Best Christkindl Markets

These three European destinations become fairytale shopping villages in the cold and the snow.

For lovers of festive cheer, twinkling lights, and holiday treats, few experiences compare to strolling through a European Christmas market. Every year the grand old squares across the continent transform into magical winter villages — and we think three are worth a special trip.

Just as the holiday season is a busy time to fly commercial, demand for private charter surges at the end of the year. Contact our flight coordinators to make your airframe reservations for December as soon as possible!

Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany

November 29 – December 24, 2024

The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is a festival from which all others take inspiration. It’s one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets. Vendors have erected their wooden booths in the main market square each December since the 16th century.

Nuremberg’s Christmas market opens with the appearance of the Christkind. A young woman from town portrays this golden angel figure, welcoming visitors in a stirring opening ceremony. Market stalls are lined with handcrafted gifts, wooden toys, and beautiful decorations.

While you’re shopping, sip on mulled wine while you eat traditional Nürnberger lebkuchen, a large, molded cookie similar to gingerbread. The famous Nuremberg bratwurst is also a must-try. These small pork links are served three to a bun (“drei im weggla”) and topped with mustard.

After your time at the market, wander through the medieval streets of Nuremberg’s old town. Then enjoy ice skating at Luitpoldhain Park to cap a perfect winter evening.

Winter Wonders, Brussels, Belgium

November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025

Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d’hiver) cannot be contained in a single square or park. Brussell’s holiday festivities cover a two-kilometer stretch of the city center for a fully immersive holiday spectacle.

Take a stroll through the old town and discover new delights at every turn. See the light shows and the giant Christmas tree on the Grand Place. Indulge in a steaming cup of Belgian hot chocolate, then wander through the enchanting Marché aux poissons, with its 100+ charming chalets. Then try ice skating and curling on the temporary rinks at Place de Brouckère.

Don’t leave Brussels without having frites. We think the best frituur in the city center is Patatak on Rue de la Bourse, a two minute walk from the Grand Place. Belgian beers are perfect for the season — their rich and heady dubbels taste great in the cold. Our favorite beer hall is Poechenellekelder.

And if just one Belgian winter festival isn’t enough for you, take the short train ride to Bruges. There you can stroll the picturesque canals and visit its charming Christmas markets.

Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt, Vienna, Austria

November 15 – December 26, 2024

Vienna has several Christmas markets throughout town that all have a different focus and atmosphere. The Belvedere Market has lovely art installations. The Altes AKH offers mostly food and drink.

For the best all-around experience, the Christkindlmarkt at the central Rathausplatz is a showstopper. Show up after dark to see Vienna’s dramatic city hall illuminated and an epic tree trimmed out front.

Shop over 100 stalls for traditional handcrafts, textiles, food products, decorations, and much more. In the adjacent Advent Park, you’ll find a tree lit up with glowing hearts, and an open-air ice skating path that weaves through the park.

We suggest staying warm with several mugs of weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch) and a nibble of Viennese pastry. We love vanillekipferl, their vanilla crescent shaped shortbread cookies. Roasted chestnuts are also a popular treat.