{"id":209,"date":"2024-12-11T15:14:14","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T15:14:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk\/blog\/?p=209"},"modified":"2026-05-20T13:14:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T12:14:17","slug":"european-christmas-markets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/driving-abroad\/european-christmas-markets\/","title":{"rendered":"The best European Christmas markets to explore by car"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>There are few better ways to spend the run-up to Christmas than visiting a European Christmas market, getting into the festive spirit and looking at the bright lights in some of the continent\u2019s finest cities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With air travel costing a lot at this time of year, travelling by car can be the most economical and hassle-free way to see the world. No long airport queues, no lost luggage and no last minute cancellations. As long as you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk\/blog\/breakdown\/winter-driving-tips\/\">prepare your vehicle for winter<\/a> before setting off.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here we look at the best Christmas markets in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where are the best Christmas markets in Europe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-2-1024x731.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-2-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-2-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-2-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-2.png 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rathausplatz-vienna-austria\">Rathausplatz, Vienna, Austria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This infamous Rathausplatz Christmas market draws in over 3.5 million people each year thanks to its fairground attractions, which include an ice rink, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and let\u2019s not forget the hundreds of stalls brimming with Christmas decorations, lights, food, hot drinks and everyone\u2019s favourite December tipple, mulled wine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if that\u2019s not enough to tempt you, they also have one of the biggest and best light displays in Europe!&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winter Wonders, Brussels, Belgium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Brussels Christmas market is one of the most popular among Brits, with thousands of us travelling each year to the Belgian capital to see the delights of this magical market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe it\u2019s the festive atmosphere, or maybe it\u2019s the Belgian beer on tap across its 200 chalets, as well as the cr\u00eapes, bratwursts and mulled wine. Probably the latter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like Vienna, Brussels has its own fairground attractions, with a Ferris wheel, light show, ice rink, rides and their magnificently decorated tree.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nuremberg-germany\">Nuremberg, Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-3-1024x731.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-3-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-3-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-3-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-3.png 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Vienna may be the prettiest market in Europe, but Nuremberg can also lay claim to having the biggest Christmas market on the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll find hundreds of beautiful wooden stalls, selling everything from traditional Christmas gifts to local delicacies, food and gl\u00fchwein (warm wine). Hot tip: the gl\u00fchwein mugs are unique each year and become collector\u2019s pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best thing about visiting the biggest Christmas market in Europe is the atmosphere. Germans know how to party, so expect to see the locals gather in the markets after work and party into the evening.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-munich-germany\">Munich, Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Next up on your checklist is the Munich Christmas market. Unlike the others on this list, Munich\u2019s market is unique in that it\u2019s the only one that\u2019s spread out across the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main square is full of traditional stalls with yummy bratwurst, gl\u00fchwein, cr\u00eapes, waffles and beer, while the massive Christmas tree is a fantastic backdrop to all the festivities. While there, you need to stop and watch the world-famous Glockenspiel clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A great place to park your car is Bayern Munich\u2019s Allianz Arena. Parking is open on non-match days for a small fee, while the stadium is roughly 30 minutes from the city centre via public transport.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-markets-to-explore-by-car-Header-2-1024x731.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-987\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-markets-to-explore-by-car-Header-2-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-markets-to-explore-by-car-Header-2-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-markets-to-explore-by-car-Header-2-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-markets-to-explore-by-car-Header-2.png 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strasbourg-france\">Strasbourg, France<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It might not be the first French market you think of, but it\u2019s certainly worth visiting nonetheless. The whole city shuts down from mid-November to December to welcome tourists from all over Europe, with every street filled with lights, decorations, ornaments and statues. It really is a wondrous sight to behold, with the beautiful Strasbourg cathedral as the backdrop of the market.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The market here dates back to 1570 and has over 300 stalls spread out over ten different locations, selling traditional food, drink and, of course, cheese! There is also an ice rink, live music performances and cultural events arranged throughout the festive period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Glasgow, Scotland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One European market closer to home is Glasgow\u2019s Winterfest. This newly created Christmas market received stellar reviews in its first year, with its 50-plus chalets and food vendors selling traditional Scottish pies and Yorkshire pudding wraps. It also has theme park rides to get you in the festive spirit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the main attractions is the carnival fun, with a huge ice rink with DJs blasting Christmas songs in George Square, a drop tower, a carousel and Santa\u2019s Runaway, plus The Grinch Train which can be ridden by toddlers and children.