If you are exploring Europe during Christmas time, it is essentially impossible not to visit or at least see a Christmas market. After all, Christmas markets are one of the core elements of the European Christmas tradition, and cities of every size have markets that offer a large variety of things ranging from tasty sweet treats to local crafts or holiday decorations. The offers are endless, as is the number of Christmas markets in Europe.
And while all of them have their own charm and are therefore worth a visit, some of them are more renowned than others. Be it, because they have a longstanding history, unique features that make them especially charming, special traditions, or maybe even the amazing local food. All of these things, make the following festive markets the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Christmas Markets in Europe
While Christmas markets have their origins in Germany and date back all the way to the late Middle Ages, they are now a staple of Christmas time in many countries all around the world. And while it is nice to stroll over Christmas markets all around the world, it often feels more magical to explore the old traditional Christmas markets in Europe. Their long history gives them a unique charm and the local sweet treats only make the festive markets more appealing.
After all, there are few things that say ‘European Christmas time’ better, than drinking a cup of mulled wine in a festive environment, where the scent of cinnamon and cookies fills the air. And of course, being surrounded by historic buildings further increases this feeling of cozy comfort that ensures that you do not even feel the cold.
The Christmas markets in Europe are special and visiting is a must for everyone that wants to explore the continent with all its unique features and traditions. And if you want the best possible understanding of the European Christmas time, I can only encourage you to visit several of what most consider to be the best Christmas markets in Europe.
The Best Christmas Markets in Germany
Aachen
Open: November 22 – December 23, 2024
During the magical time, the historic city center of Aachen is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Little stalls can be found around the cathedral and all the way to the city hall. With its charming atmosphere and picturesque setting, it is no wonder that those that have visited it tend to say that it is one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe. Especially if you are lucky enough to see the city hidden under a snow-powdered layer.
The stalls sell everything from handmade goods, spices, and of course delicious German Christmas Market treats. Hereby, the local favorite is Aachener Printen, a special kind of gingerbread that is only made in this region.
Be sure to buy some for your family and friends – after all, Printen are an amazing Christmas gift. And do not forget to drink some mulled wine at the Hexenhof stall.
This charming European Christmas Market takes place in the four weeks before Christmas, from late November to December 23. On most days it is open from 11 AM to 9 PM.
With around 1.5 million visitors per year, you should expect that all parking lots within the city are rather full. However, you can park at the Bendplatz which serves as the official parking lot of the Aachen Christmas Market. Hereby, you can opt to walk the 1.2 km to the festive city center or take the shuttle bus. A return ticket costs 3€. Alternatively, you can take the train to Aachen. If you are coming from Paris, Amsterdam, or Brussels, the Thalys is the best option.
Berlin
Gendarmenmarkt
Open: November 25, 2024 – December 31, 2024
With more than 80 Christmas Markets in the city, visiting Berlin during Christmas time is a truly magical experience. Of all of Berlin’s Christmas Markets, one of the best is definitely the market at Berlin’s beautiful Gendarmenmarkt Square. From the end of November through December 31, the picturesque Gendarmenmarkt Square turns even more beautiful with the addition of the yearly Christmas Market.
The market is made up of traditional wooden stalls selling everything you would expect from a German Christmas Market: yummy snacks like sausages and roasted nuts, warm drinks like glühwein and hot cocoa, and handmade crafts that make the perfect Christmas gifts for your friends and family.
There is also a big Christmas tree and a stage where various performers show off their talents.
Each year, the market ends on December 31 with a huge New Year’s Eve celebration. Dance the night away to the featured DJ before enjoying the fireworks once the clock strikes midnight – all while being surrounded by the beautiful Christmas market! Berlin is one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe, and this is definitely a unique way to ring in the New Year.
Admission to the market is €1, except from 11 AM -2 PM on weekdays when the entrance is free. The market is located close to many of Berlin’s top attractions and is also just a minute away from the Hausvogteiplatz U-Bahn Station.
Christmas Market in Germany visited by Sydney from A World in Reach
Cologne
Open: November 18 – December 23, 2024
As one of Germany’s most-loved cities, Cologne is a fantastic place to visit. There are many unmissable Cologne tourist attractions to discover, including the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, but between November and January, it is Cologne’s Christmas Markets that attract the crowds.
