Christmas Markets in Europe

angel2011

Hi Guys,

I'm hoping to go on a break in December with my mam and sister to a Christmas market. Strongly thinking of Cologne. Can anyone recommend this or another one???

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater

Krakow in Poland is meant to be one of the best around according to a workmate of mine. Haven't been to it at that time of year but I can vouch for the fact that Krakow is a beautiful city.

Love2love

Strasbourg is excellent.

Heroditas

Vienna!
Book some tickets to listen to some classical music, go see the Vienna Boy's Choir on Sunday morning and then spend the rest of Sunday in the Christmas markets before flying home that evening.

irishbarb

I really want to go away for a weekend around Christmas as well. Somewhere snowy, with good Christmas markets and just a great Christmas atmosphere, recommendations would be great should be booking soon

QuiteInterestin

Definitely +1 Vienna, went there with my mum with the Travel Department. It was probably a bit dearer then if we sorted it ourselves, but it was great to have some of the trip planned out for us, and we still had plenty of time to do our own thing as well. They have lots of Christmas markets of different sizes around the city and its a lovely experience being able to wander around the markets at night in the snow. You mightn't actually buy much at them, as the handmade decorations/cribs etc are very expensive and the cheaper stuff will be made in China and you'd get the same in the shops here (this happened to my mum, she bought this lovely glass lantern, we spent ages wrapping it in clothes to make sure it wouldn't get damaged on the flight home, only to find it on sale, cheaper, in our local discount shop when we got home:rolleyes:) but just spending the day wandering around, looking at the markets in the snow will get you into the festive spirit.

As previous poster said, definitely try and go to a classical music evening. Neither me or my mum are really into classical music but thought since we were in Vienna we'd give it a go. It was fantastic, the music was brilliant (was surprised how much of it was familiar) and it also incorporated some ballet dancing as well.

Was also in Prague at the Christmas markets, again with the travel Department, but I didn't think it was as good as Vienna. While its a lovely city and there was plenty to see around the city, there wasn't many Christmas markets (or any snow) so it didn't have the same atmosphere as Vienna.

ghartley

Dusseldorf is great too!

Overflow

Copenhagen is magical. Check out the Tivoli !!

The company i work for takes us there just before christmas evey year for a weekend.

Love2love

Overflow wrote: »

Copenhagen is magical. Check out the Tivoli !!

The company i work for takes us their just before christmas evey year for a weekend.

I hate you.....:D

Heroditas

QuiteInterestin wrote: »

It was fantastic, the music was brilliant (was surprised how much of it was familiar) and it also incorporated some ballet dancing as well.

Sounds like you went to the exact same thing we did!
Was it in a building near Michaelerplatz by any chance? A relatively small room.

QuiteInterestin

Heroditas wrote: »

Sounds like you went to the exact same thing we did!
Was it in a building near Michaelerplatz by any chance? A relatively small room.

I can't remember the name of the place though I probably still have the ticket somewhere so I must try find it. Ya, the room wasn't that big, though my attendance at classical music evenings is limited so I haven't much to compare it with. Its a lovely city though, definitely recommend it!

By the way Overflow, any vacancies at your company?

Celly Smunt

Cologne is a great spot for the markets,really nice atmosphere.

Bruges is really nice i find in the winter near christmas too.

QuiteInterestin

Heroditas wrote: »

Sounds like you went to the exact same thing we did!
Was it in a building near Michaelerplatz by any chance? A relatively small room.

Found the ticket (I'm a bit of a hoarder, always keep all tickets/brochures/maps from holidays), it was in the Kursalon Wien, on Johannesgasse so might have been the one you were at. Here's a link to the show http://www.soundofvienna.at/sound/ if anyone here is heading to Vienna and wants to take in a concert.

purplec

angel2011 wrote: »

Hi Guys,

I'm hoping to go on a break in December with my mam and sister to a Christmas market. Strongly thinking of Cologne. Can anyone recommend this or another one???

