In this article, The Finest Christmas markets in Europe, we have selected a few of the most enchanted Christmas markets in the old continent.
An Introduction of The Finest Christmas Markets in Europe
There’s nothing in the world quite like the holiday season in Europe. There are wooden chalets in 13th-century towns, snow-capped cathedrals, seasonal cookies and cakes in display windows, and, of course, all the hot mulled wine you can drink. Please put everything together, and the continent practically twinkles with fairy-tale festiveness. Sure, many of us stay stateside this holiday season, but it’s never too early to start planning for next year, right?
In no particular order are 20 of the best Christmas markets in Europe (plus where to stay when you make the trip).
©Advent Feast at the Basilica
Budapest, Hungary
The Advent Feast at the Basilica is the best Christmas market in Europe for the second time!
With this slogan, the Advent Feast at the Basilica, Budapest’s most beautiful Christmas fair, opens its doors in love and safety. More than 100 artisan and gastronomic vendors offer their entrance, besides the famous proper food and many delicacies available here.
The highly successful light show enriches the spectacularly decorated atmosphere of the fair itself projected each day of the fair on the facade of the Basilica in recent years.
True to Christmas traditions, a new candle will be lit on their shared advent wreath each Sunday. As Christmas is the holiday of love and caring for each other, organizers have invited several charity organizations to their schedule, living up to their motto and Christian values by helping the less fortunate and in need.
Note: if you’d like to learn more about this charming city, we suggest checking out our guide.
©Cge2010
Prague, Czech Republic
Postcard-pretty Prague is perfect for the festive season. The setting is glorious: on one side are the 14th-century twin spires of Our Lady Before Týn; on the other is the city’s famous 15th-century astronomical clock. Between them swirls a glittering pool of seasonal cheer. There are presents aplenty on offer, including frosted, hand-blown glass baubles. But it’s the food that will keep you hanging around: warm, fatty sausages just off the grill; fresh pancakes; garlic and cheese flatbread, all topped off by a glug of svarák, the local, citrusy take on mulled wine. Like a local, swap your mug of mulled wine for a glass of grog – rum, water, lemon, and sugar. Its cinnamon scent is spread over the whole square.
If you’ve got little ones, shepherd them over to the Old Town Square, where you’ll find sheep, goats, and a donkey waiting patiently for attention from earnest tourists.
© Edinburgh’s Christmas
Edinburgh, Scotland
World-renowned Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations will spread festive joy across the Scottish capital between 20 November 2021 and 4 January 2022. From mulled Irn Bru to vegan pigs in blankets, from Harry Potter-themed gifts to local handmade products, the stunning Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens will offer treats for all! Santa Land will return to East Princes Street Gardens with rides for people of all ages to enjoy, while Santa’s Grotto once again will take residence on Castle Street.
©trierer-weihnachtsmarkt.de
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 tenor 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. Many delicious specialties such as the “Original Moselle Vintner Mulled Wine” and festive arts and crafts attract visitors worldwide.
©D. Rostuhar
Advent in Zagreb, Croatia
Why we love it: Voted the best Christmas market in Europe in 2016, 2017, and 2018, Advent in Zagreb is pure holiday magic mixed with a healthy dose of spectacle. Instead of being confined to one city block, Zagreb’s festival spreads across the entire city: find traditional stalls in Trg Bana Jelačića (the main city square), ice skating in Tomislavac, concerts in European Square, and a live nativity scene in front of Zagreb Cathedral.
©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.
©trafalgar.com
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.
©Christmas Markets in Europe
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 total 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 the end-of-the-year celebrations. Imagine the island of rare beauty adorned with a thousand lights to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. A great combination of products is 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.
©snowflakediana
Tallinn, Estonia
Already awarded the title of the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe 3 years ago, Tallinn has become a must-see destination at Christmas. Its Christmas Market delights everyone with its coziness, historical location, centuries-old buildings, and long traditions.
More than half a million people from close by and far away look for magic at the Tallinn Christmas Market every year. Children will love the carousels and Santa Claus, who distributes candy in his little house to those who recite verses.
So, book your flights, accommodation tours, and activities at the best prices in Tallinn, such as an Estonian Craft Beer tasting tour.
©joujoutravels.com
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.
©theolivepress.es
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.
Found in Italy’s far northern Trentino-Alto Adige region, the town hosts 90 wooden huts selling traditional Italian crafts, food, and drinks every year.
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.
©Mapics
Cologne, Germany
Cologne’s Christmas markets are among the most stunning in Germany. Its Christmas tree is also among Europe’s most beautiful.
Furthermore, several Christmas markets have plenty to offer, from selected gifts and individually crafted artisan handicrafts to culinary specialties.
Cologne’s Christmas markets attract millions of visitors from all over the world every year. You’re sure to be enchanted! You, too, can savor the unique atmosphere of this metropolis on the Rhine at this time of year.
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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