10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe to Visit This Year

There is something incredibly special about Europe at Christmas. Historic squares fill with wooden chalets, the smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts drifts through the streets, and cities that are already beautiful somehow become even more magical under thousands of Christmas lights.

But with so many Christmas markets across Europe, which ones are actually worth travelling for?

Whether you're dreaming of a romantic Christmas getaway, a traditional German market, a fairytale weekend or an affordable European city break, these are 10 of the best Christmas markets in Europe to visit this year.

1. Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹

Best for: The Classic European Christmas Experience

Vienna feels as though it was designed for Christmas.

During the festive season, elegant streets, imperial buildings and grand squares are illuminated with Christmas decorations, while markets appear throughout the city.

The famous Vienna Christmas World at Rathausplatz is usually the star of the show, but one of the best things about visiting Vienna at Christmas is that you don't have to choose just one market.

You can wander between several completely different Christmas markets during the same trip.

Expect traditional decorations, Austrian treats, warming drinks and plenty of beautiful Christmas gifts.

Perfect for: couples, first-time Christmas market visitors and anyone wanting the quintessential European Christmas experience.

Don't miss

• Rathausplatz Christmas Market

• Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

• Belvedere Christmas Market

• Spittelberg Christmas Market

Steffie's tip: Don't spend your entire trip at Rathausplatz. Some of Vienna's smaller markets have a completely different atmosphere and are well worth exploring.

2. Colmar and Strasbourg, France 🇫🇷

Best for: A Fairytale Christmas

If you asked someone to design a Christmas village from a storybook, it would probably look something like Colmar and Strasbourg.

Colourful half-timbered houses, canals, cobbled streets and elaborate Christmas decorations transform the historic centres into some of Europe's most photogenic Christmas destinations.

Colmar's festive stalls and Christmas areas are spread throughout the old town, making exploring the city part of the experience itself. Strasbourg, meanwhile, is famous for its centuries-old Christmas market tradition and its spectacular decorations around the cathedral.

The two cities are easily connected by train, making it possible to spend a day exploring each and experience two of France's most famous Christmas destinations in one getaway.

Perfect for: couples, photographers and anyone chasing a picture-perfect Christmas atmosphere.

3. London, England 🇬🇧

Best for: Christmas Markets, Festive Lights and Royal Atmosphere

London is a fantastic choice for a Christmas city break, with festive markets, spectacular lights and seasonal events taking place across the capital.

From the stalls and decorations around Leicester Square and Covent Garden to the festive atmosphere along the South Bank, there are plenty of places to enjoy Christmas food, drinks and gifts.

Many times during the festive season, Buckingham Palace opens its doors to Christmas markets and seasonal events, offering visitors the chance to experience a uniquely royal Christmas atmosphere. Availability and dates can vary, so it is always worth checking the official schedule before planning your visit.

London also gives you the chance to combine Christmas markets with world-class museums, shopping, theatre shows and famous landmarks.

Perfect for: travellers who want Christmas markets combined with shopping, culture, festive lights and a major city-break experience.

4. Budapest, Hungary 🇭🇺

Best for: Christmas Magic Without the Western Europe Price Tag

Budapest combines beautiful Christmas markets with one of Europe's most impressive city-break destinations.

The markets around Vörösmarty Square and St Stephen's Basilica are among the most popular, surrounded by festive lights, Hungarian food and Christmas gifts.

But Budapest gives you much more than Christmas markets.

Between market visits you can explore the Danube, see the Hungarian Parliament illuminated at night, visit Buda Castle or warm up in one of the city's famous thermal baths.

Perfect for: couples, friends and travellers looking for a Christmas city break that can offer good value.

5. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿

Best for: A Romantic Christmas Weekend

Prague is beautiful throughout the year, but Christmas adds another layer of magic.

The main Christmas market sits in Old Town Square, surrounded by colourful historic buildings and the city's famous astronomical clock.

Another popular market can usually be found around Wenceslas Square.

Spend the day exploring Prague Castle and Charles Bridge before returning to Old Town after dark when the Christmas lights come on.

Perfect for: couples and first-time visitors to Central Europe.

6. Stockholm, Sweden 🇸🇪

Best for: A Nordic Christmas Experience

Stockholm offers a distinctly Scandinavian take on the traditional European Christmas market.

The historic district of Gamla Stan is home to one of the city's most atmospheric markets, with wooden stalls gathered around Stortorget, colourful historic buildings and the possibility of crisp winter weather or snow.

Expect Swedish festive treats, handmade crafts, warm drinks and traditional Christmas decorations. You can also combine a visit to the market with museums, waterfront walks and the city's elegant cafés.

Perfect for: travellers looking for a Nordic Christmas atmosphere, design lovers and anyone wanting to experience something different from the classic Central European markets.

7. Cologne, Germany 🇩🇪

Best for: Christmas Market Hopping

Why visit one Christmas market when you can visit several?

Cologne hosts multiple festive markets across the city, each with its own theme and atmosphere.

The spectacular Cologne Cathedral provides the backdrop to one of the city's most famous markets, but exploring the smaller markets is part of the fun.

Perfect for: travellers who want variety and a lively Christmas city break.

8. Tallinn, Estonia 🇪🇪

Best for: Medieval Christmas Atmosphere

Tallinn offers something quite different from the grand Christmas markets of Vienna or Germany.

