Are you looking for the best European Christmas Markets to make your holidays sparkle?
From the glittering lights of Paris to the festive stalls of Vienna, Christmas markets in Europe offer a delightful blend of tradition, cultural diversity, and gastronomic delights right at your fingertips.
Christmas markets in Europe transform charming towns into Christmas storybooks with twinkling lights, nostalgic carols, and the aroma of chestnuts roasting.
I love strolling through the cozy streets lined with vendors, sipping Glühwein, and nibbling gingerbread or churros.
Your Christmas in Europe is destined to sparkle with unforgettable memories from countless markets scattered throughout the continent. There are so many to choose!
Let’s sample some of the most magical Christmas Markets Europe has to offer.
Top 11 European Christmas Markets
Berlin, Germany
November 27-December 31
A visit to the Berlin Christmas Markets is an absolute gem that is steeped in old-world charm. Nothing quite captures the spirit of the holiday season like a traditional open-air Christmas market.
From hand-crafted baubles to genuine German treats, Berlin’s old-world Christmas markets genuinely offer a unique blend of the past with the present.
Each year there can be 70-80 different Christmas Markets in Berlin. Some of the most popular markets include the ones at Alexanderplatz, Gendarmenmarkt, Charlottenburg Palace, and the historic Spandau Christmas Market, but there are many more waiting to be discovered.
Iconic Gendarmenmarkt has its classical architecture and artisanal crafts, and the bustling Alexanderplatz market is known for its giant Ferris wheel and international food stalls.
Cologne, Germany
November 21-December 23
The Christmas Market in Cologne, Germany, is a quintessential European holiday destination that simply radiates warmth and festive cheer.
What makes this market truly unique is its picturesque setting, nestled against the backdrop of the city’s stunning Gothic cathedral, the Kölner Dom.
As winter unfurls its icy fingers, the city transforms into a wonderland glowing with the romantic allure of twinkling lights, tempting aromas, and vibrant colors.
The market’s delightful ambiance is enhanced by the sweet melodies of live choirs and musicians, creating an atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of Christmas.
Florence, Italy
November 18-December 17
The Christmas Market in Florence, Italy is a delightful twist on the classic European holiday tradition that has been a tradition for over 500 years. Nestled amidst the city’s golden age wonders at the Piazza Santa Croce, it’s like Santa himself decided to take a Renaissance vacation!
The market is a charming blend of Italian elegance and German yuletide merriment. In addition to bratwurst and sauerkraut, your taste buds are in for a culinary journey through Italy’s finest flavors – think creamy panettone and decadent tiramisu.
The Arezzo Christmas Market is particularly great for families because of the Lego Christmas House and the post office that allows children to post their letters to Santa at the Santa Grotto.
The Florence Christmas Market offers a dash of Italian flair with a warm cup of vin brulé, and the heartwarming holiday ambiance of la dolce vita.
Copenhagen, Denmark
November 27-December 31
The Christmas Market in Copenhagen, Denmark is sure to bring out the kid in everyone. It’s hosted in the heart of Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, and this market has been spreading holiday joy since 1843.
While there are several other Christmas markets throughout Copenhagen, the Tivoli Christmas market is the best and worth the admission fee.
What makes it truly unique is the enchanting fusion of Nordic hygge and playful carnival spirit. As you stroll through this winter wonderland, you’ll discover cozy wooden stalls offering Danish delights like æbleskiver (round pancake puffs) and hot glogg (spiced mulled wine) to keep you warm.
You can also experience the nostalgia of riding the vintage rides during the holiday season. Copenhagen’s Christmas Market in Tivoli is a holiday tradition full of twinkling lights and vintage charm.
Strasbourg, France
November 24-December 24
Established in 1570, the Strasbourg Christmas market is tucked snugly in the heart of the charming Old Town.
The Strasbourg Christmas Market proudly claims the title of “Capital of Christmas” with its stunning array of beautifully decorated timber-framed stalls, each one seemingly plucked from a fairy tale.
And instead of just one market, you get a merry medley of markets scattered throughout the city, like the whimsical Christkindelsmärik and the village-like Place Gutenberg.
There is the mouthwatering choucroute (sauerkraut), flammekueche (Alsatian pizza), and bredle (Christmas biscuits) to munch while pursuing the 300+ vendors and stalls. It’s easy to get caught up in the Christmas carols, sparkling lights, and magic of the season in Alsace.
Prague, Czechia
December 2-January 6
Old Town Square is where Prague turns into a winter wonderland each year. You’re really experiencing a slice of Czech Christmas tradition wrapped in the magic of Prague when you stroll through the decorated streets.
