Make the most wonderful time of the year even more magical when you marvel at breathtaking lights and decorations, purchase high-quality gifts for friends and family back home, and enjoy a drink or two at one of the hundreds of Christmas markets in Europe. If you want to make your Christmas a memorable one, visiting any of these Christmas markets is a truly remarkable experience.
From dazzling light shows and fervent festivity to live entertainment or family-friendly events, Christmas markets in Europe have something for everyone. Here are five of the best Christmas markets in Europe that you should visit this holiday season:
Stuttgart Christmas Market, Germany
Started before 1692, Stuttgart Christmas Market is one of the oldest Christmas markets in all of Europe. Take in the historic buildings surrounding this market while you browse any of the 280+ stalls selling antiques, handmade clothes, and delicious food. This Christmas market is known for its marvellous concerts, with over 60 musical groups performing each year.
Children can have fun creating their own candles and gingerbread hearts, riding the miniature railway, and watching a live nativity scene. Both adults and children will be awestruck by the beautiful tree adorned with over 40,000 lights that stands near the market’s center. If you enjoy musical performances, food, and festivity, you are sure to love the Stuttgart Christmas Market.
Gendarmenmarkt, Germany
Gendarmenmarkt is a great Christmas market for those who love food, crafts, and vibrant night-life. This market has several crafts tents where you can buy a unique, handcrafted gift for your loved ones. From wood carvings to paintings and photographs, there is no shortage of potential gifts to be found at this Christmas market.
Gendarmenmarkt is also known for its delicious food and exciting night-life. Eat traditional German food, Christmas snacks, and other tasty treats during the day, and take in a musical performance, fire-eating act, or other great entertainment at night. With an admission price of only 1 Euro, this is a fun and affordable way to enjoy the holiday season.
Advent in Zagreb, Croatia
Voted best Christmas market three years in a row, Advent in Zagreb is a Christmas market you do not want to miss. With spectacular lights and gorgeous decorations, you will truly embrace the Christmas spirit while you explore this market. Spend a day at the ice park and ice skate with your family and friends. Enjoy a beautiful nativity scene, watch live ice sculpture carvings, and see if you can spot Santa as you go through the market. With several live music performances and stands offering great food, you will want to return to Advent in Zagreb year after year.
Mercado de Navidad de la Plaza Mayor, Spain
The Mercado de Navidad de la Plaza Mayor offers 104 booths selling items ranging from handcrafted toys to figurines and joke items. This Christmas market is beautifully decorated with sparkling Christmas lights; you can spend a whole day exploring everything this market and its booths have to offer. If you need to purchase some last minute gifts or stocking stuffers, you cannot go wrong with the Mercado de Navidad de la Plaza Mayor, one of the largest Christmas markets in Spain.
The Weihnachtsdorf on Maria-Theresien-Platz, Austria
Explore the Art and History Museum and the Natural History Museum in between bouts of shopping at this incredible Christmas market. This market is one of the largest Christmas markets in Vienna and has everything from booths selling toys to chocolate stands selling mouthwatering delicacies.
One of the biggest draws to this market is the lovely scenery. Enjoy traditional Christmas lights, as well as brightly lit sidewalks, fountains, and museum fronts while you walk around the center and take in the sights and the Christmas music. Visiting this Christmas market will be a memory you cherish forever.
Visiting Europe
If you want to experience one of these amazing Christmas markets in Europe, you need to make plans early. Find an affordable flight and accommodations, decide and plan which areas you would like to visit, and make sure you purchase an international data SIM card so that you’re able to wish your friends and loved ones happy holidays while you are abroad.
An international data SIM card is the most affordable way to stay in contact with people back home when you visit another country. The BNESIM Surf Europe Unlimited SIM card is the best Europe SIM card available for travelers. With coverage in 31 European countries, unlimited data, and a free international phone number, this SIM card is a must-have for people visiting Europe.
Leading up to Christmas, BNESIM is holding its own The 12 Days of Christmas offer. Every day, for twelve days, BNESIM will reveal a new incredible deal that you won’t want to miss. Deals will only last for 24 hours, so keep your eyes peeled for a deal for data in Europe.
For more information about the BNESIM Surf Europe Unlimited SIM card, visit BNESIM.
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