Christmas Trees are awaited in the main European cities. They symbolize Christmas festivities with their chalets, mulled wine, pastries… Everyone is proud of their Christmas tree whether young or old. Here is a selection of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe and we would also like to offer you a selection of the most beautiful Christmas trees in Europe.
Whether you have decided to celebrate Christmas in Germany, France, Austria, UK, Belgium, Poland, Switzerland, Spain, Italy or anywhere else in Europe, do not miss this opportunity to discover the best Christmas trees in Europe.
Ghajnsielem – Gozo Island – Malta
From 20th November to 30th December 2021
For a sunny and ecological Christmas, choose, Għajnsielem on the island of Gozo this year.
4500 recycled bottles were needed to decorate this unique Christmas tree in the world. The winter sunlight of Malta (Gozo to be precise) pierces this fir tree during the day and lights it up at night offering an even more spectacular show. We congratulate the Town Hall and the inhabitants of Għajnsielem for this brilliant ecological idea that also carries a message of hope and light in the pure Christian tradition.
Strasbourg – France
From 26th November to 26th December 2021
Strasbourg is the capital of Christmas, often imitated but never equalled. It is a perfect destination to celebrate Christmas. Come and discover its traditional Christmas market and illuminations. Do not resist the temptation of pastries and treat yourself to a mulled wine in this beautiful city.
The arrival of the Strasbourg Christmas Tree is certainly one of the most important events of the year and it marks the launch of the Christmas market. It is one of the biggest Christmas trees in Europe and one of the most beautiful one.
Lisbon – Portugal
From 1st December 2021 to 6th January 2022
Fancy a Christmas under the sun in one of the only European capitals facing the ocean? Discover the most beautiful places in Lisbon, a city built on 7 hills like Rome, and treat yourself to a Christmas getaway combining shopping, well-being and relaxation in the Spa & Palace hotels in Lisbon. Do no miss to discover the best instagrammable places in Lisbon such as the Castelo Sao Jorge or the Pena Palace of Sintra as well as the beaches of Cascais. Considered as Europe’s Tallest Christmas tree (Guiness World Records), this tree is also an ecological Christmas tree made of LEDs; it is entirely artificial and reused every year. It is 76 metres high and can be seen from a long distance, even from the Cristo Rei, one of the other iconic symbols of Lisbon. Bucarest tried to compete with building an even bigger Christmas tree, but Lisbon kept its title of Europe’s largest Christmas tree.
Christmas lovers do not expect to find a magical Christmas market in Lisbon like in Germany, France or UK. Although very Catholic, the Portuguese have not yet developed a strong culture of Christmas markets but things are gradually changing and Lisbon like Porto are developing a greater market offer at Christmas in recent years. However, two Portuguese Christmas markets are worth the trip: the Obidos and Madeira Christmas markets, the most beautiful ones in the country with their illuminations, fireworks and numerous chalets, decorations and live music.
Budapest – Hungary
From 19th November 2021 to 2nd January 2021
The city of Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe at Christmas. Each year, the city invests in the decoration of the most beautiful monuments, the most beautiful arteries but also trams, public places. Budapest is really magic at Christmas.
If you are looking for an authentic place where you can still find the spirit of Christmas, forget London and Paris and discover Budapest at Christmas. The magnificent Christmas tree in front of the Hungarian Parliament is a perfect starting point for strolling around Budapest and marveling at the beauty of the decorations and illuminations of the Hungarian capital.
Vilnius – Lithuania
From 27th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022
The Vilnius Christmas tree is stunning! Get to the bustling streets, watch the Christmas tree and be amazed by the decorations in the Old Town.
This year’s Christmas tree towers over the Cathedral Square at 27 m high, and has 96 giant replicas of real snowflakes with complex patterns. The installation is also adorned with 3,000 artificial branches, 200 m2 of mirrors, 900 m of garlands, and bursts with light through 2,000 m of string lights.
