Can't get to Europe this year? No problem. You can visit all the best European Christmas Markets on Instagram. Whether you are just interested in a virtual visit or are info-gathering for future travels, you'll want to bookmark this post. Here you will find links and suggestions that will make your Christmas Market 2022 planning a literal scroll in the park.
European Christmas Market Information in this post
- Popular European Christmas Market locations
- European Christmas Market Instagram hashtags
- Official European Christmas Market Instagram accounts to follow
- How to use Instagram to help plan your Christmas Market Travels
Be sure to bookmark this post for future travel planning! You'll find a handy table of contents below to help you navigate to specific sections/destinations.
From the UK to Estonia, Christmas Markets are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. Nostalgia abounds in these markets. You'll find giant Christmas trees, local vendors selling handmade goods, and beautiful light displays. Chestnuts literally roast over open fires, along with other yule time treats like mulled wine and many many yummy baked goods. Many cities have their markets in famous squares and also include attractions like Ferris wheels and other rides.
And oh the holiday picture photo ops!
Between the food, the culture, the history, and the opportunity to explore local traditions and cultures - Christmas Markets present one of the best tourism opportunities for European winter visits.
Typically the markets are open from mid-November thru the new year. But you can check out the scene all year round on Instagram.
Does the thought of visiting and shopping all the European Christmas Markets make you go all sugar plum fairly giddy? Pour yourself a cup of cocoa and get cozy. No need to bundle up or brave Covid travel risks and restrictions on this virtual tour of over 30 Christmas Markets in 20+ Countries.
For more detailed information and links to social media accounts and tags for European Christmas Markets in over 40 locations in over 20 countries... keep reading.
The 11 Best Instagram Hashtags For Christmas Markets in Europe
Click through to some of the more general European Christmas Market hashtags below, if you are ready to start browsing the markets right now. For location-specific hashtags, accounts, and current activity by location, keep reading!
Browse through all the markets, faster than Santa can make the rounds, and without updating your passport.
Christmas Markets in the UK
Covent Garden Christmas Village - London, UK
London is a beautiful destination to visit for the holidays. There are lights throughout the city and store display windows delight and tempt tourists. But Covent Garden's Christmas Village is Santa Central. It is arguably the most Christmas-y location in London. Here you will find a traditional outdoor market on the piazza. Shop, dine and sip mulled wine. For 2021 there is a Frozen themed installation with nightly snow and an immersive Lego experience as well.
Have a peek at the Covent Garden Christmas scene via the #coventgardenchristmas hashtag. You'll also want to explore #londonchristmas and #christmasinlondon to get a look at the spectacular decorations around London.
Nottingham Christmas Market - Nottingham UK
Nottingham's Christmas Market Winter Wonderland takes place in the Old Market Square. Here you will find chalet style vendor booths, food and drink, a carousel, and an observation wheel.
Manchester Christmas Market - Manchester UK
Manchester's Christmas Markets are spread out throughout the city. From ice skating to amazing lighting displays, food, drink and of course shopping, each area has it's "specialty". Manchester claims to be the Christmas capital of the UK and it's clear they go all out.
Multi-cultural food options, collectible mugs and plenty of family friendly activities await at these markets.
Follow along with the festivities on instagram.
Edinburgh Christmas Market - Edinburgh Scotland
Edinburgh's Christmas Market occurs with scenic Edinburgh Castle in the background. How many holiday celebrations include a view of a 900-year-old castle. Here you'll find fair-style rides, a Christmas Tree maze, Santa grotto, and plenty of food and drink to sustain you while you shop vendor stalls selling bespoke goodies along East Princes Streets Gardens.
Click here to watch Santa fly up the Royal Mile in Edinburgh on Youtube.
Galway Christmas Market - Galway, Ireland
Galway's Christmas Market is open again this year. There are tasty treats, a Santa Grotto, a Santa Train, Carousel and of course a big wheel to take in the views. The event takes place in Eyre square, and includes vendors, live performances, puppet shows, and more.
