Christmas is just around the corner, and with it comes the magical atmosphere of the best Christmas markets in Europe. If you’re looking to soak up the festive spirit, sample traditional treats, and admire dazzling Christmas lights, I’ve put together 25 tips for the best Christmas markets in Europe to inspire your next winter trip.
25 Best Christmas Markets in Europe
I’ve compiled a list of 25 of the best Christmas markets across European cities — so grab your warmest coat and get planning!
💡TIP: Looking for an easy way to visit European Christmas markets? You can book organised tours and trips through GetYourGuide.
Christmas Markets Vienna (Austria)
Vienna’s Christmas markets are among the most famous in Europe. With cheap flights from London available on airlines like easyJet and Wizz Air, Vienna is a brilliant choice for an Advent getaway.
There are loads of Christmas market locations in Vienna, so I’d recommend spending at least a weekend here. Don’t miss the Christkindlmarkt in front of the City Hall, where hundreds of stalls sell handmade decorations, mulled wine, and Austrian delicacies. The markets at Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace are equally enchanting.
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 extra special as they celebrate an incredible 591 years of history.
The Striezelmarkt, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, offers a magical atmosphere along with traditional German treats like Stollen cake and grilled sausages. Make sure to admire the stunning Christmas tree as well.
Dresden’s Advent markets open this year on 28 November and run until Christmas Eve, 24 December. Some markets continue until 6 January.
Christmas Markets Prague (Czech Republic)
Prague is one of Europe’s most popular Christmas market destinations, and for good reason. The Czech capital offers a wonderfully festive atmosphere at very affordable prices, making it a fantastic option for a short break from the UK — with direct flights from London on carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways.
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 Christmas tree lighting ceremony and markets at:
- Wenceslas Square,
- Anděl,
- Old Town Square,
- Náměstí Míru,
- Republic Square,
- Jiřího z Poděbrad Square,
- Tylovo Square.
Don’t forget to try a trdelník (chimney cake), mulled wine, or Christmas punch while enjoying live concerts beneath the enormous Christmas tree on Old Town Square.
💡TIP: Best hotels in Prague
Christmas Markets Krakow (Poland)
The main square and several other charming spots in Krakow transform into a winter wonderland during the festive season. Krakow’s Christmas markets this year run from 29 November to 1 January on Rynek Główny, at Mały Rynek square, in Galeria Bronowice, and in the Kazimierz district. Make sure to try Polish specialities like pierogi and the popular grzaniec galicyjski (spiced hot 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 and draw visitors from all over the world.
The markets take place at several locations in the city centre (Vörösmarty Square and Szent István tér) and this year they run from 15 November to 1 January. Be sure to try a lángos or kürtőskalács (chimney cake) and enjoy the spectacular light show projected onto the Basilica.
💡TIP: Our Budapest guide is available 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 carol singers.
Salzburg’s Christmas markets kick off this year with the festive tree lighting ceremony on 22 November. The markets run until 1 January. Don’t miss the roasted chestnuts and sweet gingerbread.
Christmas Markets Bratislava (Slovakia)
Slovakia’s capital Bratislava is perfect for those seeking quieter but equally charming Christmas markets. It’s also wonderfully easy to combine with a visit to Vienna, as the two cities are only an hour apart. The Main Square welcomes you with stalls serving traditional Slovak cuisine and beautiful festive decorations.
Bratislava’s Christmas markets this year run from late November through to the New Year, across the Main Square, Franciscan Square, Primate’s Square, and the Incheba Expo exhibition grounds.
Christmas Markets Nuremberg (Germany)
Nuremberg’s Christmas markets are arguably the most famous in all of Europe. This year they open on 29 November and run through to Christmas, taking place on the Hauptmarkt square in the city centre.
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is virtually synonymous with Christmas tradition. Expect the famous Nuremberg sausages, Christmas punch, handcrafted ornaments, and a wonderful programme of theatre and live music.
💡TIP: Things to see in Nuremberg
Christmas Markets Wroclaw (Poland)
Wroclaw’s Christmas markets on the Rynek are among the biggest and most beautiful in Poland. The main draws are traditional Polish products, charming wooden chalets, and an absolutely magical atmosphere.
This year the markets run from 22 November to 31 December on the Rynek (Main Square) and are open daily.
