The winter festival of Christmas gives all the shopaholics another excuse to lay their hands on sparkling festive goodies. And for others it’s the lights and decorations, the mouthwatering aroma of gingerbread, churros and wine and more, that does the wonder to pull them out of their houses to visit magical kiosks. Today, we bring to you a list of five extraordinary Christmas markets from across Europe, that deserve a place in your future holiday itinerary. By Chandrani Pal
1. Mörz Christmas Market, Germany
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The village of Mörz is an off-beat destination, a hidden gem nestled in the Koblenz city of Germany. A visit to the Christmas market of Mörz, allows you to enjoy live performances, taste some delectable German-style pork, or just sit by the fire pits to warm yourself in the chilly weather. This is an underrated Christmas market and not many people are aware of it but it’s definitely worth a visit!
2. Innsbruck Christmas Market, Austria
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It is said that the Christmas Market in Altstadt or the Old Town of Innsbruck puts up one of the best Christmas trees in the world. The main square of Innsbruck is decorated and lit up with electric lights. Homemade Christmas presents to choose from over 60 stalls, festive food, hot spicy wine called Glühwein, coupled with a view of the medieval houses, and of course, the 14-metre-high Swarovski crystal tree — make this place a destination worth visiting both to celebrate the winter festival, as well as to spend a romantic evening with your partner.
3. Reykjavík Christmas Market, Iceland
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A Christmas holiday at a snow-covered town with a possibility to witness the Northern Lights is definitely a dream winter escape. A small Christmas market set up every year in Reykjavik’s Yule town on the Ingólfstorg square, allows you to not just hoard some Icelandic art and craftwork, and enjoy some local delicacies, but also try ice skating at the ice rink set up next to it. When here, you can also check out the Christmas markets of Hafnarfjörður, Heiðmörk, and other such areas which even host theatre, live music and bonfire.
4. Escape to Freight Island Mayfield, Manchester
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Manchester is said to host the best Christmas markets in the whole of United Kingdom. The streets are lined up with hundreds of booths and independent boutiques selling handmade presents and souvenirs. And, traditional festive food such as bratwurst, Hungarian goulash, Spanish paella, and even good-old-fashioned hog roasts, make for some drool-worthy delicacies. Considering the current pandemic situation, this year the place is also launching Winter Island, a fully outdoor and heated venue, that’ll house a 45-feet Christmas hog, along with yummy food and entertainment options. Moreover, indoor venue — Ticket Hall — will also be operated keeping in mind proper social distancing norms.
5. The Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland
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This Christmas market is considered to be one of the prettiest markets in Switzerland, which is set up in the heart of the city at Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz. Apart from the magnificent Christmas tree decorated with ornaments, Münsterplatz will also house a Big Ferris Wheel this year, to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Herbstmesse – Basel’s autumn fair. Moreover, as many as 80 traders and artisans will sell goods made of small, rustic wooden chalets. Adding to it will be stalls of delicious waffles, glühwein, genuine Basel Läckerli, Swiss raclette, grilled sausages, and more.
Related: 10 Best Christmas Markets Around The World (And Where You Should Be This Holiday)