Christmas Markets in Spain and Portugal
Barcelona Cathedral Christmas Market
Barcelona's Fira de Santa Llúcia is the city’s oldest Christmas Market. Located at Avinguda de la Catedral in the Gothic district, this market has been operating since the late 1700s. It has a decidedly Spanish/Catalan flavor and is uniquely different from more Germanic Christmas Markets. Here you'll find handmade goods, many steeped with local traditions. You'll also find booths selling antiques and curiosities. It's located in a busy area of the city center, so you can expect crowds.
Photos of this market feature the Sagrada Familia in the background. Hard to top that!
Explore more via the #barcelonachristmas hashtag
Madrid's Christmas Market
Madrid's Christmas Market or "Mercado de Navidad" is located in the large open Plaza Mayor. This market is over a hundred years old. It features over a hundred vendor stalls, which resemble charming little huts. Vendors mainly sell Christmas Decorations, Nativity scene sets and humorous "gag" gift items that are popular here.
Spy on the festivities with #navidadmadrid hashtag
Christmas Market in Lisbon
The Winter Wonderland Market at Parque Eduardo VII in Lisbon offers locals and visitors the opportunity to shop, dine on warm cinnamon scented waffles, ride a big wheel and visit Santa Claus. There's also an ice skating rink and assorted activities for children. Vendors sell street food, and gift items including locally produced crafts.
Get a look inside via the #wonderlandlisboa hashtag and the Wonderland Lisboa Instagram account.
Christmas Markets in Italy (Mercatini Di Natale)
Bolzano Christmas Market
The Bolzano Christmas Market is the largest market in Italy. It has been operating for the last twenty years and has grown in popularity. This southern Tyrol town has the perfect gingerbread-ish, fairy-tale look and feel for a Christmas Market. It was just made to host a Christmas Village. The market takes place in the scenic Piazza Walthur.
80+ vendor booths tempt visitors with high-quality hand-painted Christmas ornaments and hand-carved and felted items. You'll also find delicious South Tyrol gourmet products such as Speck cured ham, flat-bread, liqueurs, and more. Sip mulled wine, sample some baked treats and stroll the square, wandering to the streets beyond. Local shops are also well-decorated and welcoming.
If you can't make it to Bolzano, you can still peruse the market via the #bolzanochristmasmarket & #mercatinidinatalebolzano hashtags. Follow the Bolzano Christmas Market Instagram account for more information.
Merano Christmas Market
The Merano Christmas Market is a smaller and cozier market that boasts an enchanting atmosphere. There are daily concerts, children’s entertainment, local customs, and handicrafts. It's similar to Bolzano's market, but a little less overwhelming, which makes it perfect for families with small children.
Shoppers will enjoy perusing vendor artisan items including textiles, jewelry, ceramics, glass, and handmade wooden objects.
Catch a glimpse of the market via the Visit Merano Instagram account and the Official Merano Instagram account
Rome Christmas Market
The most famous Roman Christmas market can be found at Piazza Navona.
The market’s booths are situated in the elliptic square near the Fountain of the Four Rivers, Fountain of Neptune, and Fontana del Moro, as well as the church Saint Agnes in Agone.
Booths sell gift items and yummy food and drink. There are Christmas-themed rides, a carousel, and nativity scenes.
This is a market that is perfect for night owls. During the week you can shop here from 10 am until 1 am, on the weekends the market is open until 2 am.
Christmas Markets in Switzerland
Zurich Christmas Market
Zurich plays host to not one but three large Christmas Markets. These are located in the Old Town, outside the Opera House and in the Main Train Station. Here are some highlights from each:
- The Christmas Market outside the Opera House is located near the waterfront. Here you will find more refined items for sale at over 100 booths. It's a great place to look for one-of-a-kind and unique gifts, including artist-made clothing and jewelry. Make sure to sample some fondue, and taste the hot mulled wine (punch is available as well for children).
