Top Three Christmas Market Cities in Europe

If you’re an avid traveler and/or a Christmas fanatic, then you’ll know all about the European Christmas Markets. They’re pretty famous and there are entire cruises and tours dedicated to them. While we didn’t go on a cruise dedicated to the Christmas markets, we did get to see quite a few of them on the Viking River Cruises Rhine Getaway.

So today we’re sharing our top three Christmas market cities in Europe.

FULL DISCLOSURE: the Christmas markets don’t excite us on their own. So this post isn’t going to tell you which Christmas markets have the best food or things to buy, because they all kind of have the same thing. Don’t come for us on that! Our rankings encompass the Christmas market, decorations, and more in order to create a more complete experience.

So, with that said, let’s go!

#3 - KOBLENZ, GERMANY

Koblenz made the list for the sheer fact that they have at least six Christmas markets, and we weren’t expecting that at all!

Every corner we turned, BOOM, there’s another Christmas market. For the most part they all looked the same, but they were very well-decorated, had fun little kid rides, and DELICIOUS smelling food! So naturally we couldn’t have this list without them.

#2 - STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Strasbourg, France also had several Christmas markets with the largest being in the city center (by the cathedral). However, they made the list because of their GORGEOUS city-wide decorations.

The market, the shops and buildings… everything is lit up, covered in garland, and all Christmas-y! It’s incredible during the day and even better at night.

Hands down, Strasbourg wins on decoration alone. It was a winter wonderland.

#1 - BASEL, SWITZERLAND

If you’ve followed us for a while, then you know we’re Basel fangirls! So it’s really no surprise they made it to the top of our Christmas market list.

For the most part, Basel only has one big Christmas market. It fills up the city center and spills out into the side streets for several blocks. Just like every Christmas market that exists, they have ornaments and other decorations. Basel doesn’t have many food options, but there are some if that’s what you’re into.

Basel really comes in clutch because of their Christmas market decorations! They have an amazing giant spinning decoration with penguins (pictured below), and a fun little kid ride. They also have animatronic moose that talk about Christmas stories, little animatronic elves making toys, and a picture taking section. It’s amazing!

It’s really the Christmas market that made us most excited about the Christmas season.

If you’ve visited the Christmas markets, which one was your favorite?

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We’re sharing our top three favorite Christmas markets in Europe