Experiences

Europe’s Must-See Christmas Markets

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And the 2023 festive season is off to a sparkling start, with enchanting Christmas markets bringing added magic to many of Europe’s most desirable destinations. Now is the perfect time to plan a seasonal city break - using our hand-picked guide to help you decide which must-see festive markets will add most delight to your winter.

29 Nov 2022 6 min to read

Germany

Germany is really BIG on seasonal festivities! As the probable home of the original Christmas markets, it now offers a dazzling array of options in a choice of exciting cities - plus a jam-packed calendar of fantastic festivities.

Buzzing Berlin comes truly alive for the holiday season, brightened by more than 100 Christmas markets (Nov 27 – Jan 7). Try candle making in the Advent Market at the Domäne Dahlem. Watch the acrobats and fire performers at the stylish WeihnachtsZauber on Bebelplaz. Or shop with Berliners for beautiful handicrafts, at Karl-August-Platz. Soak up the festive spirit by staying at the feel-good Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz – overlooking the fun at a number of festive markets.

The lovely cathedral city of Cologne delights both locals and seasonal visitors with an inspirational choice of themed and lavishly decorated Christmas Markets (Nov 23– Dec 23): the twinkling stunner in the shadow of the Dom becomes an outdoor disco after dark. Shop for high-quality, original gifts. And treat yourself to German classics like Käsespätzle (bouncy little egg dumplings tossed in cheese) and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes with sugar) - washed down by craft beer our fair-trade coffee. Guests at the stylish Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne are perfectly placed to explore all the sumptuous main festive fairs - plus the many smaller, neighborhood markets selling regionally made goods and traditional specialties

Dresden claims to be the home of Germany’s oldest Christmas Market. Dating back to 1434, the Dresdner Striezelmarkt brings a sparkle to the atmospheric Altmarkt Square (Nov 29 - Dec 24). The world’s tallest candle pyramid takes center stage, surrounded by wooden Smoking Men who breathe out incense. Feast on the local Stollen cake, prune figurines and spiced mulled wine as you shop for wood carvings, lace and Lusatian blue-printed fabrics. Find a perfect place to continue the Christmas magic at the elegant Radisson Blu Park Hotel & Conference Centre, Dresden Radebeul – set in the lovely nearby Lössnitz vineyards.

Cologne Market - Europe’s Must-See Christmas Markets

Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin - Aquarium

Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz - City View Night

Belgium

Head for Belgium to explore some of Europe’s largest and most memorable Christmas markets – and discover the world’s best hot chocolate! The cosmopolitan European capital of Brussels is totally transformed by the annual Winter Wonders extravaganza (Nov 24 - Dec 31). At its heart, lies a glittering Christmas Market, stretching for nearly 3km through the city center and all around the magnificent Grand Place - with its gigantic Christmas tree. Make priceless memories by staying at the exceptional Radisson Collection Hotel, Grand Place Brussels - an iconic Brussels landmark with a brilliantly central location, close to all the excitement. Or pick up on the buzz of the bold and vibrant Radisson RED Brussels, just a short walk away from the Christmas action. The fun and friendly Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi - near the Midi train station – is super convenient for train travelers.

And, if you’re in the mood for even more Belgian Christmas Market magic, take an easy train ride from Brussels to nearby Ghent (30 mins) or beautiful Bruges (1 hour). Ghent Christmas Market (Dec 7 – Dec 31) transforms the historic city center into a winter wonderland with wooden huts, vintage merry-go-rounds, an ice rink, a huge Ferris wheel – plus a special Moose cocktail bar! And the whole of beautiful Bruges turns into a fairytale city as the Winter Glow festival fills the lovely streets with Christmas trees, fairy lights and the scents of buttery waffles and hot chocolate. (Nov 24 – Jan 7). Follow the Light experience trail, skate on the Lake of Love and shop for unusual gifts in the lovely Christmas markets from the ideal base of Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges.

Close to the Belgian border – just an hour from Brussels - Aachen’s traditional German Christmas market is concentrated on the large public squares around the cathedral and Rathaus in the charming old town area (Nov 24 - Dec 23). Around 120 stalls sell excellent quality Christmas-themed goods - ranging from freshly baked waffles to leatherware and wooden toys. Two further smaller Advent Markets are held nearby at Holzgraben and Kugelbrunnen.

