Christmas is just around the corner, and with it comes the magical atmosphere of Christmas markets. If you’re eager to soak up the festive spirit, taste traditional treats, and admire stunning Christmas lights, I’ve put together 25 tips for the best Christmas markets in Europe.
25 Best Christmas Markets in Europe
I’ve compiled 25 of the best Christmas markets across European cities for you, so don’t hesitate — pick one and go!
💡TIP: Looking to book an organised trip to European Christmas markets? Check out options on GetYourGuide.
Christmas Markets Vienna (Austria)
Vienna’s Christmas markets are among the most famous in Europe. With easy access from most major European cities, Vienna’s Advent markets are a brilliant choice for a festive getaway.
In Vienna, you’ll find an abundance of Christmas market locations, so I recommend spending at least a weekend in the city. Visit the Christkindlmarkt in front of the City Hall, where you’ll discover hundreds of stalls with handmade decorations, mulled wine, and Austrian delicacies, or head to the markets at Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace.
Most Christmas markets in Vienna open in mid-November and run through to Christmas.
Christmas Markets Dresden (Germany)
This year’s Christmas markets in Dresden are set to be particularly special, as they celebrate an incredible 591 years of existence.
The Dresden Striezelmarkt, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, offers an enchanting atmosphere and traditional German specialities such as Stollen cake and grilled sausages. Be sure to admire the magnificent Christmas tree as well.
The Advent markets in Dresden this year begin on 28 November and run until Christmas Eve, 24 December. Some of the markets continue until 6 January.
Christmas Markets Prague (Czech Republic)
If you’re looking for a magical and affordable Christmas market experience, look no further than Prague in the Czech Republic.
Prague’s Christmas markets this year run from 21 November, with the last markets closing on 6 January 2025. You can look forward to the lighting of the Christmas tree and Christmas markets at:
- Wenceslas Square,
- Anděl,
- Old Town Square,
- Náměstí Míru,
- Republic Square,
- Jiřího z Poděbrad Square,
- Tylovo Square.
Don’t forget to try trdelník (chimney cake), mulled wine, or Christmas punch, and enjoy live concerts right beneath the towering Christmas tree on Old Town Square.
💡TIP: List of the best hotels in Prague
Christmas Markets Krakow (Poland)
The Main Square and a few other charming spots in Krakow are transformed into a magical winter wonderland during the Christmas season. Krakow’s Christmas markets this year run from 29 November to 1 January on Rynek Główny, Mały Rynek square, Galeria Bronowice, and in the Kazimierz district. Be sure to try Polish specialities like pierogi and the popular grzaniec galicyjski (hot spiced wine).
💡TIP: Things to do in Krakow
Christmas Markets Budapest (Hungary)
Budapest’s Christmas markets in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica are among the most popular in Europe, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Budapest’s Christmas markets take place in several locations in the city centre (Vörösmarty Square and Szent István Square), and this year they run from 15 November to 1 January. Don’t miss the chance to try lángos or kürtőskalács and enjoy the spectacular light show projected onto the Basilica.
💡TIP: Read our Budapest guide HERE.
Christmas Markets Salzburg (Austria)
Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, draws visitors with its romantic atmosphere and traditional Austrian Advent markets. The historic centre comes alive with the scent of mulled wine, twinkling Christmas lights, and carols.
Christmas markets in Salzburg kick off this year with the ceremonial tree lighting on 22 November. The markets run until 1 January. Don’t forget to try the local roasted chestnuts and sweet gingerbread cookies.
Christmas Markets Bratislava (Slovakia)
Slovakia’s capital Bratislava is ideal for those seeking quieter yet still enchanting and beautiful Christmas markets. It’s also very easy to reach, being just an hour from Vienna. On the Main Square, you’ll be welcomed by stalls serving traditional Slovak cuisine and gorgeous festive decorations.
Christmas markets in Bratislava this year run from late November through to the New Year, taking place on the Main Square (Hlavné námestie), Franciscan Square, Primatial Square, and at the Incheba Expo Bratislava venue.
Christmas Markets Nuremberg (Germany)
Nuremberg’s Christmas markets are perhaps the most famous in all of Europe. This year they begin on 29 November and run through to Christmas, taking place on Hauptmarkt square in the city centre.
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is practically synonymous with Christmas tradition. You can look forward to the famous Nuremberg sausages, Christmas punch, handmade ornaments, and various theatre and music performances.
💡TIP: Things to see in Nuremberg
Christmas Markets Wrocław (Poland)
Wrocław’s Christmas markets on the Rynek are among the largest and most beautiful in Poland. Their main attractions include traditional Polish products, charming wooden chalets, and a truly magical atmosphere.
