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These holiday gems transform city squares into winter wonderlands where traditions come alive; locals greet each other with warm hugs as tourists and visitors take selfies under the stunning backdrops of historic landmarks, sometimes with snow falling.
I think this is the true Christmas spirit and it is simply magical.
Hereās a look at 16 of the best Xmas markets in Europe, including their dates, what makes them unique, and why these cities are perfect Christmas destinations.
Location: Rathausplatz (Vienna City Hall Square)
Why is Vienna Xmas Market special?
Viennaās Christkindlmarkt in front of the stunning City Hall combines historic charm with Christmas cheer.
Visitors can enjoy ice skating and traditional Austrian foods and browse for artisanal gifts. The legendary Heart Tree is the main attraction, illuminated spectacularly every half hour after dusk.
The ice skating area makes this one of the best Xmas markets in Europe for families.
The Christmas Market is a short walk from museums and the Hofburg complex so you can enjoy some sightseeing in Vienna before exploring the market in the evening.
Why Vienna is a great destination:Ā The elegant imperial architecture, fantastic museums, Christmas concerts, and cosy coffee houses make Vienna one of theĀ best Christmas European destinations.Ā
See how many of these 20 most popular foods from Austria you can try!
You can read my comprehensive, detailed itinerary for spending two days in Vienna, or two days in Salzburg if you’re heading there too!
Visit Vienna’s official Christmas Market website
Location: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square
Why is Prague Xmas Market special?
Prague is already a magical place to visit any time of the year, but trust me, visiting Prague for its Xmas markets makes it a fairytale-like experience.
It has multiple Xmas markets during the festive season, but the main one in Old Town Square is the most magical.
With its towering Christmas tree (it’s huge!) and a festive atmosphere set against the Gothic architecture, thus Pragueās market is a dream come true for visitors and locals.
You’ll hear the sound of Xmas carols and smell the Prague ham from the street vendors mixed with the smell of roasted chestnuts.
Savour Czech treats like “trdelnĆk” and mulled wine and hope for snow to fall on the medieval square.
Why Prague is a great destination: The snowy spires and historic bridges create a magical setting, perfect for one of the best Xmas markets with snow in Europe.
The markets also start early at the end of November and last until the 6th of January, so they are perfect to visit even after Christmas.
Prague has also been continuously voted as one of the most popular destinations in Europe.
For a detailed itinerary on what to do in Prague, enjoy my personalised itinerary here and don’t miss my list of the best places to eat in Prague.
Prague’s offical website for Xmas Markets
Location: Cologne Cathedral
Why is Cologne Xmas Market special?
The market beneath Cologneās towering Gothic cathedral is one of the largest and most famous in Germany.
Enjoy delicious German sausages, gluhwein (mulled wine), and hot potato pancakes. There are many stalls selling handcrafted ornaments and family-friendly activities like ice skating.
Why Cologne is a great destination: The majestic cathedral, romantic old town, and Rhine River views make Cologne a festive destination.
You could climb the Cathedral spire, maybe to work off all the delicious food there is to eat here.
Cologne Offical’s Christmas Market website
Location: Place de la CathƩdrale and many more
Why is Strasbourg Xmas Market special?
Known as the capital of Christmas, Strasbourgās Christmas market dates back to 1570. This means it is one of the oldest and best Christmas markets in Europe.
It offers traditional Alsatian foods, crafts, and a stunning light display under the Strasbourg Cathedral. And there isn’t just one Christmas market, the city has 15 different locations so you can explore multiple markets during your visit here.
I suggest heading to the Place de la Cathedrale, as it is part of a cluster of four main Christmas markets of Strasbourg.
And to see Strasbourgās great Christmas tree (le Grand Sapin) you must visit the Xmas market on Square Place KlĆ©ber.
Why Strasbourg is a great destination: Strasbourgās blend of French and German culture, medieval half-timbered houses, and snow-covered streets make it one of Europeās most festive cities.
It has 15 individual Xmas markets so if one is too crowded, you can visit the smaller ones.
The official Strasbourg Christmas market website
Location: Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square)
Why is Nuremberg Xmas Market special?
Nurembergās Christkindlesmarkt (the German name for Xmas Market) is known for its traditional Bavarian charm, where only authentic handcrafted goods are sold.
Nuremberg gingerbread and mulled wine make this market a must-visit; they consider themselves the masters of both. Not to forget the special and famous Nuremberg sausage.
Why Nuremberg is a great destination: The medieval architecture and festive atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for a traditional Bavarian Christmas experience. You can walk up to the castle of Nuremberg.