- Zurich's oldest Christmas market is located in the Niederdorf quarter of the Old Town. It's a large market that you can "get lost" in, while strolling through the historic Old Town area. Local vendors and festive food and drink give your wanders a dreamy, winter wonderland-y feel
- The Christmas Market in the Main Train Station is one of Europe's largest indoor Christmas Markets. It's perfect to visit when the weather's not so great. It's also incredibly easy to get to as you can take the train directly to the station, hop off, and smell the mulled wine waiting for you. The beautifully lit 32-foot Christmas tree at this market is a special feature.
Get a look at the festivities when you browse the #zurichchristmasmarket hashtag and explore the Zurich Christmas Market's location posts on Instagram
Basel Christmas Market
Basel is always quaint but particularly so at Christmas when the Old Town is transformed. This charming Christmas market can be found on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, in the city center. This city along the Rhine is know for being festively decorated at holiday time. The Christmas Market has a village feeling. A magnificent Christmas tree stands on the Münsterplatz, with ornaments by the well-known decorator Johann Wanner.
The Christmas Pyramid is a popular meeting spot, where friends meet to try out different delicious hot beverages. Fondue is a popular treat here.
Many of the booth exteriors are highly decorative and artistic, offering unique photo opportunities.
See recent photos and actual experiences at this market via the #baslerweihnachtsmarkt #baselchristmasmarket hashtags on Instagram
Christmas Markets in Austria, Poland, Hungary & Czechia
Vienna Christmas Market
If you had to pick one city to visit the most Christmas Markets in, Vienna would be a sound choice. This city hosts close to a dozen Christmas Markets. . Viennese Markets are known for their exceptionally high quality goods and experiences. You won't find tacky fairground type attractions, so much as artisanal, organic, and hand crafted goods and experiences.
The largest markets is the Christkindlmarkt on Vienna’s Rathausplatz, the square in front of the town hall.
Locals also love the Christmas Market Schloss Schönbrunn which hosts 80 booths. Traditional handicrafts, gorgeous Christmas decorations, and toys await.
Get more info on the Official Christmas Markets of Vienna Instagram Page and investigate further by checking out the #christmasinvienna and #christmasmarketsvienna hashtag feeds.
Krakow Christmas Market
Krakow's Christmas Market, like many is located in the old city. Specifically - Rynek Glowny, the 13th-century square at the center of the old town. Vendor booths and stalls are lined up between the Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Basilica.
Food is a central feature of this market, and specifically foods that warm your bones, as it is very cold in Krakow in the wintertime. There's hot fruit and vodka based drinks, smoked cheese, pierogis and goulash. Vendors sell handmade goods such as wooden toys, Christmas decorations, felted items and handmade pottery.
Explore more with the #krakowchristmasmarket #christmasinkrakow #JarmarkBozonarodzeniowyKrakow and #KrakowChristmasFair hashtags.
Wroclaw Christmas Market
Not too far from Krakow, Wroclaw's Christmas Market also takes place in Wroclaw's Old Town Rynek Marquet Square and the Place Solny. Although Wroclaw is a smaller town, this is one of the biggest Christmas Markets in Poland.
The market includes parades, performances, themed rides, a fairytale castle, and plenty of eating, drinking and shopping.
The theme for this market is magical and it makes sense as the buildings in the square already have a very fairytale-esque appearance.
Food choices are more varied here, with both local and international "street food" offerings.
Learn more on the Wroclaw Christmas Market Instagram Page and The Visit Wroclaw Instagram and by following the hashtags #wroclawchristmasmarket #jarmarkbozonarodzeniowykrakow
Warsaw Christmas Market
Warsaw's renovated center Old Town (Stare Miasto) gets a makeover for Christmas. It looks extra spectacular with a frosting of snow. On the edge of the Old Town, you will find Warsaw's Christmas Market in Barbakan (Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy na Barbakanie). It is located in the picturesque square in front of the Royal Castle. The market is open from November through early January, from 11 am to 8 pm,on weekdays and 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Christmas Market is home to about 60 vendors selling goods in wooden chalets. Wares include candy, gingerbread cookies, and handmade Christmas gifts such as hand-knit sweaters, carved wood, blown glass and embroidered tablewear.
