I love Christmas and I especially love exploring Christmas markets in Europe. There’s nothing like wandering through a city when it’s dressed up for the season.
Streets sparkle, squares fill with market stalls, and the air smells of cinnamon, roasted nuts and mulled wine. It’s festive, busy and full of atmosphere.
Christmas Markets in Europe aren’t just about shopping. They’re a chance to soak up local traditions, try food you’d never make at home and see a city in a different light.
Some are big, bold and full of entertainment. Others are smaller and feel more like a local gathering. Either way, they’re always memorable.
Christmas markets in Europe are magical, but if you’re dreaming of a bigger festive adventure, check out my New York itinerary for Christmas – from ice skating to holiday lights, it’s all included.
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Top Markets at a Glance
If you’re short on time or just want the highlights, here are seven of the very best Christmas markets in Europe for 2025.
Each one offers something special, from food and lights to festive charm.
| Market | 2025 Dates | Highlights |
| Vienna | Nov 14 – Dec 26 | Stunning ice rink, festive lights |
| Prague | Nov 29 – Jan 6 | Old Town Square, romantic atmosphere |
| Strasbourg | Nov 26 – Dec 24 | France’s oldest market, medieval charm |
| Cologne | Nov 17 – Dec 23 | Historic charm, stunning cathedral backdrop |
| Brussels | Nov 28 – Jan 4 | Ferris wheel, light show |
| Birmingham | Nov 1 – Dec 24 | Largest authentic German market in the UK |
| Tallinn | Nov 21 – Dec 27 | Snowy fairytale setting, historic square |
Explore the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Choosing where to go can feel overwhelming — with so many festive markets across Europe, how do you pick?
That’s why I’ve rounded up 17 of the very best Christmas markets to visit in 2025.
Some are iconic, others a little off the beaten path. But each one offers something truly special.
So, wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate and let’s explore the very best Christmas markets across Europe.
1. Vienna, Austria
Vienna sparkles at Christmas. The main market takes over Rathausplatz. Stalls sell crafts, hot chocolate, and gingerbread hearts.
Smaller markets spread across the city. Belvedere Palace and Schönbrunn Palace offer magical backdrops.
The mix of grand architecture and festive stalls feels straight out of a film.
2. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg calls itself the ‘Capital of Christmas.’ The title fits. Its market dates back to 1570.
You find over 300 stalls across the city centre. Expect Alsatian food, wooden decorations, and warm spiced wine.
The Strasbourg Cathedral towers over the main square. It adds drama to the festive scene.
If you love Christmas markets in iconic cities, Paris also shines in December — my 48-hour Paris itinerary shows the best way to explore it.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Old Town Square transforms every December.
A huge Christmas tree lights up the Gothic skyline, one of the many reasons the city makes such an incredible destination any time of year.
Check out some more of my favourite things to do in Prague.
Food is the highlight.
Try trdelník pastries hot from the oven or sip honey wine while listening to carol singers. Wenceslas Square also hosts a smaller, but equally charming, market.
If you’re visiting Prague for more than a day, check out my full itinerary for hotels and day trips.
4. Gdansk, Poland – Voted Best Christmas Market in Europe 2024
Gdańsk, Poland does Christmas beautifully. The city is also one of my favourite winter destinations, which I share in my 3-day Gdańsk itinerary.
The Christmas market fills Targ Węglowy with fairy-tale decorations, local crafts and a giant advent calendar.
Kids love the carousels and elves’ workshops. Adults can warm up with mulled beer.
5. Cologne, Germany
Cologne hosts several markets. The biggest one sits under the Cathedral. It feels dramatic with gothic spires above twinkling stalls.
Each market has a theme. The Angel’s Market has white-lit stalls. The Harbour Market focuses on seafood and sits by the river.
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens is the star and is a popular Christmas market in Europe. It turns into a winter theme park. It has thousands of lights, Christmas rides and Danish festive food.
Other markets appear at Nyhavn Harbour and King’s Square. Danish design meets festive charm in every stall.
7. Budapest, Hungary – One of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Vörösmarty Square is Budapest’s main Christmas market. You find handmade crafts and Hungarian comfort food.
Try lángos topped with cheese and sour cream. After shopping, head to the nearby ice rink outside St. Stephen’s Basilica. It feels festive and lively.
8. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn looks like a fairy-tale city. Its medieval square covered in snow feels magical.
The Christmas market here has local charm. Handmade woollen goods, spiced drinks and traditional Estonian food fill the stalls.
A huge tree stands proudly in the centre.
9. Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb has been voted one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe. And for good reason.