Cologne is great try and stay in the hotl at the Dom it 4 star but well worth it witha complimentary mini bar refilled twice daily and it's right next to one of the big markets.

Of all the markets I have visited its the nicest with the best atmosphere, Munich was a close second though.

homersimpson

I went to Weisbaden last year and it was magical.

Brilliant experience.

I have some photos that I will dig out and post up later

saltyporridge

We went to Budapest a couple of years ago - it was absolutely wonderful and there is a smashing old style cafe (Gerbeaud) on the same square as the market - it was like stepping into a time machine back to the 1930's. Skating in the city park afterwards was pure magic as well (we spotted the skate rink in the Van Helsing film afterwards). Many happy memories

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNDeeuTUApM

homersimpson

Weisbaden, Germany. Christmas 2011

homersimpson

Loughc

WOW :eek: That place looks amazing!!

homersimpson

lockie1983 wrote: »

WOW :eek: That place looks amazing!!

Yes it was pretty amazing

Cant wait to go back again this Christmas

Doctor DooM

Heidelberg is not mentioned but lovely.

Madam

Believe it or not Edinburgh is pretty good for Christmas markets - they have German/Austrian and Scottish(ish)mix plus the pubs are pretty good too(this from an Irishwoman living in Glasgow;)!!!). For a change this year were off to Munich(has anyone been?):)

spur

Yes, benn to Munich. Fabulous. Was there number years ago and it was magical. Have been to Dusseldorf, Cologne, Essen, Berlin - all lovely, but going back to Munich his year as we feel it was best of all.

salad dodger

Unfortunately the funds won't stretch to a trip to the continent for a market.

But I have heard that the one in belfast is supposed to be good.
Has anyone here been, if so is it worth going to?

If someone could recommend a hotel near to belfast city hall it'd also be appreciated(budget ~200yoyos)

thanks

Angelandie

salad dodger wrote: »

Unfortunately the funds won't stretch to a trip to the continent for a market.

But I have heard that the one in belfast is supposed to be good.
Has anyone here been, if so is it worth going to?



thanks

The one in Belfast is pathetic comapred to an actual Continental Market, have been to loads across Germany, basically pick any German city and u'll find a great market.

Belfast by comparison is about 20 stalls, 3 of which will be Bratwurst stands, 2 more will be Beer Tents and the rest will be random stuff you'll find at most markets. Have you been to the one in Galway, its almost exactly the same as Belfast.

Though if you do want to come, Belfast is a lovely city, just don't think you'll spend more than an afternoon at the market. Plus I'd recommend the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, less than 5 mins walk to city Hall

Jontronix

Can anyone recommend a good hotel in Cologne? Somewhere close to the markets and the bars :-)

Heroditas

QuiteInterestin wrote: »

Found the ticket (I'm a bit of a hoarder, always keep all tickets/brochures/maps from holidays), it was in the Kursalon Wien, on Johannesgasse so might have been the one you were at. Here's a link to the show http://www.soundofvienna.at/sound/ if anyone here is heading to Vienna and wants to take in a concert.

I think ours was on Herrengasse.

I see some people are mentioning Edinburgh and Belfast. Edinburgh is very nice for a weekend just before Christmas and another place that is absolutely fantastic is Bath!
I was there for the Leinster game two weeks before Christmas last year and they have loads of little markets around Bath cathedral. Not necessarily Christmas markets but there's a great atmosphere and Bath is an incredibly picturesque city.

Countdown1982

I have just booked 3 nights in Munich the first week in December.
Really looking forward to it.:D

We have 3 full days, I have never been to Munich, any recommendation of site to see, best christmas market etc.

Thanks alot

baby and crumble

Heroditas wrote: »

I think ours was on Herrengasse.

