Magical Christmas Markets To Add To Your Europe Bucket List
By SYDNEY BAKER
This city is nicknamed the "Christmas Capital of France" thanks to its stunning markets, unique atmosphere, culture, cuisine, and French and German traditions.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg has a few markets open from the last week of November until Christmas Eve, and you'll see classic Alsatian characters like Saint Nicholas, Hanns Trapp, and Christkindel.
There are four different markets in Budapest, a city split by the Danube River whose two sides, Buda and Pest, were historically separate municipalities.
Budapest, Hungary
Most sites and attractions are located on the "Pest" side, including the market in Vörösmarty Square, which is the largest in the city.
On the Buda side, the Óbuda market has a local feel, or take the train to Szentendre for an artsy feel. The markets are usually open from mid-November through New Year's Day.
The markets in Metz are among the biggest in France and sell a wide variety of local goodies, including Moselle wine and Mirabelle plum products.
Metz, France
The main markets are in Place d'Armes. Place de la République features ice skating, food is highlighted at Place Saint-Jacques, and Place Saint-Louis shimmers with festive lights.
The vibe is noticeably more rustic here than in other big-city markets or commercialized ones, and the backdrop features a looming castle over the town.
Heidelberg, Germany
Start at Bismarckplatz, then stroll down to Anatomiegarten for personalized Christmas mugs. Wooden market stalls are found throughout the Alstadt, Marktplatz, and Kornmarkt.
The Kornmarkt has a winter forest with hundreds of Christmas trees that create a mystical atmosphere, and everything culminates in a large square called Universitätsplatz.
This town's brightly colored buildings and small canal known as "Petite Venice" feel like a holiday dream. There are a few different Christmas trees every year.
Colmar, France
Mini Christmas villages are found throughout the city, including a gourmet one at Rue de la Montagne Verte, one in the Old Town Square, and an Alsace village at Place Jeanne d'Arc.