The Christmas market season has begun – but with more festive markets than you can shake a ball at, where to start?
Fortunately, help is at hand from a traveler who declares that she is ‘obsessed’ with them.
Meet Helene Sulaof Texaswho has visited more than 100 festive fairs with her husband since she moved to Heidelberg, Germanyin 2016.
She told MailOnline Travel: ‘Heidelberg was my first Christmas market ever and I was obsessed. I made it my mission to see as much as possible. The feeling was like being a kid again at Christmas. The magic felt real.’
Here, Helene reveals her five favorite Christmas markets, two cheesy ones to avoid – and the essential features of a good Christmas market.
THE FIVE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS
1. Cologne, Germany
Helene Sula has visited more than 100 Christmas markets and she reveals her top five to MailOnline Travel. First up is Cologne, Germany. The travel blogger says: ‘Cologne’s Christmas market (photo) near the cathedral is breathtaking’
Helene is pictured at the Cologne Christmas Market, where the cathedral creates the ‘perfect backdrop for the festive lights and stalls’
Cologne’s Christmas market takes your breath away, declares Helene.
The travel blogger, who shares festive content on Instagram under the username @Christmasmarketsineuropesays: ‘Cologne’s Christmas market near the cathedral is breathtaking. The high Gothic architecture of the Cologne Cathedral creates the perfect backdrop for the festive lights and stalls.
‘The market is vast, with many food options – be sure to try the Reibekuchen (potato pancake) and mulled wine. It’s also great for families, with a skating rink and carousel.’
2. Strasbourg, France
The Christmas market in Strasbourg – known as the capital of Christmas – is ‘one of the oldest and most beautiful in Europe’, says Helene
This French market stands out for Helene for its ‘authenticity’.
Helene says: ‘Known as the capital of Christmas, Strasbourg is one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. The whole city is transformed into a festive wonderland, with beautiful decorations, multiple market squares and delicious local delicacies such as tarte flambée and Bredele cookies. The charm and authenticity of this market is second to none.’
3. Heidelberg, Germany
Helene is from Heidelberg and her local market (above) makes her favorite list
In the photo: Helene and her husband enjoy Heidelberg Christmas Market
Despite visiting more than 99 additional markets since her first trip to the stalls in Heidelberg, Helene’s local Christmas market still makes her favorite list.
“Heidelberg has a special place in my heart because it was the first Christmas market I visited after moving to Germany,” says the traveler.
‘The market runs along the Hauptstrasse, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe!
‘You will wander through the beautiful historic old town, with the illuminated Heidelberg Castle overlooking the city.
‘The ice skating rink and hot treats like bratwurst make this market feel intimate and magical. Get some fries too!’
4. Ribeauville, France
LEFT: A costumed market goer in Ribeauville. RIGHT: Helene enjoys the town’s festivities
This French town offers a Christmas walk back in time.
Helene says: ‘Ribeauville is a medieval themed Christmas market, and it’s one of the most unique I’ve ever visited.
‘The town feels like it’s straight out of a fairy tale, with medieval music, costumes and performances that take you back in time. It’s only open two weekends a year so you have to plan! I also recommend it as a family friendly one as it’s great for kids!’
5. Vienna, Austria
Helene also enjoys bigger markets – and impresses Vienna.
Check out Vienna’s ‘enchanting’ Christmas market. Helene says: ‘The backdrop of Vienna’s grand architecture combined with twinkling lights is truly magical’
She explains: ‘Vienna’s Christmas markets are elegant and enchanting, with the market at Rathausplatz being my favourite. The backdrop of Vienna’s grand architecture combined with twinkling lights is truly magical. Try a Vienna sausage and a cup of punch, and enjoy ice skating at the nearby rink for a full festival experience.’
THE ONE WITH THE BEST FOOD
Helene says: ‘The Alsace region in France (bordering Germany) has hands down the best food at its Christmas markets. Markets such as those in Strasbourg and Ribeauville offer an incredible variety of traditional Alsace delicacies.
‘You can’t miss the tarte flambee (a delicious flatbread), Bredele cookies and vin chaud (mulled wine). The combination of French and German culinary influences makes every meal at these markets a pleasure!’
BEST RIDES AND ACTIVITIES
Helene claims that ‘Vienna’s markets are fantastic for activities’, adding: ‘Especially ice skating at the Rathausplatz market, with its vast ice rink.’ In addition, she says ‘many markets in Germany offer activities such as ferris wheel rides or live nativity scenes’.
THE MOST AND LEAST DURATION
As for tourists watching their pockets, the travel blogger says that ‘Vienna and Zurich can be on the more expensive side, especially when it comes to food and gifts’.
But, says Helene: ‘On the other hand, markets in Eastern Europe, such as Budapest or Krakow, tend to be much more affordable, and you still get the full festival experience.’
THE MOST SURPRISING
Helene says there are several hidden gems across the continent, noting: ‘I was pleasantly surprised by the markets in smaller German towns like Esslingen and Gengenbach.
‘It often has a more intimate, traditional feel, with medieval-style cabins and unique gifts. On the other hand, some of the larger, more commercialized markets can feel impersonal, with mass-produced goods and high prices.’
THE TO AVOID
Helene avoids London’s Winter Wonderland – ‘it feels very cheesy and commercial’
The Christmas fanatic doesn’t love every market she visits. There are some she says she would avoid returning to altogether.
Mainly, London’s enormous Hyde Park Christmas Market.
She notes: ‘I know, I know, and I’m sorry. Winter Wonderland feels like an amusement park! But it feels very cheesy and commercial. London has fantastic decorations but they just don’t get the “spirit” right. Same for Paris!’