Traditional food, mulled wine, and hot chocolate keep visitors toasty
One of the biggest attractions is the 30 meter tall Christmas tree placed in the center of Castle Square. At night it displays a spectacular holiday light show. Take a stroll to nearby Old Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta)and enjoy the lights and decorations. Folk activities, performances and a nearby ice skating rink round out the experience.
Warsaw's Christmas Market has an abundance of hashtags to peruse - #warsawchristmasmarket, #staremiastowarszawa, #starowkawarszawska, #starówkawarszawska, #warszawastaremiasto, #staremiastowarszawa.
Browse several Polish Christmas Markets in one feed with the hashtag #jarmarkbożonarodzeniowy
Bonus: Check out the Christmas Market in Gdansk Instagram Location Feed and official Gdansk Instagram Market Page
Budapest Christmas Market
Budapest's largest Christmas Market takes place on Vörösmarty square at the center of the city. There are dozens and dozens of craft and food vendors. Donuts are a specialty here - don't miss out! This market also has free daily concerts. The artisanal goods for sale are very high quality items made by local artists. You will find both traditional and modern designs.
The Christmas market in front of the St Stephen’s Basilica is a little smaller, but also much beloved and full of photo ops. There is an ice skating rink at this market and a Christmas tree in the middle of the square. The dramatic Basilica in the background makes photos of this market truly distinctive.
At night there is also a custom mapped light show on St Stephen's facade.
Explore Budapest's Christmas markets by hashtags: #budapestchristmasmarket, #christmasmarketbudapest, #karacsonyivasar.
Prague Christmas Market
In Prague, the main Christmas market takes place in the Old Town Square. Food is a central part of this market and there are many sweet and savory local specialties to sample from fish stew to grilled meats , spiral pastries and czech beer. Vendors sell a broad assortment of handmade goods - ceramics, jewellery, embroidered lace, wooden toys, scented candles, Christmas tree ornaments, hats and gloves, and puppets and dolls dressed in traditional costume.
There is a 22 meter Christmas tree at this market and plenty of photo ops and observation spots. Visitors are entertained by local school choirs performing carols.
Sadly this market was closed for 2021 but we hope to see it back up and running next year.
Browse past seasons on the #praguechristmasmarket hashtag and look for updates on the official Visit Czechia Instagram Account.
Christmas Markets in Estonia and Latvia
Tallinn Christmas Market
Tallinn's Old Town is very much like a fairy tale village, with gingerbread facades and cobblestones and red roofs. It's perfect for a Christmas Market. There's a cultural market in the Old Town Square that exists throughout the year, selling locally made, high quality handcrafts, much like the ones available at the Christmas Market each year. Felted socks, carved wooden toys and handknitted items abound.
The Christmas tree beside town hall, has been set up every year since 1441. It was the first public Christmas tree to be displayed in Europe.
The town square is festooned with lights and decorations for the market. Estonian Christmas treats are available, from black pudding and sour cabbage to gingerbread and hot Christmas drinks.
There's also 3 merry go rounds and a double decker Santa bus for children to enjoy.
Stay up to date by visiting the Visit Estonia Instagram Account and VisitTallinn on Instagram, as well as the Tallinn Christmas Market Instagram Page and by following the hashtag #tallinnchristmasmarket and the Tallinn Christmas Market Location on Instagram
Riga Christmas Market
Riga's Christmas Market takes place in the Old Town. Although hard hit by Covid, and shut down for the past two years, it's sure to be back. This is one of the most underrated, and somewhat undiscovered of Europe's Christmas Markets. It's worth checking out. Latvian handicrafts are exceptional. The vendors at this market sell truly exquisite handmade, hand carved, handknit, hand forged items that you won't find anywhere else. There's fabulous food and street food to enjoy and the usual assortment of hot drinks. You'll also find a nativity scene and a petting zoo, live performances by local carolers and a massive Christmas tree to gather round.
