For several years I’ve made visiting different Christmas markets around Europe a travel tradition – one that I love perhaps more than any other. During the holiday season the towns and cities of Europe drop their tourist image and replace it with a more intimate and local experience. It’s during the holidays that we get to taste the best foods of the regions and to celebrate with residents as they usher in the Christmas season. It’s also I think a uniquely beautiful time to be in Europe, as I hope these photos show.
wow..you sum up the beauty of Christmas with just 14 photos. Each photo looks amazing. You can really feel the spirit of Christmas in each place.
Thanks Marie!
My wife and I went to Vienna, Bratislava and Munich’s markets last year. Bratislava is very intimate and wonderful. We’re waiting to finalize airfare but are leaning towards Munich,Nuremberg,Strasbourg and Paris next year. Where are you off to this year?
Wow that sounds great! Doing a Rhine River cruise, so Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland.
We are also, eight of us on Rhine River cruise. Out travel group includes two teens. Are there many children on the cruises? Tips, advice?
Just like any other sort of cruise it depends on the company, time of year and so on. During December though you’re more likely to find multigen groups, including teens, but in general the cruises are not geared towards that age group.
I can totally understand why you go every year! Europe at Christmastime is nothing short of magical.
Yeah, it’s my favorite Christmas tradition now. Every year we choose didn’t places to visit and I look forward to it more than anything else. :)
You should visit the one in Esslingen (near Stuttgart). It’s beautiful! A medieval market and a “modern” one. The houses that encircle the market are all very old and in the background you can see the castle- it’s magical!
Very beautiful collection! It’s not hard to understand why you love this tradition so much, Christmas markets are the best part of European winter for us, too!
Though we haven’t seen much of the big famous Christmas markets so far, but after having a magical visit to Vienna this year we want to continue exploring them in the upcoming years.