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The Christmas market season has begun, but with more festive markets than you can shake a stick at, where do you start?
Luckily, help is within reach of a traveler who declares herself ‘obsessed’ with them.
Meet Helene Sulafrom Texas, who has visited more than 100 holiday fairs with her husband since moving to Heidelberg, Germany, in 2016.
She told MailOnline Travel: ‘Heidelberg was my first Christmas market and I was obsessed. My mission was to see as many as possible. The feeling was like being a child again at Christmas. The magic felt real.”
Here, Helene reveals her five favorite Christmas markets, two ‘cheesies’ to avoid and the essential characteristics of a good Christmas market.
THE FIVE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS
1. Cologne, Germany
Helene Sula has visited over 100 Christmas markets and reveals her top five to MailOnline Travel. The first is Cologne, Germany. Travel blogger says: “The Cologne Christmas market (pictured) near the cathedral is impressive”
Helene appears at the Cologne Christmas market, where the cathedral creates the “perfect backdrop for the festive lights and stalls.”
The Cologne Christmas market takes your breath away, says Helene.
The travel blogger who shares festive content on Instagram under her username @mercadosdenavidadsineuropesays: ‘The Cologne Christmas market near the cathedral is impressive. The imposing Gothic architecture of Cologne Cathedral creates the perfect backdrop for festive lights and stalls.
‘The market is large, with many food options; Be sure to try the Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) 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 Christmas capital, is “one of the oldest and most beautiful in Europe”, says Helene
This French market stands out for Helene for its “authenticity.”
Helene comments: ‘Known as the capital of Christmas, Strasbourg is one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. The entire city is transformed into a festive paradise, with impressive decorations, multiple market squares and delicious local delicacies such as tarte flambée and bredele cookies. The charm and authenticity of this market is unparalleled.’
3. Heidelberg, Germany
Helene is based in Heidelberg and her local market (above) is on her favorites list
In the photo: Helene and her husband enjoy the Heidelberg Christmas market.
Despite visiting over 99 additional markets since her first foray into the Heidelberg stalls, Helene’s local Christmas market is still on her favorites list.
“Heidelberg holds 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 Hauptstrasse, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe!
‘You will walk through the beautiful historic center, with the illuminated Heidelberg Castle dominating the city.
‘The ice skating rink and hot delicacies like sausages make this market feel intimate and magical. Also, get some fries!
4. Ribeauville, France
LEFT: A costumed visitor to the Ribeauville market. RIGHT: Helene enjoys the town festivities.
This French city offers a Christmas trip to the past.
Helene says: ‘Ribeauville is a medieval-themed Christmas market and is one of the most unique I have visited.
‘The city seems straight out of a fairy tale, with medieval music, costumes and performances that transport you back in time. It’s only open two weekends a year so you have to plan for it! I also recommend it as family friendly as it’s great for kids!’
5. Vienna, Austria
Helene also enjoys larger markets and Vienna impresses.
See Vienna’s “charming” Christmas market. Helene says: “The backdrop of Vienna’s grand architecture combined with the twinkling lights is truly magical”
She explains: ‘Vienna’s Christmas markets are elegant and charming, with the Rathausplatz market being my favourite. The backdrop of Vienna’s grand architecture combined with the twinkling lights is truly magical. Try a Viennese sausage and a cup of punch, and enjoy ice skating at the nearby rink for the complete festive experience.’
THE ONE WHO HAS THE BEST FOOD
Helene says: ‘The French region of Alsace (bordering Germany), without a doubt, has the best food at its Christmas markets. Markets such as those in Strasbourg and Ribeauville offer an incredible variety of traditional Alsatian delicacies.
‘You can’t miss the flambee tarte (a delicious flatbread), the bredele cookies and the vin chaud (mulled wine). The combination of French and German culinary influences makes every meal at these markets a delight!’
BEST RIDES AND ACTIVITIES
Helene says, “Vienna’s markets are great for activities,” adding, “In particular, ice skating at the Rathausplatz market with its huge ice rink.” In addition, he says, “many markets in Germany offer activities such as Ferris wheel rides or living nativity scenes.”
MORE AND LESS EXPENSIVE
As for budget-conscious tourists, the travel blogger says, “Vienna and Zurich can be more expensive, especially when it comes to food and gifts.”
But Helene says: “On the other hand, Eastern European markets like Budapest or Krakow are often much more affordable and still have a 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 such as Esslingen and Gengenbach.
‘They tend to have a more intimate and traditional feel, with medieval-style stalls and unique gifts. On the other hand, some of the larger, more commercialized markets can seem impersonal, with mass-produced products and high prices.’
THOSE THAT SHOULD BE AVOID
Helene avoids London’s Winter Wonderland: “it feels very cheesy and commercial”
This Christmas fanatic doesn’t love all the markets she visits. There are some he says he would avoid returning to altogether.
Mainly, the huge Hyde Park Christmas market in London.
She notes, “I know, I know, and I’m sorry.” Winter Wonderland looks like a theme park! But it feels very cheesy and commercial. London has fabulous decor, but it just doesn’t capture the right “spirit.” Same for Paris!’
