Europe’s ‘most festive’ Christmas market that dates back to the 1200s | Europe | Travel
The most festive Christmas markets in Europe have been revealed, with Kraków Christmas Market in Poland topping the list.
Travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have ranked Europe’s Christmas markets, judging just how festive each one is to help Christmas-loving travellers get the most for their money during the festive season.
To create this list, the travel pros considered a number of factors such as average temperature and snowfall in December, number of stalls and length of days the market runs – and the distance of the various Christmas markets to Santa’s home in Lapland.
They named Kraków Christmas Market as the most festive market in Europe, offering tourists a wintery atmosphere with lots of snow and chilly 0.2°C on average in December.
Coming in second was Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, while third place went to Vienna’s Rathausplatz Christmas Market.
Kraków’s Christmas Market takes place in the city’s old town, which gives the market a beautiful fairytale feeling. Visitors can find a hundred wooden stalls offering traditional Polish delights and handmade crafts.
The Christmas market tradition in Kraków dates back to the 13th century and its historical charm and focus on Polish traditions is part of what sets it apart from the other markets around Europe.
This year, the market is taking place from 29 November to 1 January, meaning that even if you visit the city in the days after Christmas itself, you’ll still be able to make the most of the city’s festivities.
Announcing the results of their study, CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone, Greg Wilson said: “Many people will be looking to visit Christmas Markets around Europe to get into the festive spirit in the run-up to Christmas.
“Our 2024 Christmas Market Index has revealed that Kraków, the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland, hosts the most festive Christmas market in Europe as it received excellent scores in all categories.
“Kraków Christmas Market is known for its traditional feel as it’s situated in the historical Old Town filled with charming wooden stalls with vendors selling traditional Polish foods, arts and crafts. Visitors can also enjoy a busy entertainment programme and go on a horse and carriage ride around the Old Town.”
He then warned: “When planning a winter getaway to a Christmas market in Europe, we recommend that travellers protect themselves financially by purchasing travel insurance. Winter often brings flight delays and cancellations, and crowded places like Christmas markets can be hotspots for pickpocketing.”
Europe’s most festive Christmas markets:
- Kraków Christmas Market, Poland
- Budapest Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, Hungary
- Vienna Rathausplatz Christmas Market, Austria
- Prague Old Town Square Christmas Market, Czech Republic
- Copenhagen Tivoli Christmas Market, Denmark
- Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany
- Brussels Winter Wonders Christmas Market, Belgium
- Edinburgh East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market, Scotland
- Strasbourg Christmas Market, France
- Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland
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