Five Local Christmas Markets to Visit in Europe

Not that you need one, but if ever there was an excuse for taking a weekend break away in November, this is it. Christmas markets. We’ve put together some of our favourites across Europe coupled with some great local homestays. If you’re in Europe this Christmas and want to sip on a glass of mulled wine or indulge in some chocolate crepes, but with locals and not tourists, here are five to note…

1Vienna  - Alt Wiener Markt

Vienna’s most famous Christmas markets are those in front of the city’s imposing Rathaus (City Hall). If you are there over the festive season don’t miss them – they’re stunning. But also try to visit these markets that have been taking place since 1772. Home to Austria’s oldest manger and the warmest of atmospheres, they’re held in the city’s beautiful Freyung Square. For more info visit their website.

Where: Freyung Square

When: 18th November - 23rd December 2016

Homestay: with host Lucyna

Homestays in Vienna

2Berlin - Lucia Weihnachtsmark

Berlin is home to over 60 Christmas markets, from those near the famous TV Tower in Alexanderplatz to others in its many neighbourhoods. One of these is the Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt, in Prenzlauer Berg, a market that’s different from the rest as it’s a Scandinavian themed market.

Here you’ll find Swedish ‘Glogg’ (their version of mulled wine with hot water and rum, raisins and almonds) beside stalls dedicated to everything elk, all to the sounds of Nordic music. For more info visit their website.

Where: Prenzlauer Berg

When: 21st November – December 22nd 2016

Homestay: with host Ruth

Homestays in Berlin

3Prague – Náměstí Miru Christmas markets

Traditionally the first Christmas market to open every year in Prague, these markets are held in front of the Church of St Ludmila in the district of Vinohrady. It's a little bit further out but only a 15 minute walk from the top of Wenceslas Square.

If it’s handmade goods you’re after, you’ll find more here than in the markets in the centre of the city, with lots of independent stalls and local produce. You’ll also find far more locals. For more information on all of the Christmas markets in Prague, take a look here.

Where: Náměstí Miru, Praha 2

When: 20th November – 24th December 2016

Homestay: with host Gautier

Homestays in Prague

4Paris - Marché de Noël La Défense

Image courtesy of JAVL

Christmas markets in Paris otherwise known as marché de noël, can be found all over Paris. Located close to some of the city’s iconic landmarks including Champs- Elysées, Montmartre-Sacre Coeur, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame with the largest market set amongst the skyscrapers of La Défense.

Here the 300 plus chalets are host to a wide range of choices, all kinds of arts, crafts, festive decorations and more importantly plenty of French culinary specialities to choose from. You must try a hot cheesy raclette when you are there, and of course a nice glass of vin chaud to warm you up!

Where: La Défense (metro La Défense)

When: 17th November - 27th December 2016

Homestay: with host Christine

Homestays in Paris

5Rome – Piazza Navona Christmas markets

Rome is a city that isn’t used to traditional Germanic Christmas markets. Hence, thousands of Romans descend upon the Italian capital’s Piazza Navona every year for their market in one of Europe’s most beautiful locations. Here you can pick up decorations, handmade crafts and more.

Where: Piazza Navona

When: 1st December 2016 – January 6th 2017

Homestay: with host Rochelle

Homestays in Rome