Fairs are one of the best places to spend a family celebration in a special atmosphere. Find out about the best and most affordable Christmas markets in Europe, their dates in different cities and useful tips for planning an unforgettable Christmas trip

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Christmas markets in Europe attract millions of tourists from all over the world every year, especially from countries where such traditions are unusual. Despite the fact that this tradition dates back to the 14th century, interest in the events is only growing every year. We will tell you about the best fairs in Europe, their features and dates in 2024 in the article below.

Top Christmas markets in Europe in 2024: where to go?

Prague, Czech Republic

● Dates: November 30, 2024 - January 6, 2025

● Location: Old Town and Wenceslas squares

● Average room rate: 95 euros per night

Prague creates the perfect atmosphere for Christmas celebrations. The fairy-tale backdrop of cobblestone streets and fantastic architecture impresses at first sight. The fair is located between the spire of the Church of Our Lady before the Walls (14th century) and the famous astronomical clock (15th century). A children's fair with sheep, goats, and donkeys is also available on the Old Town Square.

Pay attention to:

● Traditional keychains made of frosted, hand-blown glass;

● Local cuisine: hot grilled sausages, fresh pancakes, garlic and cheese cakes;

● Svarak, a local citrus version of mulled wine.

Berlin, Germany

● Dates: November 24, 2024 - January 7, 2025

● Location: Alexanderplatz Square.

● Average room rate: 90 euros per night

Berlin offers a modern take on Christmas traditions. About 80 Christmas markets are held in the city center:

● Spandau - the largest fair;

● Weihnachtszauber - the most beautiful, with a large number of arts and crafts;

● Winter World on Potsdamer Platz - winter entertainment: sledding, curling and ice rink with free lessons for children.

Budapest, Hungary

● Dates: November 17, 2024 - January 1, 2025

● Location: Vorosmarty Square, Basilica

● Average room rate: 80 euros per night

On Christmas Eve, Vorosmarti Square is transformed into a festive market with the aromas of honey cookies, mulled wine, cinnamon, and Christmas trees. Usually, there are live shows on two outdoor stages. The Basilica Market offers a similar celebration, but you can also find an ice rink around a large Christmas tree and watch Christmas laser projections.

Vienna, Austria

● Dates: November 16, 2024 - January 4, 2025

● Location: The square in front of the City Hall

● Average room rate: 113 euros per night

In Vienna, you can find many Christmas markets on Christmas Eve. They are located almost along all the narrow streets of the old town. Here, local stalls offer:

● Traditional wooden toys and handicrafts (handmade soaps, etc.);

● Mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and freshly baked pretzels.

Gdansk, Poland

● Dates: from November 22, 2024 (final date to be specified)

● Location: Main square of the city Targ Węglowy, Tkacka and Bogusławskiego streets

● Average room rate: 75 euros per night

The Gdańsk Fair is considered the most beautiful in Poland. There are more than 120 stalls offering original jewelry, ceramics, clothing (hats, knitwear), regional dishes (“perogies”), Alsatian pancakes, Greek bougatsa, Spanish churros, as well as hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Copenhagen, Denmark

● Dates: November 15, 2024 - January 5, 2025

● Location: Tivoli Gardens.

● Average room rate: 125 euros per night

Tivoli Gardens transforms into a fairy-tale wonderland, offering: ice skating, Santa's sleigh, mulled wine (gløgg) and cinnamon markets, and Æbleskiver (sweet treat).

Interesting fact: tourists who are staying longer can also visit Malmö to see how Christmas is celebrated in Sweden.

Cologne, Germany

● Dates: November 18 - December 23, 2024

● Location: Ronkalliplatz near Cologne Cathedral

● Average room rate: 130 euros per night

Four large fairs open in Cologne. The largest is in front of the entrance to the Cologne Cathedral (13th century). At the same time, more than 100 stage performances are held during the festival, and an outdoor skating rink is open on the Heumarkt.

Interesting fact: Although Cologne is one of the largest German cities, famous for its world-famous Christmas markets, in 2024 it remains one of the most affordable cities for Christmas.

Lille, France

● Dates: November 23 - December 30, 2024

● Location: Place de la Rioure

● Average room rate: 140 euros per night

The rustic wooden chalets sell toys and gifts, as well as traditional treats such as cheese tartiflette and sweet waffles with chocolate. A giant Ferris wheel is located on the Grand Place for those who want to see all this beauty from a bird's eye view.

Salzburg, Austria

● Dates: November 21, 2024 - January 1, 2025

● Location: Hoehesalzburg castle courtyard, Residenzplatz, Domplatz, Mozartplatz and others

● Average room rate: 140 euros per night

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, becomes truly fabulous on Christmas Eve. And the market stalls that adorn the squares look just like they did in the 15th century. Every day at 17:00, free concerts are held in front of the cathedral, and every Tuesday from 18:00 to 20:00, anyone can sing carols. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a special atmosphere and feel the spirit of Christmas.

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The most affordable cities in Europe to celebrate Christmas

Looking for a place to go to celebrate Christmas in a fabulous atmosphere, but not for all the money in the world? We offer you a list of the most affordable European cities for Christmas mood:

1. Colmar, France

➤ Dates: November 26 - December 29, 2024

➤ Features: fairy-tale town on the border with Germany, six Christmas markets

➤ Prices: local specialties: 5-10 euros per serving, full meal: 8-15 euros, a glass of beer: 4 euros, mulled wine: 5 euros per cup

2. Brasov, Romania

➤ Dates: November 27, 2024 - January 3, 2025

➤ Features: a city shrouded in vampire legends in the heart of Transylvania

➤ Prices: local cuisine: 2-3 euros, beer and mulled wine: 2-3 euros, ice rink: 10 euros per hour.

3. Tallinn, Estonia

➤ Dates: November 22, 2024 - January 7, 2025

➤ Features: Old town completely surrounded by intact 13th century walls, the best preserved in Europe

➤ Prices: fried sausages: 5 euros, hot cocoa: 3 euros

4. Zagreb, Croatia

➤ Dates: November 30, 2024 - January 7, 2025

➤ Features: recognized as the best Christmas market in Europe for three years in a row

➤ Prices: local delicacies and goodies - on average 4 euros

Tips for visitors to Christmas markets

1. Plan your trip in advance, taking into account the dates of the fairs.

2. Book accommodation and tickets in advance, as prices may increase closer to the dates.

3. Dress warmly as most events take place outdoors.

4. Try the local Christmas food and drinks that are an integral part of the atmosphere.

5. Don't forget about souvenirs - the fairs offer a wide range of unique handmade products.

The Christmas markets in Europe in 2024 promise to be a bright and unforgettable event. Whether you choose a budget option in Brasov or a luxurious fair in Vienna, you will definitely feel the magic of Christmas and have an unforgettable experience. The main thing is not to forget about safety. To feel protected, take out an insurance policy with coverage throughout Europe from reliable insurance agents on the Visit Ukraine portal.

We remind you! Christmas is a time when cooking takes on a special meaning, and tables look like real gastronomic masterpieces. Read about the top dishes to cook to celebrate Christmas in a European way in our previous article.

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