Cologne really takes the Christmas season seriously with seven different markets scattered throughout the city. The most popular are The Alter Markt, Neumarkt, and Rudolfplatz located around the central area near the cathedral. A smaller Christmas Market is held in Stadtgarten, Cologne’s oldest park, and attracts locals and tourists alike.
If you want a younger vibe, the Christmas Market by the harbor is a great place to head for music and a local pint of Kolsch beer. It also happens to be next to the Lindt museum, which has the most amazing café that chocolate lovers won’t want to miss.
At the markets, you will find traditional Bavarian gifts including wooden nutcracker soldiers, hand-blown glass tree baubles, and sweet-scented candles – great Christmas present for loved ones back at home.
And, of course, you won’t want to miss the Christmas food stalls in Cologne. Enjoy a delicious cup of warming Glühwein, a red wine and fruit drink, or try the Bratwurst, a local sausage. And of course, you have to try the traditional heart-shaped gingerbread – a favorite in Germany during Christmas time.
If you want to get into the Christmas spirit, then there is no doubt that Cologne is an incredible place to spend time over the festive season. And with the city center being only a 15 minutes train ride from Cologne airport, it is an easy destination to visit.
Explored by Angela from Where Angie Wanders
Frankfurt
Open: November 25 – December 22, 2024
The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Germany is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. It opens one month before Christmas and sprawls out through much of the city center of Frankfurt.
The best place to start your visit is on Römerberg, the town square, where you can see the Christmas Market stalls in front of a backdrop of half-timbered houses. On Römerberg, you will also find a giant Christmas tree, a merry-go-round, and a stage. On weekends, choirs often sing Christmas carols, making the experience even more magical.
One of the best foods to try at the Frankfurt Christmas Market is hot Apfelwein. Apfelwein translates to ‘apple wine‘, and it is a local drink similar to cider. At the Christmas market, you can find its hot version with Christmas spices. It’s a favorite amongst the locals and a very regional drink you shouldn’t miss.
Of course, you can also get mulled wine in Frankfurt. The city is located inside one of Germany’s wine regions, and local wineries often set up their stalls at the Christmas market. Go to one of them to get high-quality mulled wine.
If you are getting hungry, you should find one of the stalls that sell cookies. Bethmännchen are almond cookies that originated in Frankfurt, while Brenten are made from marzipan dough. Or you can try cheese fondue made from Handkäse, a regional sour milk cheese.
Recommended by Daniel and Ilona from Top Travel Sights
Munich
Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt
Open: November 25 – December 24, 2024
If you want to visit the best Christmas Markets in Germany, Munich is one of the best destinations. After all, there are several big Christmas Markets with different highlights and attractions.
Hereby, the best one is the Munich Christkindlmarkt at the Marienplatz. With its tall Christmas tree and right in front of the New Town Hall, strolling over this festive market is a magical experience. The more than 140 stalls sell everything from mulled wine and other delicacies, to handmade crafts, and more.
Other highlights are the Krampus run that dates back to a 500-year-old custom where people run over the Christmas Market while wearing masks and fur costumes, and the weekly singing under the Christmas tree events. If you want to see nativity scenes, you should also visit the Kripperlmarkt at Alter Peter.
The market usually starts in late November and closes on Christmas Day. It opens at 10 AM in the morning and ends at 9 PM or at 8 PM on Sunday. If you do not want to be surrounded by large crowds, it is best to avoid the weekend or the last few days leading up to Christmas. It is the most charming at night.
If you want an amazing view of this amazing Christmas market in Europe, you should visit the top of St. Peter Church or the roof of the New City Hall. Both belong to the best viewpoint in Munich and grant visitors an astonishing view of the festive markets.
Getting here is quite easy, as the Marienplatz is on the S-Bahn line. All lines (S1 to S8) stop here, and it is possible to visit the Munich Christkindlmarkt straight from the airport or train station.
There is a charming Christmas Village at the Residenz, and a medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz. Another great Christmas Market in Munich is located right at the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm). Be sure to visit it and drink a cup of mulled wine. Another noteworthy market is the Tollwood Winter Festival on Theresienwiese.
