I’ve been to 100 Christmas markets – these are my favorite five (and the two ‘cheesy’ markets to avoid)
The Christmas market season has begun – but with more festive markets than you can shake a bauble at, where do you start?
Luckily, help is available from a traveler who declares herself ‘obsessed’ with them.
Meet Helene Sulafrom Texas, who has attended more than 100 festive fairs with her husband since moving to Heidelberg, Germany, in 2016.
She told MailOnline Travel: ‘Heidelberg was my very first Christmas market and I was obsessed. I have made it my mission to see as many as possible. I felt like I was a kid again at Christmas. The magic felt real.”
Here, Helene reveals her five favorite Christmas markets, two ‘cheap’ Christmas markets to avoid – and the essentials of a good Christmas market.
THE FIVE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS
1. Cologne, Germany
Helene Sula has visited more than 100 Christmas markets and she reveals her top five to MailOnline Travel. The first is Cologne, Germany. The travel blogger says: ‘The Cologne Christmas market (photo) near the cathedral is breathtaking’
Helene is pictured at the Cologne Christmas market, where the cathedral provides the ‘perfect backdrop for the festive lights and stalls’
The Cologne Christmas market is breathtaking, says Helene.
The travel blogger, who shares festive content on Instagram under the username @christmasmarketsineuropasays: ‘The Cologne Christmas market, near the cathedral, is breathtaking. The towering Gothic architecture of Cologne Cathedral provides the perfect backdrop for the festive lights and stalls.
‘The market is vast, with lots of food options – be sure to try the Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and mulled wine. It’s also ideal for families, with an ice rink and carousel.’
2. Strasbourg, France
The Christmas market in Strasbourg – known as the capital of Christmas – is ‘one of the oldest and most beautiful in Europe’, says Helene
This French market strikes Helene for its ‘authenticity’.
Helene comments: ‘Strasbourg is known as the capital of Christmas and is one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. The entire city is transformed into a festive wonderland, with beautiful decorations, multiple market squares and delicious local delicacies such as tarte flambée and broad cookies. The charm and authenticity of this market are unparalleled.’
3. Heidelberg, Germany
Helene lives in Heidelberg and her local market (above) is on her favorites list
In the photo: Helene and her husband enjoying the Christmas market in Heidelberg
Despite visiting more than 99 additional markets since her first foray into the stalls in Heidelberg, Helene’s local Christmas market is still on her favorites list.
“Heidelberg has a special place in my heart because it was the first Christmas market I visited after moving to Germany,” the traveler said.
‘The market goes along 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 rink and hot treats such as bratwurst make this market feel intimate and magical. Get some fries too!’
4. Ribeauville, France
LEFT: A costumed market goer in Ribeauville. RIGHT: Helene enjoys the festivities in the city
This French city 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 came straight out of a fairy tale, with medieval music, costumes and performances that take you back in time. It’s only open two weekends a year, so you have to plan! I also recommend this as family friendly as it’s great for kids!’
5. Vienna, Austria
Helene also likes bigger markets – and Vienna impresses.
See Vienna’s ‘enchanting’ Christmas market. Helene says: ‘The backdrop of Vienna’s grand architecture, combined with twinkling lights, is truly magical’
She explains: ‘Vienna’s Christmas markets are elegant and enchanting, with the Rathausplatz market being my favourite. The backdrop of Vienna’s grand architecture, combined with twinkling lights, is truly magical. Try a Vienna sausage and a cup of punch and go ice skating at the nearby ice rink for a full festive experience.’
THE ONE WITH THE BEST FOOD
Helene says: ‘Alsace in France [bordering Germany]without a doubt, the best food at its Christmas markets. Markets such as those in Strasbourg and Ribeauville offer an incredible variety of traditional Alsatian delicacies.
‘You shouldn’t miss the tarte flambee (a delicious flat bread), broad biscuits and vin chaud (mulled wine). The combination of French and German culinary influences makes every meal at these markets a pleasure!’
BEST RIDES AND ACTIVITIES
Helene claims that ‘Vienna’s markets are fantastic for activities’, adding: ‘Especially skating at the Rathausplatz market, with its extensive ice rink.’ Additionally, she says that “many markets in Germany offer activities such as Ferris wheel rides or live nativity scenes.”
MOST AND LEAST EXPENSIVE
As for tourists watching their wallets, the travel blogger says that “Vienna and Zurich can be on the pricier side, especially when it comes to food and gifts.”
But Helene notes: ‘On the other hand, markets in Eastern Europe, such as Budapest or Krakow, tend to be much more affordable and you still get the full party experience.’
THE MOST SURPRISING
Helene says there are several hidden gems across the continent, commenting: ‘I was pleasantly surprised by the markets in smaller German towns like Esslingen and Gengenbach.
‘These often have a more intimate, traditional feel, with medieval stalls and unique gifts. On the other hand, some of the larger, more commercialized markets can feel impersonal, with mass production of goods and high prices.”
THOSE TO AVOID
Helene avoids London’s Winter Wonderland – ‘it feels very cheesy and commercial’
The Christmas fanatic doesn’t like every market she visits. There are a few that she says she wouldn’t return to at all.
First of all, the enormous Christmas market in Hyde Park in London.
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 fantastic decorations, but they just don’t get the right spirit. The same goes for Paris!’
