Christmas Markets in France, England and Germany Worth Seeing in Person

Christmas markets are a holiday tradition in many parts of the world but the ones in Europe are especially beautiful. You’ll find beautiful handmade gifts to buy, delicious treats and of course cheerful Christmas music. In the United States, they have popped up quite a bit but the following three are worth getting on an airplane for this holiday season.

Winter Wonderland in London, England

From November 21, 2019 to January 20, 2020, this Christmas market is one of the top ones to check out in Europe. It repeatedly attracts many people because it has such a large selection of festive entertainment and activities including:

Ice skating to live music on the Winter Wonderland ice rink, the UK’s largest outdoor rink.

Free shows including, “A Christmas Carol” presented by the Magical Ice Kingdon, “Paddington on Ice – The Grand Voyage,” “Zippos Christmas Circus” or “Cirque Berserk” which are both acrobatic shows and “Mr. Men and Little Miss – The Show,” a children’s show.

Take in the best view of London at the legendary Giant Observation Wheel.

Bring your kids along to ride a carousel or, for the braver, ride on your choice of nine rollercoasters at the fairground.

Have fun laughing at the jokes of some of the best comedians at the Winter Wonderland Comedy Club.

Visit the the Ice Sculpting workshops and create your own masterpiece.

Marché de Noël in Strasbourg, France

This is the largest and most well-known Christmas market in France. Strasbourg even calls itself the “Capital of Christmas!” It has more then 300 stalls, gorgeous fairy lights, and a variety of shows and concerts. Make sure to take a picture at the beautiful Great Christmas Tree. This stand at more than 98 feet tall.

It requires two climbers, a dozen electricians, eight landscape designers, two cherry pickers that are over 131 feet tall and miles of garlands. It takes three weeks to complete the work.

It is open from November 22^nd to December 30^th (and is closed on Christmas).

The Magic of Christmas (“La Magie de Noël) Christmas Market in Paris, France

Located at the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre Museum, this one has more than 100 stands (or “chalets”) selling French wine, gifts and of course delicious food. You’ll also find rides for your kids to enjoy and even an ice rink. It’s open from the last week in November until the first week of January of the following year and is free to enter. It attracts more than 15 million visitors and locals every year.

The market was originally located at the Champs Élysées but a dispute between the organizers and the City resulted in its cancellation in 2017. It was moved to its current location and has stayed there since then.

Frankfurt Christmas Market in Frankfurt, Germany

This is one of the largest Christmas markets in all of Germany with more than 3 million visitors.

It traces back to 1393 and traditionally included ecclesiastical mystery plays. You’ll enjoy 200 stalls to purchase beautiful gifts including classic wooden toys, rocking horses, dolls and decorations. You’ll also find delicious Christmas specialties like mulled wine, roast chestnuts, grilled sausages and gingerbread as well.

Don’t miss the giant Christmas tree decorated with 6500 lights and 300+ red ribbons and stands at over 98 feet tall. You won’t want to miss the chiming of the church bells: 10 churches and 50 bells ring to create an amazing sound experience. You’ll find an arts and crafts market, Advent concerts, and of course a visit by Santa Claus.

It starts on November 25^th and ends on December 22^nd.

There are so many Christmas markets to find in Europe and the time to book your ticket is now. Come just before, during or right after the holidays and you’ll be sure to have a great time as Europe really knows how to make the celebrations extra special each year. If you have been craving a trip to Europe, we’re here for you!

Just contact us at 1-877-530-5560 or complete our Contact Form and we’ll put together the perfect travel arrangements and itinerary for you!