Discover the Magic: Top 5 Must-See Winter Markets

Hungary is famous for its history and architecture, but Budapest ought to be famous for its markets, both indoors and out!

If you want to escape the chilly winter weather, then head to the warmth of the Great Market Hall, also called the Central Market Hall, where you’ll find three floors of stalls. Look out for speciality foods including the country’s national favourite, Langos, which is a deep-fried bread snack that’s similar to pizza.

Budapest’s most famous winter market lights up Vorosmarty square from November through to January. From speciality craft days through to celebrations of the country’s food and drink, it’s a glamorous affair with plenty of street entertainers, music, and dancing. The wooden market stalls are typical of northern European winter markets, and are all brightly coloured and lit. The scent of cinnamon is everywhere, and if you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the chance to try some authentic Kurtoskalacs. The celebrations keep going on into the night, with ‘light painting’ brightening up the entire square and the surrounding buildings. Book now your Flight + Hotel travel package now.

If you’re looking for a reason to visit the Czech Republic, it’s the markets in Prague. Renowned for their unusual and vintage trinkets and antiques, Prague winter markets are the place to be when you’re out gift-hunting. The largest is known as the ‘U Elektry Market’ and is the largest flea market in Europe. It’s chaotic, a little disorganised, but great fun!

The most famous of Prague’s winter markets is held in the Old Town Square and is the largest of its kind in the country. Running from November until the end of December, you can expect traditional wooden stalls and concerts every day.

Peace Square is one of the oldest winter markets in Prague and has around 60 stalls. It’s smaller and more intimate than Old Town or Wenceslas Square, but has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and is the most popular with the locals. Keep a lookout for the home-made gingerbread stalls. Book now your Flight + Hotel travel package now.

During the winter, markets in Germany take on a distinctly festive feel, but the city of Munich stands out when it comes to lights and decorations. The largest of the city’s winter fairs is held in Marienplatz (St. Mary’s Square) from the end of November and right through the festive season, dating to the 14th century. You’ll find hand-carved lanterns, and hordes of scary creatures stampeding through the market dressed as ‘Krampus’ at the start of December.

If you want a more international feel to your winter market in Munich, head to the Tollwood Winter Festival, which is packed with artisan treasures from around the world, and culinary delights that range from Thai street-food to traditional German hot snacks. Book now your Flight + Hotel travel package now. 

Austria truly comes alive during the winter, especially in Vienna, with skating rinks and carriage rides through Vienna’s squares and parks. It’s packed with winter fairs too, from the market at Schönbrunn Palace, which is home to over 60 exhibitors and craftspeople, to the Viennese Dream winter fair in front of the City Hall. The entire city seems to be filled with the spicy scent of warm Stollen, a fruity bread that’s traditionally eaten at this time of the year all over northern Europe.

Music and events are plentiful; if you’re on the lookout for some of the best performances, head to the winter fair in Maria-Theresien Platz, near to the Museum of Natural History, for some choral singing. Book now your Flight + Hotel travel package now.