From the bustling streets of Vienna to the charming villages of Alsace, the prettiest Christmas markets in Europe are a truly magical experience. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, sip on mulled wine, and find unique crafts and delicious treats. This guide will take you on a journey through the best Christmas markets in Europe, helping you plan the perfect holiday getaway.
So, start packing your winter coats, gloves, and scarves. It’s time to embrace the magic of the season and explore the enchanting world of European Christmas markets!
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How to Visit the Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2024
The best European cities for Christmas markets are fairly easy to get to in a number of ways. If you’re coming from outside of Europe or traveling from one country to another, it’s easiest to fly in. Use tools like Skyscanner and FareDrop to track the best flight options and prices, especially if you’re looking to save money on holiday travel.
Once there, you can get to many of the Christmas markets in Europe by train or by renting a car if you’re sticking to one or two countries and are comfortable driving. I also recommend looking for a private tour that organizes transportation for you. For a unique perspective, river cruises along the Danube or Rhine allow you to experience multiple Christmas markets in different cities without the hassle of changing accommodations.
While English is fairly widely spoken at major European Christmas markets, learning a few local phrases can enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture. Language learning platforms like Babbel and Rosetta Stone offer quick and easy ways to pick up simple greetings and essential phrases, helping you navigate the markets with confidence and connect with local vendors.
The 16 Best Christmas Markets in Europe
So, without further ado, here are all the best Christmas markets in Europe, from the classics like Germany and France to the unexpected like Croatia and Estonia!
Munich, Germany
Munich’s Christmas markets, or “Christkindlmärkte,” are steeped in tradition. The main market in Marienplatz, set against the backdrop of the Neo-Gothic New Town Hall, is a sight to behold. Visitors can indulge in Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Stollen (fruit bread), and warm Glühwein (mulled wine) while browsing handcrafted ornaments and toys. The market’s centerpiece is a towering Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights. A classic European Christmas scene!
Berlin, Germany
Berlin offers a multitude of Christmas markets, each with its own character. The Gendarmenmarkt, nestled between the French and German Cathedrals, is particularly stunning. Here, artisans showcase their crafts in white tents, and visitors can enjoy performances by jugglers, acrobats, and choirs. The Berliner Weihnachtszeit is a more diverse market with a ferris wheel and ice rink amongst the traditional market stalls and mulled wine tents.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt dates back to the 16th century and is one of Germany’s oldest and most famous. It’s renowned for its traditional crafts, including the iconic “Nuremberg Plum People” – figurines made from prunes. The city’s famous Lebkuchen, a soft gingerbread cookie, is a must-try delicacy. I think this is one of the best Christmas markets in Germany – you can’t miss it! The wooden booths lit up at night and surrounded by all the beautiful architect are just stunning.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg and Colmar (which I’ll talk about next) have the best Christmas markets in France – hands down! Strasbourg is called the “Capital of Christmas” with its stunning decorations and rich history of holiday celebrations dating back to 1570. The market surrounding the Cathedral of Notre-Dame is gorgeous, with half-timbered houses covered in twinkling lights and garlands. Place Kléber hosts a giant Christmas tree, while the nearby Place Broglie offers a wide array of Alsatian specialties, including Bredele cookies.
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Colmar, France
Colmar’s Christmas markets transform the already picturesque town into a living fairy tale. The Old Town’s colorful half-timbered houses provide a magical backdrop for six intimate markets, each with its own theme. Local Alsatian crafts and culinary delights are everywhere, with specialties like Flammekueche (a thin-crust pizza) and Vin Chaud (hot mulled wine) warming visitors as they explore the charming streets. It’s absolutely stunning here!
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, infuses its Christmas markets with a musical charm. The Salzburger Christkindlmarkt is one of the oldest and best Christmas markets in the world. It features daily choral performances and traditional wind music. Visitors can savor local treats like Bauernkrapfen (savory pastries) and Mozartkugeln (chocolate-covered marzipan balls) while admiring the snow-capped Alps in the distance.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s Christmas markets exude imperial grandeur. The Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, in front of the neo-Gothic City Hall, is the largest and most popular. It features over 150 stalls and an ice skating rink. For a more intimate experience, the Spittelberg market winds through narrow lanes lined with Biedermeier houses, offering a glimpse into old Vienna. Don’t miss trying Vanillekipferl, crescent-shaped vanilla cookies that melt in your mouth.
