Europe's top Christmas markets: Winter magic guide

During December, European cities fill with a festive atmosphere in anticipation of Christmas. For travelers from Israel, attractive packages to a variety of European destinations are available, with magical markets full of lights, decorations, unique gift stalls, and seasonal dishes like hot punch and spiced wine.

Due to the security situation, many tourists are carefully considering their destinations. There is a sense of uncertainty that could impact flight and package prices, with travel companies reporting a slight decline in holiday demand. However, there is also a rise in the attractiveness of packages to entice travelers.

According to Siman Ovadia, CEO of "Cruise Tour": "Christmas markets in Europe are an international attraction offering visitors a magical and traditional experience. During the holiday season, city squares and main streets fill with decorated and illuminated stalls offering handmade gifts, holiday decorations, traditional pastries, and hot chocolate or spiced wine. Each city and market gives the event a unique local touch – from open-air holiday movies in Germany, to snowy designed wooden houses in France, to music festivals in Spain. Each market has its own charm, reflecting the culture and atmosphere of the region, making Christmas a perfect opportunity for an authentic cultural experience with nostalgic flavors and scents."

Recommended Destinations and Affordable Travel Packages:

Vienna, Austria

A flight and three-night accommodation package in Vienna, known for its Christmas markets by the City Hall, starting at €305 per person in a double room (approximately NIS 1,225). Vienna also offers additional experiences such as handmade souvenir stalls and traditional food that adds to the wintery atmosphere. Vienna during the Christmas market season is a magical experience combining history, art, and culinary delights with the holiday spirit.

Recommendations to enrich your experience in the city:

Visiting the Main Christmas Markets:

City Hall Square (Rathausplatz): The most famous and largest market, featuring traditional food stalls, hot drinks, decorations, and souvenirs. The square is adorned with captivating lights, and visitors can also ice skate on a special rink.

Museum Square (Maria-Theresien-Platz): Located between the Museum of Art History and the Natural History Museum, this market offers handmade gift stalls with a focus on art and design, alongside a variety of traditional foods. Belvedere Palace Market (Schloss Belvedere): Situated in the stunning gardens of Belvedere Palace, this market offers luxurious experiences and unique Austrian desserts.

Special Attractions: Tour of Schönbrunn Palace. The palace offers wonderful winter tours that include a small traditional market in its courtyard. Visiting the royal structure and strolling in its impressive garden make for a special winter celebration experience.

St. Peter’s Church: During this time, the church hosts classical music concerts and unique Christmas performances. The illuminated setting and special acoustics create an exciting experience.

Traditional Winter Foods:

Hot Punch (Punsch): A warm alcoholic drink with fruit – try it at various stalls to enjoy special versions. Roasted Chestnuts (Maronis): A popular snack throughout the markets, warming both hands and heart. Kaiserschmarrn: A crispy Austrian pancake served with powdered sugar and plum jam, considered a must-have dessert of the season.

Munich, Germany

Packages to Munich, home to one of the oldest Christmas markets at Marienplatz Square, start at €320 per person for three nights (approximately NIS 1,285). The market features a giant Christmas tree and traditional decorations, as well as a variety of local food stalls. Munich during the Christmas market season is the perfect destination for an authentic and magical winter experience with various markets, events, local food, and a unique holiday atmosphere.

Here are some recommendations for must-see sites and activities:

Marienplatz Market: The main and most popular market in the city, held next to the beautiful town hall. It offers handmade gift stalls, decorations, and a rich selection of traditional foods and drinks. The central illuminated Christmas tree is especially impressive.

Residenz Arts Market: A charming market with unique art and handcrafted items, set within the magnificent courtyard of the Residenz Palace. This is a more intimate and upscale market that blends art with a historical atmosphere.

Tollwood Winter Festival Arts Market: A more contemporary and modern market with a festive atmosphere, featuring music and art performances. This market offers a different experience and is highly recommended for those seeking something less traditional and more international.

Special Attractions:

Tour of the Englischer Garten in the Snow: The English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the world, and in winter, it is covered in snow, creating a unique atmosphere. You can stroll through the park or warm up at Hirschau, one of Munich's local beer gardens, with soup or a hot drink.

Guided Tours Following the Lights and Decorations: The city offers holiday tours that include Munich's main sites. You can learn about the city’s history and enjoy the night views and special lights during the holiday season.

Traditional Food and Drinks:

Glühwein: Warm spiced wine served at every market, warming visitors’ hands. Non-alcoholic versions are also available for families and children.

