Europe is renowned for its enchanting Christmas markets, each offering a unique blend of festive charm, delicious treats, and handcrafted goods. They begin in Mid November and continue through December.
The Christmas markets in Europe exude a magical ambiance, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the scent of mulled wine permeating the air, creating a sense of wonder and joy. You will find yourself exploring stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and artisanal goods, providing an opportunity to discover unique souvenirs and support local artisans.
Indulge in a variety of seasonal delights, including roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cookies, traditional pastries, and savory snacks, along with warming beverages like mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Immerse yourself in the holiday traditions and customs of each country, from the German Christkindlmarkt to the French Marché de Noël, gaining insight into the diverse cultural heritage of Europe.
Wander through picturesque streets and squares adorned with festive decorations, Christmas trees, and illuminated landmarks, providing the perfect backdrop for holiday photos and cherished memories.
If you are thinking about visiting some Christmas markets, here are some of the best Christmas markets in Europe:
Prague, Czech Republic
The Christmas markets in Old Town Square in the centre of Prague are the biggest project of its kind in the Czech Republic. Old town Square in Prague, stalls selling all sorts of goodies from chimney cakes to smoked cheese, Enjoy Czech Christmas biscuits.
Christmas market in the center of Prague Castle and Cathedral that has a great display of ornaments and goodies that feel very local. a market with a more medieval feel. Prague's fairy-tale backdrop of cobbled streets and elaborate architecture makes it a magical Christmas setting.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is best for ice rinks and Christmas illuminations. Best Christmas Market in Europe award 2020-2021-2022, 2023 and 2024 is without doubt one of the most beautiful Christmas fairs in Europe. Most handmade goods and lowest prices, Advent Feast of the Basics. Budapest's Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful in Europe and takes place in Vörösmarty Square in front of the magnificent 19th-century Gerbeaud House. 100 beautiful stalls, a giant ferris wheel and a ice skating rink.
Krakow, Poland
You’ll love how this festive celebration takes over the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed central square, where traditional wooden stalls sit in the shadow of Krakow’s iconic 14th-century basilica and 15th-century Cloth Hall
Vienna, Australia
One of the most well-known Christmas Markets is the traditional "Vienna Magic of Advent", which turns the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land. Christmas gifts, tree decorations, sweets and warming drinks are awaiting you as well as a carousel and craft fun Christmas Workshops for kids.
With over 150 chalets, this is one of the largest in Europe. Vienna comes alive with festivity and lights in the winter. Austria Info
Salzburg, Austria
Salzberg is best for Christmas carols and ancient traditions. Salzburg Cathedral offers an extensive program of singing and theater along with stalls offering nativities, pretzels, and ornaments. The Christmas Market on Cathedral Square is truly a romantic market with a long history. Its origins go back to 1491, making it the oldest market in Salzburg. Spending the Advent season in Mpzart's City is like walking into a fairy-tale, be sure to visit on a Tuesday when you can join an open choir led by a professional choirmaster to practice carols in the cathedral before a 30 min performance on the steps outside.
Innsbruck Australia
Innsbruck is a charming city located in the Austrian Alps and its Christmas market is nothing short of magical. With over 80 stalls, it's one of the smaller markets on this list.
Basel, Switzerland
Basel’s Christmas market is the biggest and most beautiful in Switzerland, with 160 meticulously decorated stalls selling a wide array of culinary wonders from gob-stopping sausages, and authentic Basel Lackerli. Located on the border of Switzerland, Germany, and France, there is a very local feel to it since the city doesn’t receive too many tourists. Stop by Laderach for the most amazing chocolates. Be sure to try the delicious Basler Läckerli, a spiced gingerbread-like biscuits that are a local specialty. Check out the advent calendar house.
Strasbourg/Colmar France
Strasbourg is known as the Capital of Christmas, and the oldest known Christmas market in Europe. Best for elaborateness of its decorations and yuletide cheer. Nearly every storefront and alleyway have decked the halls and taken it to the next level, with bubble machines, teddy bears, moving decorations, along with Christmas carols. Be sure to wander over to Petit France to see the adorable half-timber houses decorated for the season. Strasbourg boasts the most incredible lights and Christmas decorations you’ll see in Europe! Colmar is truly a fairytale town and its Christmas market does not disappoint. With over 300 stalls, this is one of the largest markets in France. Colmar is 30 minute train ride from Strasbourg.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe and for good reason! With seven markets, all with different themes, throughout the city, you'll find no shortage of things to see and do here. Large, lavishly decorated Christmas markets sparkle throughout the city.
Stuttgart, Germany
Visit Stuttgart Christmas Market, one of the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Germany.. During the weeks of Advent the Stuttgart Region is bathed in a special yuletide glow. Nearly 300 nostalgic Christmas markets attract visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll around. Surrounded by fir trees glittering with lights and beautiful decorated stalls, you will feel transported to the very heart of the festive season.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is home to over 100 Christmas markets during the holiday season, making it one of the most popular destinations for Christmas markets in Europe. It is a must-visit destination for any fan of this festive tradition!
Nuremberg, Germany
The Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt is renowned for its gingerbread, Nuremberg sausages, and festive atmosphere. The Christkind, a traditional Christmas gift-bringer, opens the market with a prologue from the balcony of the Frauenkirche.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The wonderfully over-the-top Tivoli Gardens gets even more delightfully kitsch when the Christmas market takes over. As well as checking out the food and gift stalls, you can have a whirl on the ice skating rink.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Winter is a dreamy time to explore Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland. From November through January, the city hosts its ever-popular Winter Festival, which sees citywide events and markets bringing Christmas joy to the people of Edinburgh!
Brussels, Belgium
The Winter Wonders market in Brussels offers a wide array of stalls selling artisanal products, gourmet treats, and holiday decorations, all set against the backdrop of the city's stunning architecture.
Zagrab, Croatia
Zagreb was voted best Christmas Market 3 years in a row. 2016, 2017, 2018. The Zagreb Christmas Market, often hailed as one of Europe's best-kept secrets, enchants visitors with its magical atmosphere and festive spirit. Located in the heart of Croatia's capital city, the market transforms Zagreb's historic streets and squares into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, fragrant aromas, and joyful melodies. Stroll through Ban Jelačić Square and marvel at the towering Christmas tree adorned with colorful decorations, or wander through the charming lanes of Upper Town to discover artisanal crafts and traditional Croatian delicacies. From mulled wine and roasted chestnuts to intricately crafted souvenirs and lively entertainment, the Zagreb Christmas Market offers a captivating experience that captures the essence of the holiday season in Croatia.
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