The growing trend of travelling to Europe for their Christmas markets is the new student obsession and we’re loving it! Airlines have been advertising European Christmas markets as a great excuse for a getaway this Christmas.
As the dark nights have swooped in and stolen our daylight, it’s no surprise that many of us plan to deck the halls and start planning things to keep ourselves high-spirited during this seasonal sadness.
As it’s the season where we celebrate and cherish the relationships we have, imagine how fantastic it would be to celebrate friendship, partnership, family and love during a festive trip abroad. Consumed by jingle bells, cinnamon scents and the bustle of laughter, I think it’s only fitting that I provide some of the best Christmas markets that the European continent has to offer.
Flights and accommodation around Christmas can skyrocket in price. However, there are still some great deals out there for you to get your hands on before the festive season is over especially if you avoid tourist hotspots like Paris, Madrid and London!
Also if you are keen to travel but don’t want to go solo, lots of travel companies offer special Christmas and New Year festival tours which are a great way to make new friends and have a lot of fun.
Popular European Christmas Markets
It seems quite difficult deciding where in Europe to go as there are so many great options. However, with a bit of research and considering what you want from your winter trip, it will all come together in no time.
Some of the best Christmas markets in Europe to check out include:
- Basel, Switzerland
- Berlin, Germany
- Bohemia, Czech Republic
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Bruges, Belgium
- Brussels, Belgium
- Budapest, Hungary
- Cologne, Germany
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Gdansk, Poland
Other Cities to Consider
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Krakow, Poland
- Merano, Italy
- Metz, France
- Nuremburg, Germany
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Riga, Latvia
- Salzburg, Austria
- Seville, Spain
- Strasbourg, France
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Vienna, Austria
- Zagreb, Croatia
Top Tips
This is how to get the most out of your trip to the Christmas markets in Europe.
- Market Tipples- Many Christmas markets sell a variety of mulled wines, ciders and festive beers and lagers. If you’re not a drinker, there will be plenty of soft drinks, mocktails and festive non-alcoholic drinks for you to enjoy as you immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit.
- Market Munchies- Christmas markets sell an array of great market foods from different countries and cultures, with particular emphasis on the home dishes of whichever country you’re visiting. For example, if you travel to Germany, you’ll be met with a fantastic selection of wursts, flammkuchen and kartofellpuffers.
- Sweet Treats- Follow up your chosen savoury snack with a sweet treat. This can be anything from roasted chestnuts, cookies, waffles, croissants, pancakes and fruit. Don’t forget to try any local delicacies, embrace the uniqueness and opportunity of where you are.
- Rides- After you’ve enjoyed merry tipples and filled your bodies with yummy food, you should explore the activities and rides that the Christmas markets have to offer. For example, in Brussels, Belgium, you can enjoy a ride on the carousel and ferris wheel. There may also be Christmas-inspired shows like the sound and lights show.
- Ice Skating- Many European Christmas markets have ice rinks for ice skating (just as many in the UK do). Make sure you upgrade your travel insurance package to include winter sports, so you’re protected whilst ice skating!
Plan Your European Festive Break
The actual challenge is then organising your friends, partner or family and making sure they can take time off university and/or work for the dates you had in mind. After that, the most crucial thing is staying safe and getting prepared.
Here are some key things to check before you depart on your Christmas break.
Reading up on government foreign travel advice and guidance for the country you’re visiting and purchasing appropriate travel insurance and budgeting should be your top priorities and non-negotiables in preparation for your winter trip. Ensuring you know the basics about where you’re travelling to will alleviate most stress.
There is no better way to prepare for your Christmas trip than to be organised. For the best travel insurance, check out the government’s breakdown of foreign travel insurance information and various policies. You should also include coverage for gadgets (if you travel with technology such as laptops, phones and iPads) and winter sports (such as ice skating, skiing, snowboarding).
These options must be actively chosen, if applicable, when purchasing your travel insurance and it’s vital that you do so. If you were to have a winter sports accident or lose your gadgets and hadn’t selected coverage for these subsidiaries, then you will not be compensated.
Also, when purchasing your insurance, it’s critical that you state any health conditions you have when it prompts you to mention them. An example of a health condition that people forget to mention is asthma. Your insurance is personal to you, so ensure you are personalising it to fit who you are and to cater to any activities that you plan on doing whilst travelling.
Furthermore, checking government foreign travel advice ensures you are in full awareness of any rules, laws and regulations of the country you’re visiting which may impact your city break. Additionally, with the cost of living in full swing, it’s more crucial than ever that you prioritise your spending, allowing for an ‘emergency costs’ budget if required whilst you’re away. As students, it’s always better for us to prepare for the worst than to be met with the worst and be out of our depth.
If you don’t manage to book your trip this year, don’t worry, start saving and plan to book for next Christmas. Time flies and the festive period of next year will soon be with us. After thoroughly considering your safety and the cost of the trip, your work is done. Remember to have a blast with your friends, partner and family. Merry Christmas and safe travels!
This guide was written by Georgia Pearson, a Student Brand Ambassador for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.