Most people do not really believe in magic. Not until the Christmas season arrives โ€“ the time of the year when the magic reveals itself and people get to see it with their own eyes. There is no place on the Earth that is not magical during this time of the year, but yet there are places where Christmas magic is more present than in the others โ€“ the Christmas markets in Europe.

So here are the top 5 most magical Christmas markets in Europe:

Dresden Striezelmarkt

First founded back in 1434, Dresden Strizelmarkt is the oldest and the most charming Christmas market in Germany. In addition, Dresden Spriezelmarkt is also one of the most traditional ones in the country since it includes many traditions from local industries such as mining, pottery, and woodworking. The most popular attraction of the market is definitely the Christmas wooden arch which displays figures and candles symbolizing the candles of the miners back in the day.

Hot wine, Christmas lights, and Christmas carols โ€“ Dresden Spritzelmarkt is the place to go if you want to feel the Christmas magic of Saxony.

Time: November 28th to December 24th

Zagreb Advent Christmas Festival

Hot wine, gingerbread cookies, Christmas carols, and a bunch of colorful lights โ€“ Croatiaโ€™s capital has been voted as โ€œbest Christmas market destination in Europeโ€ for three years straight! And of course, there are many reasons for that!

Not only it offers its visitor a chance to see live ice sculpture carvings, ice rink performances, and super delicious street food, but it also has an area dedicated for โ€œfooling aroundโ€! Yet again, the most popular attraction of them all is The Jolly Christmas Tram where kids could cruise through the heart of the city in the company of Santa and his elves.

Time: December 1st to January 6th

Trento Christmas Market

Just imagine how magical the twinkling Christmas atmosphere can be with the stunning scenery of the Alps in the background. Sounds like a fairytale, but thatโ€™s exactly how Trentoโ€™s โ€˜Citta del Nataleโ€™ (Christmas Town, situated in Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti) is.

As if that is not enough, you would also have a chance to get some high-quality Italian cheese and dried orange slices right below the impressive 13th century Buonconsiglio Castle while moving in the rhythm of some Italian Christmas songs!

Time: November 24th to January 6th

The Viennese Dream Christmas Market

First held in 1298, the Viennese Christmas Market is considered to be one of the most traditional markets in the world! With more than 150 stalls and 20 events to choose from, this Christmas Market takes place right in front of City Hall, one of the biggest attractions of Austria.

If you decide to visit it, make sure to try the traditional Austrian sausage and get your kid a reindeer ride! Oh and, of course, donโ€™t forget to get ready for some ice skating as Viennese Christmas Market has a huge ice rink which is the marketโ€™s most popular attraction among the visitors.

To learn more about Vienna, check out my other blog post.

Time: November 16th to December 26th

Prague Christmas Market

And the best was saved for last โ€“ Prague Christmas Market! You probably have already heard about the legendary Christmas Markets of Prague which take place at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square which are just a few minutes away from each other!

What makes these Christmas markets in Europe so authentic are actually the treats that could be found on the stalls. Klobasa (Czech sausage) and trdelnรญk (grilled pastry, rolled in cinnamon and sugar) are the most popular specialties among the visitors. And of course, to warm up and get more smoothly in a festive mood, make sure to get a glass of hot wine in the middle of that mixture of Christmas lights and Gothic architecture.

Time: December 1st to January 6th

Final Thoughts

The Christmas season is indeed the most wonderful time of the year! Hence, you should enjoy every single second of it regardless of where you are. However, if you have a chance then I highly recommend you to spend it in some of the above-listed Christmas markets in Europe. Trust me, it will definitely be an unforgettable Christmas experience especially if you love Christmas as much as I do!

Further reading:

5 Cities in Europe You Should Never Visit for Christmas

Prepare Authentic Gingerbread Men Cookies

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