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cologne, Germany<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-4-1024x731.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-4-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-4-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-4-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-4.png 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This market has everything you&#8217;d expect of a classic German spread. Gl\u00fchwein, crafts, twinkling lights. One thing that stands out, though, is its entertainment\u2014more than 100 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk\/blog\/driving-abroad\/best-european-festivals\/\">stage performances<\/a> throughout the festival, including Christmas swing music and gospel, puppet shows, and performances for children.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After you&#8217;ve had your fill of Christmas anthems, you can head toward the nearby Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse, two of Cologne&#8217;s well-known shopping areas, or make your way to Heumarkt for a spot of ice skating<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">M\u00e1laga, Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a Christmas market in a slightly warmer climate, then Malaga may be your destination of choice. The Andalucian city in the south of Spain has everything you could possibly want from a festive market.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From Santa&#8217;s Grotto to strolling along the old port and buying local crafts at Paseo de Parque. Sweet treats available for visitors include nougat, shortbread and borrachuelos, which are wine-flavoured fried pastries you can get as you make your way to Calle Marques de Larios where you can also see the light displays on offer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prague, Czech Republic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Prague is home to not one, but two markets that are easily accessible by foot. The city\u2019s Old Town and Wenceslas Square are just 15 minutes apart and are both filled with local cuisine, from traditional roast ham and trdelnik (also known as chimney cake), a hot pastry rolled in cinnamon and sugar to flatbreads with cheese and smoked meat dumplings and traditional fish soup.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-winchester-england\">Winchester, England<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-5-1024x731.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-986\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-5-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-5-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-5-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ST055C-The-best-European-Christmas-5.png 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another UK option is Winchester Cathedral\u2019s charming gothic market located in Hampshire. From mid-November until the week before Christmas, you can visit to see the festive lights lighting up the cathedral, buy mulled wine, hog roast, fudge and take a look at the many chalets to buy everything you need to make the big day extra festive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If that isn\u2019t enough you can also visit the high street which is packed with extra stalls full of Christmas ideas for your friends and family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Basel, Switzerland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Switzerland is known as one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, so of course its Christmas market is one of the most picturesque too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Basler Weihnachtsmarkt in the Rhine-side town of Basel features more than 150 vendors selling handmade toys and local treats like Swiss raclette and l\u00e4ckerli (traditional Swiss gingerbread) from their wooden stands, plus enough twinkle lights to make any pictures you take stand out on your social media feed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re also able to see the festive scenes from St. Martin\u2019s Tower, which is open during the advent period, as well as writing your wishes in the Basel Wish Book.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">European car insurance and breakdown cover<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re planning on driving to any of these Christmas markets, or anywhere else in Europe, you will need to ensure you have the right <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk\/european-car-insurance\/\">European car insurance<\/a> to give you peace of mind should the worst happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter the vehicle, make sure to take our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk\/breakdown-cover\/\">breakdown insurance<\/a> with you. It can cost as little as \u00a346.80 a year. Read this blog to discover <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk\/blog\/breakdown\/cost-not-having-breakdown-cover\/\">the true cost of not having breakdown cover<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sterling also has a range of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk\/car-insurance\/\">car insurance policies<\/a> for every sort of car, van and campervan, with prices starting from \u00a3125 a year and EU cover available. Call us on <a href=\"tel:03443819990\" type=\"tel\" id=\"tel:03443819990\">0344 381 9990<\/a> for a quote or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk\/callback\/\">request a callback<\/a> at a time better suited to you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are few better ways to spend the lead up to Christmas than visiting a traditional festive market. Here we look at the best places to visit this year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":982,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[68,16,23,27],"class_list":["post-209","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-driving-abroad","tag-breakdown-insurance","tag-car-insurance","tag-holiday","tag-road-trip"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.9 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The best European Christmas markets to explore by car | Sterling Insurance Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is there anything better than traditional Christmas markets? We take a look at the top five European markets you need to visit.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/driving-abroad\/european-christmas-markets\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The best European Christmas markets to explore by car\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Is there anything better than traditional Christmas markets? 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