Check out Riga's Christmas Market on their Instagram page and scroll on thru the #rigachristmasmarket hashtag for more.
Christmas Markets in Scandinavia (Julemarked)
Copenhagen Christmas Market
Holy pancake balls! The Danes love their Christmas Markets (Julemarked) and perhaps that's why there are more than ten such markets in Copenhagen.
The largest Christmas market takes place on Kongens Nytorv, in the heart of Copenhagen’s city center Here you will find stalls with all sorts of handmade goods, delicious things to eat and to drink (such as homemade glogg aka mulled wine and abelskiver aka pancake balls). Enjoy your time shopping as you explore this nostalgic market.
Peruse #christmasincopenhagen for posts displaying much of what this town has to offer. You can visit the Kongens Nytorv Official Instagram Account and check out Visit Copenhagen's Instagram Page for more info as well.
Finland's Christmas Markets
Finland has the distinguished honor of hosting a Christmas Village, home to Santa Claus, that is open all year round. Visitors to Rovaniemi can boast they have been to the Arctic Circle. Santa meets his fans here every day, and there are real live Reindeer as well. Learn more about the capital of Lapland and Santa's home town on the Rovaniemi instagram feed.
The largest Christmas Market in Finland is in Helsinki's Senate Square. Handcrafted Christmas items and gifts grace the stalls. Over 100 vendors share their wares and serve up Finnish delicacies this time of year.
On December 13 the newly crowned St Lucia, a young woman dressed in white, descends the steps of the Cathedral on the square. This is a beloved tradition borrowed from a 4th century Italian Christian martyr.
Santa visits and a merry go round keep this Christmas Market fun for the kids. Daylight may be in short supply this time of year in Helsinki, but this market still radiates with light and warmth.
Here's the official Instagram account for Helsinki's Christmas Market. Hashtags to browse include #helsinkichristmasmarket, #tuomaanmarkkinat and #christmasinhelsinki.
Norway's Christmas Markets
Norwegians are very nostalgic about the Christmas season. There are many Christmas Markets throughout the country, from Oslo to Roros (rumored to be the inspiration for Disney's Frozen).
One of the most scenic Christmas Markets is to be found in the city of Trondheim. It's an authentically charming event, where you will find local farmers and artists occupying the stalls. Warm up in large indoor tents, while watching live entertainment and sipping glogg. A giant wheel provides a birds eye view. Nature provides the white blanket of snow.
Visit the Christmas Market in Trondheim today, via their Instagram feed Browse through the event by searching for the hashtag #julemarkedetitrondheim.
The Christmas Market in Stockholm
Stockholm's Gamla Stan, or Old Town, is another gingerbread filled town square that was made for Christmas. The Stortorget Christmas Market in the Old Town has roots dating back to Medieval times. It has been in operation since 1837.
Shop for hand crafted items and indulge in gourment foods as you explore this quaint traditional market. Local specialties include elk and venison and of course, glogg (mulled wine).
Browse through Christmas Markets all over Scandinavia when you look at the hashtag #julemarked
Christmas Markets in Belgium and the Netherlands
Brussels Christmas Market
The Winter Wonders Christmas Market in the heart of Brussels, has over 225 booths. Vendors offer handicrafts and gift items, as well as all manner of tasty treats. The sprawling market is styled to look and feel like a village.
There's an ice skating rink, a big wheel, and a stage that hosts choral performances.
Indoor areas provide cozy seating and a chance to warm up and socialize.
Visit The Winter Wonders Christmas Market in Brussels via Instagram and check out the #christmasmarketbrussels hashtag.
Maastricht Christmas Market
The Vrijthof square in Maastricht, Holland is the site of another popular Christmas Market. It runs from the end of November till the New Year. Local culinary treats include bratwurst and glühwein.
