With the festive season fast approaching, there’s no better time to explore 12 of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Mulled wine, gingerbread confections and local handicrafts can only mean one thing: Christmas markets. Whether you choose the atmospheric markets of the Black Forest or the trendy stalls of Hyde Park in London, this selection of 12 European Christmas markets promises a magical experience for the winter holidays.
1. The Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg: France’s oldest Christmas market
If you want to travel to a city that fully immerses you in the Christmas spirit, then visit Strasbourg. From November until the first days of January, strolling through its beautiful streets becomes a magical experience, surrounded by lights, decorated shop windows, and the scent of cinnamon. The annual Strasbourg Christmas market has been held in the city’s Cathedral Square since 1570, and over time expanded to other areas of the historic center.
Besides being one of the most visited Christmas markets in Europe, Strasbourg’s is also the oldest in France. Browse the 300 wooden stalls and the handcrafted products, and enjoy the atmosphere while sipping on a warm, aromatic mulled wine. And don’t forget to try Bredele, traditional Advent cookies flavored with aniseed, cinnamon or orange.
Open November 27 – December 27, 2024
View this post on Instagram
2. The Skansen Market in Stockholm: where you can step back in time
Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum and also one of Sweden’s largest. Made up of 150 traditional Swedish houses, each is furnished and inspired by a different historical period. During the Christmas season, the area is festively decorated and hosts a very special Christmas market. As you journey through time wandering among the houses, you can browse the craft stalls, snack on roasted almonds, enjoy a waffle, and try the delicious glögg (Swedish mulled wine).
Our advice is to check out the event schedule. Packed with musical performances, traditional dance workshops, and artisan craft demonstrations, it has plenty to keep you entertained.
Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 29 – December 22, 2024
View this post on Instagram
3. The Winter Wonders Market in Brussels: a truly magical experience.
The Christmas Market in Brussels is one of the most magical markets out there and is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. For five weeks over 200 wooden stalls spring up around the city center, giving visitors and locals an opportunity to (re)discover the Belgian capital during winter. The heart of the market is at Place Sainte-Catherine, where you can browse the stalls, sip a delicious hot chocolate, and find the perfect Christmas gift. And be sure to take a ride on the enormous Ferris wheel, where you can admire the city in all its festive splendor.
Open November 26 – January 2, 2025
Visualizza questo post su Instagram
4. The Breitnau Market in Germany: for a mystical Christmas
The Breitnau market is tucked away in a valley in Germany’s Black Forest, in the shadow of the Ravenna Gorge, beneath a railway viaduct 40m high. When the bridge is lit up, the scene becomes fantastically atmospheric and even a touch mystical, while the towering fir trees add to the fairytale setting. To visit the market you need to purchase an entrance ticket, which should be booked in advance on the official event website. Once you’re there, you can shop at the local artisans’ stalls, treat yourself to a slice of the delicious Black Forest cake, and take plenty of memorable photos.
Open November 22/23/29/30, 2024, and December 1/6/7/8/13/14/15, 2024
View this post on Instagram
5. The Tivoli market in Copenhagen: for a retro atmosphere
Opened in 1843, Tivoli is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. And while it’s charming all year round, it’s even more so during the festive season. Along with brilliant light displays, it hosts a Christmas market with close to 60 wooden stalls selling tempting pastries, hot drinks, crafts and much more. And once you’ve finished strolling the market, you can also glide around the giant ice-skating rink and admire the nearly one thousand sparkling Christmas trees. Then take a ride on the vintage carousel, the Ferris wheel, and the roller coaster with a delightfully retro vibe.
Open November 15 – January 5, 2025
Visualizza questo post su Instagram
6. The Prague Christmas Markets: where Christmas takes over the city
For lovers of Christmas markets Prague is the city of your dreams. The capital of the Czech Republic hosts several markets around the city every year. The two largest are held in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, but smaller markets can also be found in the Castle District, on Kampa Island and inside the Harvel Market. Visit the stalls filled with handicrafts and traditional sweets, and take home some decorations for your Christmas tree. If you get peckish, there’s also no better place to sample local street food, including the typical trdelník, a delicious pastry topped with sugar, cocoa, or cinnamon.