Rothenburg
Open: November 29 – December 22, 2024
There is a reason why Rothenburg ob der Tauber is dubbed ‘THE German Christmas Village’. In fact, it doesn’t matter if it is December or July, this classic medieval town on the edge of Bavaria is all about Christmas galore any time of year. As Rothenburg ob der Tauber is in Germany, where Christmas markets in Europe originate, this town knows how to do a Weihnachtsmarkt right.
You can easily spend 2 days in Rothenburg during Christmas time and spend your time there soaking in the Christmas delights as well as the town’s main attractions.
Every year, Rothenburg swings open its Christmas market stall doors on the first weekend of advent. The Christmas market goes on until December 23rd.
The main market is set in the main town square, but spreading out from there, you will continue to find stalls and stands selling all the classic Christmas Market goods such as hand-blown ornaments, gorgeous table runners, and table cloths, and nativity sets.
Of course, no Christmas market is complete without a piping hot mug of Gluhwein and a bratwurst. However, Rothenburg is known for its unique “Schneeballen” or “Snow Ball” pastries. These pie crust-styled balls have endless toppings and are a must-try when in town!
Since this is one of Germany’s most popular markets, you should expect huge crowds. While it is magical at night, it is best to explore this Christmas Market in the morning during the weekdays. This way, you can avoid massive amounts of people packed into small alleys, as nights and weekends tend to be the most crowded.
But no matter when you visit the charming Christmas Market in Germany: you are sure to feel holly and jolly and merry!
This Christmas Market in Germany is beloved by LeAnna Brown, WanderInGermany
Love the food you can eat at Christmas Markets in Europe? Make it at home!
Charming Christmas Markets in Austria & Switzerland
Salzburg, Austria
Open: November 21, 2024 – January 1, 2025
One of the most special Christmas markets in Europe is located in Salzburg in Austria. It is a great place to visit year-round, but winter in Salzburg makes a trip there even more unique. Packed with amazing things to do, Salzburg should be on top of your winter destination bucket list, if you love charm towns and dream of exploring magical Christmas markets.
Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart, and with its location at the foothills of the Alps it has a fairytale-like charm, The city is a perfect blend of incredible history, rich culture, and several ‘The Sound of Music‘ sites to explore. Therefore, it is an amazing place to enjoy as a day trip or as a vacation destination. Here, you can do everything from strolling through charming streets and relaxing at cozy cafes to visiting the iconic highlights including castles, and baroque historical buildings.
The Christmas markets in Salzburg begin at the end of November and stay open until after Christmas. One of the most popular Christmas Markets is on the Damplatz, but you can also visit smaller Christmas Markets in Salzburg such as the Hellbrunner Adventzauber and the Market on Mirabell Square.
While experiencing the Salzburg Christmas markets, you have to try the delicacies, buy some local handcraft, and try the traditional Glühwein.
You do not need a car or public transportation to explore Salzburg, as the city is very compact and you can explore it on foot. If your hotel is outside the city center, there is a trolley and bus system that serves the city.
Christmas Market in Europe recommended by Paula from Paula Pins The Planet
Vienna, Austria
Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt
Open: November 16 – December 26, 2024
If you are looking for a really charming Christmas market in Europe, then you should definitely visit the so-called Christkindlmarket at Rathausplatz in Vienna. Here, you can expect the most beautiful fairytale scenery and the atmosphere is just incredible.
Even the approach by tram along the Ringstraße is beautiful and you will be amazed by the radiant sea of lights along the park. At the entrance to the Christmas Market on Rathausplatz, a large archway with Advent candles welcomes visitors and tourists who marvel at the countless Christmas tree baubles and the many lights.
Another beautiful highlight is the huge real Christmas tree, which is erected every year at the Rathausplatz, making this Holiday Market one of the most beautiful in Vienna.
Another highlight is the huge ice skating rink, where the young and old do their rounds. You do not have to bring your own ice skates as you can rent them on-site.
Nearby, you will also find some really great accommodations. Very nice and really festive is the Hotel Rathauspark Wien is very nice and festive, in the best location and offers a delicious breakfast!
The Christmas Market is located at the famous Rathausplatz in Vienna and can be best reached by cable car 1 & 2 or subway U2 & U3.
