Winter weather is back in our country and it is getting harder and harder to think back to those wonderful camping trips, in summertime. For many campers, winter is a time to recharge the batteries, replenish the stock of camping gear, or perhaps even expand and start planning the next trips. Right in the middle of this period, there is, yes, Christmas. This means: Christmas markets. Every lover of traveling and coming into contact with other cultures and customs, enjoys these kinds of folk festivals. They are very similar everywhere, and yet also very different.

If you want to get that travel feeling again, why not visit a Christmas market while traveling? These markets are always a fascinating spectacle and it is great fun to discover the different traditions, Christmas customs and food culture. That is why we list five Christmas markets below that we think you should have seen. Important: In this list we discuss Christmas markets that are worth visiting, in different countries. It is not a list of the largest or most popular Christmas markets.

1. Winter Wonderland in Oslo

When we think of Christmas markets, we immediately think of countries like Germany, Belgium and France. Scandinavia is not so well-known for its Christmas markets. However, they are no less popular. For example, you have ‘Winter Wonderland’ in Oslo. Right in the middle of the main street, a beautifully lit Christmas village is built around the large ice rink ‘Spikersuppa’. The latter is free to enter. Oslo and, by extension, Norway are seen as the ultimate Christmas experience, because you don’t have to choose between the atmosphere of the city and the beauty of nature. In Oslo, for example, you can enjoy the Christmas market and go skiing or hiking in the beautiful snow landscape that same day. In addition, it gets dark around noon, which only adds to the atmosphere and the lit streets.

2. The Striezelmarkt in Dresden

The Christmas event in and around Dresden is still highly recommended. It is one of the cosiest Christmas villages in the world and attracts around three million tourists from all over the world with its 240 stalls. In addition, it could not be left out of this list, as the first official Christmas market in the world. The Striezelmarkt was founded in 1434 and is therefore celebrating its 585th anniversary this year. This makes it the first documented Christmas market in the world.

3. The Bruges Christmas Market

Belgium also has its share in the list of traditional Christmas markets. The most famous of these is the one in Bruges. This Christmas phenomenon is known far beyond the country's borders. The main reason is the atmosphere and decoration, which the city already has of itself. Bruges has a very historical city centre, full of buildings, squares and waterways with an appearance of the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. This historical aspect, together with the atmospheric lighting and Christmas atmosphere, make the Christmas market attract visitors from all over the world. Another fun fact, the picturesque houses look extra good during this season due to the lighting of their facades and roofs. Because of this, they are often called 'the gingerbread house of Bruges' during the Christmas period.

4. The Christmas Market Frankfurt am Main

With its size, this Christmas market is an important market in the entire German Christmas event. Germany is actually known as the Christmas market country par excellence and the offer in almost every city is therefore large and impressive. Frankfurt is a very well-known Christmas market because it is still relatively close to the Netherlands, Belgium and France. These are three countries where Christmas markets are very popular. Furthermore, Frankfurt is highly recommended, because there is so much to discover. During a walk through the old city center you will fall from one surprise to the next.

5. The Strasbourg Christmas Market

With its first edition in 1570, it is the oldest Christmas market in France. This Christmas market is therefore a very popular place for visitors from all over the world. From sunset, the entire city centre is transformed into a festival of lights. You can hear, see, feel and especially smell Christmas everywhere. The Christmas market of Strasbourg is known for its many stalls with typical winter food and spices. The smell of cinnamon in particular is indispensable during these festivities.