Hop on board the Schwimmenden Christkindlimarkt cruise boat which hosts a Christmas fair every year. This vessel, moored on the Danube, is home to several Christmas stalls and its rooftop is the scene of a giant Christmas crib carved out of wood. Located in the German town of Vilshofen an der Donau, the colourful market stretches over the docks in a joyful Christmas spirit.
Europe’s five most unique Christmas markets
Europe’s five most unique Christmas markets
©klug-photo/iStock - ©Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa/agefotostock - ©Csondy/iStock
Do you love Christmas markets but have had your fill of gluhwein? Feel like branching out and exploring a quirkier Christmas market? After previewing Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets, we have selected the five most unique Christmas markets for a once in a lifetime experience.
1. Father Christmas’s village – Rovaniemi (Finland)
The town of Rovaniemi, capital of Laponia in northern Finland, is home to one of the most authentic markets right in the heart of Father Christmas’s scenic village. Open all year long, it becomes even more festive from mid-November when Father Christmas launches the Christmas season.
As well as a host of boutiques where you can purchase souvenirs, the village is a treasure trove of amusements: dogsled and reindeer sleigh outings, skidoo excursions, building ice constructions… A magical setting to take you back to your childhood!
Santa Claus village, Rovaniemi – ©Csondy/iStock
2. Beneath a viaduct – Breitnau (Germany)
In the snowbound Black Forest of Germany, at the foot of the railway viaduct of the Ravenna Höllentalbahn (Devil’s Valley Railway), the Christmas market of Breitnau (part of Bade-Wurtemburg) takes place very year. Some 40 exhibitors display their wares and local handicrafts. Youngsters will want to hop on board Father Christmas’s sleigh, pulled by goats rather than reindeer here.
The gorges of the River Ravenna offer a magical setting to do your Christmas shopping in a unique location.
Christmas market of Breitnau – ©Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa/agefotostock
3. In an amusement park – Liseberg (Sweden)
If you want to combine knock-out scenery with a fun excursion, treat the family to a trip to Liseberg Christmas Market! During the Christmas season, the Swedish town’s amusement park is decked in thousands of fairy lights to make the eyes of young and old sparkle. With family and/or friends, come and enjoy this colourful setting rich in delightful Christmas gift ideas.
In terms of food, you will be spoilt for choice, but make sure you sample the festive yuletide version (julbord) of the traditional smorgasbord buffet, composed of cured ham, smoked salmon, meatballs and sweetmeats, etc.
Liseberg Christmas Market – ©klug-photo
4. On a lake – Millstatt (Austria)
The highlight of the Christmas market of Millstatt, literally the Christbaumwald im Millstätter See, which takes place every year, is an amazing floating café, Kap 4613 (the pyramid and fire island). Opposite Millstatt Lake, some twenty exhibitors set up stalls selling handicrafts, decorations and culinary specialties of Carinthia: spiced wine, wiener schnitzel (pan-fried breaded veal), roast chestnuts. The magical view of the floating terrace and forest, the Christmas tree and the alpine scenery adds a truly festive edge to Christmas shopping.
5. On board a boat – Vilshofen an der Donau (Germany)ofen an der Donau (Allemagne)
Feel like getting away from it all?
See our suggestions for novel trips and must-see places to visit near your home or holiday destination.