Charming European Christmas Markets?

There’s something special about the European Christmas markets that have a way of making Christmas come alive. The United States has nothing to compare to these small collection of decorated outdoor shops.

They are usually located in the old part of town and decorated like small winter festive cottages. Christmas is a magical time of year, and we loved the Christmas markets located in Old Town Riga and Town Hall Square in Tallinn.

In Riga, about 20 wooden huts are used to display gifts for the holidays including handmade crafts and homemade socks and mittens; we saw homemade cookies, candies, breads, jellies, and hot mulled drinks. A few of the lighted huts are homemade food being cooked which includes sauerkraut and sausage. We even saw a cute small wooden carousel which was hand pushed when small kids climb on, a large lighted Christmas tree stands in the center of the market while Christmas music played throughout the market.

Tallinn is one of the most charming Christmas markets. You have to follow narrow cobblestone streets like a maze to locate the Christmas markets in the center of Old Town Hall Square. They have enchanting candy striped huts, glistening lights, handmade pastries and roasted nuts. We walked around in sub zero temperatures but snow was falling which made it all seem magical. Hundreds of people were browsing around sipping on hot mulled spice juice, or eating the popular sauerkraut and sausage plates.

Locals sell their winter handicrafts, holiday gifts, and tasty treats; I especially loved the hot black current juice and gingerbread.

The Tallinn Christmas market delights everyone with its coziness, historical location, stunning architecture, and long traditions. Everyone is shivering in their warmest winter clothes as they take photos by the golden Christmas tree. The Tallinn location has been dubbed as one of the best Christmas markets of Europe.