Christmas markets are not only useful purchases, but also an atmosphere of fun and celebration with a sweet aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon. At these events, you can try special winter drinks, visit fun festivals and admire unusual color installations.
And so you do not miss the best christmas markets of 2018-2019The Telegraph has compiled a list of European cities where they go. So you can pick up a short tour ahead of time, which will give not only a pleasant shopping experience, but also the true spirit of Christmas.
10. Budapest, Hungary
The fair will be held from November 9 to December 31, 2018.
Hungarians know a lot about delicious pies. And at local holiday fairs, traditional pastries are sold under the name Kyurteškalach (in translation - kalach pipe). It has a cylindrical shape and happens with different powders, most often with sugar and cinnamon.
Explore one of the oldest and most traditional fairs - the Budapest Christmas Market on Wörösmarty Square in the city center - as well as the Budapest Christmas Market near St. Stephen's Basilica, where you can buy handicrafts and the most delicious Kürtökalakal.
Where to stay: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest 5 *. Convenient location located in the very center of Budapest. The rooms are bright and airy, decorated in classic cream and gold colors.
9. Prague, Czech Republic
The fair will be held from December 1 to January 6.
Wenceslas Square is one of the best holiday markets in Europe. It is named after King Wenceslas Saint, known for having ventured a harsh winter trip to bring gifts to the poor for the feast of St. Stephen (the first Christian martyr).
On the square you can buy sweets, Bohemian glass products, wooden toys, feast on hot pancakes and try Slovak honey beer. Although it is not included in the list of the best light beer according to the Roskachestvo version, it is still one of the tastiest in the world.
Where to stay: Alchymist Prague Castle Suites 5 *. This cozy eight-bed hotel offers a great location right under Prague Castle. Its noble and luxurious interior and relaxed atmosphere give the perfect contrast to the noisy holiday atmosphere on the streets of Prague.
8. Dresden, Germany
The time of the fair is from November 28 to December 24.
The Germans, as you know, love order, beer, sausages and holiday markets. And the oldest Christmas market in the country is located in Dresden, on the Stritselmarkt square. In 250 stalls, where sellers from all over Saxony have gathered, you can buy handmade ceramics, beautiful fabrics, jewelry, local bread with cheese and delicious cupcakes with raisins and candied fruits.
Where to stay: Innside Dresden 5 *. This hotel is located in the historic center of Dresden. It offers stylish décor and luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the central atrium under a glass roof and interior walls decorated in the style of the historic facades of Neumark.
7. Frankfurt, Germany
The time of the fair is from November 26 to December 22.
If you are a fan of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, then be sure to visit his homeland - Frankfurt. And even if you're not a Goethe fan, visit Frankfurt at the end of November. Indeed, at this time, the famous and one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe begins to work in the city. Here you can enjoy not only traditional Christmas things (Christmas tree decorations, toys, etc.), but also the whole gamut of German culinary art - from mulled wine and beer to sausages and fresh, fragrant pastries.
Where to stay: Holiday Inn Frankfurt - Alte Oper 4 *. Conveniently located hotel, just a 15-minute walk from the city center, is famous for its friendly staff, delicious buffet breakfasts and clean, comfortable rooms. Just take toothpaste and brushes with you, they are not in the rooms.
6. Bath, England
The time of the fair is from November 27 to December 14.
This small but very bright city is famous not only for its Roman baths, but also for its annual Christmas market, one of the best in the world. It passes near the majestic Bath Abbey. Almost all the goods on it are made by local suppliers.
At this event, ceramics and glass products, clothes, toys and household items, as well as food and drinks, can be purchased. When you are finally distracted from shopping, head to the ice rink in the nearby Royal Victoria Park, explore the Roman baths or watch a performance at the Royal Theater.
Where to stay: No.15 Great Pulteney 4.5 *. This boutique hotel is located on the most beautiful street in Bath. It has only 28 rooms, but each one is as comfortable as possible. Excellent breakfasts with unusual combinations of products, a large selection of drinks at the bar and a pleasant atmosphere - what else is needed to fully enjoy a trip to England?
5. Lille, France
The time of the fair is from November 18 to December 30.
During the fair, more than 90 wooden chalets will hospitably open their doors, where you can get acquainted with a large number of decorative arts from Russia, Canada and Poland, as well as enjoy sweet pastries, chocolate and other festive delicacies. All products at the Lille Fair are handmade.
And if you arrive in Lille exactly on November 18, you will see an unusual performance - the appearance of the Christmas Grandfather, Per-Noel. He climbs the high bell tower of the chamber of commerce and symbolically "falls" down. Don’t worry, not a single Per-Noel was hurt when presenting.
Where to stay: L’Hermitage Gantois 5 *. He began his “life” in the 15th century as a charity hospice, and then became the first five-star hotel in Lille. Now it boasts two restaurants, a spa and a bar, which is as popular with locals as guests of the city.
4. Glasgow, Scotland
The time of the fair is from November 14 to December 21.
The Christmas market in Scotland's largest city is held at St Enoch Square and George's Central Town Square. There you will find charming houses with Christmas paraphernalia and a huge selection of goods and entertainment - from holiday gifts to fun parades, attractions, street food, scotch tape and hot drinks.
At one of the best Christmas markets in the world the works of not only Scottish masters, but also artisans from Germany, Spain, France and even Russia are presented.
Where to stay: Principal Blythswood Square Hotel 5 *. It used to be the headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club. And now it is a luxury hotel that maintains an atmosphere of elitism.
3. Vienna, Austria
The fair will be held from November 17 to December 26.
Christmas are stereotypes. And the Christmas market, which opens every year in front of the Vienna City Hall, is ready to offer you almost all of the stereotypical entertainment associated with Christmas. Mulled wine? Yeah. Rink? Well, of course. A huge tree shining with lights? Peace and joy? Yes, yes and yes.
More than 25 Christmas markets appear in picturesque squares throughout the city. Their visitors enjoy hot punch, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and other culinary delights. And in countless stalls selling Christmas decorations and gifts for all ages.
- The largest Christmas tree is installed on the Town Hall Square and you can see it already in mid-November.
- High-quality Austrian products are available at Stefansplatz.
- And the best prices for gifts, including handmade ones, are at the fair in the Spittelberg district and at the oldest Winter Market in Vienna on the Freyung square
Where to stay: Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design 4 *. This establishment managed to maintain a delicate balance between the original appearance of the building with its high ceilings, a spiral staircase, the general atmosphere of antiquity and all the amenities that the 21st century provides, including ultramodern furniture, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
The time of the fair is November 18 - January 31.
The city’s largest holiday market takes place in the Tivoli Gardens, where over half a million lamps guarantee a magical Christmas setting after dusk.
Follow your nose to find shopping pavilions offering a variety of seasonal hot chocolate and mulled wine dishes, homemade donuts and sugar-fried almonds.
In the evening, a show of fountains takes place in Tivoli - to the music from the ballet The Nutcracker, water jets dance under laser beams.
Entrance to the park is paid - 99 Danish crowns, and it is better to purchase a ticket in advance on the park's website so as not to stand in line.
Where to stay: Sanders 5 *. This is a modern boutique hotel with luxurious rooms, a small cocktail bar and a convenient location in the city center.
1. Moscow, Russia
The time of the fair is from November 30 to February 28.
You do not need to leave Russia to attend one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. In the season of 2018-2019, about 70 holiday fairs will work in Moscow.
At the end of November, a GUM fair will open almost at the Kremlin wall. In wooden houses it will be possible to purchase scarves, boots, Russian-made caskets, delicious pancakes with caviar, gingerbread cookies, mulled wine and other goodies and usefulness.
And from December 12 to January 11 will open another popular New Year's fair at VDNH. Sheep toys, hats and accessories will be offered there. And the organizers promise to pamper the guests with real culinary masterpieces.
Where to stay: Mini-Hotel Tverskaya Loft 3 *. A small hotel within a 15-minute walk from the Kremlin has 10 rooms and is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. It has free internet and air conditioning and a safe. Pets are allowed. But smoking is prohibited on site.
