The lights shine brightly and accompany the last pre-holiday shopping: the stalls of the most famous Christmas markets in Northern Europe are ready to transport us into a magical and enchanted dimension.
The countdown has now begun and the Christmas markets of Austria, Germany and Belgium are packed with the latest purchases dedicated to gifts, the most delicious and spicy gastronomy, characteristic craftsmanship, immersed in a unique atmosphere: brilliant, enveloping and happy. A winter dream in which to immerse yourself and let yourself be carried away, getting lost in a kaleidoscope of proposals, ready to amaze and make you happy.
AUSTRIA
VIENNA
Until December 26, 2023
From mid-November, Vienna’s most beautiful squares, alleys and parks are transformed into magical Christmas markets. Each of them has a particular atmosphere and everywhere you can find culinary specialties, from punch to roasted chestnuts, arts and crafts and activities for children.
Vienna’s largest and best-known Christmas market, with over 100 stalls, is the Viennese Baby Jesus Market on Rathausplatz. It is considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Those who are more attentive to tradition will appreciate the Old Viennese Christmas Market in the Freyung, the Am Hof Christmas Market or the Christmas Village on Stephansplatz, in front of the Gothic cathedral.
Two tips for lovers of craftsmanship and for all those who care about sustainability: The Spittelberg Christmas Market – which in 2023 will be set up as an eco-sustainable event – and the Art Advent of Karlsplatz. The latter has existed for 30 years and the entire gastronomic offer is certified organic.
Another very popular meeting place in the run-up to Christmas is the Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz, between the Kunsthistorisch and Naturhistorisch Museums. The Christmas Village on the University of Vienna Campus is equipped with ice stock rinks and is much loved by families thanks to the children’s train and the nostalgic carousel.
For more information on the Christmas markets in Vienna.
Spittelberg Christmas Market – © WienTourismus/David Auner
INNSBRUCK – Historic center
Until January 6, 2023
In the capital of Tyrol, magic has been at home for 50 years. The most loved event of the winter, the Christmas Markets, returns in November. A tradition that enchants and welcomes adults and children, families, groups of young people from all over the world, to be transported, as if by magic, into the fascinating and joyful atmosphere of Christmas.
In addition to the historic market in the main square, where the symbol of the city, the Golden Roof, is the backdrop, the offer is expanded in other squares of the city, the market in Markplatz square, the market in Maria-Theresien-Straße and in many other places that can be visited on foot. Making a visit to the Innsbruck Christmas Markets an even more extraordinary experience for children are the majestic figures that peep out from the facades and windowsills of the houses in Fairy Tale Alley.
It won’t just be the little ones who will open their eyes in wonder at the best-known ancient heroes and more modern faces: from Rapunzel to Madame Holle and Pinocchio. In turn, the various characters come to life on the theatrical float, the unmissable attraction that stages the most beloved fairy tales twice a day, transporting the audience into the enchanted world of the Brothers Grimm. Those who want can continue the journey into legends by making a small detour into the Alley of the Giants where, winging the fascinated tourists, are the imposing colossi of childhood fantasies.
The market in the main square of Innsbruck – © innsbruck.info
LUMAGICA – Hofgarten, Innsbruck
Until January 28, 2024
The tempting proposals that accompany Christmas in the capital of Tyrol also involve the Hofgarten court garden, not far from the market in the historic center, where every year an unmissable gem of the winter period is set up: the magical Lumagica light park in its fourth edition . If last year the themed event proposed a “Tour of the World”, this year visitors are invited to an equally fascinating “Journey through Time”.
For more information on the Christmas markets in Innsbruck.
GRAZ – Glockenspielplatz
Until January 6, 2024
Also for 2023 the Christmas market at Glockenspielplatz in Graz is entirely dedicated to Styria and its culinary and artisanal specialties. There is certainly no shortage of the classic mulled wine and punch which are prepared by the exhibitors themselves. Accompanied by Christmas notes, thematic days follow one another at the market with many special offers to sweeten the long wait for the Holy Night.
Glockenspielplatz in Graz – © GrazTourismus/Harry Schiffer
GERMANY
MUNICH – Historic Centre
Until January 6, 2024
Munich’s original Christmas market, which dates back to the 14th century, has been held at Marienplatz since 1972. After a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus, the market returned to host 135 produce and food stalls in 2022. T he program included Advent music from the balcony of the town hall, the Krampus race (Krampuslauf – race with the fearsome companions of Saint Nicholas) and the sky workshop for children.
Nativity scene market at St. Peter’s Church (Alter Peter): in front of St. Peter’s, it is probably the largest of its kind in Germany. The stalls offered complete nativity scenes, single figures and everything needed to decorate a nativity scene.
Baby Jesus tree on Marienplatz square: 8 November 2023 the Munich fire brigade installed a 25 meter high spruce from Königsdorf near Bad Tölz as a landmark. At the inauguration of the Christmas Market on November 27th, it will shine for the first time and illuminate the city until January 6th.
For more information on the Munich Christmas Markets.
The Marienplatz market in Munich – © muenchen.de/Micheal Hofmann
BELGIUM
BRUGES – Historic Center
November 24, 2023/January 7, 2024
As Christmas approaches, the historic center of Bruges is transformed into an even more magical and enchanting place for the fifth edition of Winter Glow. Luminous immersive paths, Christmas markets and ice rink, immersive experiences in the Capital of Western Flanders where the Christmas spirit is celebrated with a unique style. A Christmas party in all respects, with lots of lights that create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Winter Glow – © visitbruges.be/Jan Darthet.
On the cover, Christmas and culture market at Schönbrunn Palace – © WienTourismus/Christian Stemper.
