One of the many many perks of December is the beloved Christmas market. There's one in just about every European town, isn't there? Besides entertaining the locals and supporting the economy, they're a major tourist attraction in larger cities of the world. And the reasons for that are obvious: mulled wine, a giant sparkling Christmas tree, gingerbread cookies, ice skating rinks, lovely decorations, handmade crafts, and plenty of fun. In this article, we bring you 5 European Christmas markets that go a little above the norm. Each one has something that makes it unique. Take a look!
Located inside Central train Station in Zurich, this is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. There's a 50 ft (15 meters) tall tree decorated with 7,000 Swarovski crystals. All the kiosks are partially covered and protected from the cold. In 2021, the market opens on November 25 and will remain open until December 24. For more details, check the official website of the market.
Located 45 minutes away from Amsterdam by train, this is one of the very few floating Christmas markets in Europe and the only one in all of the Netherlands. The market is located on the Nieuwe Rijn Canal. There are 90 stalls, a floating ice rink, and plenty of round-the-clock performances. The market opens on December 14 and will remain open until December 25. The daily opening hours are from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The entrance is free!
Source
Related: 12 Picturesque Festive Locations for the Winter Holidays
This market takes place in an underground cave called the "Fluweel" cave. Each year, the cave hosts what's considered to be the largest and oldest underground Christmas market in Europe! On the walls of the cave, there are wall paintings from the Roman era, and you can also find an underground eighteenth-century church. The market opened on November 12 and will run until January 9. For further details, visit the market's official website.
This market runs for only 3 days in November, so, unfortunately, it's too late to travel to Mount Pilatus this year. But we just had to mention this market on our list, as it is a true record-breaker. The Mount Pilatus Christmas market is the highest in all of Europe! At a dizzying altitude of about 6,700 feet (2,130 meters) above ground, the market is located on a mountain top. Visitors will also enjoy a ride on the world's steepest rack railway. On the way down, visitors can choose to slide down the mountain on a motor sled. You can still enjoy the mountain for a ski vacation. For further details, check out the mountain's official website.
Located aptly in the red light district, this Christmas market blurs the line between a conventional Christmas atmosphere and a more... spicy atmosphere, so to speak. This is a purely commercial market consisting of 40 kiosks selling erotic objects and putting up performances of the same spirit throughout the opening hours. It opened on November 15 and will run until December 23.
H/T: MyBestPlace
Cover photo credit: Flickr
How to Keep Your Pets Away From the Christmas Tree
Learn to keep your pets away from the Christmas tree using clever tricks, including some quick DIY alternatives to tinsel.
Watch These Underrated Christmas Films This Holiday Season
Watching some feel-good Christmas movies during the holiday season can be great fun. Here we have some underrated Christmas movies for you.
Munich, the Capital of Bavaria Is Such a Stunning City!
Here are 10 of our personal favorite tourist attractions to see and experience in Munich in any time of the year, especially in winter
Welcome to Professional Santa Claus School!
Peek into the classrooms of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan. This is where they make Santas!
Travel to the Whimsical Hidden Region of Patagonia
Photographer Doru Oprisan went to Patagonia and back to capture the enchanting colors of fall at "the end of the world."
Residents of Tokyo Take Snowman-Building to the Next Level
When the citizens of Tokyo were struck with heavy snowfall this year, they decided to make the most unique snowmen and snow sculptures out of it
12 Stunning Spots That’ll Change the Way You See Poland
12 beautiful and eye popping places in Poland that anyone and everyone should visit, from picturesque little towns with huge and ancient castles to sky-breaking mountains with snowy peaks - there is so much beauty to enjoy.
Pack Your Bags Because You Have to Visit These 10 Islands
Get away from it all with a trip to a tropical island. Here are 10 islands that will make you want to travel. Looking at the stunning images is a vacation in itself.
So Juicy & Creamy! The Best CHEESE DESSERTS in the World
For those who have a sweet tooth, these cheese desserts are a must-try.
These Abandoned Places Look So Majestic in Their Loneliness
Exploring these gems in their current state will still promise to be quite the adventure.
Come See 15 of the Most Picturesque Piers in the World!
Priceless photos of the world's most charming piers. How many of them have you been to?
These Past Architectural Designs Were Ahead of Their Time
Architecture in the 20th century was so unique! Here are some amazing examples.
See 13 Of the Most Magical and Breathtaking Sites in Vietnam
After visiting Vietnam, a country of natural beauty, fascinating history, and authentic cultural heritage, I compiled a list of 13 must see sites!
15 Cheerfully Colorful Towns and Villages Around the World
Take a look at 15 of the most vibrant and cheerful towns and villages around the world and brighten your day!
Honey, This Doesn't Look Like the Pictures...
When planning a vacation, no matter how exotic the destination seems, what we want isn't always what we get...
