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The great thing about adulting is you can be a little naughty and celebrate Christmas on your own terms.
What better way to do just that than to venture off to Europe?
Renowned for vibrant Christmas markets taking over timeless plazas with holiday decor decked out to the gills, if there were ever a time to embrace the winter chill, it’s to indulge in the Hallmark-movie-come-to-life atmosphere of Europe’s prettiest cities.
Here at Travel Off Path, it’s one of our favorite times of the year, when we master the art of holding hand warmers in one hand and glühwein in the other (practice makes perfect!).
With a little help from Ryanair, the notorious cheap flight behemoth, say what you will about them, but they are indeed locals experts…
There’s hardly an airport across Europe that they don’t serve, whether it’s one of Poland’s vowel-less cities or household names like Paris.
As such, they know the ins and outs of Europe’s most beautiful winter wonderlands, and these are the top 4 for Christmas markets.
4) Krakow, Poland
Don’t let the fact that Eastern Europe seems far-flung be a deterrent for one of Europe’s most festive cities. Poland is easier to reach than you’d expect and well worth the journey.
We’re talking quintessential storybook streets only enhanced by snow-sprinkled spires and church domes and the aroma of roasted chestnuts and diabetes-inducing snacks offered by a plethora of vendors posted up at numerous Christmas markets.
Krakow is truly one of Europe’s most underrated cities any season, but the wintry atmosphere will have you feeling like you’re inside a snowglobe with no plans to ever escape.
It doesn’t have to be your first stop, but a winter trip to Krakow without visiting Rynek Glowny, Krakow’s main plaza, should be a crime.
This is where you’ll find Krakow’s main festivities that begin November 28th. Prepare for typical mulled wine and Polish delights. In other words, we sense sausage and beer is in your future.
3) Prague, Czechia
Prague, here I come!
This globally renowned city for its beauty and affordability has long been a bucket-list item of mine, and I can’t wait to check it off next month.
As Ryanair points out, there are a pair of Christmas markets worth visiting. I don’t know about you, but Christmas market hopping sounds like the best kind of winter vacation…
I mean, who else is going to compare mulled wine and tell you which one is better?
It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it!
Of course, Prague’s Old Town Square is the most sought-after market, given its postcard backdrop of astounding historic marvels and jam-packed stalls with every Christmas goodie imaginable.
The other option is a little lesser known at Wenceslas Square, with unique offerings like hot honey wine and more elbow room to enjoy holiday cheer.
2) Budapest, Hungary
Those who have had the pleasure of visiting Budapest likely all agree that it’s safe to say it’s Europe’s most underrated capital city.
Visiting during the holiday season makes it even more enticing, raising the question of how it’s so overlooked.
Come Christmastime, Budapest’s year-round beauty only increases with twinkling lights and a riverside glow.
Ryanair highlights Vörösmarty Square as the go-to spot for Christmas cheer in the coming months.
Here, you’ll find the usual selections of mulled wine and various sweets, such as their specialty chimney cake, and also a popular 3D light show spectacle.
But if crowds become too much to bear, feel free to take a scenic stroll along the Danube River for amazing city views with luminous holiday decor.
1) Vienna, Austria
As someone who has visited Vienna during the holidays, I can attest that Vienna is a must-visit.
When I think of Europe’s Christmas markets, Vienna is the first to come to mind as one I’d go back to in a heartbeat.
Plus, Vienna fully embraces Krampus, the nightmarish anti-Santa haunting Austria’s holiday season — a far cry from the holly jolly rosey-cheeked Santa if you’re up to throw your next winter getaway a curveball.
But most aren’t weirdos like me and visit solely to immerse themselves in traditional Christmas delights amongst some of Central Europe’s most eye-popping architectural wonders, like Vienna’s world-class palaces.
Aligned with Ryanair, my favorite is Rathausplatz, which opens even before Thanksgiving on November 14th.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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