It is the middle of November and even though people in lots of countries in Europe don't even think about Christmas yet, there are other countries with cities in which the annual Christmas markets are already up and rocking the inner cities with hot wine, Christmas music, and all sorts of handmade products for sale.
There are big differences between the different cities, and in some cities like Budapest, you get a feeling that the Christmas markets are first of all made for tourists, considering that the prices are way higher than what the locals can afford. But, if you travel to the Christmas markets in Vienna, you will be met by thousands of locals standing on the street drinking hot wine and just having a great time with friends and colleagues, in addition to the tens of thousands of tourists coming to the city.
If you go to Prague, there is still not much happening as the Christmas markets in the old town only will open in 10 days, but there you will be met with crowds, both locals and tourists, coming to taste the Czech sausage, drink Czech beer, and buy some crystal along the way.
If you travel to Amsterdam, to Dublin, or to London, you will see lots of Christmas markets, but several of these are pure business ideas for which you need to pay an entrance fee to be able to even enter the area where things are happening. INside you can find ice skating rinks and other cool stuff. Of course, there are free and normal Christmas markets in London and Dublin, but these are not as big and majestic as those you can find in Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Krakow, Bratislava and other place... and let us not forget about the Christmas markets in German cities such as Leipzig, Nurnberg, and in Munich.
Is it worth visiting the Christmas markets?
It is a fantastic way of seeing a new city, traveling and having fun before Christmas, and maybe buying lots of junk you don't need. But, let us not forget, Christmas markets if first of all about the atmosphere, the tastes, and the smells, and not so much about shopping... (at least not to me).
Would you like to visit some big city in Europe to explore some beautiful Christmas markets this year? Which city would you love to visit?