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Basel, Switzerland
Basel’s Christmas markets reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage. The markets at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, set against medieval architecture, offer a blend of Swiss and international holiday traditions. Basel is known for its commitment to art (hello, Art Basel!), and this is evident in the crafts and decorations for sale. Warm up with Raclette, a traditional Swiss cheese dish, or sample Basel Läckerli, a spiced honey cookie. Delicious!
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. The historic amusement park is adorned with thousands of lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy traditional Danish Christmas treats like Æbleskiver (pancake balls) and Gløgg (mulled wine) while browsing stalls selling Scandinavian crafts and designs. The lake at the center of the gardens freezes over, allowing for ice skating beneath the twinkling lights. It’s a sight to behold!
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels’ Winter Wonders event encompasses more than just markets. The Grand-Place becomes a canvas for a spectacular light and sound show, while a giant Christmas tree and life-sized nativity scene add to the festive atmosphere. The market itself stretches along Place Sainte-Catherine, offering Belgian specialties like waffles, chocolates, and warming jenever (gin). A Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and ice skating rink provide additional entertainment for visitors of all ages.
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Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Old Town Square hosts a stunning Christmas market with the historic Astronomical Clock and Tyn Church as its backdrop. The market is famous for its beautifully decorated tree, brought in from the Krkonoše Mountains. Be sure to sample traditional Czech treats like Trdelník (a sweet pastry) and Svařák (mulled wine) while browsing stalls selling Bohemian crystal, wooden toys, and embroidered lace.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s Christmas market in East Princes Street Gardens offers a unique blend of Scottish and continental traditions. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the market features local crafts, whisky tastings, and traditional Scottish fare alongside European holiday treats. The nearby Scott Monument is transformed into a giant advent calendar, with a new window lit each day leading up to Christmas.
Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb has been voted Europe’s best Christmas market several times, and for good reason. The Advent in Zagreb festival spreads across the city center, with the main market in Ban Jelačić Square. You can enjoy ice sculptures, live nativity scenes, and concerts while sampling local delicacies like strukli (a pastry with cottage cheese) and fritule (sweet fritters). The Grič Tunnel is transformed into a magical light installation, adding to the city’s festive charm.
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Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki’s Christmas markets offer a true Nordic holiday experience. The main market in Senate Square features traditional Finnish handicrafts, from hand-knitted woolens to birch wood decorations. Visitors can warm up with glögi (mulled wine) and korvapuusti (cinnamon rolls) while enjoying the snow-covered scenery. The nearby Aleksanterinkatu street is known as the “Christmas Street,” with elaborate window displays and lights.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Christmas markets are set against the stunning backdrop of St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Danube River. The market at Vörösmarty Square is the oldest and most famous, offering traditional Hungarian crafts and foods. You can sample kürtőskalács (chimney cake) and try pálinka (fruit brandy) while admiring the light show projected onto the basilica’s facade. An ice-skating rink around the statue of Hungarian poet Mihály Vörösmarty is a fun addition.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s Christmas market in the Town Hall Square transports visitors back in time. The medieval setting, complete with merchant houses and guild halls, creates a truly magical atmosphere. The market centers around Estonia’s first public Christmas tree, a tradition dating back to 1441. Enjoy traditional Estonian Christmas dishes like black pudding and sauerkraut while browsing stalls selling woolen sweaters, felted slippers, and wooden crafts.
Ready to Explore Europe’s Best Christmas Markets?
Each of the Christmas markets in Europe offers a unique taste of local traditions, flavors, and festive spirit. From the imperial grandeur of Vienna to the medieval charm of Tallinn, you’ll have an unforgettable holiday experience. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine in Nuremberg, ice skating in Copenhagen, or admiring handcrafted ornaments in Prague, you can feel the magic of the European Christmas markets.
With so many incredibly beautiful options, where are you going to spend the holidays? Let me know in the comments!
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