Christmas is a magical time of year to be in Europe. That sounds like a well-worn cliché, but when you start touring Europe’s best Christmas markets, you’ll soon realize it’s true!
Dresden’s Christmas market has been held in the city since 1434, and it’s just a decade away from celebrating its 600th anniversary! With the historic city center as the backdrop, you’ll love perusing the hundreds of stalls that fill the streets and squares of Dresden.
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Budapest is a beautiful city any time of the year, but during the Christmas season, it’s a particularly impressive destination. You’ll love how Budapest’s avenues are brightly illuminated with Christmas lights while tall Christmas trees stand proudly in the squares.
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Winter Wonderland takes over London’s Hyde Park from November through January, and every day the winter festival welcomes thousands of visitors. You’ll need a ticket just to get in, but it’s well worth it for the rides and the outdoor ice skating rink.
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You’ll love how this festive celebration takes over the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed central square, where traditional wooden stalls sit in the shadow of Krakow’s iconic 14th-century basilica and 15th-century Cloth Hall.
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Spain is often overlooked by travelers looking for the best Christmas markets in Europe, but the country hosts some of the most interesting festive fiestas on the continent. You’ll find some of the best in Seville, where the Andalusian capital is resplendent in Christmas lights and decorations.
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