Christmas Market in Austria explored by PlacesofJuma
Bern, Switzerland
Star Market
Open: November 21 – December 28, 2024
The new Bern Star Market is arguably one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland and one of the best in Europe. Held in the lovely Kleinen Schanze Park, in the heart of the Swiss capital, this enchanting Christmas market is a delight for kids and adults alike. Here, around 80 wooden stalls sell designer products and handcrafted items from small, local vendors.
There’s also a giant, sparkling Christmas tree, a children’s village, a fondue chalet, and a street food market with delicious treats from around the world as well as traditional Swiss delicacies and hot drinks.
In addition, the entire park is decorated with large and small luminous stars that give this market a very special atmosphere.
Make sure to plan your visit for the evening, so you can admire the Bern Star Market in all its magic. Grab some typical grilled sausages or a cup of mulled wine and enjoy the Christmas spirit with all your senses. The Bern Star Market takes place from November 25 to December 31, 2021, and it’s located just a short walking distance from the Bern train station. If you’re driving, there’s also parking space at the railway station.
The city of Bern offers two other gorgeous markets that you can add to your visit: the main and oldest Bern Christmas Market in Waisenhausplatz, and the smaller Bern Minster Christmas Market in Cathedral Square. If you’re looking for the most charming Christmas markets in Europe, you definitely can’t go wrong in the picturesque Swiss capital!
Visited by Vanda from The Yogi Wanderer
Amazing Christmas Markets in the Netherlands
Maastricht
Open: November 28 – December 30, 2024
Christmas is a truly magical time all over the world. Just when you thought it can’t get any better, the Maastricht Christmas Market takes the celebration up a notch. The Maastricht Christmas Market is an annual event that takes place at Vrijthof Square in Maastricht.
Maastricht is a historic Dutch city with medieval churches and monuments that the Netherlands is known for. Around Christmas, Maastricht transforms into a spellbinding merry wonderland as the city goes into full Christmas mode.
Earning the moniker “Magical Maastricht,” the city market lights up with stalls and entertainment, as people come to go skating on the ice rink on Vrijthof square and see the sea of lights from the top of the Ferris wheel. Enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the festive Vrijthof while on the lighted Ferris wheel.
People take to the lovely ice rink to Christmas-themed music, while others watch on the side while sipping a warm beverage at a nearby café. Visit one of these cafés to try some Reibekuchen or poffertjes, with coffee infused with Schrobbelèr liquor.
Maastricht is definitely the Netherlands’ top Christmas holiday destination and the Maastricht Christmas Market is one of the top Christmas markets in the country. From the lively market, spend peace and tranquility as you reflect on Christmas at the beautiful Saint Servatius Basilica nearby.
Getting to Maastricht is easy. Take the direct train from Amsterdam Centraal to Maastricht every 30 minutes for a 2½ hours ride. The city is also easily accessible by international train from Brussels, Paris, or London.
Considered one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe according to Frans from Ask The Dutch Guy
Valkenburg
Open: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Valkenburg is a city in the South of the Netherlands, near the border with Belgium and the city of Maastricht. The Christmas markets in Valkenburg are in four caves, which makes them unique among the Christmas markets in Europe.
For years marl was removed from quarries in the area, which led to a series of caves with corridors. In November and December, Christmas markets are held in these caves. The Christmas markets can be found at the Fluweelengrot (Velvet cave), the Gemeente grote, Mergelrijk, and the Wilhelmina grot.
Each Christmas market has its own theme. At the Wilhelmina grot, there’s Winter Wonderland, with an underground Christmas market, a cable lift, a toboggan run, and a large, illuminated Christmas tree. Mergelrijk has a 30 meters long Christmas story in miniature on display.
The Gemeente grot is the oldest underground Christmas market in Europe. The largest indoor Christmas event in the Netherlands is in the Fluweelengrot. At all the markets they sell candles and nativity scenes made out of marl. A special thing being sold in Valkenburg.
Valkenburg is 20 minutes by car or 14 minutes by train from Maastricht.
Suggested by Cosette from KarsTravels
Wonderful Christmas Markets in France
Colmar
Open: November 26, 2024 – January 5, 2025
The Colmar Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas markets in France. Located in the historic region of Alsace, in Eastern France, it is often voted as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe too! With its cobbled streets, flowery canals, and half-timbered houses, Colmar is a fairytale city all year round, but Colmar at Christmas time, with its chalets, Christmas illuminations, and decorations, is magical.
