We here at Two’s Company LOVE Christmas and some in the office have been known to spend hours researching and dreaming about Christmas Markets. Just think…crisp winter air, a cup of mulled wine or hot apple cider to keep you warm as you browse through wooden stalls filled with local treats, craft jewellery and a plethora of handmade crafts and unique Christmas decorations. It’s the perfect couples break away to relax and enjoy the most magical time of the year.
So, for those of you planning your presents early or just looking to surprise that special someone with a date they’ll never forget. We’ve put all our research together to come up with 5 top picks for Christmas Markets this year.
Vienna
Vienna has been holding Christmas markets since 1298. The Viennese Christmas Market is at City Hall Square (Rathausplatz). Mid-November, it transforms into a twinkly festive wonderland with over 154 stalls, an ice rink, carousel, Ferris wheel, reindeer train and even hands-on science stall. It also has a wide range of events from trumpet fanfares to singing in the festive hall of the City Hall.
Berlin
Berlin is a bustling city, with over 15 Christmas markets to visit. Our top three to visit are:
- Gendarmenmarkt –Make sure to look out for traditional Christmas market stalls with glassblowing, candle makers and heated tents with haute cuisine to warm you up.
- Charlottenburg Castle – This has been crowned the most romantic market. Bathed in spectacular lights, Charlottenburg Castle is the epitome of festive cheer with delicious German specialities on offer like gingerbread and Glühwein to its traditional craft stalls.
- Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz –This Christmas market at the Sony Centre am Potsdamer Platz has over to 10,000 lights for you to gaze in amazement at.
Prague
Prague is an amazing city to visit, its largest Christmas market is at the Old Town Square where you’ll find wood-carved toys, glassware, Christmas decorations and a delicious array of Czech specialities such as barbecued pork, blood sausages, Czech muffins, mead & more. Once you visit the Old Town Square market, you can head over to Wenceslas Square for more Christmas market indulgences.
Bruges
Bruges is truly magical town with cobbled streets, canals and postcard-pretty buildings. The main square (Grote Markt), is home to Bruges’ main Christmas market. There’s an ice rink surrounded by dozens of wooden stalls selling Christmas decorations, wood crafts, Belgian chocolates, liqueurs, glassware and more. Explore the stalls, grab a Belgian waffle or frites, or relax in one of the cafes that line the square and enjoy a beer, mulled wine or coffee. For some extra festive fun, check out Bruges’ annual Ice Sculpture Festival.
Wroclaw
With four Christmas markets across the city, Wroclaw’s markets are a multicultural experience. Food is an integral part of any market and Wroclaw has everything from Turkish baklava, flammkuchen pancakes, Hungarian ring-shaped cakes, Wroclaw gingerbread houses to pierogis, cabbage rolls, baked chestnuts and handmade chocolate. You can buy traditional wooden crafts, hand-painted baubles, personalised horseshoes, linen bags and ceramic decorations. For children, there’s the Fairytale Wood, Dwarf House, Christmas Windmill and a Fairytale Elf and Reindeer Parade.
There’s plenty of options, whether you agree with our suggestions or have one of your own. A visit to a Christmas market is a great way to begin the holiday festivities.