Our grand Northern Europe tour was all about visiting as many Christmas Markets as we could. We initially picked destinations based on the reputation of their markets, but unfortunately, Cologne and Dresden didn’t make the cut. This was mainly due to travel constraints.

We managed to check out some markets in London and Exeter—more details can be found at the linked pages. We also visited Camden Market in London, which isn’t exactly a Christmas Market, but you can find more about it in the link.

Christmas Markets pop up in most cities, so if you’re looking for tips on European markets, keep reading below—and be sure to check out the second part here!

Edinburgh, Scotland

Our first true Christmas Market experience was in the charming city of Edinburgh. The entrance was managed by barriers, but once through, we were immediately immersed in the stalls with no entry fee. Naturally, our first stop was the hot mulled wine!

The stalls were beautifully arranged timber structures, offering all the usual crafts and trinkets. We wandered through and eventually indulged in some tasty sausages and other delicious treats on offer.

Bianca and I were especially impressed by the charming Christmas decorations for sale and the wide variety of sweets that filled the market!

• Alcohol available – yes
  • Mulled wine name – Mulled Wine
  • Souvenir mugs – no
• Food – sausages etc.
• Fairground rides – significant exciting rides

Helsinki, Finland

When we first visited Helsinki before catching the Santa Claus Express Train, we were a bit let down by the small market by the port—it didn’t feel very “Christmassy.” Turns out, it wasn’t even the Christmas Market, just a regular market! We grabbed a sausage and some salmon soup at one of the three food tents, then browsed the craft stalls and local foods.

The second time we went to Finland was to catch the ferry to Estonia. This time, we were better prepared and discovered that the Christmas Market was just one block away, in Senate Square, right in front of the steps of the Helsinki Cathedral!

We visited the market during the day, but were a little disappointed. It was smaller than expected, and many of the stalls sold similar items, lacking much variety.

All the food and alcohol stalls were in the centre of the market, enclosed within a guarded fence. Alcohol could only be consumed inside this area, and the food options were pretty limited, with mostly stews on offer.

• Alcohol available – only in restricted area
  • Mulled wine name – Glögi
  • Souvenir mugs – no
• Food – only stews and sweet food like donuts, no sausages or roast meats
• Fairground rides – one, a small children’s carousel

Stockholm, Sweden

Our visit to Stockholm was a bit of a spontaneous adventure, and we were totally enchanted by the city! The museums and architecture blew us away. Sadly, we only found one Christmas Market—though it was a cute one—tucked away in the charming Old Town island of Gamla Stan, right in front of the Nobel Prize Museum at Stortorget square.

We were there during the day, so we missed out on the Christmas lights being lit up. On our first visit, we arrived just before 11am, and most of the stalls were still closed. For the ones that were open, they offered a mix of crafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies. We snacked on toasted nuts and sausages as we wandered around!

• Alcohol available – yes
  • Mulled wine name – Glög
  • Souvenir mugs – no
• Food – yes, a broad variety
• Fairground rides – none, not enough space

Tallinn, Estonia

The most stunning Christmas Market we visited was in Tallinn’s Old Town, right in the Town Hall Square at Raekoja Plats. The Medieval buildings around the square set the perfect backdrop, and each wooden hut sparkled with beautiful white lights, bows, and fir branches. At the centre, the Christmas Tree proudly claims to be the first decorated Christmas tree in the world, dating all the way back to 1441!

The market wasn’t huge, but it more than made up for it with beauty and charm. A big stage hosted a variety of shows and performances, adding to the festive vibe. We also found a cosy little cabin where you could meet Santa and snap a photo—definitely a highlight!

• Alcohol available – yes
  • Mulled wine name – Glög
  • Souvenir mugs – plastic cups with no logo
• Food – yes, a few limited options
• Fairground rides – none

If you want to enjoy some Glög, you’ll need to put down a €2 deposit for the cup—a brilliant idea to cut down on waste! There’s a little cabin where you can return the cup and get your €2 back if you don’t want a refill.

Part 2

Check out our other Christmas Market adventures in Riga, Berlin, and London in Christmas Markets Part 2.

One final note: we were able to speak English at every market, and most signs were in English as well (in Latvia and Estonia, signs were also in Russian).