I’ve been to 100 Christmas markets – these are the cities with Europe’s 5 best

Christmas markets are among the most popular festive activities – and luckily the season has just begun so the hats, scarfs and gloves can come out and the mulled wine can start flowing.

It therefore comes as no surprise that there are hundreds of markets across Europe, making it incredibly difficult to choose the best one.

Luckily, one traveller, Helene Sula from Texas has visited over 100 festive fairs since moving to Germany in 2016 – so you don’t have to.

Declaring herself “obsessed” with Christmas markets and sharing her festive content on Instagram under the username @christmasmarketsineurope, Helene 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.”

Now, she has revealed her five favourite markets to visit – and some to avoid.

Cologne, Germany

It seems predictable that Germany dominates the list, with the western city of Cologne’s market, located near the iconic cathedral, being described by Helene as “breathtaking”.

She said: “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.”

The market will open its doors on November 18, welcoming visitors with treats including mulled wine and waffles. You can get to Cologne in under five and a half hours from London St PaNcras, with a quick train change at Brussels, or you can fly from London to Cologne (CGN) with British Airways.

Strasbourg, France

The city in northern France, Strasbourg, sits near the German border and has a blend of both cultures and architecture with stunning half-timbered houses. The view becomes even more spectacular when it opens its doors for its Christmas market on November 27. It draws around two million visitors every year, with hotels often being booked a year in advance – and it’s not difficult to see why. You can wander through illuminated streets, buying incredible Christmas decorations and trying amazing food.

For Helene, this market in particular stands out for its “authenticity”.

She said: “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.”

Luckily for Brits, travelling to Strasbourg is simple. You can take a Eurostar train from St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord and then board a TGV train from Gare de l’east to the city. There are also nine airlines that fly from the UK to Strasbourg International Airport, with the flight taking just one hour 35 minutes.

Heidelberg, Germany

Despite visiting a huge number of markets, Helene’s local market of Heidelberg in Germany is still one of her favourites.

“Heidelberg holds a special place in my heart as it was the first Christmas market I visited after moving to Germany,” she said.

The market proceeds along the Hauptstrasse, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe and passes through the 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!”

Heidelberg’s market opens on November 25 and is home to twinkling lights, festive treats and unique crafts. With five different squares to choose from, over 140 stalls and an ice rink beneath the castle, it truly is one of the best in Europe. Heidelberg can be reached from London via Frankfurt International Airport, or by Eurostar.

Ribeauville France

France is also clearly a key country for Christmas markets, with Ribeauville’s, located in the north east of the country also making Helene’s list, one which she described as “straight out of a fairytale”.

She said: “Ribeauville is a medieval-themed Christmas market, and it’s one of the most unique I’ve ever visited… with medieval music, costumes, and performances that transport you back in time.”

This market, however, is only open for two weekends a year – so planning is definitely key. This year, it will open from December 7 – 8 and then 14 – 15. But, for those willing to make the journey, you will be rewarded with dancers, street entertainers and even fire eaters, as well as stalls selling sweet and savoury treats.

Vienna, Austria

Helene enjoys larger markets too – and Vienna impresses.

She said: “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.”

She recommends trying a Viennese sausage and a cup of punch, as well as ice skating at the nearby rink. Vienna’s market is already open and will remain open until December 23. You can fly from Edinburgh or London Stansted with Ryanair or with British Airways or Austrian Airways from London Heathrow.

Unfortunately for those wanting to stay close to home for their markets, Helene named Hyde Park’s as one to avoid returning to: “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!”