December 3, 2024 | 07:03 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Christmas is synonymous with extensive festivities, triumphant celebrations, and rapturous euphoria experienced by people from all walks of life. Among other prevailing traditions during the holy month, shopping sprees are still dearly favored. With carols playing on the back, families gather together to look for the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2024.
To curate the list of the best Christmas markets in Europe, European Best Destination recently released its annual survey, which involves more than 750,000 votes from travelers worldwide. Let’s go on a full exploration of the beaming markets below.
10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe
From Poland’s Gdansk, Romania’s Craiova, to Switzerland’s Geneva, here is a complete snapshot of the best Christmas markets in Europe for a hearty dose of holiday cheer.
1. Gdansk, Poland
Voted the best Christmas market in Europe by more than 90,000 people, Gdansk Christmas Market is famous for its delightful dining options, scenic zone streets as well as dance and theater performances. Throughout the joyous road, visitors will be pampered by the artistic music and Christmas embellishments, with the popular moose Lucek’s hideaway, Santa’s corner, and a Venetian carousel appearing as great additions.
2. Craiova, Romania
Seasoned travelers recently crowned Romania’s Craiova as the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe for its stunning decorations and overall ambiance. Spanning over 280,000 square meters, Europe's largest Christmas market offers thrilling experiences in four different worlds, namely Beauty and the Beast, Santa’s Village, Traditional Romanian Christmas, and Galactic Christmas. Other remarkable attractions under the illuminating lights are Santa’s flying sleigh, an ice rink, and a panoramic Ferris wheel.
3. Geneva, Switzerland
By Lake Geneva at Quai du Mont-Blanc, Noël au Quai market stands out as an enchanting one-in-a-lifetime winter festivity where culinary delights await. Featuring talented local artisans, unique gifts are beautifully wrapped to cater to visitors’ needs and wishes. For a more authentic holiday experience, 30 food stalls are set up to serve heartwarming delicacies, with mulled wine and the iconic Chalet a Fondue stealing the spotlight.
4. Riga, Latvia
Encompassing remarkable landmarks, such as Opera Square, Bastejkalns, and Kronvalda Park into a mesmerizing colorful Christmas wonderland, Latvia’s Riga has been recognized as the best Christmas Lights in Europe for bringing Latvian fairy tales into life. Its authentic atmosphere is signified by the addition of delectable cuisine, breathtaking parks, and a vibrant cultural environment.
5. Asti-Govone, Italy
Located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the seventeenth edition of the Magical Christmas Village at Italy’s Asti-Govone offers an enchanting experience of Christmas celebrations in the style of the 19th century. Travelers are invited to cozy up in the iconic Santa’s House and enjoy a night to remember at Europe's most romantic Christmas market.
6. Essen, Germany
For several years, the Essen International Christmas Market has been universally known as the most sustainable Christmas market in Europe, which utilizes green electricity and eliminates the usage of disposable plastic utensils when serving culinary delights. Visitors can also shop for a wide variety of goods originating from over 20 countries around the world and organic products.
7. Valkenburg, The Netherlands
The European City of Christmas, Valkenburg, will once again host one of the year’s most anticipated Christmas parades in Europe. Adorned with twinkling lights, the astounding Christmas parade is the highlight of the magical atmosphere that will awaken the senses of the visitors, so be ready to see, smell, hear, and taste the joy of Christmas all around the city.
8. Montbeliard, France
Imagine how romantic France would look under the mesmerizing Christmas lights of Montbeliard's festivities. This stunning town is entirely decorated with more than 140 stalls of top-quality gifts, crafts, and all the perfect holiday treats. A stroll throughout the winter wonderland will surely put a smile on your beloved’s face.
9. Vienna, Austria
Christmas gifts, sweets, warming beverages, and tree decorations, are just a few of the dazzling features that will welcome your families into the Vienna Magic of Advent. The City Hall Square is transformed into a Christmas playground in front of the Schönbrunn Palace, and there are a plethora of winter adventures to explore.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Having spent a decade on the list of best Christmas markets in Europe, Prague's Old Town Square Christmas markets are worldwide stars for their magical holiday experience. Beyond the shopping and dining delights, idyllic cultural traditions bring the markets even more festive.
Editor's Choice: 8 Lively Christmas Traditions in Indonesia
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
KAI and French Ambassador to Unveil Plaque on French Poet Arthur Rimbaud
32 detik lalu
French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabian Penone and PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) talked about getting ready for the Arthur Rimbaud plaque's inauguration
AirAsia Ready to Lower Airplane Ticket Prices for Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
2 hari lalu
AirAsia Indonesia supports the government to reduce domestic flight ticket prices during the Christmas and New Year Holiday period.
7 Christmas Vacation Ideas for Families, a True Winter Wonderland
2 hari lalu
From Lake Tahoe to Chicago, this article explores seven Christmas vacation ideas that promise a magical and joyful winter escape.
Trade Minister Targets MinyaKita Cooking Oil Price to Drop This Week
4 hari lalu
The national average price of MinyaKita has currently reached Rp17,100 per liter, exceeding the highest Retail Price (HET) of Rp15,700 per liter.
Unveiling the Richest Person in Italy 2024; Here's the Top 10 List
4 hari lalu
There are currently 73 billionaires in Italy as of March 2024, but who is the wealthiest? Read on to find who the richest person in Italy is.
Indonesia to Lower Airfares by 10% during Christmas-New Year Holidays, Purchases Starting December 19
5 hari lalu
The decision to lower airfares or airplane ticket prices is expected to boost the economy and domestic tourism in the last quarter of 2024.
France Breaks Promise to Arrest Netanyahu, Here's Why
5 hari lalu
France changes its position in responding to the ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu. What's the reason?
France Says Israel's Netanyahu Has Immunity, will Continue Working with Him
5 hari lalu
France has taken almost a week to come up with a clear position on the matter after the court in The Hague issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu.
After Mary Jane and Bali Nine, Indonesia Plans to Repatriate Inmate Serge Areski Atlaoui to France
6 hari lalu
Serge Areski Atlaoui is a French national who was arrested at a drug factory in Cikande, Tangerang, Indonesia, in 2005. He was sentenced to death.
Israel, Hezbollah Agree to Ceasefire Brokered by U.S. and France, to Take Effect Wednesday
6 hari lalu
Ceasefire between Israel & Iran-backed group Hezbollah will take effect on Wednesday after both sides accepted an agreement brokered by U.S. & France.