💡TIP: Things to see in Wroclaw
Christmas Markets Katowice (Poland)
Katowice might not be the first destination that springs to mind when you think of Christmas markets, but its festive offering is becoming increasingly popular across Europe. The markets serve up authentic treats and a wonderfully intimate atmosphere.
Katowice’s Christmas markets run from 16 November to 5 January on the Rynek (Main Square). The markets are open daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
Christmas Markets Berlin (Germany)
Berlin is the undisputed king of European Christmas markets, boasting more than 80 across the city. The most popular ones are at Gendarmenmarkt and Alexanderplatz. You’ll find a breath-taking Christmas tree and a giant Ferris wheel among the highlights.
Berlin’s Christmas markets this year open from 24 November and run through to Christmas. While you’re there, don’t miss the famous currywurst washed down with a beer or a steaming mug of Glühwein.
Christmas Markets Strasbourg (France)
Strasbourg, often dubbed the “Capital of Christmas,” is home to some of the most stunning markets in Europe. At the Christmas market near Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame cathedral, you can marvel at a giant Christmas tree and an Advent calendar. The main square hosts 300 traditional stalls, each lovingly decorated by hand.
Sample Alsatian wine, delicious sausages, pretzels, and mulled wine, or treat yourself to sweet bredele biscuits, hearty choucroute, foie gras, and the irresistible tarte flambée.
Christmas Markets Munich (Germany)
For another wonderful Christmas market experience, head to the Bavarian capital, Munich. The traditional Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz will charm you not only with its festive treats but also with a rich cultural programme and handcrafted gifts. This year, Munich’s Christmas markets run from 24 November to Christmas.
💡TIP: Things to do in Munich
Christmas Markets Colmar (France)
Colmar’s Christmas markets begin in late November and usually run until 29 December. This fairy-tale Alsatian town will enchant you with its picturesque streets and markets that look straight out of a storybook. Every corner of the town sparkles with festive decorations.
The stalls offer traditional Alsatian products, handcrafted items, regional delicacies, and Christmas decorations. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 11:00 to 19:00, and Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00.
💡TIP: Discover France’s Little Venice in Colmar
Christmas Markets Copenhagen (Denmark)
Denmark is known for its “hygge” lifestyle — think warm drinks, cosy socks, and soft blankets — and Christmas markets fit that ethos perfectly. So why not visit the Christmas markets in Copenhagen?
The best ones can be found in the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, while others are located at Højbro Plads, Kongens Nytorv, and Nytorv squares.
💡You might also like: 25 things to see and do in Copenhagen
Christmas Markets Malaga (Spain)
If you fancy a bit of warmth before Christmas, head to the Christmas markets in Malaga. Christmas in Malaga is all about the enchanting atmosphere created by spectacular 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 just with Christmas trees and wicker figures, but also with thousands of Christmas stars and nativity scenes. The city centre hosts various live music performances during the holidays, and the light show along Calle Larios is truly unforgettable.
💡TIP: Holiday guide to Malaga
Christmas Markets Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Amsterdam is famous for its lively celebrations, and Christmas is no exception. From late November, the city transforms into a magical winter wonderland with 26 Christmas markets drawing visitors from all over Europe.
The markets on Leidseplein and Museumplein attract the most attention, where charming Advent villages spring up with wooden stalls. Here you can enjoy traditional Christmas treats and hot drinks — the local speciality being oliebollen, delicious Dutch doughnuts.
If you fancy some exercise, head to one of the outdoor ice rinks for a spot of open-air skating. But 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 draped in sparkling Christmas decorations and lights. The famous Champs-Élysées is particularly stunning, transforming into a dazzling showcase of festive stalls. Here you’ll find unique handmade gifts and can savour 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 the iconic Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, and near Notre-Dame cathedral. The romantic atmosphere of wintry Paris is completed by outdoor ice rinks that kids absolutely love. And if you have little ones, definitely take them to Disneyland Paris, where Christmas takes on an even more magical 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 celebration during Christmas. Plaza Nueva becomes the heart of the festive atmosphere, where you can indulge in traditional specialities like turrones — delicious almond sweets — and polvorones, crumbly Christmas biscuits.