There are other markets throughout the city, including Prague Castle and Wenceslas Square. Here you’ll find hand-blown glass ornaments that look like they were designed by elves on a sugar rush and puppets dressed in traditional Czech costumes.
The local pastries called Trdelník, swirled with sugar and filled with everything from Nutella to apples, are a must-try! This warm, sweet treat is nicknamed the Chimney Cake, and it’s one of my parents’ favorites when they visit the European Christmas Markets.
Bratislava, Slovakia
November 21-December 21
In the heart of Slovakia’s capital, this European Christmas Market wonderfully embodies Slovakian hospitality with a warm, friendly atmosphere. “Vianočné trhy” is what the locals call it. With a unique Slovakian flair, a true hidden gem is what we call it.
The city becomes a vibrant, conversational hub during the Christmas season where locals and tourists bask under the glow of thousands of fairy lights, indulging in culinary delights from mulled wine to traditional borovička.
What sets this Eastern European Christmas Market apart from all the rest? For starters, there’s the traditional “lokša,” a mouthwatering potato pancake that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside – it’s basically the Santa Claus of comfort food.
You have to look carefully at the oversized Christmas tree adorned with quirky decorations that tell the story of Slovakian culture.
And the local “hruskovice” pear brandy is sure to warm your spirits.
Basel, Switzerland
November 23-December 23
Breathtaking views, twinkling lights, and Alpine beauty welcome you to the enchanting Christmas Market in Basel, Switzerland. Voters named the Basel Christmas Market the best Christmas Market in Europe 2021, and it’s just like a winter playground, complete with a carousel and a mini train ride.
From the moment you step on Basel’s cobblestoned streets humming with holiday cheer, the stunning sight of over 180 wooden chalets resplendent in fairy lights welcomes you.
Your tastebuds are in for a myriad of treats too. Gingerbread, Swiss raclette, waffles, and mulled wine all tempt shoppers who wander through the shops and stunning architecture of the town.
You will want to make sure to find the Basel Wish Book, located in the inner courtyard of City Hall. Here you can write down your list for Santa, a personal wish, or best wishes for the new year.
Vienna, Austria
November 11-December 26
The Vienna Christmas market has been making holiday cheer since 1294. Christkindlmarkt is the most popular Christmas market and sits in front of Rathaus city hall. There are ice skating rinks and Christmas concerts throughout the month of December to heighten the Christmas spirit.
The food scene is delicious with strudels that dance on your taste buds and sausages that waltz with your appetite. They serve a dish called “Kaiserschmarrn,” which translates to “Emperor’s Nonsense” and is essentially fluffy, caramelized pancake bits of pure joy.
The vendors that help make the magic of one of the most acclaimed European Christmas Markets offer handcrafted goods such as wooden nativity sets, sculpted candles, and gourmet goodies.
This is a Nana and Papaw (my parents) favorite and one of the best Christmas Markets on the continent.
Tallinn, Estonia
December 1-January 7
Tallinn, Estonia is cherished for its historic charm and vibrant Christmas market located in the mesmerizing UNESCO-listed Old Town. The charming medieval backdrop makes you feel like you’ve time-traveled to a Hans Christian Andersen tale.
“Black bread ice cream” is like a frosty salute to Estonian cuisine and some other must try delicacies include gingerbread, sour cabbage, and black pudding.
The best shopping gifts are the traditional Estonian woolens, like scarves, hats, and socks, and wooden goodies like handcarved Christmas decorations.
There are merry-go-rounds for the children and there is a Christmas train that travels around the square to delight families.
Edinburgh, Scotland
November 24-January 3
Although Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is relatively new on the Christmas market scene, it offers all the holiday cheer to its visitors.
With the dazzling views of the Edinburgh Castle perched high above, they’ve got a Scottish twist on classic holiday treats. Think haggis bonbons and deep-fried Mars bars.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is a blend of tradition and Scottish flair where you can find that perfect Scottish tartan scarf or handcrafted ornaments to jazz up your tree.
The Christmas markets run from November through December. After Christmas, the Scots keep the party going by celebrating Hogmanay. The festivities kick off with the Torchlight Process on December 29 and continue through December 30 and 31 with plenty of activities to fill the end of the year with celebration and ring in the new year.
Bonus: Family Favorite European Christmas Market
Nuremberg
December 1-December 24
Nana and Papaw have been to quite a few European Christmas Markets. When asked which was their favorite, Nuremberg was their pick!
The Nuremberg Christmas Market has been a timeless masterpiece that has been enchanting visitors since 1628.
