Best Christmas Markets in Europe

The festive season is well and truly underway, and you know what means. Europe once again transforms into a winter wonderland. Picture cobblestone streets lined with Alpine-style chalets, dazzling Christmas trees, and the cheerful sounds of choirs filling the frosty air. Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts or warming up with a glass of glühwein under the stars, European Christmas markets are the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit.

Christmas Market Dates for 2024

Most Christmas markets open between mid to late November and run through late December or early January. Specific dates vary, so check ahead to avoid disappointment.

Things to do at Christmas Markets

Things to Do at Christmas Markets

1. Shop Till You Drop
   Browse for handmade gifts, clothing, and jewelry—perfect for ticking off your holiday shopping list.
2. Indulge in Festive Food & Drink
   Savor local delicacies like bratwurst, pretzels, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. Pro tip: arrive hungry!
3. Enjoy the Entertainment
   Many markets feature attractions like ice-skating rinks, fairground rides, and live musical performances.

Top 10 European Christmas Markets 

Looking for some inspiration? Discover our top 10 European Christmas markets for 2024… 

Vienna Christmas Market 

Vienna is magical at Christmas, with grand buildings providing the backdrop to snow-topped market stalls.  

With a picture-perfect location next to the City Hall, Rathausplatz Christmas Market is one of the city’s most famous spots. A dedicated area for little ones makes it one of the best European Christmas markets for families, too. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is also a must-visit with its countless stalls and spectacular setting. 

Whilst you’re there, why not hop on a ferry from Vienna to Bratislava and experience their Christmas markets too? See below! 

Bratislava Christmas Market  

Bratislava is beautiful at any time of the year but especially at Christmas where charming squares buzz with people and twinkling lights brighten up the streets.  

Head to Main Square and Hviezdoslavovo Square and you’ll see what the fuss is all about. Festive huts take over the squares, serving up Slovakian street food and traditional crafts. There’s also an ice-skating rink and live music performances too.  

Prague Christmas Market  

Prague's Christmas markets are a feast for the senses, set against the city’s enchanting Gothic and Baroque architecture. The main market at Old Town Square is a highlight, with its iconic towering Christmas tree and charming wooden huts selling traditional Czech crafts, ornaments, and festive treats like trdelník (chimney cake) and mulled wine. Wenceslas Square also hosts a vibrant market, perfect for soaking in the holiday spirit. With live carol performances and the illuminated Prague Castle in the backdrop, the city transforms into a magical winter wonderland, making it an unforgettable Christmas destination.

Nuremberg Christmas Market 

Home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, Nuremberg puts on quite a show at Christmas.  

Dating back to the 17^th Century, the Bavarian city’s Christkindlesmarkt is rich in history - perfect for those looking for a more traditional Christmas market. Get lost in wooden booth-lined alleys, sampling everything from gingerbread to bratwurst. 

Located in the Old Town’s medieval square, Hauptmarkt, the market is beautiful too, with Frauenkirche’s gothic architecture looming in the background.  

And if you fancy visiting the Munich Christmas markets whilst you're in Germany, they’re only a short train or car ride away. 

Bruges Christmas Market  

Whether you fancy ice skating under the stars or sampling world-famous waffles, the Christmas markets in Bruges are guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.  

Located just a short stroll from one another, Grote Markt and Simon Stevinplein are the city’s main markets, with numerous chalets adorned with decorations.  

Bruges markets are also one of the best European Christmas markets to get to via ferry. You can jump aboard a ferry from Hull to Zeebrugge, which is less than a half an hour’s drive from Bruges. Alternatively, you can also catch a ferry from Dover to Dunkirk or from Dover to Calais. From there, it’s just a short drive to Bruges. 

Copenhagen Christmas Market 

A short flight to Copenhagen and you’ll be immersed in a Christmas wonderland.  

The Danish city has an abundance of markets but the ones at Tivoli Gardens tend to the spotlight. And with festive wooden huts offering Danish delights and an ice-skating rink creating a magical atmosphere, it’s no wonder.  

Fancy extending your trip? Why not take a ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo and discover another winter wonderland? 

Tallinn Christmas Market 

Tallinn is perfect for a festive weekend away. Blankets of snow turn the red-rooftop town white creating a real winter wonderland.  

Its Christmas markets are equally as beautiful with fairy lights and garlands decorating wooden huts, selling everything from gingerbread cookies to mulled wine. 

Whilst you’re there, why not take the short ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki and discover what neighbouring Finland has to offer too? 

Lille Christmas Market 

Thanks to its great transport connections, Lille is one of the best European Christmas markets to get to.  

You can hop on a ferry from either Dover to Calais or from Dover to Dunkirk. Once you've arrived, Lille is just a short drive or train ride away. Alternatively, you can catch a direct train from London St Pancras International.  

And when you’re there, a charming Christmas market awaits on Place Rihour. From a giant Ferris wheel to gingerbread-filled stalls and Santa’s chalet, it’s seriously magical.  

Frankfurt Christmas Market  

Frankfurt's Christmas market, one of Germany's oldest and most iconic, radiates festive charm in the heart of the city's historic Römerberg square. Wooden chalets adorned with twinkling lights offer traditional crafts, handmade ornaments, and delicious treats like roasted almonds and bratwurst. The towering Christmas tree and the sounds of carolers create a magical atmosphere, while the scent of glühwein (mulled wine) fills the air. With its blend of tradition and cheer, Frankfurt’s Christmas market is definitley worth visiting.

Cologne Christmas Market 

It probably comes as no surprise that Germany is home to some of the best European Christmas markets.  

Cologne pulls out all the stops at Christmas. With many festive markets scattered throughout the city, you’ll be spoiled for choice. However, Roncalliplatz is home to one of the best. Nestled next to the famous Cologne Cathedral, it’s got that fairytale setting spot on. Other must-visit markets include the magical Nicholas Village and the Winter Fairytale market with its beautiful ice rink.  

Getting to Cologne is super easy, too. You can get a train from London to Cologne via Brussels. Or, if you’re travelling by ferry, sail from Newcastle to Amsterdam which is just over 3 hours’ drive away.