Top 4 Cities in Europe for Christmas Markets

With Christmas coming up, thousands of tourists will be already booking flights for many European cities to get away from home for the crazy festive season. Year on year, Christmas markets become more and more popular. But it can often be hard to pinpoint exactly which European cities are the best for Christmas markets so here is a quick guide to what could be the top 4 cities in Europe this year for Christmas markets.

Christmas Markets

1.Belfast City, NORTHERN IRELAND
The Northern Irish capital city of Belfast is enjoying a huge boom of late. This is the UK’s best kept capital city, and Ireland’s unknown gem. Dublin and Cork have nothing on Belfast. The city is a vibrant local hub at weekends and the annual Christmas Fair is full of festive cheer. The Northern Irish are a good bunch and this place is worth checking out. From Irish beer to kangaroo burgers to live music, it’s a cool spot to hang out.

Christmas in Belfast City, Northern Ireland

2.Hannover, GERMANY
Germany is of course world famous for these Christmas markets and Hannover is a top notch spot to get your fix of it. Make your way to this city to enjoy Gluwein, warm German beers and excellent music and food in the run up to Christmas. As far as popularity goes, Hannover Christmas Markets are some of the most exciting in Europe.

Hannover, Germany

3.Poznan, POLAND
The Polish city of Poland also comes with a Christmas Market once a year and an ice festival. Last year I backpacked it and loved the charm of the Old Town, Stary Rynek at night. A stunning city in a marvellous country which needs to be backpacked more.

Touring Poland

4.Bournemouth, ENGLAND
While Bournemouth has a reputation as a summer capital and hub, when the place gets cold it doesn’t stop. It is a popular student haunt and party town in the winter too. These days an excellent Christmas Market also graces the square and once you have finished with your bratwurst and gluwein, it’s off to go clubbing in this iconic English seaside town.

Bournemouth in winter

Be sure to check out these 4 Christmas markets on your journey! As for me, my mate Martin and I loved the Gluwein in Belfast City, Northern Ireland.

Martin and I in Belfast City night market