You’ll find only handmade and artisanal goods here, from intricate wooden toys to delectable gingerbread cookies, known as Lebkuchen.
Nana and Papaw’s favorites are the nutcrackers, which are very high quality. In addition, another Christmas decoration that is loved by my kids is the incense burner. We have a gingerbread house that has smoke rising from the chimney and a wooden toy maker who puffs smoke from his pipe.
International Christmas Markets
If you live in the United States and are searching for European Christmas Markets near me, there are many festive markets in North America.
Here are 2 of the best:
Quebec, Canada
November 23-December 22
We visited Quebec on a girls’ trip in December. In the Old City at the Grand Marché de Québec, the German Christmas Market was in full swing. My mom, sister and I strolled through the brightly lit stalls and purchased tasty treats and goodies to take home to the kids and husbands.
We drank mulled wine and enjoyed toasty churros. The impressive Chateau Frontenac had green and red lights just for the festivities and there were performances each night for all to enjoy.
Inside the Chateau Frontenac, a Christmas tree display featured various trees decorated in unique themes. Visiting Quebec during the Christmas season is really the next best thing to being in Europe’s historic Christmas Markets.
New York, USA
November 16-December 24
If you are staying in the States but want to larger than larger-than-life experience, head to the Big Apple in New York. You have to experience the magic of New York City during the holiday season with a visit to its renowned Christmas market.
This festive marketplace offers a treasure trove of unique gifts crafted by local artisans, tempting your senses with its vibrant variety. It really is a melting pot of Christmas goodies from around the world. You can explore handcrafted ornaments from Europe, savor global cuisines from Asia, and sip on hot chocolate while enjoying live performances and entertainment.
It’s located at Columbus Circle, right next to Central Park, and it offers a stunning backdrop with the iconic Time Warner Center and city skyline. The market’s vibrant and diverse atmosphere truly reflects the multicultural tapestry of New York City itself.
European Christmas Markets Tours
What is the best way to see the most spectacular European Christmas Markets? That depends on your traveling style. We can help you plan your itinerary by securing accommodations and activities. Moreover and most importantly, we handle all the details, allowing you to focus on enjoying your adventure.
Here are 3 of the best ways to see the European Christmas Markets:
European Christmas Markets by River Cruises
River cruising offers a unique and hassle-free way to experience the magic of European Christmas markets. With luxury, floating accommodations, you can wake up in the heart of charming towns and cities, ready to explore the festive markets just steps away.
Christmas markets aren’t the only advantage to river cruising. River cruises navigate through Europe’s picturesque waterways, providing passengers with ever-changing, breathtaking landscapes right outside their cabin windows.
These cruises often focus on cultural immersion, with excursions to historic cities, charming villages, and iconic landmarks.
River cruises offer a hassle-free travel experience. There’s no need to worry about packing and unpacking as you move from one destination to another.
Plus, most river cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages that cover accommodations, meals, guided tours, and even gratuities. This simplifies budgeting and allows passengers to relax and enjoy their journey without constantly feeling nickel and dimed.
European Christmas Markets by Land Tours
Planning a European vacation can be stressful, but taking a group land tour eliminates the stress of planning and logistics as they handle transportation, accommodations, and the itinerary, allowing travelers to focus on enjoying the experience.
Knowledgeable tour guides provide historical context, cultural insights, and local tips that enhance the understanding and appreciation of each destination.
Group tours often include special experiences like visits to Christmas markets, local festivities, and traditional holiday meals.
Many tours offer exclusive access to popular attractions and events, ensuring that you get the most out of your trip during the bustling holiday season.
European Christmas Markets by Train
Seeing the European Christmas markets by train is not only a fantastic way to experience the festive magic but also an eco-friendly and charming mode of travel.
We can craft a custom tour that takes your clients on a magical journey through Europe’s winter wonderlands, like the Swiss Alps and the fairytail Bavarian countryside.
Europe’s extensive rail network makes it easy to hop from one Christmas market to another whether it’s the high-speed trains connecting major cities or scenic routes through the countryside.
FAQs: Best European Christmas Markets
Conclusion: Good European Christmas Markets
Visiting European Christmas Markets is an experience that transcends mere travel; it’s a journey into the heart of holiday magic. Each market tells a unique story, rooted in centuries of tradition, and offers a window into the rich tapestry of European culture.
So whether you’re planning a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family holiday, European Christmas Markets ensure you will embrace the holiday spirit.
Reach out and let me craft a tailor-made itinerary that suits your preferences and ensures a hassle-free, joyful experience. The magic of European Christmas Markets awaits!