12 Amazing Croatian Islands That Beg to Be Visited
Discover 12 beautiful islands in Croatia that have what every tourist wants from a vacation.
The Most Beautiful Places Time Has Forgotten...
These gorgeous places are surprisingly abandoned, which makes them even more mysterious and beautiful.
Up Above the World So High - 17 Aerial Photographs
Enjoy this collection of breathtaking aerial photographs taken by British pilot Lee Mumford.
Château d'If: One The Most Infamous Prisons In History
The famous Château d'If began as a formidable fortress, built as a defensive post in 1524 on the small island of If...
Take a Trip to China's Tianmen Mountain in Stunning 4K!
China is full of a natural beauty, but nothing comes remotely close to the stunning Tianmen Mountain. check it out in stunning 4K!
Check Out These Spectacular Award-Winning Drone Photos
Check out the spectacular winning images from the 2023 Drone Photo Awards.
Interactive Map: 12 Beautiful New Zealand Sights
12 gorgeous sights you will see in New Zealand. Just click on any of the symbols to see a video of that place!
11 Scenic American Lakes Absolutely Everyone Should See
Everyone ought to know about these magnificent American lakes that offer so much fun and countless beautiful views, we want to visit them all!
Sights to Behold: The Stunning Temples of Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is a fascinating region of the world, and its religious structures play a big part in giving it its mystique. View its temples in HD here.
Welcome to the Most Densely Populated Island on Earth
What happens when you cram 800 people in 13,000 square meters? Apparently, heaven on earth. Welcome to Santa Cruz del Islote...
A Walk Through Israel and the Palestinian Territories
This visual adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression and deepen your understanding of this multifaceted and fascinating part of the world.
What Dancing Looks Like Around the World
Dance is a universal sign of joy... but it looks quite different in every country! Check out these 20 fascinating dance styles from around the globe.
5 Tips to Protect Yourself Against Thieves and Pickpockets
How to frustrate pickpockets and avoid getting robbed of your money and valuables abroad.
People Say That Bruges Is THE Place to See Lace Being Made
Bruges is renowned for its traditional lace-making, with its intricate patterns and designs. This is the story behind how it came to be what it is today.
The Tyrol Cow Festival - Celebrating With 100,000 Cows!
The Tyrol Cow Festival is an incredible occasion with 100,000 cows!
14 Cool and Interesting Things From Around the World
Check out these cool and interesting things from around the world that will leave you surprised.
The Many Forms of Wedding Dresses from All Over the World
Wedding customs are different all over the world, and these 20 countries have the most beautiful and colorful traditional wedding dresses.
11 Unique Museums to Visit in the City of Prague
we've compiled a list of the top 11 must-visit museums in Prague!
17 of the World's Most Delightful Roads
If you love driving, you probably have your favorite road or roads, but these 17 spectacular roads will definitely trump your personal favorites. Check them out!
Take the Perfect Route to the Grand Canyon with Our Guide
Everything to see and do from the Four Corners to the North Rim
Take a Tour of 10 Beautiful Moroccan Destinations!
Morroco is justifiably called the "Pearl of the Dessert," and thanks to these 10 places shot in 4K you'll soon understand why...
First-Class Travel Looks Very Different on These Airlines
First-class air travel is one of the most luxurious modes of transport you can take, but the experience differs from airline to airline. Take a closer look.
Open Your Eyes to Spain's 15 Most Cherished Hidden Towns
Spain's gorgeous little towns and villages are rendered all the more spectacular thanks to the amazing surrounding countryside...
Prepare to Be Charmed by These 6 Stunning Parks of Ireland
Did you know that Ireland has 6 national parks? Come explore the majestic green scenery of the Emerald Isle, each park more magnificent than the next.
These Are the World's Most Stunning & Famous Opera Houses
Opera houses are iconic symbols of a city's cultural & financial status. They represent the pinnacle of high society and architectural achievement. Take a look.
15 Fantastic Attractions in Annecy, France
In this article, we'll share 15 must-visit attractions in Annecy, France that you won't want to miss.
Who Knew the US Has So Many Hidden Romantic Spots
These 10 lesser known holiday destinations are both original and romantic. If you live in the US they may even be closer than you thought!
Welcome to One of the Most Beautiful Isles in the World
This video will take you all around Koh Samui with the help of a drone.
I've Never Seen a Town As Blue As This African One!
This wonderful little city is famous for one amazing thing: it is painted blue like the heavenly sky.
Lofoten, the Most Gorgeous Place You've Never Heard Of
I thought I knew where Europe's most beautiful places were, but then I saw Lofoten. This is simply the most gorgeous part of the world I never knew about.
16 Wonderful Places That Come to Life in the Spring
If you love the spring, and love seeing the field full of colorful flowers, then these places will be just perfect for you,
Here Are 8 New Countries That Might Exist by 2030
This video takes a look at some potential new countries that might exist by 2030.