Cozy and Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe to Visit This Year
Soon, it will be Christmas! In many of Europe's most stunning cities, red lights have already been strung on trees, and snow is predicted everywhere. The best of Europe's holiday decorations may be found in every city, but you just cannot miss those charming Christmas marketplaces of Europe, beautifully lit up with Christmas balls and fun lights.
Share This Magical Time with Your Romantic Partner
If you are interested in visiting the best Christmas markets with your partner this year, you will certainly be spoilt for choices. Exploring these markets with someone you love doubles the fun. Everything about these markets, from the candied almonds to the live music to the steaming mugs of Glühwein, has a distinct Christmassy flavor that you and your partner would love.
And considering the ease of finding like-minded partners online, you do not have to travel alone anyway. Modern dating sites make it easy to meet like-minded people from any part of the globe to enjoy holidays together, so you don't have to spend them on your own. Use built-in filters to choose the location of your future matches, and start searching for a Christmas date partner!
Gather All the Important Info to Enjoy the Seamless Trip
If you are a frequent traveler, you already know how important it is to come prepared and know what to expect when you finally leave the airport.
Still, it makes good sense to go online and gather important details about the best holiday destinations to witness the Christmas celebration and explore the best markets.
A great idea is to make friends with a local through an online dating site and let them be your "romantic partner" and "tour guide" to see everything from a different perspective.
Visit One of These European Hidden Gems
When you ask about the best Christmas markets, there are some obvious choices, like Prague, Berlin, or Budapest. But you should make it different this time and explore some of these hidden gems instead.
Tallinn, Estonia
The holiday season has made Tallinn a popular tourist destination. Tallinn's Christmas Market is loved by many for its quaint atmosphere, ancient architecture, and rich history.
The Raekoja plats Christmas market is home to the very first Christmas tree in the world. Almost 600 years after decorating the first public Christmas tree, the tradition lives on in The Square, where the Christmas market is hosted.
You will love it here if you are a foodie. Black pudding and sour cabbage are just two examples of seasonal dishes you should share with your significant other. Moreover, since the temperature is expected to be low everywhere, you should stock up on hot chocolate and wine to keep warm.
It is the ideal pick-me-up for when you have had enough of the cold to want to see some of Europe's best (but chillier) Christmas markets.
Gothenburg, Sweden
As one of Europe's most celebrated holidays, Christmas in Europe is special, and the Liseberg Christmas market in Gothenburg is arguably the continent's finest.
The second-largest city in Sweden, Gothenburg is known for its chill, hipster atmosphere. Gothenburg's amusement park, called Liseberg, serves as the location of the city's annual Christmas market. It undergoes a rather Christmassy makeover, though, during the holiday season.
Winters are cool here (but not too cool), so you can find a lot to do with your partner when visiting Liseberg. There will be songs, outdoor decorations, arcade games, a Santa's grotto, and, of course, a Christmas market to buy presents from.
Lille, France
You will fall in love with Lille because of its beautiful buildings, rich culture (there are so many museums), scrumptious dishes, crazy bars, charming little cobblestone streets, delicious chocolate shops, tango classes under the stars, and charming hidden squares. In addition, thousands of retail outlets keep you busy for a long time.
During the holiday season, Lille goes all out, decorating for the occasion with a Christmas market, lighting up the Grand Place, and cranking up the giant wheel. You can also find many booths here where you may purchase handmade goods made in the area.
Other local delicacies include the pungent yet tasty Maroilles cheese, as well as cookies, macarons, and native sweets like babeluttes (soft caramels). And if you are searching for something unique, there are plenty of fantastic presents to choose from.
Graz, Austria
Graz is known for its festively decorated storefronts and dazzling lights throughout the holiday season, but the city's 15 Christmas markets are the real showstoppers.
The city transforms into a magical wintertime destination at the end of November. The proximity of these markets makes the entire downtown area feel like a single winter wonderland. Interestingly, the majestic Graz City Hall serves as a stunning background for the city's annual Christmas market.
The market's prime location in Graz's historical district has made it the city's busiest and most visited shopping district, but the high foot traffic is not without good cause. It has everything you might want from a Christmas market, with charming kiosks selling a wide variety of artisanal goods, seasonal decorations, gifts, delectable foods, and hot beverages.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi, Finland, is known as "the official homeland of Santa Claus," so it should not be a surprise that it is a Christmas lover's paradise, with magical activities like trips across the Arctic circle and a Santa's Village. And, of course, Rovaniemi also hosts a Christmas market, where visitors can buy local goods and support the city's artists.
Beginning in the first week of December, pikkujoulu parties are held, and marketplaces fill with customers enjoying hot glögi, the Finnish version of mulled wine. Visit these Christmas markets in Finland to soak up some of that holiday spirit for yourself.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, the options to explore Christmas markets in Europe are extensive. It all depends on your personal preferences, but no matter where you go, you will bring back the best of the traditional Christmas gifts and make memories that will last a lifetime.
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