Visit Nurembergās official tourism site for the Christmas Market.
Location: Vƶrƶsmarty Square and in front of St Stephen’s Basilica
Why is Budapest Xmas Market special?
Budapestās Christmas Market is one of the most vibrant in Central Europe. The food here is a highlight, with Hungarian goulash and mulled wine to warm you up.
Don’t miss out on trying langos, a fried flat doughnut snack topped with cheese and sour cream.
Budapest has multiple locations for its Xmas markets in 2024. I suggest visiting the one at Vƶrƶsmarty Square near the fashion street with over 100 stalls and the one in front of the impressive St Stephen Basilica.
Why Budapest is a great destination: With its dramatic skyline, hot thermal baths, and the enchanting backdrop of Buda Castle, Budapest is a beautiful winter escape.
For a detailed plan and itinerary on how to spend the perfect 2 days in Budapest, read my blog here.
Visit Budapestās official tourism site
Location: SechselƤutenplatz and Zurich Main Station
Why is Zurich Xmas Market special?
Zurich offers the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe, located at the main train station, while SechselƤutenplatz near the Opera House is a charming outdoor option with beautiful views.
You’ll find more than 130 stalls at the Zurich Xmas markets and the chances of a snowy Christmas market are high here.
Read more: 16 Best Things to Do in Switzerland
Why Zurich is a great destination: With the snow-covered Alps in the background and a vibrant atmosphere along Lake Zurich, Zurich is a magical Christmas destination.
Why not visit the Lindt Chocolate Museum? Reserve your entrance ticket here. And see how many of these quintessential Swiss foods you can try while you’re here!
Visit Zurichās Official tourism site
Location: Town Hall Square
Why is Tallinn Xmas Market special?
Tallinnās old town offers a medieval backdrop to its Christmas market, which is famed for its festive tree, claimed to be one of Europeās first, starting in the 15th century!
You can try blueberry mulled wine, traditional blood sausages, Estonian gingerbreads and beer-braised sauerkraut.
Read more: 16 Best Things to See and Do in Tallinn
Why Tallinn is a great destination: Snow-dusted streets and the fairytale-like charm of Tallinnās old town make this one of Europeās most atmospheric Christmas markets. Get ready for cold wintery days.
Visit Tallinnās official tourism site
Location: Grand Place
Why is Brussels Xmas Market special?
Brusselsā Winter Wonders (the name of Brussels Christmas Market) transforms the city into a sparkling Christmas paradise with over 200 wooden chalets, ice skating, and a light show at the Grand Place.
Why Brussels is a great destination: The Grand Place, chocolate shops, and Belgian beer make Brussels an exciting destination for Christmas shopping and celebrations.
I recommend joining this Chocolate Museum Tour with tasting, too.
Visit Brusselsā official tourism site
Location: Tivoli Gardens
Why is Copenhagen Xmas Market special?
Tivoli Gardens transforms into a winter fairy tale, offering rides, Christmas lights, and Danish holiday treats like āƦbleskiverā (pancakes).
Yes, you need to pay to get into Tivoli Gardens, but you are getting the experience of this amusement park and one of the most beautiful Xmas markets.
If you come to Copenhagen for Xmas markets, there are also a few others to visit, most notably the main free Christmas market at HĆøjbro Plads.
This Christmas market is near the Christiansborg Castle, and you can find traditional Danish Christmas treats or buy gifts from several stalls selling local gifts.
The Christiansborg Castle is worth a visit! Reserve your entrance ticket here.
Why Copenhagen is a great destination: Known for its cosy āhyggeā culture, Copenhagenās Christmas markets are warm and inviting, even during the cold winter months.
Visit Copenhagenās official tourism site
Read more: 10 top reasons why you should visit Denmark
Location: Hviezdoslav Square and Main Square
Why is Bratislava Xmas Market special?
Bratislavaās Christmas market combines Central European traditions with Slovakian delights.
Expect to find handmade gifts, traditional Slovak foods like potato pancakes and mead, and a vibrant festive atmosphere.
Bratislava is a small city, so the market becomes the heart of the town during Christmas.
Read more: Slovakia is one of the 10 cheapest countries to visit in Europe.
Why Bratislava is a great destination: Overlooking the snowy rooftops of Bratislava, the marketās proximity to the Danube River and the castle creates a charming winter landscape perfect for Christmas.
It is easily accessible from Vienna and Vienna airport. It is a great destination to add to your itinerary if you are already visiting Vienna or Budapest Christmas markets.
To find the best places to eat in Bratislava, check out my blog here or read about the best things to do in Bratislava here.
