Best European Christmas market for city break?

[incognitopurple]

Really torn. We have 3 days to spend somewhere, I adore Christmas and want to go somewhere super festive. Recommendations?

Currently considering Prague, Berlin and Cologne. Open to comments on all of these or suggestions for anywhere else.

Would you at least consider a UK based city break which would not involve flying? There are some brilliant UK Christmas Markets in beautiful and interesting cities. If we have any interest in protecting the world for future generations, cutting out flying for short periods is a relatively painless way to contribute.

@BishyBarnyBee I understand your point but I’ve never been to some countries and it’s a wish of mine to see the world, I’m sure like many others. I make other environment conscious decisions.

My brother has been to a lot of German Christmas markets, I think he said Cologne was his favourite.

I took my teenage DC to Berlin for that exact trip and had a really great time.

Oh and Copenhagen was lovely too!

I'm eyeing up this holiday too, keep flip flopping between Austria and Germany so intruiged what people's recommendations will be!

Berlin Xmas markets were absolutely amazing and there's loads of interesting sites that you see as you travel around the different markets.

UK Xmas markets are dreadful compared to the European ones in my experience.

Munich. Because-

It's a great city with loads to do in a very small distance if you get sick of markets
It will probably be snowy and look amazing
There is a huge choice of markets with a lot of quality stuff - we especially liked the Nativity market, the glass ornaments in the Residenz market, the Medieval market.
In 3 days you will barely have managed to eat or drink all the traditional market foods

Am now dreaming of Feuerzangenbowle, Eierpunsch and Lumumba. Forget the Gluhwein, those are all better!

I've been to Prague at Xmas time. Absolutely magical! Would recommend.

Vienna - gorgeous city and loads to do, as well as markets.

I love Berlin but I’d probably pick Vienna or Prague if I had a free choice.

Vienna if markets are your priority.

My friend went to Vienna in Christmas 2019 and absolutely loved it. From what I remember they stayed somewhere just across the border which was much cheaper but still to easy access everything. Sorry I'm sketchy on the details but it might be worth a google to investigate!

Eurostar to Lille and another train to Arras, or take the car and drive 45-60 mins to Arras from Calais. GORGEOUS Christmas market there! Arras Marche Noel link

Been to all three op, but just cologne for Christmas market. Was lovely, but I would choose Tallin, Bruges or krakow.

For the PP who mentioned uk ones. I’ve been to a few over the years and they are fine, but don’t compare with European ones!

Agree, the UK ones don't even come close to the experience of the continental ones.

I have been to Cologne and Berlin- Cologne was my favourite market but Berlin was my favourite city! I'd happily go back to either.

We're considering Vienna or Copenhagen this year but haven't booked yet.

Also, I've been to lots of UK Xmas markets and none come close to the atmosphere of the German markets.

The UK ones I have been to have been awful. Particularly Bath. It's actually put me off going abroad in case they are awful too!

@CookerhoodYep, Bath was a bit of a nightmare a few years ago. Absolutely Chocca, and could get bear any of the stalls.
we gave up in the end, and tried to find somewhere to eat. That was an experience as well..
European xmas markets are much better.

We are looking at Belgium/Netherlands this year by Eurostar.

Amiens. Went in 2019. Was brilliant. Probably lower key than the big cities. Lille too. Arras one hadn't started, so can't compare.

I hear the Germans do the best Christmas Markets in Europe.

Innsbruck town and its xmas market are gorgeous and can also be combined with Munich if you like - there are regular fast trains in between

Trento is also a beautiful town and markets but smaller if you like the idea of a less crowded trip.