Being on a student-exchange program in Europe already feels like a magical once-in-a-lifetime experience! And if you're enrolled for the Fall Semester, what better way to bring this spectacular chapter of your life to a close than by visiting some of the best Christmas markets in the region?
Originating from Germany, many European cities now have a tradition of hosting Christmas markets, considered as some of the most festive and charming in the world! From Germany and Austria to France and Italy, each country has its own unique take on the holiday season, so it's definitely worth checking out a few!
But there are just so many great Christmas markets in Europe, and it might be really challenging to pick which one to travel to! Lucky for you, we've compiled 4 of the most popular and unique Christmas markets, perfect for exchange students like you!
1. Where It All Started | Dresden & Nuremberg, Germany
Where better else to start than in the country where this whole Christmas market trend started: Germany!
Dresden
First, let's start with Dresden's Striezelmarkt that was first held in 1434 and is considered the first true Christmas market! It is held annually in the center of Dresden, in front of the historic Frauenkirche church. The market displays the world’s tallest Ore Mountain step pyramid and the world’s largest walk-in candle arch or Schwibbogen!
The Christmas market is packed with about 240 market stalls, where you can find wooden ornaments which originated from the Striezelmarkt like Räuchermann (smoking man) and Nutcrackers (yes from the popular Tchaikovsky storybook!) Visitors may also enjoy drinking the Glühwein (mulled wine) and eating some Pulsnitzer Pfefferkuchen (Pulsnitz gingerbread)!
Though Dresden is not the easiest destination to get to, it's worth considering taking a day trip here if you're traveling to or from Berlin (around 2-3 hours away from Berlin by train or bus).
Nuremberg
Here's another Christmas market in Germany you can consider, as well! Only 1-2 hours away from Bavaria's capital, Munich, Nuremberg is considered to host some of the best and most popular Christmas markets in the world!
One of Germany's oldest Christmas fairs dating as far back as the mid 16th century, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is held at the main market square of Nuremberg.
Especially if you are looking for a traditional market with lots of handmade goods and Christmas decorations, then Nuremberg is a great option for you! You can buy handicrafts like prune men (Zwetschgenmännle), gold-foil angels (Rauschgoldengel) and other curious gifts and ornaments! You can also enjoy some sweet treats like Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Spekulatius almond cookies. And while you're in Germany, you might as well enjoy the Nuremberg bratwurst, as well!
If you can't wait for the holidays to start, you can access the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt via this incredible 360° Panorama view!
2. Fairytale Christmas | Strasbourg & Colmar, France
Located in the border between France and Germany, the Alsace region is an amazing place to find a beautiful blend of different countries! In this region, however, I'd say the bustling Alsatian capital of Strasbourg and the colorful, quaint town of Colmar are the best places to travel to during winter!
It doesn't hurt that they host some of the best Christmas markets too!
For exchange students like yourself, the Alsace region is perfect as a stopover in a long cross-country trip. It's the mid-point of France, Germany and Switzerland, while Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands are close by too!
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is known for its interlocking waterways, bright half-timbered houses of La Petite France and the Gothic wonder that is the Cathedral of Notre Dame! Come Christmas time, Strasbourg *literally* lights up with a multitude of colorful ornaments and twinkling Christmas lights!
As the oldest Christmas market in all of France, Strasbourg is sometimes regarded as the capital of Christmas! The Strasbourg Christmas markets known as Marché de Noël have over 300 wooden stalls set up in the city’s historical centre! Savor little Christmas biscuits called bredele, and mulled wine, while strolling under festive decorations and shimmering lights!
Located in Place Kléber, Strasbourg during the festive period, one also can find one of the tallest decorated natural Christmas trees in Europe - The Great Christmas Tree, the 30 meter-high Star of the Alsatian Christmas!
*Trivia! Did you know that oldest Christmas tree market is thought to be held in Strasbourg, where the “first decorated indoor tree” was recorded in 1605!
Colmar
On the other hand, Colmar is known for its romantic, flower-laden lanes and canals of La Petite Venise and the cozy, quaint fairytale town charm it bestows on each traveler! Watch this storybook town transform into a magical Christmas wonderland, with six lovely Christmas markets situated in the heart of the historic town center!
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Have a bite to eat at the Marché Gourmand - anise-flavored Springerle biscuits and kirsch-laced Berawecka fruit cake are very popular! You can admire and purchase handcrafted creations of local creations at the majestic Koïfhus! There's also a tradition for local children's choirs to sing Christmas carols on illuminated boats at the Little Venice district - how cute is that!
3. The Highest Christmas Market in Europe | Mt. Pilatus, Switzerland
If you're fond of cold, snowy weather and fantastic alpine views, look no further than Mt. Pilatus (2132m)! Overlooking the magnificent Lake Lucerne, Mt. Pilatus' Christkindlimärt has over 40 Christmas stalls selling crafts like candles and food like raclette and gingerbread! Even the novelty of getting to the top of the mountain via the world's steepest cogwheel railway is almost too good to pass on!
Wander along the observation terrace and take in the beautiful 360 panoramic views of the lakes and Alps! Though it is quite remote, this is sure to be one of the most unique Christmas markets you will ever have the pleasure to visit!
4. Happiest Place in the World | Copenhagen, Denmark
This technically is not solely a Christmas market, but we might as well include this amazing Scandinavian destination - Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen!
Rumored to be the inspiration behind Disneyland, Tivoli Gardens is a popular amusement and garden park that you can visit in Copenhagen. During Christmas, the gardens are filled with glimmering Christmas lights and several beautifully-decorated Christmas trees. It's no surprise why so many Danes have a visit to Tivoli on top of their holiday bucket-list!
Of course, you can also go on fun rides like wooden rollercoasters (Rutschebanen) and watch shows & performances in the Tivoli concert hall and theatre. Don't forget to stay around for the fireworks festival at the end!
And yes, there is a Christmas market within the gardens, with around 60 stalls selling all kinds of snacks, drinks, crafts and products! Enjoying fresh æbleskiver and hot choco while indulging the freezing air, the scenic architecture and gardens of Tivoli - you can experience a truly Nordic Christmas!
This is perfect for exchange students planning to go on a Scandinavian Christmas adventure! And it's convenient to go to: Tivoli Gardens is right next to the Copenhagen Central Station!
And if you still have time in Copenhagen, you can always visit the more traditional Christmas markets in King’s New Square (Kongens Nytorv) or in High Bridge Square (Højbro Plads).
CONCLUSION
During my exchange semester in France, I fondly remember spending a lot of time in these Christmas markets, eating churros and strolling around the jolly market stalls. It was a great culminating experience not only for myself, but for the friends I've made along the way!
We were also very well-aware that this might be the last time we'd spend time with each other, with the end of the semester looming closer and closer. So never take this special Christmas time for granted!
No matter which European city you find yourself in during the holidays, you’re sure to stumble upon a festive market or two – so get out there and enjoy the holiday cheer! (And be sure to have some mulled wine or hot chocolate to keep warm along the way!)
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the MiTravel team! Wishing you the best of luck in your travels!
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