Open November 30, 2024 – January 6, 2025
View this post on Instagram
7. Christmas Town in Valkenburg: the underground Christmas market
In Valkenburg, the magic of the holidays awaits you… underground! This city in Limburg, Netherlands, transforms its former marl caves into the largest underground Christmas market in Europe. Stroll through charcoal drawings and marl sculptures, and choose handmade gifts from Dutch and European artisans.
Our tip: warm up with a hot chocolate while enjoying the unique atmosphere of the caves.
Open November 15 – December 29, 2024
Visualizza questo post su Instagram
8. The Luxembourg City Christmas Markets: the hidden gem
For some reason Luxembourg City is not as well known compared to its continental counterparts, making it a much less popular travel destination. But its Christmas market is one of Europe’s best. Here, you’ll be able to indulge in mulled wine, tasty local delights like sausages and potato pancakes, toys, and decorations against the backdrop of a quintessential European city, complete with cobbled streets and quaint architecture. Even better you’ll be able to enjoy it all without the crowds.
Our tip: ride the Ferris wheel to get the best view of the city. If you’re traveling with young children be sure to also visit Niklosmaart, where Santa Claus is waiting for you in his wooden house.
Open November 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025
View this post on Instagram
9. The Tallinn Christmas Market: brimming with Baltic hospitality
For six weeks of the year, you can enjoy a cozy Christmas atmosphere and warm Baltic hospitality in Tallinn’s Town Hall Square. As per the centuries-old tradition, a 15m-high Christmas tree is placed in the center of the square during the holidays. Shop for handmade gifts, meet Santa Claus and be enchanted by the colorful lights. The market is also the perfect place to try traditional dishes and drinks. Taste a classic sauerkraut stew with blood sausage or try a sweet cinnamon bun at the House of Sweets.
Our advice: pair your meal with a hot drink (with or without alcohol) for a true taste of Estonia.
Open November 22 – December 27, 2024
View this post on Instagram
10. The Zagreb Christmas Market: the best Christmas market in Europe
Not only does Zagreb have some of Europe’s most charming Christmas cityscapes, its holiday season market is also well loved by both locals and travelers. In fact, European Best Destinations declared it the best Christmas market in Europe three times. Enjoy the beautiful festive decorations, craft stalls, and live music performances scattered throughout the city. It’s a must-see for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the magic of a European Christmas.
The Advent program in Zagreb is also packed with very special activities. Go ice skating at Trg Kralja Tomislava (King Tomislav Square), taste gingerbread cookies at one of the many stalls, and attend one of the concerts at stunning locations.
Open November 30, 2024 – January 7, 2025
View this post on Instagram
11. The Christkindlmarkt in Vienna: a fairytale come to life
Vienna is a true winter wonderland and its Christkindlmarkt looks like it came straight from a storybook. Held in the City Hall Square, this cozy Christmas market brims with handmade gifts, festive decorations, steaming drinks, traditional foods and even a carousel.
Be sure to taste the sausages and Viennese strudels. And if you can, try and visit the market after sunset, when the atmosphere is even more magical. You can also experience the Christmas spirit with a royal touch at Schönbrunn Palace. The most traditional market is at Freyung Square, in the heart of Vienna.
Open November 15 – December 26, 2024
View this post on Instagram
12. Winter Wonderland in London: for a highly Instagrammable experience
There are many Christmas markets in London, but the beautifully decorated Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is without a doubt on of the the most photogenic. With a host of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drink and much more, this winter village is the perfect place for a family day out. Want to experience even more of that Christmas spirit London is so famous for? Then join a Christmas Lights Tour and see the glittering decorations of Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Street from a double-decker bus.
Our tip: remember to buy your Winter Wonderland tickets well in advance, as London is one of the most popular Christmas destinations in Europe.
Open November 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Visualizza questo post su Instagram
Please note: The dates mentioned in this article may change. We recommend checking the official websites before visiting.
Discover the most charming Christmas towns and holiday markets in Europe with our experiences: