienna in 3 days.
London, England
England does it proper relating to Christmas. The decor on each avenue is totally mind-blowing. I keep in mind strolling down Oxford Road with my mouth extensive open in amazement. There’s additionally a Christmas market in Hyde Park that is over-the-top enjoyable and the English model of a German custom.
Try my information to London Christmas proper right here.
This is a fast look infographic I made to make Europe Christmas planning even simpler. (Pin it so you do not neglect it!).
Christmas time in Europe is one in all my favourite elements from my transfer overseas. There’s an amazing feeling of pure pleasure and the Christmas spirit feels genuine. Everybody must make a visit at the least as soon as of their life through the colder months. I promise, it is value it!
See the perfect Christmas Markets in Europe right here.
See my Christmas Market Highway journey itinerary right here!
P.S. I share much more pictures on my Instagram, @heleneinbetween. All pictures edited with my Lightroom presets discovered right here!
The place’s your favourite place for Christmas?