Lebkuchen: Sweet gingerbread cookies in various shapes, decorated with colorful icing, a Christmas specialty in Germany.

Bratwurst: Tasty and varied German sausages served with sauerkraut, bread, or potatoes, providing a quick and delicious meal while browsing the markets.

Paris, France

Several Christmas markets take place in Paris, especially at La Défense square. Packages including flights and three-night stays start from €350 per person (around NIS 1,400). Paris offers a unique experience, highlighted by the illuminated Eiffel Tower and city sidewalks filled with magical holiday ambiance. Paris in winter, especially during the Christmas market season, celebrates with a romantic and enchanting winter atmosphere.

Markets and activities not to be missed:

La Défense Market – The largest market in Paris, located in the La Défense business district. It features over 300 stalls offering handmade holiday gifts, decorations, traditional delicacies, and a wide selection of holiday souvenirs.

Champs-Élysées Market – A classic market held along the famous Champs-Élysées Avenue. With numerous illuminated stalls, a special atmosphere, and a variety of treats, it attracts both locals and tourists. Visitors can also enjoy the avenue’s lights and luxury store displays. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Market – An intimate and romantic market located in the Saint-Germain area. Smaller and focused on luxury gifts, sweets, and unique handicrafts, it embodies the chic atmosphere of the Latin Quarter.

Special Attractions: Light Displays at Galeries Lafayette – Each floor of the luxury department store is adorned with elaborate holiday decorations, including a magnificent giant Christmas tree. Another department store decorated in the holiday spirit is Le Bon Marché, located on the left bank of the Seine. Winter Walks Along the Seine – Winter adds a touch of magic to the views of the Seine, with the option to stroll along the city's bridges and beautiful promenades or take a short river cruise to enjoy a picturesque evening view of Paris.

Food and drinks not to miss: Vin Chaud – Warm spiced wine that warms the heart on cold winter days, available at market stalls alongside Marrons Chauds (roasted chestnuts). Nougat and Pastries – Traditional holiday sweets popular at the markets; Kugelhopf cake and the classic Bûche de Noël Christmas cake of France.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam hosts a unique light festival alongside its Christmas market. Flight and accommodation packages to the city start at around €280 per person (approximately NIS 1,120). During the Christmas market season, the city is filled with a magical winter atmosphere featuring special markets, twinkling lights, and heartwarming attractions.

Top recommendations for this season in the city:

Ice Village Amsterdam – The Christmas market set up annually at Museumplein, offering a variety of stalls with handmade holiday gifts, Dutch souvenirs, mulled wine, and local dishes like churros and poffertjes (small Dutch pancakes). Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt – A winter market located in the NDSM area with a bohemian and artistic atmosphere. It features craft stalls, unique foods, live music performances, and opportunities to shop for special local gifts.

Special attractions: Dam Square – Decorated with giant illuminated Christmas trees and serving as a central meeting point in the city. The area around the square offers food stalls, decorations, and stores that fit the holiday spirit. It’s a great place to stop, enjoy live performances, and savor Dutch snacks. De Hallen – An indoor food and art complex in Oud-West, featuring unique food stalls, art galleries, and boutique shops. During the Christmas season, festive events and family-friendly activities are held there. Winter Bike Tour – Amsterdam is known as the city of bikes, and even in winter, visitors can rent bikes and take winter tours through its alleys and canals. Such tours can include stops at Christmas markets, cozy cafes, and viewpoints for the light festival. Amsterdam Light Festival – Held every winter, this festival showcases artistic light installations throughout the city and its canals. The combination of water and lights creates a unique experience, especially in the evenings, and can be enjoyed by canal cruises or walking tours.

Must-try foods and drinks: Oliebollen – Fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar; Stamppot – A hearty Dutch winter dish combining mashed potatoes with vegetables, typically served with Dutch sausage; Gluhwein – Spiced hot wine that adds joy and warmth to the experience.

Danube River Cruise

For those seeking a unique experience that allows you to soak in the Christmas atmosphere throughout Europe, considering a cruise on the Danube River is highly recommended. This is a perfect way to combine a vacation with tours of historical sites and the festive spirit of Christmas. The 10-day cruise departs from Nuremberg to Vienna aboard the riverboat Amadeus Silver III with "Cruise Tour," featuring participants like Hani Nachmias, Yehuda Elias, and Irit Anavi. The experience includes full-board meals at a cost of approximately €2,550 per person in a double room.