5 atmospheric Christmas markets in Rhineland-Palatinate

In the southwest of Germany lies Rhineland-Palatinate, a state where from mid-November you can't visit a city without accidentally walking into a Christmas market. We recommend the 5 best Christmas markets in the region.

In Trier , stand in the shadow of the imposing cathedral as you stroll past stalls set among medieval buildings, with a view of the Moselle River as a backdrop, glistening as its gentle waves reflect the Christmas lights. In Koblenz, discover the city’s rich history as you shop, wandering the market squares, each with its own character, and enjoy a warm mug of mulled wine, of course. Further afield in Mainz, enjoy over a hundred stalls selling artisanal Christmas specialities around the cathedral. Head to Bernkastel-Kues to see the region’s largest Advent calendar before taking a wintery boat trip on the Moselle. Finally, don’t miss the underground Christmas market in Traben-Trarbach , where you can wander among 16th-century wine barrels and discover culinary and musical delights as you sip delicious wines and enjoy live music.

Check out our full blog about the best Christmas markets in Rhineland-Palatinate for even more information and tips. >

Innsbruck's 7 Magical Markets

Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is a paradise for Christmas lovers. This enchanting city transforms into a wonderland of fairy lights, fragrant pine trees, falling snowflakes and Christmas nostalgia during the winter months. You’ll find no less than 7 unique Christmas markets, plus a fairytale street and light festival to make your winter holiday perfect.

Innsbruck's largest Christmas market is the traditional Christmas market in the historic city centre, where you can hear Christmas music day and night from 15 November, smell warm chestnuts and find seas of handmade Christmas baubles. What you also don't want to miss are the fairytale Christmas market on the Marktplatz , the modern and artistic Christmas market on Maria-Theresien-Straße and the super cosy Christmas market on the Hungerburg with a view of the mountains. The one in Bergisel is all about do-it-yourself, but then artisanal. Finally, you will find the small but unforgettable St. Nikolaus Christmas market and the Christmas market in Wilten with its own surprising cultural programme.

None of these 7 Christmas markets are the same, and while it can feel daunting to visit them all in one Christmas season, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together a walking tour of the 7 Christmas markets, with tips for even more December activities in Innsbruck.

Read the full blog about the 7 magical Christmas markets of Innsbruck now. >

 

The best Christmas market for the whole family in Ghent

Ghent proves that just one Christmas market can be as special as a tour of ten Christmas markets. Here you can discover more than 150 unique stalls every year, all packed with handmade crafts, traditional treats and Christmas gifts that you can't find anywhere else, while being surrounded by atmospheric Christmas lights and the smell of hot chocolate.

The Ghent Christmas Market is especially fun for families with children, and has even more surprising winter activities within walking distance, so you can make the Christmas holidays a magical childhood memory for the little ones. Enchanting architecture, a Ferris wheel, a roller skating rink and the mysterious winter wonder castle are just the beginning of Ghent during the holidays. Don’t forget to create videos online to capture every festive moment and share the joy with loved ones.

Discover in our blog why Ghent is the ideal destination for an unforgettable Christmas holiday. >