I see some people are mentioning Edinburgh and Belfast. Edinburgh is very nice for a weekend just before Christmas and another place that is absolutely fantastic is Bath!
I was there for the Leinster game two weeks before Christmas last year and they have loads of little markets around Bath cathedral. Not necessarily Christmas markets but there's a great atmosphere and Bath is an incredibly picturesque city.

Myself and my gf went on a Christmas market roadtrip through mid and southern England last year about 3 weeks before Christmas- it was brilliant. We started in Birmingham (biggest German Christmas market outside Germany apparently, it is HUGE and very nice), then Bath (I agree with you, Bath is beautiful and the location of the markets around the Cathedral is hard to beat!) then down to Cornwall for 3 days taking in a few local markets and catching a traditional local paper lantern parade, which was really very cool- all the local groups and school children design and make paper lanterns that get lit up and paraded through the town. We ended up on a steam train from Bodmin that was done up to be like the 1950's (including the station!) which has mulled cider and Santa going up and down the train! Very cool. With cheap flights and cheap hotels it worked out very reasonable, and it was actually quite an unusual thing to do for a few days. I really enjoyed it.

John Mason

We are heading to Budapest on the 10th december for 5 days- christmas markets and ice skating on the lake.

i cant wait

Maigh Eo

Hey
Thinking of having a girlie weekend at the Belfast Christmas markets on November 17th any thoughts??

munchkin_utd

salad dodger wrote: »

Unfortunately the funds won't stretch to a trip to the continent for a market.

But I have heard that the one in belfast is supposed to be good.
Has anyone here been, if so is it worth going to?

If someone could recommend a hotel near to belfast city hall it'd also be appreciated(budget ~200yoyos)

thanks

if you want to save funds a little more then you could look into cheaper hotels like the days hotel (which also has free parking) or the travellodge which are no distance from city hall. I found the days hotel great for the price. Its also right by great victoria st station so very handy if arriving by bus, but if coming by train from the south you'll need to change. And is handy for town so saves on a taxi at night.

A little further out are the Ibis Queens quarter which for the first weekend in december works out at a bargain 60euro/night per room (free on street parking) and nearby the holiday inn express which is a couple euro more but has free car park and breakfast included. Stayed in both and found them both to be grand. The ibis is a little newer and much nice than any other Ibis I stayed in on the continent (it really should be a Mercure brand to be honest) so that little bit nicer in my opinion but the holiday inn has its advantages too that balance things out.

Theres lots of other good hotels that have spung up in the last years but most are not for budget concious travellers/ folks that know theres no point spending a heap of money when you'll only be sleeping in the room anyhow.

Oh, and the market: its not spectacular but its a good diversion on a December afternoon. It'd be akin to one of the smaller christmas markets like you would say find in the suburbs of Munich.
The drinks tent though had a pretty good selection of beer so something for the men there too.

ActingDanClark

Instead of a e200 hotel in Belfast use your funds to fly to edinburgh instead and stay in travelodge or ibis. Market and ice rink set up between princes st and the castle, perfect setting, lots to see and do, and best of all, very few shops

ActingDanClark

And you won't have to be careful what pub you go into

Kingkong

Hi Countdown,

Would you mind telling me what hotel and airline did you book with.

I'm looking at doing similar. Just working out the cost

Countdown1982

Kingkong wrote: »

Hi Countdown,

Would you mind telling me what hotel and airline did you book with.

I'm looking at doing similar. Just working out the cost

aer linges from cork, flights work out at 120 return, out mid week, back Sat.

hotel regent 3 nights, double room
120 per nite

krissovo

+1 for Munich, its has a few Christmas markets and its a great craic. The biggest is around the center Marien Platz, you really cannot miss it! The atmosphere is always happy and jovial. Lots of local food to try and of course the various gluwiens, the loaded ones with snaps can knock you out.

