The best Christmas markets in Europe

Since the 15th century, Christmas markets have been with us during these holidays, originally to celebrate the four weeks of Advent. Local market squares were filled with local produce during these festive days. Years later, as the markets grew, they evolved toward more commercial products, shipped from all over the world and made of plastic.

We invite you to join us as we visit some of the best markets in Europe, both beautiful and committed to their original mission.

• Dresden (Germany) is considered one of the first Christmas markets, held since the 15th century, bringing together millions of tourists in its streets.

This year, like other cities, it will reduce lighting hours to save energy and use energy-efficient LED lights. It seems that sustainability is knocking at the door!

• Madeira (Portugal), the sunniest destination in Europe, where you can enjoy its Christmas market.

When visiting a Portuguese city, we can't forget to try its sweets. This season, it has a standout product that you just have to try: "bolos de mel" (honey cakes), one of its oldest sweets, which take on even greater significance at Christmas.

• Prague (Czech Republic), a fantastic city year-round, is filled with the magic of the Christmas holidays, giving it an air of endearing warmth.

• Amsterdam (Netherlands), with its Light Festival, which this year brings together works by 30 artists, turning the city into an open-air museum.

Can you imagine touring its canals or strolling through these wonders? Not to mention that Amsterdam's Christmas markets are also fantastic, and in this case, the mulled wine is called glühwein.

• Bath (England), a flea market designed for responsible shopping, as many of the products you can buy there are handmade in Great Britain and part of the proceeds support local charities.

• Craft Fair ( Madrid ), December 1-30. Paseo de Recoletos. The most important fair for artisan gifts and the main showcase of regional crafts. It features 155 different stands of artisans, mostly from the Community of Madrid, exhibiting their own products. Ceramists, potters, costume jewelry makers, jewelers, hat makers, and goldsmiths will offer ideal items for Christmas gifts or home decorations during the holidays. More than two thousand workshops have contributed to consolidating this showcase of craftsmanship since its inception.

• Bailén Street Market ( Bilbao ) is the most important market for handmade gifts and a main showcase of regional crafts. From December 16, 2022 to January 5, 2023. Bailén Street, Bilbao. In the heart of Bilbao, you'll find this market made up of more than 40 stalls where you can buy all kinds of Christmas decorations, as well as crafts and Basque cuisine. Everyone who attends recommends visiting the tent set up in front of the Arriaga Theater, where you can pick up a wooden souvenir with traditional Basque motifs.

• Santa Lucía Market in Barcelona , ​​from November 25th to December 23rd. Avenida de la Catedral. The Santa Lucía fair isn't the only Christmas market in Barcelona, ​​but it is the oldest, having been held since 1786. Anyone who visits the market will find around 300 stalls offering two types of products: some more Christmas-related, such as nativity scene decorations, and others, such as jewelry, as gifts. In addition, activities are often organized around the market for children to enjoy the festivities.

• Market of the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències ( Valencia ), From December 16 to January 8.

• Seville Nativity Fair, from November 5 to December 23. Between the cathedral and the Archive of the Indies, Seville.

We hope you enjoyed our little tour!

The Natana team wishes you a wonderful holiday season, whether you're traveling or staying home, and that you're very, very happy.

Happy holidays, more ecological and more conscious, more sustainable!