Shop for Christmas presents and decor at the numerous stalls and then continue shopping in the surrounding area, which has lovely shops.
A Ferris wheel will provide you with a birds eye view of the festive Vrijthof square, and a fantastic photo op of the lights at night. There's also an ice skating rink, where you can skate or watch the skaters.
You can also visit the Maastricht Christmas Market on Instagram and follow the hashtag #maastrichtchristmasmarket
Christmas Markets in France (Marche de Noel)
Christmas Markets of Paris
If you are looking for a Christmas Market in Paris, you are in luck. There are many Christmas Markets throughout the city, each with their own flavor and special features. You can visit some of them by touring their associated hashtags, listed below. Here are some highlights.
La Magie de Noël (“The Magic of Christmas”) takes place in the Tuileries Garden. There are around 100 stalls selling Christmas decorations and gifts along with mouth watering street food and treats. Roasted chestnuts and mulled wine are a must. You'll also find a massive Christmas tree a fairground for the kids. Beautifully decorated carousels offer photo ops.
Visit La Magie de Noël Paris on Instagram and hashtag feed at #lamagiedenoel
La Défense Christmas Market in located in a business district but don't let that fool you. With over 300 stalls selling gifts and food, this is probably the largest market in town. There's a little something for everyone. An ice skating rink provides extra entertainment.
La Défense Christmas Market is on Instagram.
Marché de Noël, Notre Dame, set in the shadow of Notre Dame is a small but Instagram worthy market. The stalls are occupied by skilled artists - giving you the opportunity to purchase beautiful bespoke gifts.
Browse the wares at Marché de Noël, Notre Dame on Instagram and see #marchedenoelparisnotredame, #marchedenoelnotredame
See also: #marchedenoelparis and #christmasinparis hashtags on Instagram for multiple market scenes.
Colmar
If Christmas had a theme park, Colmar would be the headquarters. Here you will find a pedestrian friendly city where five strollable markets can be explored. Colmar is located in the Alsace region, arguably the capital of traditional nostalgic Christmas. You'll find everything here from food to decor, to petting zoos, fair rides, ice skating rinks, cultural activities, a museum and more.
Visit Colmar on Instagram for your taste of Euro Christmas.
Delight yourself with the feeds of #colmarchristmasmarket #colmarmarchédenoel and #marchedenoelcolmar hashtags.
Strasbourg
Not far from Colmar, also in Alsace, is the town of Strasbourg, which has billed itself the Capital of Christmas. This market is also incredibly scenic, and has it all. Over 300 vendors, food and drink. There's even a doggie daycare available so you don't have to leave your pooch home alone while you shop till you drop.
Take a stroll through the capital of Christmas Strasbourg Christmas Market on Instagram
Visit Strasbourg virtually via the #strasbourgchristmasmarket, #marchedenoelstrasbourg, #capitaledenoel, and #noelastrasbourg.
Explore the region further with a scroll thru #Noelenalsace.
Christmas Markets in Germany (Weihnachtsmarkt)
Cologne Christmas Markets
Cologne is the favorite city of many Christmas Market aficianados. Multiple Christmas Markets grace the city of Cologne. They each have a unique theme and flavor. Some highlights include:
Old Town Christmas Market by the well decorated Town Hall is divided into alleys. Shop for fashion items in the fashion alley, pick up gifts in toy alley, and keep hunger at bay with a bratwurst in the feeding alley.
The House Elves’ Winter Fairytale Christmas Market is in the Heumarkt, connected to the Old Town market by a footbridge. It's probably the birthplace of your Elf on a Shelf. At the very least, you'll want to bring your elf for some photo ops here. The entire whimsical market is dedicated to helpful and friendly creatures and you will see this in the details, throughout. Puppet shows, Santa Claus visits, ice skating and tasty treats make this market a family favorite.
See more of this fanciful market by clicking thru to the #heinzelswintermärchen hashtag feed.
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is the largest of the markets, with over 150 stalls and vendors selling high quality goods. The massive cathedral in the background provides a dramatic and stunning photo opportunity for visitors.
Heavenue Cologne is also known as the Gay Christmas Market. It's known for over the top decor and a lively nightlife. This is the market that's most happening after dark, with a lively scene. Dj sets, drag performances, light shows and a great assortment of festive alcoholic beverages.
Get a peek inside the festivities with the hashtag #heavenuecologne and by following the official Heavenue Cologne Christmas Market Account.
Wander thru the #christmasmarketcologne #colognechristmasmarket #kölnerweihnachtsmarkt #weihnachtsmarktamkölnerdom #weihnachtsmarktköln hashtag feeds to see more of Cologne's festive markets and Christmas celebrations.
Berlin
Germans adore their Christmas Markets and Berliners, perhaps even more. There are as many as 80 Christmas markets, from the small and bespoke, to the large fairground variety. Highlights include local craftsmen at work, as well as selling at the Gendarmenmarkt , the LGBTQ "Christmas Avenue", Eclectic gifts at the Holy Shit Market, and tobaggan runs at the Christmas Market at Potsdamer Platz. In Berlin there are markets dedicated to sweet treats, home decor, and eco items.
While not all markets were able to be open in 2021, we have our fingers crossed for future seasons and are enjoying perusing the festivities of Christmas past via hashtags.
Stay abreast of holiday happenings in Berlin via the #berlinchristmasmarket #weihnachtsmarktberlin #christmasinberlin and #gendarmenmarkt hashtags.
Bremen
Bremen's Christmas Market takes place in a scenic Unesco World Heritage location. While it's not the largest Christmas Market in Germany, it is much beloved for it's authentic spirit.
Visit the Official Account of the Bremen Christmas Market on Instagram , look through the feed of the #bremerweihnachtsmarkt hashtag, and visit the Bremen Christmas Market location page on Instagram.
Dresden
The Striezelmarkt in Dresden was founded 1434. It's considered to be the first Christmas market in Europe. Today, its 240 booths draw visitors from all over the world. It's a market with all the trimmings, though hardly the only one in Dresden. Sadly Coronavirus has shut down the markets this year but we feel confident they will be back in years to come.
You can visit more German Christmas Markets by scrolling through the hashtag #germanchristmasmarkets and #christmasmarketsgermany.
How to Use Instagram to Help Plan Your Christmas Market Travels
The wonderful thing about virtual travel is that you don't need to worry about vaccines, passports, and catching a virus on the long flight over. There's less chance you'll overeat or get too drunk... (well, actually that depends on what's in your pantry).
But after having a look at all the amazing posts and photos about European Christmas Markets on Instagram, if you're like me, you'll be dying to experience the real thing. If not this year, then next year!
Here's how you can plan your trip for next year, with a little help from Instagram.
- Follow the official accounts for the markets you are interested in, and follow their hashtags. Note the websites that these accounts link to. You will find more detailed information there.
- When looking at hashtag feeds be sure to look at both the top and the most recent posts. Most recent posts will give you the best idea about what is currently happening.
- Save the posts that contain information, and images of things you'd like to see or do. You can add these saved posts to a collection, making them easier to find again later.
- Note locations where the markets take place. You can find further information about the place by scrolling through the location posts. Note weather conditions, how people are dressed, what the general "scene" is. This will help you hit the ground running.
- Follow accounts of people who have posted who are Christmas Market Experts. These may be bloggers, tour operators or local enthusiasts. They are likely to share important and timely information.
- Don't be shy - comment on posts or ask a question!
The beauty of researching travel on Instagram is that you have the advantage of having a real time porthole view into a location, and unprecedented access to people who are there.
While it still pays to do research on the web and consult a travel agent, it's often most expedient to do your initial research and trip planning via Instagram.
Are you traveling soon and looking for the best hashtags to use on your travel posts? Be sure to click through to our ultimate list of travel hashtags!
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