Bring on the handicrafts and mulled wine…it’s Christmas market time in cities across Europe. We’ve put together a long list of travel-worthy Christmas Markets that you can find here. But everyone knows about the popular markets in Germany, France and the UK. That’s why we decided to count down 12 days of alternative Christmas events.
1. Santa Claus World Championship (Samnaun, Switzerland)
Flocks of 32 teams of cherry-cheeked ol’ Saint Nicks compete in a series of Santa-approved events. Expect some spirited porridge eating, energetic reindeer and sled racing, and a stint of chimney climbing that will have you on the edge of your seats. read more
2. Amiens Christmas Market (Amiens, France)
Of all of the Christmas markets in France, Amiens has the most delectable selections of tasty sweets with the Beauvais chocolate tuiles topping the list. Once your belly is content you should begin stocking up on crystal glass, weavings, soaps and other beauty products, as well as locally made Angora sweaters. read more
3. Skansen Christmas Market (Stockholm, Sweden)
Get your lutfisk fix at the Skansen Christmas Market, where old-fashioned Sweden is reinvented for the delight of locals and visitors. In addition to the salty white fish marinated in lye, there’s also glögg, the traditional Swedish Christmas drink, gingerbread, reindeer sausage and plenty of music and dancing. read more
4. Christmas Eve Vigil (Rome, Italy
No matter your religious beliefs, the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in St. Peter’s Square is a humbling and inspiring experience. The Pope’s Christmas Eve sermon is broadcast worldwide to over 40 nations. read more
5. Gubbio Christmas Tree (Gubbio, Italy)
Fancy seeing the largest Christmas “tree” in the world? Head to Gubbio, a town in the Umbria region of Italy, where an entirely electric tree glows so brightly you can see it from neighboring counties. read more
6. Krakow Nativity Scene Competition (Krakow, Poland)
Krakow’s famous ’szopka’ Nativity Scenes replace the traditional Bethlehem stable with ornate structures inspired by Krakow’s architectural marvels. The szopkas from a few centimeters to mammoths stretching over 2 meters high. You’re sure to be amazed by the intricacy and scale of these Christmas masterpieces. read more
7. Christmas Beer Festival (Essen, Belgium)
For two days, visitors can taste more than 100 Belgian Christmas and winter beers. Expect more than 100 different bottled beers to taste, and 12 or 16 on draft. read more
8. Ritual of the Faglia (Oratino, Italy)
A pagan wintertime fertility rite still burns under the guise of Christianity when the Italian town lights the ten meter tall faglia, a giant flaming torch made from sugar cane. The townspeople have spent all autumn collecting, stealing and hording sugar cane to make this flaming torch. read more
9. Velvet Cave Christmas Market (Valkenburg, Netherlands)
Visit the large subterranean Christmas Market in a charming little Dutch town full of ancient legends. The Velvet cave is where you’ll find unique gifts and a Winter Wonderland Tavern for mulled wine, old-fashioned Dutch mini pancakes and world-famous pea soup. read more
10. Santa Claus Christmas Village Market (Rovaneimi, Finland)
Rather than mailing your Christmas wish list to Santa, why not hand-deliver it to his home? Located at the arctic circle, the place has a lot more to offer than unique nature, winter twilight and Northern Lights. read more
11. Budapest Christmas Market (Budapest, Hungary)
The Budapest market differs from most European holiday markets in that it strictly enforces a handcraft-only policy. That means you’ll likely be buying Transylvanian tapestries and handmade leather goods directly from the hands that made them. read more
12. Great Christmas Pudding Race (London, England)
The Great Christmas Pudding Race is a quirky event that raises money for Cancer Research. Teams wearing Santa outfits have to run around Covent Garden while trying to balance their Christmas pudding on a plate while avoiding 0bstacles such as balloons full of flour. read more
