They’re Open! The Christmas Markets of Central Europe

Bratislava Christmas Market (ariel view)

In central Europe the Christmas markets are here! If you haven’t seen the Christmas markets in Vienna, Bratislava or Krakow, you are really missing something.

There are many other Christmas markets around Europe, but one of the wonderful parts of living in Slovakia is that it is in the center of the center of Europe, so it is easy to see some of the world’s most attractive and unusual Christmas markets and in my humble opinion, they are not to be beat.  

In Slovakia, every little village or city has a celebration with varené víno (hot wine), klobasa (sausages) lokše (Slovak-type tortillas filled with jams or pate) and punc (punch) permeating the town square. People gather for eating, drinking and conversation, plus some holiday shopping at the various kiosks woven throughout the streets.

You can visit one city or better yet, take a tour of central Europe markets; starting in Vienna, a short trip to Bratislava and then one of my favorites, Krakow (Cracow). 

In 4 or 5 days you can see the best Christmas markets and shop ‘til you drop in some of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe.

Or maybe traveling through little villages in one country and experiencing the markets is more to your liking. Slovakia is one of the most scenic and culturally interesting countries in central Europe with 14 different UNESCO sites.

Start your Christmas market journey in Bratislava’s old town, nestled just below the memorable castle where Queen Sissi (Elizabeth), Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary in the 1800s, favored the castle as one of her homes. You’ll find the best markets starting at the ice rink near the Slovak National Theatre and moving along the Danube towards the center of town. Once you are in the center of old town, the two main squares are packed with shopping, food, drink and entertainment on the main stage. Bratislava has a mixture of historic and modern architecture fixed side-by-side with great eateries and pubs.

Rathhaus Platz Vienna

From Bratislava hop on a train across the Danube to Vienna. Vienna boasts some of the most amazing Christmas markets in central Europe. There are three major areas from the city center and easy to walk through in one day.

Start at Stephansdom walk down Karntner Strasse to the Opernring (Staastsoper) to the Maria Theresa Monument for a small, but very pleasing market and then end up at Rathaus Platz for the largest market in Vienna filled with row after row of shopping stalls, food, wine, beer of course, and cakes. There are rides for children and you can easily spend most of your day at this market.

Finally, I mentioned Krakow where I spent an after Christmas holiday. Before you take in the local flavor of the Jewish Quarter and the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill, make sure you head towards the main square where there is the largest inside and outside market in central Europe. 

Krakow was put on the UNESCO World Culture Heritage list in 1978 and was the culture capital of Europe in 2000. The main square or market square has the clock tower on one side, the Cloth Mall in the middle with the impressive St. Mary's Basilica, flanked by St. Adalbert's Church. The Christmas market will be in full swing even after the new year, with lights and kiosks full of fare to eat, drink and buy.  I picked up a nice Polish pottery piece.

Whether you want to take in the top cities in central Europe or travel through Slovakia to the many quaint villages and towns, like Piešťany where I live, rich with historic significance, spending a Christmas market holiday in central Europe is sure to provide seasonal cheer.

Piešťany Christmas Market

Christmas Tree Lighting