The competition for the best Christmas market title is fierce, with cities across Europe creating true magic – but some stand out for their uniqueness and charm.
One German Christmas market, in particular, has been hailed as a “spectacle” when compared to many of the more tourist-driven options.
A recent study conducted by independent travel agency Iglu Cruise, used Tripadvisor data to find out which markets received the highest praise from visitors.
The best-rated Christmas market in Europe is Esslingen, and has received an excellent rating of 72.2 percent of five-star reviews from Tripadvisor users.
Located 10 miles south of Stuttgart in southwestern Germany, Esslingen Christmas Market features over 280 stalls, giving visitors plenty to explore across two separate sections: the traditional Christmas market and the Medieval market, offering seasonal gifts, performances and delicious food.
Tim J said: “Esslingen is a beautiful town with many standout architectural components, which when blended together as the backdrop for a Chrismas Market, set an enchanting scene.
“A lot of effort is put into maintaining a medieval theme throughout the entire main market.
“This makes the market itself feel like a spectacle in comparison to the more familiar commercialised Christmas Markets which we see in larger towns.”
CA Barron added: “If you are going to seek out a Christmas time experience that is over the top awesome, this is it!
“We spent about three hours here and it is by far the best in all of Germany according to many German folks we sought opinions regarding which Christmas market was the most authentic and best family experience for young and old.”
“This is an absolute must-do if you are in the local area during Christmas market season!” emphasised Merrowmum.
Another visitor added: “The city is lit up nicely and having the markets spread out makes it nicer not to be so crowded.”
Top 10 Christmas markets:
1. Esslingen, Germany – 72.2 percent of reviews are 5-star
2. Krakow, Poland – 71.4 percent of reviews are 5-star
3. Cologne, Germany – 70.5 percent of reviews are 5-star
4. Prague, Czech Republic – 70 percent of reviews are 5-star
5. Vienna, Austria – 62.7 percent of reviews are 5-star
6. Nuremberg, Germany – 62.4 percent of reviews are 5-star
7. Frankfurt, Germany – 58.4 percent of reviews are 5-star
8. Munich, Germany – 55.9 percent of reviews are 5-star
9. Salzburg, Austria – 52.4 percent of reviews are 5-star
10. Brussels, Belgium – 50.7 percent of reviews are 5-star