As Christmas approaches, the early sunsets and crisp air signal the start of festive markets and celebrations across Europe.
These events, featuring twinkling fairy lights, decorated city squares and a variety of warm treats, will continue until the New Year.
However, according to Christmas Tree World’s research from 2022, some Christmas markets stand out from the rest.
The top spot goes to Wroclaw in Poland, known not only for being the best in its home country but also one of the most beautiful in Europe.
This year’s festivities in Wroclaw begin on November 29, promising weeks of Christmas cheer that will last until the New Year.
The market will be open from 10am to 9pm on regular working days, with special hours on December 26 (1pm to 9pm), and on December 31, the shops will close at 5pm while food stalls are expected to remain open until 2am. It’s the perfect place to soak up any New Year’s alcohol.
The Wroclaw Guide reports that the city has decided to reduce the number of lights and illuminations this year due to increasing energy costs.
The city’s markets will be held in four main areas: The Market Square (Rynek), The Salt Square (Plac Solny), Swidnicka Street and Oławska Street.
The Wroclaw Christmas Market is set to become a winter wonderland, complete with enchanting sights (dwarves and mushrooms included no questions), fairground attractions, and an array of festive foods.
Nestled in Salt Square, the market boasts a fairy tale house spanning three levels with an observation deck, not to mention the quaint tower punctuated with an illuminated clock, reports MyLondon.
Visitors can bask in front of a glowing fireplace while sipping on warm drinks.
For the children, there’s the Fairytale Copse, dazzling with illuminated scenes from beloved stories like “Little Red Riding Hood”, “The Brave Little Tailor”, and “Snow White” that leap off the page into reality.
Not missing a beat, Santa Claus himself will be gracing the markets with his jovial presence before joining the traditional Christmas parade come December.
But let’s tempt those taste buds what’s a festive jaunt without mouth-watering munchies? Wroclaws market is the perfect spot to sample local and regional Polish specialties.
The guide to Wroclaw “strongly recommended” trying Oscypek, an exclusive smoked cheese laced with cranberries from Poland’s mountains, supposedly found nowhere else in the nation.
For those who favour traditional fare, there will be an unlimited offering of sausages, bigos, skewers, and potato pancakes. And for the sweet-toothed among us, indulge in treats such as churros, sweet chestnuts, crepes, and chimney cakes.
So, if you’re considering a festive getaway and yearning for a spectacular Christmas market, Poland is home to some of Europe’s finest.