Don’t forget to try churros, best enjoyed with a cup of thick hot chocolate.
A unique part of Seville’s Christmas celebrations are the belénes — traditional nativity scenes displayed at many stalls, depicting scenes of the birth of Jesus.
💡TIP: Read about the best food to try in Spain.
Christmas Markets London (UK)
Have you ever thought about visiting the Christmas markets in London? If not, trust us — it’s one of the best Advent destinations in Europe. Every year, London dazzles its visitors with spectacular Christmas light displays that transform different parts of the city into something truly magical.
At Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, you can ice skate, admire ice sculptures, pick up original gifts in the craft village, or enjoy a range of rides and attractions. One of the most popular festive experiences is a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour — The Making of Harry Potter, where Hogwarts gets its Christmas makeover.
London also offers traditional Christmas markets at Trafalgar Square, where you’ll be awed by the majestic Norwegian Christmas tree, and along the famous Oxford Street, where you’ll find creative gifts and often some fantastic bargains.
💡Don’t miss: 50 things to do in London
Christmas Markets Tallinn (Estonia)
Tallinn’s Christmas markets are among the most enchanting in all of Europe, thanks in part to the medieval setting of the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
On Raekoja plats (Town Hall Square), you’ll find around 60 wooden stalls selling handmade decorations, artisan goods, sweets, and wreaths. Traditional Estonian specialities are on offer too, 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 the very first publicly displayed Christmas tree in the world.
Tallinn celebrates Christmas twice — first according to the Western calendar, and again on 7 January for the Orthodox Christmas. This means the markets stay open longer than in most other cities.
Christmas Markets Brussels (Belgium)
Brussels’ Christmas markets are among the most dazzling in Europe — not only thanks to the thousands of lights decorating the entire city, but also because of the breathtaking light show that brings the Grand-Place to life every evening, set to music.
Brussels’ markets are the largest in Belgium and feature an enchanting two-kilometre loop filled with festive decorations and lights. Across more than 250 stalls, you can pick up traditional Belgian Christmas souvenirs such as chocolate pralines, waffles, and various artisan products.
Christmas Markets Gdansk (Poland)
Christmas markets in Poland rank among the most beautiful in Europe, with cities like Krakow, Wroclaw, and Poznań being firm favourites. But if you’re after something a bit different, head to Gdansk, which most tourists tend to visit only in summer.
During Advent, however, this city — known for its stunning architecture and Baltic beaches — turns into a winter fairy tale. Targ Węglowy square and the surrounding streets light up with Christmas decorations and over 250 stalls, where you can tuck into traditional Polish treats like pierogi, smoked sheep’s cheese, sausages, and poppy seed roll.
Christmas Markets Zagreb (Croatia)
If you’re looking for a true standout, Zagreb is the place to be. The Croatian capital’s Christmas markets were voted the best in Europe three years in a row, and they offer everything you could wish for — delicacies, live music, souvenir stalls, and an incredible atmosphere.
The main draw is Tomislavov trg square, where an imposing Christmas tree glitters with thousands of lights. You can also visit the ice rink at Zrinjevac and skate with views of the city’s historic architecture, or hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride to explore this picturesque capital.
Christmas Markets Gothenburg (Sweden)
The Nordic countries have perfect conditions for Christmas markets — winter darkness falls early, which means the festive decorations get to shine even longer. The Swedish city of Gothenburg is traditionally Scandinavia’s Christmas capital. Three kilometres of festive lighting, millions of bulbs, and at least four major Christmas markets speak for themselves.
Warm up with a glass of glögg (spiced mulled wine) and browse stalls filled with carved wooden crafts and Christmas decorations. Don’t miss Swedish holiday specialities like cured meats, reindeer dishes, and traditional Swedish Christmas biscuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Christmas market in Europe is best for families with children?
Vienna is arguably the best Christmas market in Europe for families with children, with plenty of kid-friendly activities and attractions.
When do Christmas markets in Europe start?
Most Christmas markets in Europe open in late November and run until Christmas or early January.
What is the best Christmas market in Poland?
Krakow, Wroclaw, and Gdansk are among the most popular Christmas markets in Poland.
Which city is best for a romantic Christmas getaway?
Paris, Colmar, and Salzburg are perfect choices for a romantic Christmas trip.
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