The Colmar Christmas market opens from mid-November to the end of the year. There are six different market locations, all in the Old Town, but the distances between the markets are short.
The Colmar Christmas Market is a great place to find last-minute gifts or original decorations. All the products are hand-made in the region. It is also an excellent place to taste regional specialties, like bredeles, maneles, tarte flambée, craft beers, or the famous vin-chaud (mulled wine).
It is easy to visit Colmar on a day trip from Paris by train. However, it is good to spend one night on-site to enjoy the city and the Christmas atmosphere without the day crowds.
During the Christmas period, Christmas shuttles link Colmar to the Christmas markets in the villages around Colmar. If you decide to spend more than one day in the city, take the opportunity to visit the Christmas markets of Riquewihr, Eiguisheim, and more.
Recommended by Elisa from World in Paris
Strasbourg
Open: November 27 – December 27, 2024
One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe is, without a doubt, the one in Strasbourg. Also called “the Capital of Christmas”, this city has really taken its Christmas market to the next level. In fact, the Christmas market is spread out over the entire city! Be prepared for wonderful decorations, countless stands with food, drinks, and crafts, and an incredibly festive vibe.
Practically speaking, the Christmas market runs from the end of November until the end of December and from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. or 10 p.m. depending on the day of the week. Thus, to catch the Christmas market it is best to visit Strasbourg in December.
You can easily get to Strasbourg by car or train, but you should be prepared to park your car outside the center and do everything on foot because the market is spread out across different squares and alleys in the center of the city.
You will encounter different parts of the market wherever you go! But for the ice rink and huge Christmas tree, you will want to be at Place Kleber.
When strolling around the Christmas market don’t forget to drink some mulled wine and try the pretzels with different kinds of cheese as well as the several deserts, which are quite typical for the region. Also, buy yourself some lovely Christmas decorations or local souvenirs!
This charming Christmas market in Europe has been visited by Emma from Emma’s Roadmap
The Best Christmas Markets in the UK
Bath
Open: November 28 – December 15, 2024
Bath Christmas market is one of the best in the UK. It sprawls through the city center with its little wooden chalets and food stands and turns the whole city into a fairytale-like Christmas scene. Wander through around 160 stalls and shop for local goods including many artisanal products. They feature producers from across the southwest, so it is a great place to shop locally and also discover some amazing food, drink, and crafts.
Bath’s largely Georgian center makes for the perfect backdrop and really does make you feel like you’re in a historic novel. If you’re visiting Bath with kids, they will love all the toy stands and the Victorian carousel outside the Roman baths is sure to delight all ages.
With atmospheric carol singing and festive dancing, it’s the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit and with hundreds of twinkling lights decorating the stalls it is very evocative.
Regularly voted as one of the best events in the UK, Bath’s market is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Dates vary but it is usually on from around the 25th November through mid-December.
If you can stay overnight in Bath this is recommended as the small roads out of the city get very clogged up with coaches and cars attending. Therefore, it is best to save heading off until the morning if you can.
Deemed one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe by Nichola from Globemouse Travels
Cardiff
Open: November 14 – December 23, 2024
Cardiff Christmas Market is a charming, German-themed, Christmas Market in the heart of the capital city of Wales selling all the local crafts and gifts for Christmas. While there are many Christmas Markets in Europe, Cardiff Christmas Market is one of the only places where you can find unique Welsh food and drinks, which makes this market extra special to visit.
There are local Caerphilly cheese hampers and distilled Gin from the Welsh Valleys that make perfect Christmas gifts as well as warm Welsh cakes and tea served with the finest Welsh brew tea bags and pure Welsh water for on-the-go snacks!
As it is a German-themed Christmas Market, there is German beer on tap and freshly-cooked bratwurst to enjoy while surrounded by the elegant lights and decorations after your market shopping.
The market is located on The Hayes in Cardiff City Centre and has two major car parks just meters away as well as being a 5-minute walk from Cardiff Central train station.
The opening hours of the Cardiff Christmas Market are as follows: Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM & Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM.
Explored by Shireen from The Happy Days Travels
More Great Christmas Markets in Europe
Budapest, Hungary
Open: November 18, 2024 – January 1, 2025
The lovely city of Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is home to quite a few Christmas markets each year. The most important ones are concentrated in the city center in Pest. The Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square and The Christmas Market at St. Stephen Basilica are within 10 minutes of each other and excellent to visit on the same day. The biggest of them is located on Vörösmarty Square, right in the heart of the city, at the end of the famous Vaci utca (street). It typically opens in early November and lasts until New Year’s Day.
This is one of the least crowded yet most authentic Christmas markets in Europe and offers an excellent reason to visit Budapest during winter. At the numerous booths, you may find traditional Hungarian foods, artisan goods, trinkets, as well as Christmas decorations! It might be time to start a new tradition: buy a bauble from each market you visit!
Make sure to try gulyas, the traditional meat stew served in a bowl of bread, meat-filled cabbage rolls, and wash everything down with palinka (plum brandy) or mulled wine. For those who have a sweet tooth, kürtőskalács (chimney cake) is a typical treat to enjoy at this time of the year.
While this market features a stage where concerts take place over the weekends, the market in front of the Basilica has an ice rink! Alongside the food and trinket booths, of course.
Being located right in the city center, it’s super easy to get to either market. You may take the metro line 1 (yellow) and get off at either Deak Square or Vörösmarty Square. Or, you may take tram line 2 and stop at Vigao Square.
Christmas Market visited by Cris from LooknWalk
Funchal, Madeira
Open: December 1, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Do the best Christmas markets in Europe require snow and cold weather? No! If you are looking for a destination, where you can enjoy a joyful Christmas spirit, but without the snow and cold, you will love the island of Madeira.
The famous Portuguese Island of Eternal Spring is a very hospitable island that loves celebrating. The Christmas season isn’t an exception. It is in Funchal – Madeira’s main city, where you will be able to enjoy beautifully decorated trees, palm trees, squares, and city streets as well as huge and very creative nativity scenes.
On the main avenue of Funchal – Avenida Arriaga – you will find the Christmas Market. It will be a perfect place to meet with friends and try local alcoholic drinks such as Poncha da Madeira or Ginjinha – a ginja berries liquor served in a chocolate cup.
Usually, a part of the market is also a big exhibition- sort of a food court mixed with an open-air museum and a nativity scene, with ladies dressed in regional clothes baking and selling fresh Bolo do Caco (Madeira’s traditional garlic bread) and a traditional soup – Sopa de Trigo.
Additionally, on one night of the year, the Christmas market spreads across the entire city center, with street fruit, food, and drink stalls, concerts, fairs, and tons of locals and tourists celebrating and having fun together. This special night is called the Market Night (Noite do Mercado) and takes place on the 23 of December.
Recommended by Edyta from Say Yes To Madeira
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Open: November 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025
The Luxembourg Christmas Market is one of the must-visit destinations when you want to spend Christmas in Luxembourg city. This market is spread all around the city and has a lot to offer. Luxembourg city starts to celebrate the festive season at the beginning of December.
The streets and houses get dolled up in fairy lights and decorations. The markets spread throughout the city offer all sorts of Christmas goods, popular spiced wine, sweet delicacies, and more. What makes them special is that the Luxembourg Christmas market is easily walkable and all the sections can be explored on foot. Hereby, visitors should ensure that they visit all three sections of this Christmas Market in Europe. It is located in three different sections of the city.
Travelers can explore the market at Place de la Constitution, Place Guillaume II, and Place d’ Armed. To get the best food and drinks, visitors should visit Place Guillaume II. The regular part of Luxembourg’s Christmas menu is the famous spiced wine known as Gluhwein, which is consumed hot. The Christmas meals popularly include Traipen mat Gromperenzalot.
The stalls at the market sell everything from Christmas decor, and winter clothes like vegan winter coats to mulled wine and food. Travelers can visit there in November as the market opens in the third week of November. It closes in the first week of January. Travelers can take a flight to Findel Airport to reach Luxembourg city. The Luxembourg Christmas Market is within a walking distance from all localities. They can find the nearest location to their hotel and reach the market.
Suggested by Paulina from Paulina on the Road
Prague, Czech Republic
Open: November 30, 2024 – January 6, 2025
As November ends, the capital of the Czech Republic Prague becomes dotted with Christmas markets. The Old Town Square Christmas market can be found in the heart of the historical center and it’s the most traditional and popular one.
