Christmas is just around the corner, and with it comes the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of Christmas markets. If you’re in the mood to soak up the festive spirit, taste traditional treats and admire beautiful Christmas lights, I’ve got 25 tips for the best Christmas markets in Europe.
25 of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
I’ve put together 25 tips for the best Christmas markets in European cities, so don’t hesitate and head off to one of them!
💡TIP: All sorts of package deals and coach tours run to Christmas markets across Europe. It’s worth comparing options online to find the trip that suits you best.
Christmas Markets in Vienna (Austria)
Vienna’s Christmas markets are some of the most famous in Europe, and thanks to easy connections from major European hubs, Vienna is a truly great choice for a trip during the Advent season.
In Vienna you’ll find loads of spots with Christmas markets, so I recommend spending at least a weekend in the city. Visit, for example, the Christkindlmarkt in front of the city hall, where you’ll find hundreds of stalls with handmade decorations, mulled wine and Austrian treats, or the markets at Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace.
Most of Vienna’s Christmas markets open in mid-November and run until Christmas.
Christmas Markets in Dresden (Germany)
This year’s Christmas markets in Dresden will be worth it, because they are celebrating an incredible 591 years of history.
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, offers a magical atmosphere and traditional German specialities such as stollen or grilled sausages. Be sure to admire the gorgeous Christmas tree too.
Dresden’s Advent markets start on 28 November this year and end on Christmas Eve, 24 December. Some of the markets run until 6 January.
Christmas Markets in Prague (Czech Republic)
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy beautiful Christmas markets. You’ll find some wonderful ones in Prague.
The Christmas markets in Prague start on 21 November this year, with the last ones closing on 6 January 2025. You can look forward to the lighting of the Christmas tree and to markets at:
- Wenceslas Square,
- Anděl,
- Old Town Square,
- Náměstí Míru (Peace Square),
- Náměstí Republiky (Republic Square),
- Jiřího z Poděbrad Square,
- Tylovo náměstí (Tyl Square).
Don’t forget to try a trdelník (chimney cake), mulled wine or Christmas punch, and enjoy concerts right beneath the enormous Christmas tree on Old Town Square.
💡TIP: A list of the best hotels in Prague
Christmas Markets in Kraków (Poland)
The main square and a few other spots in Kraków turn into a magical fairy tale during Christmas. The Christmas markets in Kraków take place this year from 29 November to 1 January on Rynek Główny, on Mały Rynek square, in Galeria Bronowice or in the Kazimierz district. Taste Polish specialities such as pierogi and the popular grzaniec galicyjski (mulled wine).
💡TIP: What to do in Kraków
Christmas Markets in Budapest (Hungary)
The Budapest Christmas markets in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica are among the most popular in Europe, drawing visitors from just about everywhere.
Budapest’s Christmas markets take place at several spots in the city centre (Vörösmarty Square and Szent István tér), and this year they run from 15 November to 1 January. Don’t forget to try lángos or kürtőskalács, and enjoy the stunning light show.
💡TIP: A Budapest guide to read HERE.
Christmas Markets in Salzburg (Austria)
Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, 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.
The Christmas markets in Salzburg open this year with the festive tree lighting on 22 November. The markets run until 1 January. Don’t forget to try the local roasted chestnuts and sweet gingerbread.
Christmas Markets in Bratislava (Slovakia)
Slovakia’s capital Bratislava is ideal for those looking for calmer but still magical and beautiful Christmas markets. On the Main Square you’ll be welcomed by stalls with traditional Slovak cuisine and gorgeous light decorations.
The Christmas markets in Bratislava take place this year from late November until the New Year, on the Main Square, Franciscan Square, Primatial Square and at the Incheba Expo Bratislava exhibition grounds.
Christmas Markets in Nuremberg (Germany)
The Christmas markets in Nuremberg are perhaps the most renowned in Europe, and this year they start on 29 November and run until Christmas. They take place on Hauptmarkt square in the city centre.
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is a byword for Christmas tradition itself. You can look forward to the famous Nuremberg sausages, Christmas punch, handmade ornaments and various theatrical and musical performances.
💡TIP: What to see in Nuremberg
Christmas Markets in Wrocław (Poland)
The Wrocław Christmas markets on the Rynek are among the largest and most beautiful in Poland. Their main draws are traditional Polish products, lovely wooden cottages and a magical atmosphere.
