At this time of year, many charming European villages and towns transform into an actual fairy tale land. In this article, “The Finest Christmas Markets in Europe,” we have selected a few of the most enchanted Christmas markets on the old continent.
Overview of The Finest Christmas Markets in Europe
For over 20 years, the European Best Destinations (EBD) and other magazines have ranked the top Christmas markets in Europe based on millions of traveler votes. The “Best Christmas Markets in Europe All Stars Edition” features markets known for their authenticity, local products, environmental care, and support for regional artisans. These markets are loved for their historic squares filled with festive lights, beautifully decorated trees, concerts, Ferris wheels, mulled wine, and handcrafted goods. Many of these markets date back to medieval times.
European it’s Christmas is an excellent choice if you want to celebrate the festive season. These cheerful markets start opening in major cities as early as mid-November. By Christmas, medieval and Europe’suares in Europe shine with lights and often have a beautiful layer of snow. Many of the best-known markets have been around since the Middle Ages. They are filled with tradition, offering a nostalgic vibe with comforting food and handmade crafts. Check the opening hours before you go because they can change, and some markets may close on certain days.
Germany is often considered the top destination for Christmas markets. Still, many other beautiful European cities (in Italy, Austria, Spain, and France) have festive events. You can enjoy stunning light displays,’ drinks, charming craft stalls, live music, and performances. Don’t forget to bring a big appetite as you walk through stalls selling delicious foods like bratwurst, glühwein, grog, pierogi, and warm plum brandy. Explore our list of the finest Christmas markets in Europe for a memorable experience.
©Advent Feast at the Basilica
Budapest, Hungary
The Advent at the Basilica in Budapest is the top Christmas market in the region. It has won the title of Best Christmas Market in Europe four times through popular voting. This market attracts millions of visitors each year.
Now in its 15th year, the Advent Feast Basilica turns the square in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy a unique holiday experience with 100 local craft vendors, traditional Hungarian foods, an ice-skating rink, heartwarming musical performances, and surprises throughout the season.
Budapest starts Christmas in mid-November with two main markets: Vorosmarty Square and the Basilica. Vorosmarty Square is the city’s oldest Christmas market in the heart of Budapest. It features many food stalls, craft shops, and free concerts. The market also features Christmas laser projections and an ice rink surrounding a grand Christmas tree, giving it a slight edge.
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Zagreb, Croatia
Experience the festive spirit at Advent Zagreb, a magical 40-day celebration that brightens the city and is one of Europe’s top holiday destinations. Enjoy the city’s dazzling lights, live music, delicious food, and artistic displays.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Ice Rink at King Tomislav Square, surrounded by the beautifully lit Art Pavilion, making it a scene from a storybook.
Wander through Zagreb’s vibrant streets filled with festive displays and cheer. At Ban Jelačić Square, a large Christmas tree shines, while Ribnjak Park sparkles with “moon dust.” The National Theater offers excellent photo spots, and the Grič Tunnel features a charming snowy landscape. Enjoy workshops, puppet shows, storytelling at the city’s cultural centers and museums, and special activities at Zagreb Zoo for a memorable experience. So, visit it and find out why it was placed on our list of the finest Christmas markets in Europe.
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Prague, Czech Republic
The Prague Christmas Market is a well-loved holiday destination in Europe, often ranked among the best. Unlike newer markets like Madeira and Dubrovnik, it is a traditional choice for a festive experience.
The market is located in Old Town Square, surrounded by beautiful Gothic buildings. It is the largest market in the Czech Republic. Visitors can find traditional Czech crafts, such as hand-blown glass ornaments, wooden toys, and festive decorations. The wooden stalls give the market a cozy, charming feel reminiscent of a classic marketplace.
Prague offers luxury hotels at acceptable prices. During the holiday season, the city also hosts open-air concerts.
Try the local grog drink, made from rum, water, lemon, and sugar. The stunning sights, including the Church of Our Lady Before the famous astronomical clock, create a festive atmosphere.
Enjoy warm sausages, fresh pancakes, and the local mulled wine, Dvořák, which adds a lovely cinnamon scent. Families can also go to Old Town Square to see sheep, goats, and a donkey waiting for visitors.
