Nothing quite makes a Christmas market magical like a dusting of snow. Or mountains in the background. And when you combine the two? Well, that’s ‘shrinking yourself down and walking through a snow-globe holiday village’ level magic.
So where to go in Europe to find this combination? Christmas markets in the Alps. The Alps are a tried-and-true winter wonderland, and in December each year the mountain valleys and hilltop villages overflow with some of the cosiest and – dare we say – most romantic Christmas markets in all of Europe. No Christmas market crawl is complete without a stop at one of the many Christmas markets in the Alps, and here are a few of our favourites.
Kitzbuhel, Austria
A modern ski mecca with medieval history awaits you in Kitzbuhel, home to one of the most popular Christmas markets in the Alps. Surrounded by snowy mountains like the legendary Hahnenkamm, Kitzbuhel is consistently ranked as one of the best ski areas in the world, and the Kitzbuhel Christmas Market doesn’t lack for accolades either. The cozy market runs for four weeks each year, and is abuzz with lovingly adorned rustic chalets, steaming Tyrolean delicacies, and warming mulled wine. An especially enchanting alpine Christmas market for children, Kitzbuhel is home to a weekly carol concert from singers dressed as shepherds, daily pony rides, with its nearby ski slopes offer fun toboggan runs.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Home to Germany’s most famous ski resort – and one of its most tongue-twisting town names – Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is actually two towns joined together, plays host to two of the country’s snowiest and cosiest Christmas markets each year. Typically already under a blanket of powder by December, Alpine music, sleigh rides, and a delectable mix of Bavaria’s best traditional food, beer, and holiday cheer are in plentiful supply here. Garmisch hosts the larger Christmas market of the two towns, but Partenkirchen has more than its share of holiday charm, especially as its market is surrounded by the town’s famous fresco-painted buildings. Both markets are open daily from late November until just before Christmas.
Grossarl, Austria
A small town in the mountains an hour or so from Salzburg, Grossarl is home to a fantastic Christmas market each year called “Salzburg Mountain Advent”. The market opens each weekend during Advent (late November through Christmas), and is home to local crafts being sold from snow-caked chalets, tasty Austrian food and spirits, and an authentic mountain atmosphere that is hard to beat. Small touches like fire-pits carved out of logs and a blacksmith only add to the ambiance, and onion-shaped church that crowns the town completes the perfect Christmas picture.
Vipiteno, Italy
About as far north as you can go on the map and still be in Italy, you will find the charming alpine town of Vipiteno and its wintry-wonderful Christmas market. The historic mining town is graced with arched porticos and an ancient spire called Tower of the Twelve that looks like it was taken straight from a fairytale, and in the center of it all an intimate Christmas market. The Christmas market is open daily from late November until early January and features locals meats, cheeses, jams, brandy, and of course strudel all surrounded by alpine hills. Note that Vipiteno is also referred to as Sterzing, which was its traditional German name.
Innsbruck, Austria
Home to the largest collection of the Christmas markets in the Alps, Innsbruck is the place to go for the refreshing combination of cosmopolitan flair and crisp mountain air. From the heart of the bustling city, you can see directly up to mountainsides strewn with chalets and snow, and the main Christmas market that sprawls out below is home to rows of stalls selling comforting food, warming drink, creative crafts, and clothes made for bundling up in. A highlight of this Innsbruck Christmas market is the majestic Christmas tree set up directly in front of the Golden Roof – the town’s famous gilded medieval building – creating a perfect Christmas scene complete with romantic viewing platform to take it all in. Other markets in town (there are a half dozen official ones) include the Marktplatz market – scenically set up besides the rushing Inn River and featuring rides for children – and the Hungerburg market – located on a panoramic overlook reachable only by funicular. All markets in Innsbruck are open everyday from late November until just before Christmas, and with its plentiful connections, Innsbruck is a perfect first or last stop on any Alpine Christmas market crawl.
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