The Christmas markets take place this year from 22 November to 31 December on the Rynek (Main Square) and are open daily.
💡TIP: What to see in Wrocław
Christmas Markets in Katowice (Poland)
Katowice might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of Christmas markets, but its markets are becoming increasingly popular in Europe. They offer authentic treats and a pleasant, intimate atmosphere.
The Christmas markets in Katowice take place from 16 November to 5 January on the Rynek (main square) in Katowice. The markets are open every day from 10:00 to 20:00.
Christmas Markets in Berlin (Germany)
Berlin is literally the king among Christmas markets in Europe, with more than 80 of them. The most popular are those at Gendarmenmarkt and Alexanderplatz. And you won’t miss the breathtaking Christmas tree and giant Ferris wheel either.
The Christmas markets in Berlin take place this year from 24 November until Christmas. Don’t forget to try the popular German currywurst sausage with a beer or mulled wine.
Christmas Markets in Strasbourg (France)
Strasbourg, often called the Capital of Christmas, offers some of the prettiest markets in Europe. At the Christmas markets by Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame you can admire a giant Christmas tree and an Advent calendar. And on the main square you’ll find 300 traditional stalls, all hand-decorated.
Try the Alsatian wine here, delicious sausages, pretzels and mulled wine, or French sweet bredele and savoury choucroute and foie gras, along with the wonderful tarte flambée.
Christmas Markets in Munich (Germany)
For another beautiful Christmas market, head to the capital of Bavaria – Munich. The traditional Munich Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz will charm you not only with its selection of Christmas treats, but also with its cultural programme and handmade gifts. This year the Christmas markets in Munich run from 24 November until Christmas.
💡TIP: What to do in Munich
Christmas Markets in Colmar (France)
The Christmas markets in Colmar begin at the end of November and usually run until 29 December. Colmar will charm you with its picturesque lanes and markets that look like something out of a fairy tale. Every corner of the town glows with Christmas decorations.
At the markets you’ll come across traditional Alsatian products, handmade crafts, regional treats 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 in Copenhagen (Denmark)
Denmark is known for its so-called “hygge” lifestyle, which definitely includes warm drinks, fluffy socks and blankets, but also Christmas markets. So be sure to visit the Christmas markets in Copenhagen.
You’ll find the best ones in the Tivoli amusement park, with others at Højbro Plads, Kongens Nytorv and Nytorv squares.
💡You might be interested in: 25 things to see and do in Copenhagen
Christmas Markets in Málaga (Spain)
If you want to warm up a little before Christmas, then head to the Christmas markets in Málaga. Christmas in Málaga is above all about the magical atmosphere created by the stunning light decorations all over the city. The biggest draw is Calle Larios, where hundreds of people gather every year to welcome the switching-on of the Christmas lights together, marking the start of the festive season.
The city is decorated not only with Christmas trees and wicker figures, but also with thousands of poinsettias and nativity scenes. On top of that, various musical performances take place in the city centre during Christmas, and the festive light show on Calle Larios is unforgettable.
💡TIP: A holiday in Málaga
Christmas Markets in Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Amsterdam is known for its lively celebrations, and Christmas is no exception. From the end of November, the city transforms into a magical winter fairy tale with 26 Christmas markets that draw visitors from all over Europe.
The markets that attract the most attention are on Leidseplein and Museumplein squares, where picturesque Advent villages of wooden stalls spring up. Here you can enjoy traditional Christmas treats and hot drinks – the local speciality is above all the Dutch doughnuts, oliebollen.
If you fancy a bit of movement, head to the ice rink and enjoy some open-air skating. But the absolute highlight of the festive season is the Christmas light festival, which lights up Amsterdam’s canals from 1 December to 21 January with colourful installations reminiscent of the northern lights.
Christmas Markets in Paris (France)
In Paris the squares are wrapped in glittering Christmas decorations and lights. The famous Champs-Élysées stands out the most, turning into a wonderful parade of Christmas stalls. Here you can pick up unique handmade gifts and savour delicious French specialities, mulled wine or hot tea.
Don’t forget to visit the Christmas village in the modern La Défense district, or the markets by the Trocadéro with the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, or those by Notre-Dame Cathedral. The romantic atmosphere of winter Paris is rounded off by outdoor ice rinks, which the kids will love. And if you have little ones, definitely take them to Disneyland, where Christmas takes on an even more magical dimension.
