As we enter November, let's get into the Holiday spirit since Christmas is just around the corner and who doesn't love Christmas? All the sparkling lights, hot cocoa with marshmallows, walking around a beautiful Christmas market, meeting Santa and giving him your wish list?
It's a time that brings people together, and Spinz Casino has put together a list with some of the best and most beautiful Christmas markets to visit during the Holiday season.
Advent in Zagreb - Croatia
Voted best Christmas market in Europe 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The Advent in Zagreb is a beloved and festive celebration that has gained international recognition for its enchanting atmosphere and holiday traditions. Each year, from late November through early January, the city's streets and squares come alive with a spectacular display of lights, decorations, and an abundance of seasonal activities.
The Advent in Zagreb is held at the Ban Josip Jelačić Square, where a giant Christmas tree and an illuminated fountain take centre stage. Surrounding the square, visitors can explore numerous wooden huts and stalls selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and traditional Croatian delicacies.
Live performances and concerts are held on various stages, providing a continuous soundtrack of holiday music, folk songs, and classical melodies. Carolers and street performers add to the festive ambience, while ice skating rinks and fairground attractions entertain visitors of all ages.
Advent Feast at the Basilica in Budapest - Hungary
Voted best Christmas market in Europe 2020, 2022 and 2023!
The Advent Feast at the Basilica in Budapest is a magical and enchanting event that captures the spirit of the Holiday Season. It's held in the city's heart and takes place on the square outside the stunning St. Stephen's Basilica, creating a picturesque and festive atmosphere.
You can expect a winter wonderland surrounded by a bustling Christmas market. You'll find beautifully decorated trees, sparkling lights and charming wooden stalls selling hot cocoa with marshmallows and traditional Hungarian food.
This market has something for everyone. The Advent Feast offers a variety of activities for children, such as a charming ice skating rink, a miniature train ride, and visits from Santa Claus himself. It's a perfect place for both locals and tourists to come together and celebrate the magic of Advent in Budapest.
Gdansk Christmas Fair - Poland
The Gdańsk Christmas Fair in Poland is a delightful event that transforms the historic city of Gdańsk into a winter wonderland. Nestled within the picturesque Old Town, this enchanting fair is a cherished tradition that captures Polish Christmas culture.
The market is held in the Długi Targ square, and one of the main highlights of the fair is the festive concerts and performances for all ages. Children and families will find plenty of entertainment, from fairground rides and carousels to meeting Santa Claus in his workshop.
As with most Christmas markets, you'll find stalls serving seasonal Polish specialities such as savour pierogi (dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), bigos (cabbage stew), and, of course, delicious gingerbread cookies and mulled wine, which are essential treats during the Polish Christmas season.
Lumières de Noël in Montbéliard - France
Lumières de Noël in Montbéliard is a captivating and magical Christmas event that enchants visitors with its charm. This festival takes place in Montbéliard, in the picturesque region of Franche-Comté, and has become a beloved tradition, attracting both locals and tourists.
Families and children will find a variety of activities and attractions, including a charming ice skating rink, a visit from "le Père Noël" (Father Christmas), and fairground rides to entertain the little ones.
Lumières de Noël in Montbéliard is not just a Christmas market; it is an immersive experience that celebrates the magic of the holiday season and the rich cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can stroll through the festive streets, sip on mulled wine, and enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the true essence of a French Christmas.
Christmas Town Valkenburg - The Netherlands
Christmas Town Valkenburg is a beautiful holiday destination that immerses visitors in the festive spirit of Christmas. This annual event transforms the Limburg region into a Christmas fairytale with unique and magical offerings.
The centrepiece of Christmas Town Valkenburg is the markets in the Velvet Cave (Fluweelengrot) and the Gemeentegrot, or Municipal Cave. These underground caves, illuminated with thousands of lights and decked with pretty decorations, create an otherworldly setting. Visitors can explore the underground market stalls featuring traditional Dutch and international holiday crafts, ornaments, and treats such as stroopwafel.
One of the main attractions is the Christmas Parade, featuring beautifully decorated floats, music, and performers winding their way through the town's streets. There is another unique tradition that is worth seeing, which is the creation of miniature Christmas villages in people's gardens, called "Christmas Gardens" or "Kerststad Valkenburg."
And if a Christmas market isn't for you, don't worry. Spinz Casino has lined up some funky Christmas-themed pokies to get you into the Holiday spirit. Why not try your luck on Santas Stack, Naughty Nicks Book or Fat Santa?