Ban Jelačić Square and Zrinjevac Park host most of the festivities. Ice skating, music, and street food keep it lively. Try local štrukli pastry with a mulled drink.
10. Brussels, Belgium – Home to One of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Brussels’ Winter Wonders festival is huge. Expect over 200 stalls, a giant Ferris wheel, and a sound-and-light show at the Grand Place.
Food is excellent here. Belgian waffles, fries and mulled wine make it deliciously festive.
11. Basel, Switzerland
Basel’s Old Town streets glow with fairy lights. The main market sits on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.
Swiss crafts dominate. Wooden toys, candles and festive decorations make perfect gifts.
Don’t miss raclette or fondue to keep you warm.
12. Birmingham, UK
Yes, you don’t always need to fly for festive magic. The Birmingham Christmas market is the largest German market outside Germany and Austria.
The city comes alive with twinkling lights, wooden chalets and that warm festive buzz that fills Victoria Square and New Street every winter.
Expect bratwurst, pretzels and traditional German beer. It’s right in the city centre and easy to reach.
For more Christmas markets in the UK, check out my UK guide.
13. Dresden, Germany
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1434. The city is famous for its Stollen, a fruit-filled Christmas bread.
You can watch bakers make it right at the market. There’s also a huge Christmas pyramid decorated with wooden figures.
14. Kraków, Poland
Kraków’s market in Rynek Główny is full of colour and tradition. Wooden stalls sell hand-painted glass baubles and woollen slippers.
The highlight is the nativity scene contest. Locals display intricate cribs that mix folk art with Gothic design.
15. Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt’s Römerberg Square hosts one of Germany’s most iconic Christmas markets.
The medieval buildings around the square make a dramatic backdrop for twinkling lights and festive stalls.
You’ll find traditional German treats like bratwurst, gingerbread and roasted almonds.
There’s also a huge Christmas tree and a nativity scene that draws locals and tourists alike.
Families love the carousel and festive rides, making it a lively spot for everyone. Frankfurt is definitely one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe.
16. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s Christmas market spreads out under the castle. The Princes Street Gardens host rides, lights and plenty of stalls.
You’ll find Scottish shortbread, tartan gifts and local gin. Add the Hogmanay celebrations and you get a double festive hit.
17. Madrid, Spain
Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s festive heart.
The market sells nativity figures, sweets and decorations. It’s a little different to northern Europe, with Spanish treats like turrón and polvorones.
The warm evenings in Madrid mean you can stay out late browsing stalls.
Which Christmas Markets in Europe Are Right for You?
Not all Christmas markets are created equal — some are perfect for families, others for romance and some are hidden gems that few travellers know about.
To help you choose the markets that suit your style, I’ve broken down my top picks by category.
| Best For | Market 1 | Market 2 | Market 3 |
| Families | Brussels | Birmingham | Dresden |
| Most Romantic | Vienna | Prague | Strasbourg |
| Best Food | Budapest | Krakow | Frankfurt |
| Hidden Gems | Tallinn | Zagreb | Basel |
| Most Traditional | Cologne | Copenhagen | Strasbourg |
| Budget-Friendly | Krakow | Budapest | Edinburgh |
Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Europe
Book accommodation early. Popular cities like Vienna and Strasbourg fill up quickly in December. Stay central if you can so you can walk everywhere.
Bring a reusable bag. You’ll probably end up with ornaments, snacks or gifts. A tote or foldaway bag is handy.
Check opening dates. Some markets start mid-November, others only in December. Plan so you don’t miss out.
Try local specialities. Don’t stick to just mulled wine. Each market has its own festive drink or snack worth tasting.
Use public transport. Parking is tricky in city centres. Trains, trams or buses get you right to the action.
| Want more insider tips for making the most of your Christmas market visits? Read my full Christmas market guide for advice on timing, food and festive must-sees. |
Planning Your Trip to a Christmas Market in Europe
The best part of these markets is the atmosphere. You don’t need to rush. Take your time, try the food and enjoy the lights.
Flights across Europe are affordable in winter, and trains connect many cities easily.
Or, if you’d rather stay in the UK, I’ve put together a handy guide to the UK’s 10 best Christmas markets for 2025 to inspire your festive getaway.
I’ve shared 17 of my favourites here but there are plenty more. You can explore more European destinations here.
Christmas Markets in Europe are the highlight of winter travel. Vienna, Strasbourg and Prague bring history to life. Cologne and Munich give you German festive traditions. Gdansk and Tallinn feel like fairy tales.
Each market has its own charm. Some focus on food. Some on crafts. All of them make winter magical.
If you are planning a December escape, these 17 Christmas markets in Europe should top your list.