A large Christmas tree looms over a maze of cute wooden vending stalls. Drinks like mulled wine or hot mead will warm you up. To fill your stomach, you can try the typical Prague ham or any of the local sausages.
To satisfy the sweet tooth, opt for the famous Trdlo, a chimney cake, which is not an Old Bohemian specialty, but somehow became a staple at Prague Christmas markets.
The Old Town Square Christmas Market starts at the end of November (in 2021 it’s on Nov 27) and always lasts until January 6. Usually, it’s open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. You can easily get to Old Town Square by public transport – the metro stops Staroměstská (metro line A) and Můstek (metro line A/B) are both located within walking distance.
Prague Christmas markets belong to the prettiest Christmas markets in Europe. Apart from the main market, there are a number of other ones that are worth seeing. Especially the Prague Castle Christmas Market with its most charming venue of the largest castle complex in the world.
Christmas Market stalls explored by Veronika Primm, Travel Geekery
Tallinn, Estonia
Open: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Tallinn in Estonia is the perfect charming destination for a Christmas market, set in the old town of the city among buildings that have survived for centuries. Arrive via Tallinn International Airport, on a bus from neighboring country Latvia, or via ferry from Finland’s capital, Helsinki – both of which have their own lovely Christmas markets.
Voted the best Christmas market in Europe only a few years ago, Tallinn goes all out for the festive season. From the last week in November until the first week in January, the 15th Century Town Hall Square is packed with stalls and vendors selling locally made crafts and sweets to delectable seasonal snacks and hot drinks to warm you as you shop.
Stuff yourself full of local blood sausage, potatoes, pastries and mulled wine. Try the local gingerbread cookies, they’re delicious! Then when you can’t eat anymore, take a ride on the little train that takes a short tour of Old Town Tallinn, and is always dressed up with twinkly lights for the holidays.
When the Baltic winter weather gets too much for you, stock up on beautiful handmade thick woolen socks, gloves, and hats, and take shelter at some of the fantastic sights around Old Town Tallinn.
The traditional Christmas music gives way to more diverse performances as the sunlight disappears and the Christmas lights of every color imaginable turn on. With any luck, you’ll get a light dusting of snow to add even more atmosphere to an already magical Christmas market. Tallinn truly is a market you cannot miss on your next tour of the European Christmas markets.
Recommended by Emma from Forever Lost in Travel
Zagreb, Croatia
Open: November 30, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Christmas markets are a tradition in every European country, and Croatia is no exception. But what locals and expats living in Croatia know and tourist don’t is that one of the best Christmas markets in Europe is in Croatia. Held from late November to the first week in January, Advent Zagreb, held in Croatia’s largest city and capital, has been voted the ‘Best Christmas Market in Europe‘ several years in a row.
What Zagreb lacks in popularity from its larger Western European cousins, the city makes up for in Christmas spirit. While cities in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland generally confine their Christmas markets to the city’s main square, all of Zagreb gets into the Christmas spirit.
Everywhere people go, there are twinkling strings of light, decorated trees crammed into every available space, and picturesque scenes of Croatians enjoying themselves during the holidays. Even the tram gets a festive advent makeover. You will find Christmas decorations all over the city.
The heart of Zagreb is Josip Jelačić Square, which is easily accessible by the city’s trams. Visitors can stroll the square and browse holiday handicrafts, Christmas trinkets, and potential stocking stuffers.
While parents are shopping, young kids can ice skate in Park Josipa Jurja Strossmayera. The teenagers and young adults meet with friends over Croatia mulled wine and special sugar-dusted Christmas fritters called Fritule on the holiday-decorated Ivana Tkalcica street.
Christmas Market visited by Marco Sison from Nomadic FIRE
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Roundup: Christmas Markets in Europe
If visiting one or more of the best Christmas markets in Europe was not already on your Europe bucket list, it likely is now. After all, this list of charming European Christmas markets highlights the very best festive markets and why you should visit them. So plan your trip now and drink a mulled wine or a non-alcoholic punch while you explore the stalls of the Christmas markets. And of course, you should not forget to eat as many of the sweet and savory Christmas market treats as you can.
More about Europe
If you are making plans for a trip through Europe, you might also want to check out these Europe Travel Guides:
Weekend Getaways in Europe
Have you already visited one of these Christmas markets in Europe?
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