Grand Place - Europe’s Must-See Christmas Markets

Radisson Collection Grand Place Brussels - Atrium Restaurant by day

Switzerland

With its soaring snow-capped mountains, pine forests and traditional wooden chalets, Switzerland is a picture postcard-perfect destination to get into the festive spirit. Basel is home to one of Europe’s largest Christmas markets (Nov 23 – Dec 23) stretching down a long street and occupying all of Barfüsserplatz, just around the corner from Radisson Blu Hotel, Basel. Perched on the banks of the River Rhine, this historic city provides a wonderfully festive atmosphere. A special kind of gingerbread, Basel Läckerli, and Swiss raclette are the food of choice for Christmas shoppers.

And, if you fancy a visit to the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg is just an hour away from Basel by train. Located in the Grande Île - a UNESCO world heritage site, - the city’s enchanting main Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Europe. (Nov 24 – Dec 24). Other equally lovely festive markets are dotted around the town.

Basel Markets - Europe’s Must-See Christmas Markets

Radisson Blu Hotel, Basel - Rein Bar & Restaurant

United Kingdom

The UK’s most exciting cities plunge wholeheartedly into the swing of the festive season, offering many different enchanting options. Lively, warm-hearted Manchester becomes even livelier in the run-up to Christmas. The nine, hugely popular Christmas Markets delight with more than 200 stalls - packed with special regional eats, drinks and festive treats (Nov 10 – Dec 21). Follow the magical Manchester Christmas Lights Trail. Then relax in outstanding style at The Edwardian Manchester, a Radisson Collection Hotel. Or continue the good times at the friendly Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre.

Invincible London is one of the world’s most exciting cities. And the enormous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland features a dazzling selection of quaint Christmas Markets (Nov 17 – Jan 1). The awesome range of other festive attractions includes a massive ice rink, two circuses, Santa Land and the Magical Ice Kingdom. Book tickets online in advance. Refuel with traditional fish, chips and mushy peas – or a wicked range of street food temptations - before heading back to a warm, festive welcome at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Berkshire or the elegant Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Hotel, London – both just a short ride away by underground. Or choose from a selection of vibrant, modern Park Plazas hotels, in a choice of great local hotspots, giving easy access to all of London’s amazing attractions.

Beautiful Edinburgh’s famous Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens (Nov 17 – Jan 6) offers treats for all – including mulled Irn Bru, vegan pigs in blankets, Harry Potter-themed gifts, local handmade produce, Santa Land - packed with exciting rides - and Santa’s Grotto. Stay in exceptional style at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh in the heart of the city. Or enjoy the festive warmth of the old town at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Center.

Winter Wonderland - Europe’s Must-See Christmas Markets

The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel - The Spa & Gym

Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh - Garden Paradise Suite

Austria

Vienna just loves Christmas: during winter time all its prettiest squares transform into magical Christmas markets (Nov 11- Dec 26), with the aroma of Christmas baking and hot punch setting the mood throughout the city. The wonderful baroque architecture completes this fairytale atmosphere. A tall candle-lit archway welcomes visitors at the entrance to Town Hall Square, which hosts 150 booths offering gifts, Christmas tree decorations, handicrafts, and culinary treats with a strong regional touch, from potato pancakes and gingerbread to roasted chestnuts. If you come with young ones, head over to the Volkshalle at City Hall, where kids can decorate gingerbread cookies, try craft workshops and write wish lists. Children will also love the 'Enchanted Rathauspark', which features pony rides, a carousel, and much more! Find a warm and elegant ideally-located base at  Radisson Blu Style Hotel, Vienna.

Snowy Salzburg’s Christmas Market (Nov 23- Dec 24) – dating back to the 15th century - is located below the Hohensalzburg fortress and around the cathedral, scenting the air with the smell of punch and toasted almonds, hot roasted chestnuts and freshly baked apples. Stay at Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, Salzburg and shop for gingerbread hearts, nativity figures, Christmas tree ornaments, toys and knitwear. Then enjoy a range of festive extras such as choral singing in front of the cathedral and the nativity scene in the Residenz courtyard.

Vienna Christmas - Europe's Must See Christmas Markets

Radisson Blu Park Royal Palace Hotel, Vienna - Exterior View

Radisson Blu Style Hotel, Vienna - Lobby

Related tags: Europe & CIS , Austria , United Kingdom , Belgium , Germany , Bruges , Brussels , Vienna , Basel , Edinburgh , London , Manchester , Cologne , Berlin , Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin , Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz , Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne , Park Inn by Radisson Dresden , Radisson Blu Park Hotel & Conference Centre, Dresden Radebeul , Radisson Collection Hotel, Grand Place Brussels , Radisson RED Brussels , Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Centre Midi , Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges , Radisson Blu Hotel, Basel , The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel , Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh

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