This year’s Christmas markets run from 22 November to 31 December on Rynek (the Main Market Square) and are open daily.
💡TIP: Things to see in Wrocław
Christmas Markets Katowice (Poland)
Katowice might not be the first destination that springs to mind when you think of Christmas markets, but their markets are becoming increasingly popular in Europe. They offer authentic treats and a pleasant, intimate atmosphere.
Christmas markets in Katowice run from 16 November to 5 January on the Rynek (main square) in Katowice. The markets are open daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
Christmas Markets Berlin (Germany)
Berlin is truly the king of Christmas markets in Europe, boasting more than 80 of them across the city. The most popular ones are at Gendarmenmarkt and Alexanderplatz. The markets also feature a stunning Christmas tree and a giant Ferris wheel.
Berlin’s Christmas markets this year run from 24 November through to Christmas. Make sure to try the beloved German currywurst with a beer or mulled wine.
Christmas Markets Strasbourg (France)
Strasbourg, often dubbed the Capital of Christmas, is home to some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. At the markets near Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, you can admire a giant Christmas tree and an Advent calendar. On the main square, you’ll find 300 traditional stalls, all beautifully hand-decorated.
Sample the Alsatian wine, delicious sausages, pretzels, mulled wine, or sweet French bredele cookies, savoury choucroute and foie gras, and the excellent tarte flambée.
Christmas Markets Munich (Germany)
For another beautiful Christmas market experience, head to the capital of Bavaria — Munich. The traditional Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz will charm you not only with its selection of festive treats but also with its cultural programme and handmade gifts. This year, Munich’s Christmas markets run from 24 November through to Christmas.
💡TIP: Things to do in Munich
Christmas Markets Colmar (France)
Christmas markets in Colmar begin towards the end of November and usually run until 29 December. Colmar will enchant you with its picturesque streets and markets that look straight out of a fairy tale. Every corner of the town sparkles with festive decorations.
At the markets, you’ll find traditional Alsatian products, handmade crafts, regional delicacies, and Christmas decorations. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 11:00 to 19:00, while from Friday to Sunday the markets are open from 10:00 to 20:00.
💡TIP: Discover the French Venice in Colmar
Christmas Markets Copenhagen (Denmark)
Denmark is known for its “hygge” lifestyle, and that definitely includes warm drinks, cosy woolly socks and blankets — and Christmas markets. So make sure to visit the Christmas markets in Copenhagen.
The best ones can be found at the Tivoli amusement park, while others are located on Højbro Plads square, Kongens Nytorv square, and Nytorv square.
💡You might also like: 25 things to see and do in Copenhagen
Christmas Markets Malaga (Spain)
If you want to warm up a bit before Christmas, then head to the Christmas markets in Malaga. Christmas in Malaga is all about the enchanting atmosphere created by the stunning light displays across the entire city. The biggest draw is Calle Larios, where hundreds of people gather every year to welcome the switching-on of the Christmas lights, marking the start of the festive season.
The city is adorned not only with Christmas trees and wicker figures but also with thousands of Christmas stars and nativity scenes. The city centre also hosts various musical performances during the Christmas season, and the spectacular light show on Calle Larios is truly unforgettable.
💡TIP: Holiday in Malaga
Christmas Markets Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Amsterdam is known for its lively celebrations, and Christmas is no exception. From late November, the city transforms into a magical winter wonderland with 26 Christmas markets that attract visitors from across Europe.
The markets on Leidseplein and Museumplein draw the most attention, where charming Advent villages with wooden stalls spring up. Here you can savour traditional Christmas treats and hot drinks — the local speciality being Dutch oliebollen (doughnuts).
If you fancy some exercise, head to the ice rinks and enjoy skating under the open sky. However, the absolute highlight of the festive season is the Amsterdam Light Festival, which from 1 December to 21 January illuminates the city’s canals with colourful installations reminiscent of the northern lights.
Christmas Markets Paris (France)
In Paris, the squares are wrapped in sparkling Christmas decorations and lights. The famous Champs-Élysées stands out the most, transforming into a stunning showcase of festive stalls. Here you can pick up unique handmade gifts and enjoy delicious French specialities, mulled wine, or hot tea.
Don’t miss the Christmas village in the modern La Défense district, or the markets at Trocadéro with its iconic Eiffel Tower backdrop, and near Notre-Dame Cathedral. The romantic atmosphere of wintry Paris is complemented by outdoor ice rinks that both children and adults will love. And if you have little ones, definitely take them to Disneyland Paris, where Christmas takes on an even more fairy-tale dimension.
