European Christmas magic!

Christmas markets in Europe take us back to our childhood and give us memories that will last a lifetime, filling the air with magic. The streets are decorated with thousands of lights and seem to be thoroughly saturated with the aromas of mulled wine and grog. So, when does this magic begin? From mid-November to the end of December, European cities turn into magical worlds and offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourselves in the atmosphere of a real holiday. If you have not been to such fairs before, we suggest you do so as soon as possible.

Hungary: Budapest

Just a few steps from the banks of the Danube, on Vörösmarty tér, is the famous Budapest Christmas market, famous for its beauty and history. The celebration begins on November 17 and continues until December 28, welcoming guests from all over the world. In the open air, every visitor can look forward to free concerts and fabulous puppet shows designed to entertain the whole family. For those who spent too long looking at all the decorations and details and got cold, there are cozy houses where you can warm up.

In 2023, the Budapest Christmas market was named "Vörösmarty Classic Xmas", reflecting traditional family values and the relaxed atmosphere of Christmas. Visitors to this magical event will be delighted by the huge projection of the Christmas tree that comes to life on the façade of the Harisnyaház building.

France: Strasbourg

Strasbourg, also known as the "capital of Christmas", boasts one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. From November 25 until the New Year, Europe's oldest Christmas market, The Birth of the Christ Child, welcomes visitors from all over the world. Strasbourg has preserved the traditions and spirit of a real, warm and generous Alsatian Christmas since the 16th century. What makes this fair truly unique is its historical context - its origins date back to 1570, when Strasbourg was part of Germany.

Set among famous streets and squares including Broglie Platz and Münster Platz, and surrounding the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral, the Christmas market creates a truly magical mood. Approximately 200 chalet houses attract visitors with unique handmade Christmas tree decorations, workshops with handicrafts from Alsace and Christmas delicacies such as candied gingerbread bread, fragrant jam and delicate Bredelet cookies.

Germany

Berlin

The Berlin Christmas Market is a full-fledged cultural festival that takes you into a real fairy tale. The city's main Christmas market is located on the Gendarmenmarkt square, located in the heart of the capital, and welcomes visitors from November 21st. This fair is a unique place where traditional and contemporary art come together as artists from all over the world display their amazing handcrafted products and gifts. Each stand at the fair is a cozy art workshop where masters create their works live.

The Berlin fair offers a unique variety of tastes. Here you can try not only classic German delicacies, but also exotic delicacies from different parts of the world. However, to fully experience the Christmas atmosphere, be sure to celebrate your visit to the fair with a glass of mulled wine or grog.

Cologne

The main Christmas market opens on November 23rd and is set against the backdrop of the majestic Cologne Cathedral, creating a unique symbiosis of old and modern. Standing in front of this architectural masterpiece, you can’t help but feel like you’re in a real fairy tale! Mulled wine poured into decorated mugs, crispy caramelized almonds, gingerbread and fried Nuremberg sausages are of interest not only to tourists - local residents also flock to the festive square with the onset of cold weather.

The fair in Cologne is rich in a wide range of souvenirs, including handicrafts and fine jewelry - undoubtedly, bringing a memorable gift from there will be especially joyful. Stroll through the cozy streets, where each shop resembles a chest full of treasures.

Munich

From November 27, 2023, the historic Marienplatz square in Munich is transformed into a cozy space, ideal for hosting a Christmas market. Be sure to try the caramelized apples, roasted chestnuts and almond figures. Also be sure to appreciate the 26-meter Christmas tree - because every toy on it is made by hand!

What makes the Munich Christmas market so unique? This is an unbeatable atmosphere of comfort and cordiality, which is created not only by festive decorations and musicians, but also by the participants themselves, dressed in bright folk costumes. Munich's hospitality is incredibly infectious and you'll quickly feel like you're at a festive family dinner.

Austria: Vienna

Advent is every Austrian's favorite time of year. Vienna turns into a magical kingdom, illuminated by many many light and flickering illuminations, which seems to come to life to the sounds of festive carols and waltzes. The aromas of mulled wine, punch and delicious pretzels are in the air.

The Vienna Christmas Market, opening its doors on the square in front of the Town Hall on November 16, becomes the main symbol of this magic. Every day, up to 60,000 locals and tourists gather here to experience the Vienna Christmas Dream, or Wiener WeihnachtstraumWinter. Among the 150 shopping pavilions you will find a huge number of souvenirs, candles and exquisite glass Christmas tree decorations.

The majestic Christmas tree that is erected in front of the Town Hall every year can compete for the title of the most beautiful tree in the world. In front of the entrance to the city hall there is an interesting exhibition of nativity scenes, which adds to the atmosphere of a traditional Christmas, and classical concerts and children's master classes are held inside. Every year, a huge skating rink with an area of 3,000 m² is filled in the park next to the Town Hall and ice trails are laid, as well as various attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.

If you want to arrange your own hit parade of Christmas markets and travel to all the legendary places (well, why not?), then we recommend you to purchase the Europe bundle from fedafone and stay connected in all European countries. You will only need to activate such an eSIM once, which will allow you to save time for really important things!