The Top 5 most eco-friendly Christmas markets in Europe.

The French city of Toulouse was crowned the most eco-friendly Christmas market in France (site accessible in French here). Amongst its many initiatives, it has made its central site on Place du Capitole (open from the 24th of November to the 26th of December) easily accessible by all types of public transport, reduced its water and energy consumption, integrated environmentally friendly criterias to its purchases and promotions, reduced its paper, plastic and wrapper usage altogether, and reduced sound level in respect of biodiversity and city noise pollution. 

How did they do this you may ask? Through simple gestures such as the exclusive use of biodegradable cups for their drinks, low-consumption LED light bulbs to brighten the entire market, and adopting an assortment of waste bins to ensure that recyclable waste is separated from the rest. Indeed, these all contribute to a reduced energy impact and a common effort to ensure a more sustainable market! 

Modern and colourful, the Pullman Toulouse Centre Ramblas, is our favourite central hotel. Perfect for couples or families looking to make their trip to Toulouse easy and comfortable! 

The bordering-Austria Italian village of Bolzano, in addition to its mesmerising landscape and proximity to the ski slopes, hosts an exceptional Christmas market every year: the Bolzano market. 

What we love about this village is its overarching efforts in trying to make their market sustainable for its locals and visitors, offering shuttles from hotels and other pick up points to limit the number of cars reaching the market area. On top of this, the market adopts overall low energy consumption through various initiatives, such as utilising their opening hours (extended day-time opening hours) and reducing the number of operating machinery to accommodate demand. Moreover, it prioritises the selling of local and seasonal products, further reducing their carbon footprint and reducing waste in cutting down on otherwise excessive demands.

A charming stay at the Stay COOPER l Laubenhaus is the way to go in Bolzano. Located just 200 metres from the market, you are guaranteed a stress-free and ultimately enjoyable stay! 

It’s no secret that Sweden is an environmentally conscious country to begin with, it’s only natural  its capital’s Christmas markets would be as well, such as the Skasen market. Indeed, this market offers a similar experience to the latter, whereby it offers exclusively locally grown or produced products. On top of this, it adopts a low electricity consumption initiative by extending its day-time opening hours, therefore limiting night time sales. It also utilises reusable energy to power its stalls given its long winter hours! Finally, the Skasen market has been especially renowned for its good waste management, strictly separating recyclable objects from general waste and so forth. Good on the Swedes! 

Haymarket by Scandic is high-end and luxurious. Might as well when visiting Stockholm, right? Book now before it's too late! 

Exclusively open on the 16th and 17th of December, Berlin’s Sophienstraße Christmas market is regarded as the biggest 100% green market in all of Europe. Indeed, it not only adopts all of the above-mentioned low carbon initiatives, it also exclusively sells 100% organic fair trade and vegan products to its customers, meaning that ordinary animal products (such as cheese or milk) and furs are forbidden. Indeed, this undoubtedly makes a significant difference to their overall carbon footprint. No wonder it’s #1! 

Simple, comfortable and practical, the Classik Hotel Alexander Plaza is our favourite hotel in Berlin for those exact reasons! Ideal for a family stay. 

Now for our final pick, Amsterdam’s Pure Markt. A more alternative option, this Christmas market is named “the hipster market of Holland”, offering fair trade and organic products in an exceptionally vibrant atmosphere. You won’t be disappointed by the amount of yummy pastries and cakes offered by its friendly vendors here - although you may be surprised, as they are all vegan! So what do you say, let’s give vegan a go this year. 

Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel is the cherry on top of your stay in Amsterdam. Offering a cosy, warm and comfortable ambiance and a friendly staff, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience!