What’s the best time to go to Europe? Any time you can afford it! Europe is a great place to be no matter what time of the year.

Yet, when the holidays are here, some places become nigh-magical. It most famously begins with the opening of Christmas markets all across the continent. So pause here in the present, as we “gift” you a gallery of wonderful winter wonderlands from France to Finland and more.

The Kuopio Christmas Market, Finland

Christmas in Finland has not officially begun until the “advent-urous” activities open at the Kuopio Christmas Market. Located in the heart of the city, the market square there is transformed into the famous North Pole. Using wooden cottages and the various market traders’ own equipment, this spot soon features wintery cabins, Christmas lights galore and even a carousel.

Shoppers are able to shop in an international market and purchase Christmas specialties from numerous European countries. The handcrafted gifts seem as if they were made by Santa himself. Everything is colorfully lit and decorated to inspire the spirit of Christmas.

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A San Marino Christmas

This enclaved microstate is located in Southern Europe. The capital, also named San Marino, is reported to be especially stunning during the holidays. This is mainly due to the specific initiatives of a special project known as The Christmas of Wonders.

The beautiful grounds of the city and especially elegant through the winter months thanks to the activities in and around the magical Christmas market. Colorful lights are strung along the buildings and the city itself is said to take on the very essence of the season. Visit the festive Fireplace Garden found in Giardino dei Liburni too!

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The Christmas Market of Lemesos, Cyprus

Visit the island nation of Cyprus and experience their Christmas traditions. See all the buildings illuminated with Christmas lights as you shop for souvenirs at the popular Christmas Market of Lemesos and enjoy all of the festive holiday events. Hear the Christmas Carols as you take in the snow, food, gifts, games and fun. See the live nativity scene too.  This Christmas Wonderland can be found in the Lemesos Old Port Square. Additional highlights include a carousel, bumping cars, horse carriage rides, candy workshops, and the Santa Claus Grotto. Everything is on display until the end of December.

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Plaisirs D’Hiver-Winterpret, Belgium

The numerous winter wonders of Brussels consists of much more than a seasonal citywide Christmas party. Indeed, it is reported to be a celebration of the entire year. The festivities feature a Ferris wheel, assorted other carnival rides, food, fun, and parades too.

Check out the super sound and light show at the great Grand Place. See the mighty and majestic fir tree, the famous life-size crèche, exhibitions, and ice rink too. Purchase presents at the Christmas Market complete with 250 chalets. Veteran visitors recommend sampling the gluhwein. They also say the Sortilege Maple Liqueur available at the Canadian Store is a must!

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Christmas in Tivoli, Denmark

Ensconced in the city of Copenhagen, the Tivoli Gardens, always beautiful, truly shine at Christmas time. Wander from booth to booth to purchase the perfect presents. Visit the live reindeer roaming an enclosed pasture too.

Get a gander of the cute, decorated wooden houses, say hello to Father Christmas and absorb a true Nordic Christmas atmosphere. Participate in all the local Christmas festivities, dine on Danish dishes and be sure to catch the famous firework show that officially signal the close of this seasonal celebration in Copenhagen. It’s an Instagramable experience.

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Striezelmarkt, Germany

Situated in Dresden, the Striezelmarkt is reported to be the world’s first genuine Christmas market. Launched as a one-day market some time in 1434, it is also the oldest (and some say the “most magnificent”) Christmas market in all of Europe. It will soon celebrate its 585th anniversary.

Roughly 3 million international tourists come here every year to browse the 240 or more vendors selling their wares there. It comes complete with cake, gifts, Christmas lights, The Erzgebirge Christmas pyramid, the world’s largest usable Christmas arch and more. Open from Advent season until Christmas Eve, it is said to be one of the Europe’s classic Christmas destinations.

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The Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square markets, Czech Republic

Only five minutes apart, the two main Christmas markets in the Czech Republic bring the spirit of the season to both locals and tourists alike. Both the historic Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square host true Prague Christmas celebrations. You will discover fun, festivities, and even live animals there.

You will also be able to buy the best gifts as well. The handcrafted goods available include such items as beer, ceramics, Christmas tree ornaments, dolls dressed in traditional local costume, embroidered lace, food, hats and gloves, jewelry, puppets, scented candles, and wooden toys. It is open from November 30th through January 6th.

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The Salzburg Christmas Market, Austria

The largest Christmas market in all Austria can be found in the famous city of Mozart. It is known as the Salzburg Christmas Market. This market has been documented as far back as the 1400s. You will find it near the impressive Cathedral of Salzburg at the very foot of the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress.

The market itself is decked with holiday-scented candles, vibrant floral arrangements, and traditional red and green lights. There are many events and displays specifically for the seasonal celebration. That includes nativity exhibits in the attractive Residenz courtyard, the popular “Turmblasen” show (in English “wind instruments”) on Residenz Square and a choral performance in front of the famous cathedral.

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The Strasbourg Christmas Markets, France

Strasbourg Christmas markets date back to the 1500s. The best two can be found at Place Kléber and Place de la Cathédrale. The holiday festivities in France are celebrated at the famous Strasbourg Christmas Market for an entire month. The local residents and businesses deck the buildings in lights and garlands. Here you will find not only handcrafted gifts but also holiday-themed food and drink and plenty of Christmas cheer.

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