💡TIP: What to do in Paris
Christmas Markets in Seville (Spain)
Seville, the charming Andalusian city in southern Spain, transforms into a magical hub of celebration during Christmas. Plaza Nueva becomes the main stage of the festive atmosphere, where you can enjoy traditional specialities such as turrones – delicious almond sweets – and polvorones – crumbly Christmas biscuits.
Don’t forget to try churros too, best enjoyed with a cup of thick hot chocolate.
A unique part of Seville’s Christmas are the belénes, traditional nativity scenes that decorate many stalls and depict the birth of Jesus.
Tip: Read about everything to taste in Spain.
Christmas Markets in London (United Kingdom)
Have you ever thought of heading to the Christmas markets in London? If not, trust me – it’s one of the best Advent destinations in Europe. Every year London dazzles its visitors with spectacular light displays that turn different parts of the city into something absolutely magical.
At Winter Wonderland you can also skate on the ice, admire ice sculptures, shop for original gifts in the craft village or enjoy various attractions. One of the most popular Christmas experiences is a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, where Hogwarts puts on its festive coat.
Advent London also offers traditional Christmas markets on Trafalgar Square, where the majestic Christmas tree will win you over, or on the famous Oxford Street, where you’ll find imaginative gifts and often some great deals too.
💡Don’t miss: 50 things to do in London
Christmas Markets in Tallinn (Estonia)
The Christmas markets in Tallinn are among the most magical in all of Europe, and not only thanks to the medieval setting of the historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You’ll find a detailed guide to Tallinn’s Advent, including dates, prices and tips on how to avoid the crowds from cruise ships, in the article Christmas markets in Tallinn.
On Raekoja Square you’ll find around 60 wooden stalls offering handmade decorations, art pieces, sweets and wreaths. Traditional Estonian specialities aren’t missing either, such as blood sausages with sauerkraut, gingerbread or mulled wine.
The centrepiece of the markets is the Christmas tree, which has stood here regularly since 1441 and is considered to be the very 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 celebrates its Christmas. This means the markets stay open longer than in other cities.
Christmas Markets in Brussels (Belgium)
The Christmas markets in Brussels are among the most dazzling in Europe, and not only thanks to the thousands of lights decorating the whole city, but also thanks to the stunning light show that brings the Grand-Place alive every evening to the accompaniment of music.
Brussels’ markets are the largest in Belgium and offer a magical two-kilometre circuit full of Christmas decorations and lights. At more than 250 stalls you can buy traditional Belgian Christmas souvenirs such as chocolate pralines, waffles or various eco-friendly products.
Christmas Markets in Gdańsk (Poland)
Christmas markets in Poland are among the most beautiful in Europe, and cities like Kraków, Wrocław or Poznań are hugely popular. But if you want to experience something truly unique, head to Gdańsk, which most tourists visit mainly in summer.
During Advent, however, the city – known for its charming architecture and beaches – turns into a winter fairy tale. Targ Węglowy square and the surrounding streets light up with Christmas lights and offer more than 250 stalls, where you can enjoy traditional Polish specialities such as pierogi, smoked sheep’s cheese, sausages or poppy-seed roll.
Christmas Markets in Zagreb (Croatia)
If you’re looking for the absolute top of Christmas markets, Zagreb is the right place. Zagreb’s markets were voted the best Christmas markets in Europe three times in a row, and they offer everything you could wish for – delicacies, live music, souvenir stalls and a fantastic atmosphere.
The main magnet of the Christmas markets in Zagreb is Tomislav Square, home to an impressive Christmas tree decorated with thousands of lights. On top of that, you can visit the ice rink at Zrinjevac and skate with a view of the city’s historic architecture, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride to explore the beauty of this picturesque city.
Christmas Markets in Gothenburg (Sweden)
The Nordic countries have the perfect conditions for hosting Christmas markets – winter darkness comes early, which means the Christmas decorations can shine for longer. The Swedish city of Gothenburg is traditionally the Scandinavian city of Christmas. Three kilometres of lights, millions of bulbs and at least four main Christmas markets say it all.
Warm up with a glass of spiced mulled wine and stroll through stalls full of carved goods 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 children is definitely Vienna.
When do Christmas markets in Europe start?
Most markets start at the end of 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.
Which city is best for a romantic Christmas trip?
Paris, Colmar or Salzburg are perfect choices for romance.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
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.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