According to Dominykas Koncevičius, the designer of the Christmas Tree 2021, this year’s concept was inspired by last winter, which was exceptionally white, cold, and frosty. Therefore, this year’s Christmas tree has the exact reproductions of real snowflakes, which are magnified a thousandfold and turned into intricate atmospheric sculptures.
Prague – Czech Republic
From 27th November 2021 to 6th January 2022
Prague is romantic and so pleasant during the Christian season of Advent. Come and enjoy the open-air concerts, the Christmas market in Prague and take a picture in front of the magnificent Christmas tree very near the Cathedral.
We have selected for you dozens of original activities in Prague as a River Sightseeing Cruise as well as the best hotels in Prague. Treat yourself to an unforgettable holiday and experience the magic of Christmas in Prague.
Cologne – Germany
From 22nd November to 23rd December 2021
Cologne is one of the favourite destinations for Christmas travellers. This city seems to be made for Christmas. It is one of the most authentic and beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.
The aroma of baked apples, cinnamon biscuits and mulled wine will waft through the alleys, and many differently themed Christmas markets will invite people to stroll, shop and explore.
The larger Christmas markets are held in downtown Cologne, but Cologne’s smaller Christmas markets also have plenty to offer.
Cologne’s Christmas markets attract millions of visitors from all over the world every year. You too can savour the unique atmosphere of this metropolis on the Rhine at this special time of year. You’re sure to be enchanted!
Berlin – Germany
From 22th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022
Not just one but several Christmas markets await you in Berlin this winter. So do Christmas trees in iconic places such as the Reichstag or the Brandburg gate, but the most beautiful one probably stands on Potsdamer Platz together with a magnificent Christmas market and an ice rink.
The nickname of this beautiful Christmas market is “Winter World”. The best of Christmas is in the wooden chalets around the tree and live music in the air on weekends.
Discover Berlin at Christmas and treat yourself to a shopping getaway in one of Europe’s hippest capitals. Want more inspiration? Discover the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany.
Basel – Switzerland
From 25th November to 23rd December 2021
Basel has a deep-rooted tradition as Switzerland’s most beautiful and largest Christmas city, and is well worth a visit every year. Not only the well-preserved Old Town is radiant in the warm Christmas light, but the shops and the facades of many buildings glitter with a golden glow. Roughly a hundred tall pine trees border the streets and stand like brightly lit sentinels pointing the way for the visitor. Particularly recommended is the Christmas market, which is being held not only on Barfüsserplatz, but also on Münsterplatz – one of the most beautiful squares in Basel.
The Basel Christmas Market can be found on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, right in the centre of the city and at the heart of the festively decorated Old Town. A magnificent Christmas tree stands on the Münsterplatz, with ornaments by the well-known decorator Johann Wanner.
Tbilisi – Georgia
From 25th December 2021 to 14th January 2022
Georgia’s capital city Tbilisi is gradually becoming one of the most visited destinations for the winter season. This is especially evident during the Christmas period, when the illuminated and fabulously decorated Tbilisi, with a magical festive atmosphere, provides the convivial mood for every visitor of the city. Countless little lights and richly decorated Christmas trees are lining up the sidewalks.
The Christmas markets are held almost in every corner of the capital city, where local entrepreneurs and start-ups sell their handicraft items and souvenirs, Christmas treats, street food, Georgian candies and mulled wine. Set up on First Republic Square, near Rustaveli Avenue, the location hosts visitors of all ages for theatre shows, music performances, puppet theatre, open-air movie-show, gorgeous Christmas tree, wood huts, decorated with colourful bright lights, etc.…The annual Christmas events usually last throughout December.
On Christmas morning (January 7), thousands of people participate in traditional Christmas march called Alilo, where different churches walk through the streets of Tbilisi, collecting food and sweets, which are later distributed to the people in need and orphanages.
Source: https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/best-of-europe/best-christmas-trees-in-europe/
