Christmas Markets
Every year, the historic cities of Europe are transformed into winter wonderlands in celebration of Advent, the season spanning the four weeks leading up to December 25. Open air Christmas markets line the cobbled streets, warming spirits amid the chill of crisp winter air, where rows of chalet-like stalls sell holiday gifts, traditional hand-crafted goods, food, and drink. The fairy-tale scene glows under glittering lights, delicately strung overhead as families and friends gather to celebrate and rejoice; the atmosphere welcoming both locals and visitors to embrace the genuine merriment of life’s simple pleasures.
In cities, the central market can often be found in a beautiful square, basking under a stately church tower or Baroque Palace, with picturesque snow-capped mountains in view. The square transforms into a storybook vision of a traditional Christmas village. Bells jingle and chime among the sounds of laughter, joy, and an orchestra of languages. Freshly cut trees, brought in from nearby forests, shimmer with the soft white glow of lights on every delicate branch. The heady aroma of cinnamon and cloves wafting from freshly mulled wine mixes with the sweet smell of ginger spiced cookies and sizzling, savory delights. Events and performances mark the festivities, highlighting the long and rich history of local traditions. Choral singers and orchestras, perched in balconies, send their warm and tender harmonies to the cheerful scene below. The sound of familiar Christmas melodies permeates the air, the tender sentiment evident even when the words sung are in a language unfamiliar. Many smaller markets, with just a few stalls, will be found throughout the city and in virtually every town or village as the landscape of European life centers, for a few precious weeks, around the celebration and anticipation of the holiday season.
Tasteful Croatian Journeys invites you to explore our favorite European Christmas Markets in a bespoke Yuletide journey. We compose enchanting winter escapes to a handful of Central European destinations which have been carefully selected by our team for their rich history and culture, beautiful scenery, and storybook charm. Our custom designed travel packages are tailored to meet your wishes, taking into account your unique travel style, specific needs, desires, and interests. From the jovial markets of Zagreb and Prague, to the snow-covered slopes surrounding Lake Bled, our custom itineraries will immerse you in the magic and romance of Christmas in Europe.
