Dating time for 1458, Leipzig’s publication rack one of the oldest in Germany, as well as one of the largest, with attractions ranging from a fairytale forest to a 65-foot Christmas tree. Greater than 250 stalls — such as a medieval market, one of the main attractions — are distributed across six locations in the historical city center.
The magic of the Leipzig Christmas is located in the simple pleasures, like nibbling on local Pulsnitz gingerbread as traditional trombonists perform their nightly routine within the balcony from the Old Town Hall. Don’t leave without selecting a Feuerzangenbowle stand; the regular German alcoholic cocktail involves setting a rum-soaked sugarloaf racing and allowing it to drip into mulled wine. Leipzig’s market transpires from November 27th until December 23rd.
2. Kaysersberg, France
The Kaysersberg Christmas market festivities occur along side town’s historic ramparts — together with a watchtower which had been once part of the Château de Kaysersberg. Craftsmen’s huts along at the market include floral art, pottery, and yuletide decorations made from blown glass, wood, fabrics, along with artisan specialities. Save room for must-try Christmas treats like bredeles (a regular biscuit through the area), gingerbread, malt beers, and mulled wine. Town, fully dolled up in a large number of lights, also puts on numerous Christmas concerts and recitals to ring inside the Advent season. Kaysersberg’s Christmas market only happens within the four weekends between November 30th and December 23rd.
3. Vienna, Austria
Shop for handcrafted goods between visits to punch and chestnut stands for the Viennese Christmas markets — assure to have pleasure in freshly baked vanillekipferl, a nutty, buttery, crescent-shaped traditional biscuit dusted with vanilla sugar. Vienna’s Christmas market tradition extends back to 1298, when Albrecht I granted citizens the legal right to hold a Krippenmarkt, or December market. Today, over 20 official Christmas villages are held around Vienna. On the weekends, you may also take note of international choirs caroling at City Hall. Vienna hosts one of several longest running Christmas markets in Europe, lasting from November 15th until December 26th.
4. Colmar, France
Each within the five mini villages getting back together La Magie de Noël à Colmar, that can take place from November 23rd to December 30th, have distinct charms. Colmar’s Christmas sector is made from 180 stalls spread throughout Old Colmar, providing a fairytale setting for all you sugarplum dreams. This French town shares a border with Germany and Switzerland, and also the Alsace influence is best shown inside the market’s gourmet goodies: anticipate finding local producers selling from foie gras (duck or goose liver) to cheese, meats, honey, gingerbread, cakes, and even more.
5. Montreux, Switzerland
Switzerland’s Montreux Noël transpires on the shores of Lake Geneva, with live music, light shows, and 160 illuminated chalet stalls having a warm ambiance for visitors since they stroll and enjoy the ritzy resort town during winter. Look out for Father christmas on his flying sleigh between Lumberjack Village and include du Marché, and don’t miss the ability to consider using a cup of lumberjack tea from La Cabane des Bûcherons or fondue-based specialities from Chalet Heidi. Montreux Noël is defined for November 22nd through December 24th.
6. Strasbourg, France
For a genuine holiday extravaganza, visit the oldest Christmas market in France (and one in the oldest within Europe), sometimes generally known as “the capital city of Christmas.” The Strasbourg Christmas market dates completely time for 1570, and this year’s industry is scheduled for November 23rd through December 30th. Based in the Grande-Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Strasbourg’s Christmas companies are derived from 300 stalls spread throughout the historic city center. Much of it takes place nearby the Cathédral Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, a posh 15th-century Gothic-style cathedral. The fragrance of mulled wine and fresh spiced pastries like kougelhopf brioches and pain d’epice drift from the cold streets, enticing visitors to indulge.
7. Dresden, Germany
The Dresden Striezelmarkt would be the oldest Christmas market in Germany. The name hails from the city’s traditional braided yeast pastry, now referred to as the Dresdner Christstollen. On opening day\’s the industry, the Mayor of Dresden cuts right into a six-foot Dresdner Christstollen, which happens to be then given to attendees of the ecumenical service with the Church of your Holy Cross. Afterward, visitors can begin to play Saxon treats on the of your 11 markets when they watch Father Christmas and his awesome elves open the day’s window inside Advent calendar. Dresden’s Christmas market lasts from November 28th until December 24th.