Its worth heading out around town as well as there are a number of smaller markets and even a gay one for those inclined. If you go with man make sure you take him to BMW world! Take a train to Garmish (in the Alps) for snow and a real Christmas feeling at their smaller market:D

Cologne is the biggest market and a nice city, not as much to do as Munich but it has a great night life and restaurants.

Vienna is also a beautiful city to visit and the markets are good but Munich is the best by far!

The lips

Hi Krissovo, I plan to go to Munich for the one day in December, fly out Saturday morning, fly home Sunday morning. Is it do-able in that time?

paddy147

The Christmass fair and market in Hyde Park,London is brilliant.

been to it twice before with,and we all loved it.

homersimpson

Booked my flights today. 14th to the 18th of December

Going to Weisbaden again :D

Posy

Take ALL the photos!

homersimpson

Landed in Germany yesterday morning and travelled down to Bavaria which had koads of snow. Went to the Nuremberg market last night which was lovely.

Going to the market in Eppstein tonight

In Exile

Hi guys,

Did anyone do any markets last year?

Coming home for 3-4 weeks in December with the missus and looking to go somewhere for a few days.

She's Australian, so while she has been in Ireland for Christmas, has never seen a real Christmas market

mel.b

I've been to markets in Budapest, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Nuremburg, Vienna and Salzberg.

This year I'm doing a little Christmas road trip before flying to home Australia of Cologne, Heidelberg and Strasbourg...I need to get my Christmas fix before going home to Oz where it seems like it is non-existant

My opinion on the ones i have been to...

Budapest - a lovely small market with lots of home made craft type things. I didn't actually realise it 'was' the christmas market until later when I asked someone where it was. Budapest is a great city for a visit.

Brussels - it was just a few stalls scattered on the roads leading to the Grand Palace but again they had some lovely homemade gifts.

Bruges - I love Bruges, so am a bit biased. It's probably about 40-50 stalls in the main square with an ice rink in the middle. The setting is gorgeous and Bruges is a fantastic town to visit at any time of the year.

Ghent - A smaller market than Bruges, I can't really remember what the stalls had. A good city to combine with a trip to Bruges and less touristy, but better for shopping (it's a university city) it still has beautiful buildings.

Nuremberg - A massive, massive market and very very crowded. A lot of the stalls are repeated, so once you have seen the first few rows you have actually seen them all. It didn't have the same range of homemade gifts but lots of Christmas
decorations, food etc.

Vienna - We went to the largest market and the setting in the evenings is just spectacular, all lit up like a fairy tale. A real mixture of stalls from nice gifts to trashy 'carnival' type stalls. Busy but not so much that you couldn't get close to the stands.

Salzburg - The setting isn't as picturesque as Vienna but I preferred this market more. They had some beautiful decorations - I still wish I had gotten the wicker reindeers I saw there. A great atmosphere and probably in the region of 70 stalls.

In Exile

mel.b wrote: »

I've been to markets in Budapest, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Nuremburg, Vienna and Salzberg.

Thanks Mel.

I know the feeling. Can't wait to have a real Christmas this year!

I've been to Salzburg and loved it. For anyone who does go there, I suggest taking a trip out to the Hellbrunn Palace.

They host a Christmas market in the grounds of the Palace and also open up the house itself. The smells and noises in an enclosed area seem to multipy the feeling and smells.
The gardens, which are amazing to see covered in snow too.


Actually going to head to Berlin myself this year. Main reason is I can fly from Shannon with Ryanair and its cheap enough. I'm living in Limerick and flying Melbourne to Dublin so don't want to have to travel to Dublin during my month at home to fly somewhere else.

So it's Berlin for 2-3 days. Now I have to figure out where to stay and what markets to go to!

kerry4sam

We now have a bumper/annual Christmas Markets thread open in our Travel forum. Feel free to have a look, great info inside and also Feel free to add in for others.

Linkie right here.

Thanks,
kerry4sam

homersimpson

A video of Wiesbaden Christmas Market which I have visited a few times

https://youtu.be/YzQFSK-ml4A