© Edinburgh’s Christmas
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh at Christmas is truly magical! The city buzzes with festive events, including Santa’s Grotto, an ice rink, and the Star Flyer in the Christmas Tree Maze. Unique gifts, performances, and lights fill the streets.
Take advantage of the Hogmanay street party on December 31, which includes fireworks and a ceilidh in Princes Street Gardens. From November to early January, the Castle of Light illuminates Edinburgh Castle. The Torchlight Procession on December 29 kicks off the celebrations.
East Princes Street Gardens hosts a Christmas Market featuring 70 handmade gifts and delicious food stalls. George Street has an undercover ice rink with skyline views and warming zones for after-skating. This year, the new Polar Ice Bar offers special holiday drinks. Dress warmly and enjoy the festivities!
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Trier, Germany
In its 43rd year, the Trier Christmas market will again be one of the loveliest in Germany. Set on the primary medieval market and in front of the imposing backdrop of Trier Cathedral, the 95 attractively decorated booths offer a fitting framework for this beautiful event.
For the first time, the program for the entire family changes almost daily—from historical puppet theatre to star tenors and songsmiths. Travel organizers often describe the Trier Christmas Market as “romantic with wonderful ambiance.” Germany’s only Mulled Wine Queen, Sarah Schmitt, is looking forward to the international guests in Trier. Delicious specialties such as the “Original Moselle Vintner Mulled Wine” and festive arts and crafts attract visitors worldwide.
©bestplacesnthings.com
Strasbourg, France
France’s oldest Christmas market, Strasbourg, prides itself on transforming into the “capital of Christmas.” After scaling back in 2020, more than 300 stalls opened from November 26 to December 26, 2021.
Seek out the Market of the Invincible Small Producers of Alsace for sausages and almondy, fruity, brioche-like kugelhopf.
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
Suppose you’re interested in sustainable travel during Christmas and want to avoid mass consumerism daily at more visited destinations. In that case, the Ljubljana Christmas Market is easily the best choice in Europe. Slovenia is one of the most eco-friendly destinations all year round, and in December, the city focuses on supporting small, local businesses, zero-waste products, and organic Slovenian cuisine.
Note: If you want to learn more about the Christmas time in Slovenia, we suggest reading our related article.
©Christmas Markets in Europe
Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s Christmas Market is one of Europe’s most charming and elegant celebrations, often ranking among the top 10 in the region. From November to Christmas, the city’s beautiful squares turn into magical winter wonderlands, providing a memorable experience for visitors.
The Vienna Magic of Advent at City Hall Square is the highlight of the festivities. Here, guests can browse Christmas gifts, tree ornaments, seasonal treats, and warm drinks. Families enjoy the festive carousel and Christmas craft workshops for children. This market has everything for those who love ice skating and traditional toys.
As Christmas approaches, Vienna glimmers with twinkling lights. The snowy streets sparkle as warm illumination spills from majestic palaces, and icicles hang gracefully from stately Habsburg buildings. The scene is enhanced by cozy coffee houses, where the atmosphere remains festive without being overly sentimental. An array of Christmas markets lines the narrow streets, showcasing stalls brimming with traditional wooden toys and exquisite artisanal products like handmade soaps. Savor steaming mugs of mulled wine while the brisk air is infused with the enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and freshly baked pretzels, creating a genuinely captivating holiday experience.
Note: You can also check our article about the finest Christmas markets in Austria.
Vienna, Austria
Come, Yuletide and Vienna sparkle with fairy lights. Snowy streets glow as light spills from vast palaces; icicles dangle off magnificent Habsburg buildings. Add steaming drinks in made-to-linger coffee houses, and you’ve got a city full of festive atmosphere that doesn’t feel twee.
Many Christmas markets spread along the old town’s narrow streets, offering stalls overflowing with traditional wooden toys and artisanal handicrafts, such as handmade soaps. Invigorate with steaming cups of mulled wine while the bracing aroma of roasted chestnuts and freshly baked pretzels warm the open-air chill.
