10 Reasons to Visit the European Christmas Markets This Holiday Season

I AM OFFICIALLY OBSESSED! I am madly in love with European Christmas Markets and I don’t care who knows it!! Have you guys visited a European Christmas Market?! If you haven’t then you need to put it on your bucket list for next year stat! Not sure why? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

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Why You Should Visit a European Christmas Market

1. It’s Christmas in EUROPE!

10 Reasons You Need to Go to a Christmas Market in Europe this Holiday Season | The Crave Traveler | There's nothing more magical that a European Christmas, and that's partly because every city, town, village has their own unique Christmas market to visit. Check out why you need to travel to these festive markets right now!

Do I even have to explain this one? There’s something about Christmas in Europe that makes me feel like I’ve stepped right into my very own Hallmark movie where I should be running into a prince in disguise who is trying to get away from his royal duties, so he’s going incognito, and we fall in love in a seven day period and I don’t know he’s a prince until the very end, and then I get mad, but then happy and all is right in the world. Too much?

2. Local Vendors.

10 Reasons to Visit a European Christmas Market | The Crave Traveler | There's nothing like the holiday season in Europe, and Christmas markets are the highlight. If you're not sure why, check out my 10 reasons why!

I always love shopping locally and this is the perfect way to find unique vendors that you wouldn’t normally find (some of them drive 2 hours from the countryside to sell their products). You can literally find anything! Everything from artisan cheeses and local spirits, to handmade gifts and clothing, to knick knacks and home decor.

3. Mulled Wine.

Mulled wine is a hot, spiced wine. I know what you’re thinking? Gross? WRONG! It’s so delicious. Hot, spiced wine dates back to the Romans in the 2nd century and was first published as a recipe in 1390. Now it can be found at Christmas markets across Europe, original or spiked with rum and amaretto.

4. Unique Christmas Decorations.

Looking for unique ornaments for your tree? Or maybe a hand-painted nutcracker? This is the perfect place to find some. You can find something for every style of Christmas you want. Rustic? Vintage? Sparkly? Modern? Harry Potter? Hand made?

5. Live Music.

There’s something exciting about walking through a Christmas market, eating bratwurst, and listening to the music of a one man band… or a really cool acoustic artist… or mini brass band playing Christmas tunes.

6. Sweet Treats.

I’m not saying any of this is good for you, but I am saying Christmas markets only come once a year and you have to at least try a few things! My favorites are bubble waffles and Bailey’s spiked hot chocolate.

7. Themed Markets.

Yes, Christmas is a “theme”, but I’m talking about German-themed markets in England, Victorian-themed weekend markets, and local food-only markets…. you get the point. My personal favorite is the Victorian-themed markets. All the vendors dress up in velvety holiday dresses and top hat and tails. You really feel like you are transported back to the 19th century.

8. Carousels and Ferris Wheels.

Who doesn’t like feeling like a little kid again?! I’m a sucker for a carousel ride thanks to the very time I saw Mary Poppins and the majority of the bigger markets have a beautiful old-school-looking carousel. Be warned, it’s not exactly warm weather to have the wind blowing in your face or riding to the top of a ferris wheel, but it’s the experience, right?

9. Decorated Stately Homes.

Some Christmas markets come with a bonus, and that’s being on the property of a beautiful manor house. Yes, you will most likely have to pay for entry, but the heavily decorated homes all have different themes ranging from fairy tales to Christmas songs to dried wildflowers to post World War themed. You won’t want to miss out!

12 Days of Christmas at Castle Howard

5 Christmas Decorated Stately Homes

10. Perfect Day Out.

Whether you are going out with your family, traveling solo, or looking for a great date idea…. THIS IS IT! You can find literally find something to please everyone here… and how often does that happen?

Did I miss anything?! What’s your favorite thing about Christmas markets. Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow me on social media to see all my real-time Christmasy wanderlust!