unmissable Christmas markets to enjoy in December

The ritual is repeated every year and it’s magical. Every November, just winter is coming In Europe, the little streets of the capitals – and other cities – begin to light up in a unique party full of joy and lights.

Those who were fortunate enough to spend some Christmas in European countries They know that the festive spirit arrives early and transforms every corner.

One of the epicenters of magic is in the christmas markets. Located in key places in the cities, they conquer thousands of tourists and illuminate streets and buildings, bringing magic and hope to the harsh autumn in this region.

An incredible destination to spend the holidays is Paris. Since the beginning of November, the entire city lights up – truly honoring its name of City of Light – and walking through its main streets is a spectacle. At this time of year, there are several unmissable places to breathe in the Christmas spirit.

First of all, there is the famous avenida Champs Élyséeswhich changes its lighting year after year. In fact, its traditional lighting of lights represents an important event that is even broadcast throughout the country on television.

Also the Galeries Lafayette They boast an impressive decoration on these dates. Its external showcases are a must-visit in the last weeks of the year and tourists flock there to take a closer look at the new creations. They say that Its Christmas tree is the most visited in the entire French capital.

Another shopping center The Samaritandresses up for Christmas and is very impressive.

On the other hand, markets are set up in the streets where children eagerly go to try the cotton candy (cotton candy). The Tuileries Gardens, in front of the Louvre, are also one of the most frequented places at the moment. For adults, markets offer mulled wine (mulled wine), a classic of this era. And, of course, cheeses have a great role in these markets.

But not only in Paris there are Christmas markets (Christmas markets). In November and December, All of France dresses in green and red and almost all of its cities offer locals and tourists an unforgettable spectacle..

Apart from the Parisian magic, two destinations in particular are recommended: Strasbourga Christmas city par excellence to the point that it is known as the “capital of Christmas”, and Disneyland Pariswhich on this occasion exhibits all its splendor.

In full heart of Madrid, the famous Christmas market that takes place every year in the Plaza Mayor is unmissable.

The Christmas atmosphere begins to be breathed upon entering this place from the Toledo streetwhich rises little by little in the direction of the square. Once there, one finds a huge market, red in color, with different stalls selling an infinite number of products for all tastes: typical figures of the manger, cups with Christmas motifs and different classic items alluding to this date. .

Among the things that can be seen there are items to welcome a new year with a pure celebration such as colored wigs, glasses with the numbers of the coming year and infinite luminous objects.

New Year’s Eve – New Year’s Eve – is eagerly awaited in Spain, and particularly in Madrid, tourists and locals gather around the Gate of the Sunvery close to the Plaza Mayor to eat the famous 12 grapes, one to the rhythm of each bell, as is tradition.

For the fans of nativity scenes and biblical figures near the Christmas treea must-see destination is Naples. As eclectic as it is unpredictable, this Italian gem is completely transformed in the run-up to Christmas. Their messy and colorful streets They quickly dress up for a party.

Not everyone knows that Naples is the European city of nativity scenes par excellence and they come in all colors and sizes. Some even in real size. In particular, it is advisable to visit the Via San Gregorio Armeno, the traditional Neapolitan street of cribs.

It is unmissable to get lost in its little streets to enjoy the beauty and immense creativity that the Neapolitans have when it comes to the art of making a manger.

In turn, when the month of December arrives, different processions that it is possible to join as a tourist to breathe with the locals the preview of the great Christmas party.

The city of Witches (in the northwest of Belgium) is one of the most unique destinations on the Old Continent throughout the year. But, in the run-up to Christmas, lights up, transforming into a true party of colors.

Every year, at this point, the festival takes place Winter Glow and the city becomes great epicenter of Christmas tourism. As December approaches, two markets are set up where hot chocolate is in high demand.

As in Paris, the Belgian city also usually has one – or several – ice skating rinks for the enjoyment of the whole family. In the case of Bruges, this is usually located at the Lake of Love.

Another recommended European destination to prepare for the holidays is Germany. Specifically, the city of Berlin has all the ingredients to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

One of its most important markets at this time is the one known as Church of Remembrance (Iglesia Memorial Kaiser Wilhelm o Memorial Church).

In this area it is not only possible to observe the magic of the lighting that the German capital is preparing for this occasion, but also to taste some of the typical sausages of this region that are available there.

On the other hand, the Gendarmenmarkt market is very famous for being considered the most beautiful in all of Berlin. In addition to the crafts typical of a market at this time of year, this place has an important artistic offering that includes concerts and shows that provide even more magic and fun.

The one of Charlottenburg is another Christmas market par excellence of this city. Located in the palace that bears the same name, this place perfectly combines a delicious gastronomic offer with an incredible view of the building, ideal for capturing in photos the most magical Christmas decoration in all of Germany.

There is a destination that stands out for offering all the magic of Christmas, but with an extra seasoning: the characteristics of an imperial city. Onethe capital of Austria, displays a decoration for these dates that is among the most impressive in all of Europe.

Unlike other cities, which concentrate all their Christmas spirit in a single market, Vienna is characterized by having a huge variety of options. In total, it has more than twenty Christmas markets.

One of the most important is the one locatedor in the Town Hall Squarewhere traditionally a carousel (calesita) is also installed for the little ones.

Another recommended market is the one located in the Belvedere gardensa beautiful romantic walk that, at this time of year, also dresses in green and red. One of the singularities that this European city presents at this time of year are its fantastic “snow globes”, made of glass, which are an icon of the holidays in Austria.

The options are endless and the distances between the different cities are short, which allows you to put together a real party tour. The truth is that towards the end of the year, Europe presents a range of possibilities to experience the festive spirit full of magic.