The Vienna Dream Christmas Market, located at Rathausplatz, is consistently voted among the most beautiful markets in Europe. It opened on November 12 but closed on November 22 as Austria went into a nationwide lockdown. The market will reopen when the lockdown ends on December 13 (if the COVID situation improves) and run until December 26.
©Twitter/Sebastian on tour
Madeira, Portugal
Excellent throughout the year, Madeira is magical for end-of-year celebrations. Imagine the island of rare beauty adorned with a thousand lights to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. Various products are on display, including exotic flowers, traditional souvenirs, and typical delicacies and drinks of the season, all adding to the merriment in a welcoming ambiance. Participate in the glee of this season’s festivities and enjoy daily activities and entertainment shows, such as Christmas Carols and performances by folklore groups.
The festivities start on December 1 and end on January 9. Do not miss their famous fireworks show: it is one of the most beautiful in Europe.
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Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn has one of the best European Christmas markets, offering a spectacular festive experience. It is in the heart of the beautiful medieval town, where rooftops and cobblestones are dusted with snow. In winter, Town Hall Square is bustling with activity—not just with wooden stalls selling handmade wreaths, local arts and crafts, sweets, honey, and sheepskin rugs, but also featuring brass bands, bell ringers, and numerous dance troupes.
Santa arrives in his winter grotto on an authentic reindeer sleigh, ready to welcome children to the festivities before they rush off to ride the merry-go-round. Estonia’s largest Christmas tree has been displayed in front of the Town Hall each year since 1441, making it one of the oldest Christmas trees in Europe.
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Colmar, France
It is located in the Place des Dominicains, Place Jeanne d’Arc, Place de l’Ancienne Douane, Koïfhus, Petite Venise, and Gourmet Market Place de la Cathédrale (all six markets are in and around Old Town).
With its timbered houses and canal-lined streets, Colmar is a fairytale that comes to life year-round. Each market offers its version of holiday cheer, from nativity scenes to children’s choirs, so be prepared for some earnest stall-hopping. But tack on some twinkle lights, an ice skating rink, and an early 1900s carousel, and you have yourself one of the most charming Christmas destinations in Europe.
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Málaga, Spain
Swap out ice skating for swimming in the Mediterranean with a visit to Málaga this Christmas. Ranked one of the sunniest Christmas markets, Málaga brings a Spanish flavor to all its festive traditions.
Enjoy some signature mantecados, marzipan, or the wine-flavored pastries borrachuelos while you watch the annual procession of the three wise men.
A wintery Mediterranean sunset will be the perfect backdrop for a glass of cava as you admire the town’s famously magical nativity scenes, which are its pride and joy.
©Tiberio Sorvillo
Trento, Italy
If you want to browse a Christmas market in the shadow of the Alps, Trento is the place for you. Located in Italy’s far northern Trentino-Alto Adige region, the town hosts 90 wooden huts selling traditional Italian crafts, food, and drinks yearly.
Experience what the Italians call Città del Natale, or Christmas town, as you wander the cobbled streets and enjoy some of the region’s signature sheep’s cheese. And although the area produces some truly zesty Pinot Grigio, Christmas is a time for other local varietals such as the flowery Müller Thurgau and the lychee-bomb that is Gewürztraminer.
Note: You can also read our article about the Finest Christmas places in Italy.
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Cologne, Germany
Cologne is known for its Christmas markets, with the largest in the city center beneath the Cathedral. The Markt der Engel creates magical moments with hundreds of twinkling lights overhead. Kids can enjoy Nikolausdorf (St Nicholas village), which shares the story of St Nick against the backdrop of the 13th-century Hahnen Gate. There are also markets focused on mythical gnomes and maritime history, featuring sea shanties and pirates. For a traditional experience, visitors can skate at the outdoor rink at Heinzels Winter Fairytale on Heumarkt, open from November 25 to January 5 (closed on December 24 and 25).
The Conclusion of The Finest Christmas Markets in Europe
Like every year, hundreds of thousands of you have voted for their most beautiful Christmas markets. After Zagreb (3 times awarded), Strasbourg, Tallinn, Budapest, and Basel vested in previous years, discover your selection of the 20 best Christmas markets in Europe.
Now it is your turn. Which is your favorite Christmas market? Do write your answers in the comments below.
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