If you have some time to explore more of Slovakia, read about these 10 best places to visit in Slovakia.
Visit Bratislavaās official tourism site
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Location: Marienplatz
Why is Munich Xmas Market special?
Munichās Christmas market, held in the historic Marienplatz, offers a traditional Bavarian experience with an emphasis on local crafts and hearty foods like sausages and gingerbread.
So grab one of the mugs filled with mulled wine, pay your deposit and return the mug to get it back or keep it as a souvenir.
Why Munich is a great destination: Snow-covered streets, Bavarian charm, and the stunning backdrop of the Alps make Munich one of the best European destinations for Christmas.
During the day, you may visit some of the main attractions in Munich.
Visit Munichās official tourism site
Location: Main Market Square
Why is the Krakow Xmas Market special?
Krakowās Christmas market is set in Europeās largest medieval square Rynek Glowny, creating an unforgettable setting with beautifully decorated stalls, handmade Polish pottery, and delicious street food.
It covers only about a quarter of the square, as naturally, the square is massive.
Pierogi and Polish dumplings are the perfect way to keep warm on these cold winter December evenings, and they are just so delicious, but you should aim to try as many of these traditional foods from Poland as possible.
I have been visiting Krakow for the past ten years, and the city has transformed into a truly wonderful destination. To maximise your time here, check out my perfect Krakow two-day itinerary.
This is a great city to spend the Christmas holiday; the market here makes it one of the most enjoyable European destinations to spend your Xmas period.
Read more: The Best 9 Cities to Visit in Poland
Why Krakow is a great destination: With snow often covering the cityās historic streets, Krakowās gothic architecture, including the famous St. Maryās Basilica, provides a magical Christmas backdrop.
There are galleries and museums to visit, but don’t miss the visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines. This guided day trip to the Salt Mines from Krakow is highly recommended.
Visit Krakowās official tourism site
Location: Stortorget, Gamla Stan
Why is Stockholm Xmas Market special? Stockholmās Gamla Stan market, held in the cityās picturesque old town, is a cosy affair with Swedish handicrafts and foods like pepparkakor (gingerbread) and glƶgg (mulled wine).
You can buy a pair of hand-knitted mittens and enjoy the smaller festive market.
Why Stockholm is a great destination: The cityās colourful old town and sparkling waterways create an enchanting atmosphere, perfect for Christmas shopping.
If you need a caffeine hit during the day to take a break from sightseeing, check out these ten best coffee spots in Stockholm.
Visit Stockholmās official tourism site
Donāt miss our EUROPE CITY GUIDES
Location: Dome Square
Why is Riga Xmas Market special?
Rigaās Christmas market is known for its cosy surroundings, offering visitors Latvian crafts, mulled wine, and locally made honey.
The market is smaller, but its charm lies in its simplicity.
Why Riga is a great destination: The capitalās Art Nouveau architecture and snow-covered streets make it a romantic and picturesque Christmas destination.
Visit Rigaās official tourism site
Location: East Princes Street Gardens
Why is Edinburgh Xmas Market special?
Edinburghās Christmas market offers a mix of Scottish and European crafts, foods, and festive rides.
The market is part of the larger Edinburgh Winter Festival, which includes ice skating and shows, and of course, for those who stay longer, on the 31st of December, the city turns into one giant party known as Hogmanay.
Why Edinburgh is a great destination: With its dramatic castle backdrop, Edinburghās cobbled streets and historic buildings covered in twinkling lights make it a magical Christmas destination.
Read more about the top 10 things to do in Edinburgh while you’re here!
Visit Edinburghās official tourism site
Each of these European cities transforms into a magical wonderland during Christmas, offering something unique for visitorsāfrom historic settings to enchanting snow-covered streets.
Whether youāre searching for artisanal gifts, traditional European foods, or simply looking to soak in the festive spirit, these best European Christmas markets promise an unforgettable holiday experience.
Whether you’re seeking the best Xmas markets with snow or looking for the best Christmas European destinations, Europeās Christmas markets wonāt disappoint!
Have you visited any Christmas markets in Europe? Does it appear on this list? If not, please share your favourite European Xmas market and why it’s so unique!
We have many travel guides and tips for Europeā an incredible continent!
Are you travelling on a budget? These ten cheapest European countries will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible while there.
Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.
Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Europe, and our food map of Europe will inspire your culinary journey.
For food lovers, donāt miss our top 10 best countries for foodies, a couple of them are located in Europe.
Here are 8 things to know about travelling to Eastern Europe and itās good to know these 7 misconceptions about Eastern Europe too.
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