The Christmas market season has begun – but with more festive markets than you can shake a bauble at, where to begin?
Luckily, help is at hand from a traveller who declares herself ‘obsessed’ with them.
Meet Helene Sula, from Texas, who has visited more than 100 festive fairs with her husband since moving to Heidelberg, Germany, in 2016.
She told MailOnline Travel: ‘Heidelberg was my first ever Christmas market and I was obsessed. I made it my mission to see as many as possible. The feeling was like being a kid at Christmas all over again. The magic felt real.’
Here, Helene reveals her five favourite Christmas markets, two ‘cheesy’ ones to avoid – and the essential features of a good Christmas market.
THE FIVE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS
1. Cologne, Germany
Cologne’s Christmas market takes the breath away, declares Helene.
The travel blogger, who shares festive content on Instagram under the username @christmasmarketsineurope, says: ‘Cologne’s Christmas market near the cathedral is breathtaking. The towering Gothic architecture of the Cologne Cathedral creates the perfect backdrop for the festive lights and stalls.
‘The market is expansive, with plenty of food options – make sure to try the Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and mulled wine. It’s also great for families, with a skating rink and carousel.’
2. Strasbourg, France
This French market stands out to Helene for its ‘authenticity’.
Helene comments: ‘Known as the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg is one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. The entire city is transformed into a festive wonderland, with stunning decorations, multiple market squares, and delicious local treats like tarte flambée and bredele cookies. The charm and authenticity of this market are unmatched.’
3. Heidelberg, Germany
Despite visiting over 99 additional markets since her first foray to the stalls in Heidelberg, Helene’s local Christmas market still makes her favourites list.
‘Heidelberg holds a special place in my heart as it was the first Christmas market I visited after moving to Germany,’ comments the traveller.
‘The market goes along the Hauptstrasse, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe!
‘You’ll wander through the beautiful historic old town, with the illuminated Heidelberg Castle overlooking the city.
‘The ice-skating rink and warm treats like bratwurst make this market feel intimate and magical. Also, get some fries!’
4. Ribeauville, France
This French town offers a Christmassy step back in time.
Helene says: ‘Ribeauville is a medieval-themed Christmas market, and it’s one of the most unique I’ve ever visited.
‘The town feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale, with medieval music, costumes, and performances that transport you back in time. It’s only open two weekends a year so you have to plan! I also recommend this as a family-friendly one, as it’s great for kids!’
5. Vienna, Austria
Helene enjoys larger markets too – and Vienna impresses.
She explains: ‘Vienna’s Christmas markets are elegant and enchanting, with the market at Rathausplatz being my favourite. The backdrop of Vienna’s grand architecture combined with twinkling lights is truly magical. Try a Viennese sausage and a cup of punch, and enjoy ice skating at the nearby rink for a full festive experience.’
THE ONE WITH THE BEST FOOD
Helene says: ‘The Alsace region in France [bordering Germany], hands down, has the best food at its Christmas markets. Markets like those in Strasbourg and Ribeauville offer an incredible variety of traditional Alsatian treats.
‘You can’t miss the tarte flambee (a delicious flatbread), bredele cookies, and vin chaud (mulled wine). The combination of French and German culinary influences makes every meal at these markets a delight!’
BEST RIDES AND ACTIVITIES
Helene claims that ‘Vienna’s markets are fantastic for activities’, adding: ‘Particularly ice skating at the Rathausplatz market, with its sprawling ice rink.’ Plus, she says ‘many markets in Germany offer activities like Ferris wheel rides or live nativity scenes’.
MOST AND LEAST EXPENSIVE
As for tourists watching their pockets, the travel blogger says that ‘Vienna and Zurich can be on the pricier side, especially when it comes to food and gifts’.
But, Helene comments: ‘On the other hand, markets in Eastern Europe, like Budapest or Krakow, tend to be much more affordable, and you still get the full festive experience.’
THE MOST SURPRISING
Helene says there are several hidden gems across the continent, noting: ‘I was pleasantly surprised by the markets in smaller German towns such as Esslingen and Gengenbach.
‘These often have a more intimate, traditional feel, with medieval-style booths and unique gifts. On the flip side, some of the larger, more commercialised markets can feel impersonal, with mass-produced goods and high prices.’
THE ONES TO AVOID
The Christmas fanatic doesn’t love every market she visits. There are some she says she would avoid returning to altogether.
Primarily, London’s enormous Hyde Park Christmas market.
She notes: ‘I know, I know, and I’m sorry. Winter Wonderland feels like a theme park! But it feels very cheesy and commercial. London has fab decorations but they just don’t get the “spirit” right. Same for Paris!’
