In December, many cities in Europe begin preparations for the festivities, including spectacular lights, wooden huts and an atmosphere of anticipation and joy. Christmas markets are a tradition and one of the places where adults and children alike truly feel the imminent festivities. We have selected five cities worth a visit before Christmas, due to the wealth of decorations and markets as well as the pleasure of driving around the nearby streets.
Copenhagen
Denmark has been at the top of the list of the happiest countries in the world for years (in 2022 it ranked second in the World Happiness Report). What better place than its capital to savour the festive atmosphere to the full, which for many is the happiest time of year? Just as the New York Times reported, Copenhagen turns into a winter wonderland in December, from the pedestrian area of Hojbro Plads in the city centre, to the Nyhavn Christmas Market on the banks of the Nyhavn Canal, to the largest Christmas market in Northern Europe, the Tivoli Gardens. For those who can, our advice is to hire a car and drive to Sweden opposite, all the way to Malmö with its scenic Øresund Bridge, Europe's longest cable-stayed bridge, an engineering masterpiece that crosses the strait first passing over it and then, at a certain point, snaking down inside it.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is not only the official seat of the European Parliament and a delightful city featuring both French and German influence, it is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets, which has been held throughout the city centre since 1570. Not far from there, across the German border, motorists have the unique opportunity to drive along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße. Literally the Black Forest High Road, it runs at an altitude of between 800 and 1000 metres for about 60 kilometres between Freudenstadt and Baden-Baden, passing through fairy-tale valleys and villages - definitely a must-see.
Edinburgh
The Scottish capital also often organises major events at Christmas. Princes Street Gardens brings to life a genuine Santa Land, half-way between an amusement park and a Christmas market, the perfect venue for kids. There's also an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel and many other attractions, all at a city festival that lasts more than one month. Scotland's scenic roads have always been famous and mesmerising, with plenty to choose from: you can drive down 150 kilometres from Edinburgh to Carlisle, passing through the countryside as told by writers such as Walter Scott.
Prague
Prague welcomes Christmas markets in small wooden chalets in all its main squares, from Old Town Square to Wenceslas Square, providing the perfect opportunity to see one of the most beautiful cities in Europe at the most festive and opulent time of year. Just under four hours' drive from cities such as Bratislava, Vienna, Nuremberg or Wroclaw, the Czech capital is an ideal hub for a road trip to Central and Eastern Europe.
Salzburg
Like other Mitteleuropean cities, Salzburg stands out for the beauty and immaculate appearance of its Christmas markets, which are visited by around one million people each year, all to the tune of Mozart's music. Perhaps the most exciting of these is held in the courtyard of Hellbrunn Castle, where 10 thousand Christmas balls decorate over 700 fir trees. Driving down to the Italian border you will come across Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, a private road (toll-free) that flows through the unparalleled scenery of the Alps among waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and picture-perfect views.
