There’s just over a month to go until Christmas, which means it’s the perfect time to book a trip for anyone planning to go to another country, especially a European country.
After almost two years of a limited Christmas celebration, people are excited to plan ahead for a very merry Christmas vacation and we can’t fault them. Following last year’s and this year’s recommendations by European destinations, SchengenVisaInfo.com suggest visiting these cities for a truly magical Christmas.
1. Basel, Switzerland
The Swiss city has a long tradition of celebrating Christmas, earning the name of being the most beautiful and largest Christmas city. There are large pine trees around the city, with the tallest ones also being the city’s Christmas trees – found on Barfüsserplatz and in the squares of Münsterplatz.
The beautiful city was a favorite Christmas market for British and Italian travellers, making the market one of the most voted for over the past decade.
2. Budapest, Hungary
The Hungarian capital is acclaimed as one of the top destinations for 2022, with plenty to offer tourists of all ages. About 120 exhibitors of crafts, foodies and other Christmas carols and entertainment pieces will gather outside St. Stephen’s Basilica, located in one of the most popular squares in the country.
Budapest was the favorite destination for American and British tourists in 2021, and the third favorite for Italians. Together with Basel, Budapest is one of the most voted Christmas markets of the last ten years.
3. Metz, France
Known as the most beautiful Christmas market in France, Metz offers a unique experience with many activities throughout the city. Some of the most fun things to do include shopping for artisan gifts, trying out the best gingerbread, and ice-skating or having a hot chocolate on a cold day.
The city attracts travelers for its lantern trail and the many products offered by locals, as well as designers, hoteliers, entrepreneurs and businessmen.
4. Brussels, Belgium
Although there are many other cities in Belgium to celebrate Christmas, the capital is the ultimate choice, which together with Strasbourg, Budapest and Vienna have been among the most visited destinations in Europe for years.
Superb sound and light performances at the Grand Palais, a beautiful tree, ice rinks and a rich and diversified Christmas market. Food is another story in Brussels – one cannot visit this city without visiting the “Brussels Chocolate Tasting Tour”, which is a delight.
5. Vienna, Austria
The city turns into a magical Christmas market in mid-November and looks like a shining fairy tale land. Children can ride a carousel, while adults can enjoy hot drinks while gazing at the festively decorated trees.
In addition, tourists are advised to visit Schönbrunn Palace, which is the most popular Christmas market in the city. Here you will find traditional crafts, Christmas concerts, children’s programs and traditional crafts. Like many other cities, Vienna also hosts Christmas workshops, organized by locals.
6. Govone & Asti, Italy
This destination aims to become the largest Christmas market in Europe with a total of more than 130 work stations for artisans and food and wine producers from all over the country.
In the Castle of Govone there will be live musical performances in different rooms, ending with the meeting of Santa Claus, with many other musical pieces played during this period. A total of 448 performances will take place, repeating the show 32 times.
This year the focus will be on the tradition of the Christmas tree, which will also be a big protagonist in Asti. Two light installations that look like large trees will be installed in Piazza Roma, in addition to Christmas installations made of recycled plastic, showing alternative Christmas trees, in order to avoid cutting down sixty real trees.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
This year, Christmas celebrations in Prague will begin on November 26 and end later on January 6, 2023. During this time, the Czech capital’s Old Town Square will be visited by millions of people, which has a lot to offer, including wooden stalls, merchants offering Christmas products and a unique tree. Prague’s festive Christmas tree is decorated with traditional Czech blown glass balls, where visitors can take a photo, to fill the book with this year’s memories.
When it comes to food, Prague has set the bar high among all European countries. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, hot roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cookies or typical Czech food – Christmas cookies or Czech grilled sausages.
8. Craiova, Romania
With more than a million led bulbs, Craiova has become the best destination for Christmas lights in Romania and one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. This year, the Craiova Christmas Market opened on November 11 and will last until January 8, 2023.
Christmas will be celebrated with different events such as markets, concerts, ice rinks, workshops and food stalls in different town squares.
9. Leipzig, Germany
The Leipzig Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Europe and has over 250 glittering stalls in its historic center, which also makes it one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany.
The main area of the Leipzig Christmas Market is the Marktplatz, where visitors can gaze at the twenty-meter-tall Christmas tree and enjoy different performances on the square. On Augustusplatz Square, a 38-meter tall Ferris wheel offers seasonal views from a lofty height.
10. Zagreb, Croatia
The Croatian capital is the ultimate destination for 2022 for a very happy and adventurous Christmas. The city has been named Europe’s Best Christmas Market for three years in a row, and that’s how you know you shouldn’t miss the chance to celebrate Christmas in this city at least once.
Local specialties, mulled wine and one of the biggest Advent programs make the city very attractive for tourists. For those who are unsure about their trip, choosing a free cancellation option gives more flexibility before deciding to visit Zagreb for Christmas.
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