A study has revealed the most festive Christmas markets in Europe, with Krakow Christmas Market in Poland taking the top spot – and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular
The most festive Christmas markets across Europe have been unveiled, with Krakow Christmas Market in Poland clinching the top spot.
Travel insurance gurus at Quotezone.co.uk have ranked the continent’s Christmas markets based on their festive quotient to aid Christmas enthusiasts in making the most of their holiday season.
In order to compile this list, the travel experts took into account various factors such as average temperature and snowfall in December, the number of stalls, the duration of the market, and the proximity of these Christmas markets to Santa’s abode in Lapland.
They crowned Krakow Christmas Market as the most festive market in Europe, providing visitors with a wintry ambiance complete with abundant snow and an average December temperature of a chilly 0.2C.
Budapest’s Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market bagged the second position, while Vienna’s Rathausplatz Christmas Market secured the third spot.
Krakow’s Christmas Market is set up in the city’s old town, lending the market a magical fairytale vibe. Visitors can explore around a hundred wooden stalls selling traditional Polish treats and handmade crafts.
The tradition of hosting a Christmas market in Krakow traces back to the 13th century, and its historical allure coupled with a focus on Polish traditions is what distinguishes it from other markets across Europe.
This year, the market will run from November 29 to January 1, ensuring that even those visiting the city post-Christmas can still partake in the city’s festive celebrations.
Revealing the findings of their study, CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone, Greg Wilson stated: “Many people will be looking to visit Christmas Markets around Europe to get into the festive spirit in the run-up to Christmas.
“Our 2024 Christmas Market Index has disclosed that Krakow, the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland, hosts the most festive Christmas market in Europe as it received top scores in all categories.
“Krakow Christmas Market is renowned for its traditional vibe as it’s located in the historical Old Town filled with quaint wooden stalls where vendors sell traditional Polish foods, arts and crafts. Visitors can also enjoy a bustling entertainment programme and take a horse and carriage ride around the Old Town.
He then cautioned: “When planning a winter getaway to a Christmas market in Europe, we recommend that travellers safeguard themselves financially by purchasing travel insurance. Winter often brings flight delays and cancellations, and crowded places like Christmas markets can be hotspots for pickpocketing.”
Europe’s most festive Christmas markets:
- Kraków Christmas Market, Poland
- Budapest Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, Hungary
- Vienna Rathausplatz Christmas Market, Austria
- Prague Old Town Square Christmas Market, Czech Republic
- Copenhagen Tivoli Christmas Market, Denmark
- Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany
- Brussels Winter Wonders Christmas Market, Belgium
- Edinburgh East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market, Scotland
- Strasbourg Christmas Market, France
- Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland