Planning guides: what is in season, which region to choose, and how to get there.
The short version: Strasbourg, the self-styled “Capitale de Noël”, opens its Christmas markets on Friday 27 November 2026, with eight markets across the old town led by the Christkindelsmärik on Place Broglie, the cathedral square and the Grand Sapin on…
The short version: the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt runs from 27 November to 24 December 2026 on the Hauptmarkt, opened by the Christkind’s prologue from the Frauenkirche balcony. Drink Nürnberger Glühwein (try the blueberry version) or a mug from the giant Feuerzangenbowle…
The short version: Munich’s main Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz runs from 20 November to 24 December 2026, with the medieval market on Wittelsbacherplatz, the Christmas village in the Residenz courtyard and the Tollwood winter festival close behind. Drink Glühwein with a…
The short version: the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt on Domplatz and Residenzplatz runs from 19 November 2026 to 1 January 2027, in front of the cathedral in the UNESCO-listed Old Town. The drink is Glühwein, with orange or berry Punsch and Jagatee…
The short version: Ljubljana’s Christmas markets run from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, strung along the Ljubljanica river from Prešeren Square and the Triple Bridge to Breg, Congress Square and Ljubljana Castle. The drink is kuhano vino, mulled…
The short version: Advent in Zagreb 2026 runs from 28 November 2026 to 7 January 2027, spread across Ban Jelačić Square, Zrinjevac park, Strossmayer Square, King Tomislav Square and the Upper Town. The drink is kuhano vino, mulled wine served…
The short version: in Seville, eat standing at the bar, one tapa at a time: salmorejo, jamón ibérico, pescaíto frito, espinacas con garbanzos and a slow-cooked stew. For classic tapas in Triana, book Blanca Paloma or queue early at Bar…
The short version: in Madrid, eat cocido madrileño at lunch, a bocadillo de calamares near the Plaza Mayor, huevos rotos in La Latina and churros con chocolate at any hour. For cocido, book Malacatín or Taberna La Bola; for huevos…
The short version: in Bologna, eat tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, lasagne verdi and a plate of mortadella, ideally all in one weekend. Book a Michelin Bib Gourmand trattoria such as Trattoria di Via Serra in the Bolognina, queue…
The short version: in Venice, eat standing up. Do a round of cicchetti, the small bar snacks, with an ombra (a small glass of wine) at the bacari around the Rialto market, starting at All’Arco and Cantina Do Mori. Look…