Christmas markets. Which ones are worth visiting?

Christmas illuminations are slowly starting to illuminate the streets of European cities. Here and there you can also feel the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread wafting from the stalls set up in the open air. The first Christmas markets appear in selected places. Which ones are particularly worth visiting this year? The British newspaper “The Times” decided to answer this question by compiling a list of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

The first place in the ranking is collectively taken by fairs in the German city of Cologne. “The Times” recommends visiting them especially to those looking for diversity. The options include: illuminated by “hundreds of twinkling lights” Markt der Engel, dedicated to young people Nikolausdorf or offering an open-air ice rink Heinzels Winter Fairytale. The first Christmas attractions in Cologne can be visited from Monday, November 18.

For caroling enthusiasts, the British daily recommends a trip to the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, where free Christmas concerts are regularly organized. Every Tuesday you can also join in singing carols there. This year, the fair in Salzburg will be organized for the 50th time. Its start is scheduled for Thursday, November 21.

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Next, “The Times” ranks various fairs in Berlin, of which there are as many as 80 in total. If you care about size, go to Spandau, if you care about appearance, choose Weihnachtszauber, and if you want to spend your time actively, go to the Potsdamer Platz fair. – recommends the newspaper. Most fairs in the city start at the end of November.

Monaco, with its exclusive hotels, famous Formula 1 track and world-famous casino, knows how to dazzle. Christmas is no exception, says “The Times”. The daily recommends a trip to the city-state located on the Mediterranean Sea especially to those who are looking for “luxurious pleasures”. The attractions available at the fair include: Ferris wheel, roller coasters for children and adults and live musical performances. The fair in Monaco will start on December 6 this year.

The city of Rovinj, located approximately 40 kilometers from Pula, is described by the daily as charming “at any time of the year”. However, in the run-up to Christmas, its charm becomes even more “undeniable,” the newspaper adds. Average temperatures in December there are around 11 degrees Celsius. The trip will certainly appeal to those who do not like frost. The city fairs are scheduled to start on December 8.

Among the warmer proposals of “The Times” there is also the Spanish city of Marbella, where in December thermometers show an average of 12 degrees Celsius during the day. With nearly 325 sunny days a year, the Costa del Sol may not be the first place that comes to mind when it comes to winter holidays, but counting it out would be a mistake, says the daily. The fairs start there at the beginning of December.

Among the fairs organized in Budapest, the daily recommends the fair at Vörösmarty Square, full of food stands, handicraft shops and free concerts, and the fair near St. Stephen's Basilica, offering the opportunity to spend time more actively. Stefan. The capital Hungarian the newspaper suggests visiting after November 15.

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“The Times” places “postcard-beautiful” and “perfect for the holiday season” Prague at number 8 in its ranking. Visiting the capital Czech the newspaper recommends it especially to lovers of outdoor concerts. He also recommends that families with children visit the Old Town Square, where you can see a living nativity scene. You can plan your visit as early as November 30.

The Strasbourg fair offers 300 stalls with handicrafts, mulled wine and snacks. There is a large selection, but what is really worth looking for on site are stands with kugelhopf, a traditional Alsatian cake. The numerous illuminations around the city are also impressive. The fair starts on November 27.

The fair in Gothenburg rounds off the top ten of The Times' ranking. The newspaper particularly appreciates the “elegant atmosphere” there. He recommends a visit to the Scottish town due to its attractions for children, Santa Claus' village and impressive ice skating shows. Once there, it is worth treating yourself to a cup of glogg, local mulled wine, and a piece of smoked reindeer – adds the daily. You can visit the Christmas market in Gothenburg from Saturday, November 16.

Further on in the list, “The Times” also recommends visiting fairs in cities such as Brussels, Tallinn, Seville, Bratislava and Copenhagen. It also lists two proposals from Poland. The fair in Gdańsk ranks 19th, and the fair in Kraków ranks 21st. The first one praises the romantic atmosphere and various snacks. The second one is recommended due to the ice rink located in its center, the picturesque surroundings and the food offered there.

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