💡TIP: Things to do in Paris
Christmas Markets Seville (Spain)
Seville, the enchanting Andalusian city in southern Spain, transforms into a magical hub of celebrations during Christmas. Plaza Nueva becomes the heart of the festive atmosphere, where you can indulge in traditional specialities such as turrones — delicious almond sweets, and polvorones — crumbly Christmas biscuits.
Don’t forget to try churros as well, best enjoyed with a cup of thick hot chocolate.
A unique part of Seville’s Christmas tradition are the so-called belenes — traditional nativity scenes that adorn many stalls and depict scenes of Jesus’s birth.
💡TIP: Read about what to eat in Spain.
Christmas Markets London (UK)
Have you ever thought about visiting Christmas markets in London? If not, trust me — it’s one of the best Advent destinations in Europe. London dazzles its visitors every year with spectacular light displays that transform different parts of the city into something truly magical.
At Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, you can go ice skating, admire ice sculptures, shop for original gifts in the craft village, or enjoy various rides and attractions. One of the most popular Christmas experiences is a visit to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter studios, where Hogwarts dons its festive finery.
Advent in London also offers traditional Christmas markets at Trafalgar Square, where you’ll be wowed by the majestic Christmas tree, or along the famous Oxford Street, where you’ll find creative gifts and often great deals too.
💡Don’t miss: 50 things to do in London
Christmas Markets Tallinn (Estonia)
The Christmas markets in Tallinn are among the most enchanting in all of Europe, thanks in part to the medieval setting of the historic Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On Raekoja plats (Town Hall Square), you’ll find around 60 wooden stalls offering handmade decorations, artisan goods, sweets, and wreaths. Traditional Estonian specialities are also on offer, including blood sausages with sauerkraut, gingerbread, and mulled wine.
The centrepiece of the market is the Christmas tree, which has stood here regularly since 1441 and is considered to be the first publicly displayed Christmas tree in the world.
Tallinn celebrates Christmas twice — first according to the Western calendar and then again on 7 January, when the Orthodox Church marks its Christmas. This means the markets stay open longer than in most other cities.
Christmas Markets Brussels (Belgium)
The Christmas markets in Brussels are among the most dazzling in Europe, not only thanks to the thousands of lights adorning the entire city, but also the stunning light show that brings the Grande-Place to life every evening, set to music.
Brussels’ markets are the largest in Belgium and offer an enchanting two-kilometre circuit full of Christmas decorations and lights. At more than 250 stalls, you can purchase traditional Belgian Christmas souvenirs such as chocolate pralines, waffles, and various eco-friendly products.
Christmas Markets Gdańsk (Poland)
Christmas markets in Poland are among the most beautiful in Europe, and cities like Krakow, Wrocław, or Poznań are very popular. But if you want something truly unique, head to Gdańsk, which most tourists tend to visit mainly in summer.
During Advent, however, this city known for its stunning architecture and beaches transforms into a winter fairy tale. Targ Węglowy square and the surrounding streets light up with Christmas decorations and offer more than 250 stalls, where you can feast on traditional Polish specialities such as pierogi, smoked sheep’s cheese, sausages, and poppy seed roll.
Christmas Markets Zagreb (Croatia)
If you’re looking for a truly top-tier Christmas market experience, Zagreb is the place to go. The Zagreb Christmas markets were voted the best Christmas markets in Europe three years running, and they offer everything you could wish for — delicacies, live music, souvenir stalls, and a wonderful atmosphere.
The main attraction of Zagreb’s Christmas markets is Tomislavov trg square, where you’ll find an impressive Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights. You can also visit the ice rink at Zrinjevac and skate with views of the city’s historic architecture, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride to explore the beauty of this charming city.
Christmas Markets Gothenburg (Sweden)
Nordic countries have perfect conditions for hosting Christmas markets — winter darkness arrives early, which means the festive decorations can shine for longer. The Swedish city of Gothenburg is traditionally Scandinavia’s Christmas city. Three kilometres of illumination, millions of light bulbs, and at least four major Christmas markets speak for themselves.
Warm up with a glass of spiced hot wine (glögg) and browse stalls filled with carved wooden crafts and Christmas decorations. Don’t forget to try Swedish festive specialities such as cured meats, reindeer meat, or traditional Swedish Christmas biscuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Christmas market in Europe is best for families with children?
The best Christmas market in Europe for families with children is definitely Vienna.
When do Christmas markets in Europe start?
Most markets start at the end of November and run until Christmas or the beginning of January.
What is the best Christmas market in Poland?
Krakow, Wrocław, and Gdańsk are among the most popular Christmas markets in Poland.
Which city is best for a romantic Christmas trip?
Paris, Colmar, or Salzburg are perfect choices for a romantic Christmas getaway.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
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Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
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