Its beautifully preserved medieval Old Town creates an intimate Christmas atmosphere centred around Town Hall Square.

Historic buildings, narrow streets and the possibility of winter snow make Tallinn one of the most atmospheric Christmas destinations in Europe.

Perfect for: travellers looking for somewhere different, medieval-city lovers and photographers.

9. Bruges, Belgium 🇧🇪

Best for: A Charming Christmas Escape

Bruges already looks like something from a postcard.

Add Christmas lights, festive stalls and Belgian chocolate and you have a very tempting winter weekend away.

Its compact historic centre also makes Bruges particularly enjoyable for a short break because you can explore much of the city on foot.

And yes — Belgian waffles and chocolate absolutely count as essential Christmas market research.

Perfect for: couples, food lovers and relaxed weekend breaks.

10. Kraków, Poland 🇵🇱

Best for: An Affordable Christmas City Break

Kraków proves that a beautiful European Christmas trip doesn't necessarily require a huge budget.

Its main Christmas market traditionally takes place around the magnificent Rynek Główny, one of Europe's largest medieval squares.

Expect Polish food, warming drinks, Christmas decorations and traditional gifts surrounded by historic architecture.

Choose Kraków if: you want a beautiful Christmas city break while keeping an eye on the budget.

What to Pack for European Christmas Markets

European Christmas market trips involve one thing people often underestimate:

a lot of walking outside in the cold.

Comfort matters.

A few things I recommend packing include:

• Thermal base layers

• Comfortable waterproof walking shoes or boots

• Warm touchscreen gloves

• A compact umbrella

• A small crossbody bag

• Portable power bank

• Reusable water bottle

• Hand warmers

• Warm socks

• Lip balm and moisturiser

Wondering what’s actually worth packing? I’ve also put together some of my favourite winter travel essentials for staying warm, dry and comfortable while exploring Europe’s Christmas markets.

When Should You Book a European Christmas Market Trip?

Don't wait until December.

Christmas market weekends can be extremely popular, particularly in destinations such as Vienna, Strasbourg, Colmar, London and Prague.

Flights and well-located hotels can become considerably more expensive as the dates approach.

For many travellers, late November can be a fantastic time to visit. Christmas markets are beginning to open, decorations are up and you may avoid some of the busiest December weekends.

Always check the official Christmas market dates before booking, as opening dates vary between destinations and individual markets.

Which European Christmas Market Is Best for You?

If you want the classic Christmas experience, choose Vienna.

If your dream is to walk through somewhere that looks like a Christmas fairytale, choose Colmar and Strasbourg.

For Christmas markets combined with shopping, festive lights and royal atmosphere, choose London.

For value, look at Budapest or Kraków.

For a Nordic Christmas experience, choose Stockholm.

For a romantic weekend, Prague and Bruges are difficult to beat.

And if you've already visited Europe's most famous Christmas markets and want something different, consider Tallinn.

The truth is that there isn't one "best" Christmas market in Europe.

There is simply the best Christmas market for the kind of trip you want to have.

Planning a Christmas Market Trip?

Choosing the destination is the fun part.

Finding the right flights, hotel, transfers and itinerary can take considerably longer.

At Steffie Travels, I create personalised trips based on how you actually want to travel — whether that's a romantic weekend in Prague, Christmas market hopping in Vienna, exploring London's festive markets or combining Colmar and Strasbourg into one festive getaway.

Your Journey, Perfectly Planned.

Request your personalised Christmas Market travel quote

And before you travel, don't forget to download my FREE Ultimate Packing List so nothing gets left behind.

Thermal Base Layer Set

Warm, breathable, and incredibly comfortable, perfect for keeping your feet cosy through hours of winter city walks.

Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me to Pack for Christmas Markets

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Merino Wool Socks

Touchscreen Winter Gloves

Lightweight, warm, and easy to layer, perfect for staying cosy during long winter days exploring Christmas markets.

Warm, practical, and touchscreen-friendly, perfect for checking maps and taking photos without freezing your fingers.

Oversized Warm Scarf

Compact Windproof Umbrella

Waterproof Crossbody Bag

Cosy, versatile, and effortlessly stylish, perfect for adding extra warmth to your favourite winter travel outfits.

Small, lightweight, and easy to carry, perfect for those unexpected rainy days during a European winter getaway.

Practical, lightweight, and hands-free, perfect for keeping your travel essentials close while exploring busy Christmas markets.

Compact Power Bank

European Travel Adapter

Insulated Travel Mug

Compact, convenient, and travel-friendly, perfect for keeping your phone charged through full days of sightseeing and photos.

Compact, practical, and easy to pack, an essential for keeping all your devices charged while travelling around Europe.

Practical, reusable, and perfectly cosy, ideal for keeping your favourite hot drink warm during chilly winter adventures.

Waterproof Walking Boots

Waterproof Walking Shoes

Columbia Waterproof Walking Boots

Comfortable, waterproof, and winter-ready, perfect for long days exploring cobbled streets, Christmas markets, and snowy cities.

Comfortable, and waterproof, perfect for long sightseeing days when you want practicality without bulky winter boots.

Comfortable, supportive, and waterproof, perfect for long winter walks, cobbled streets, and full days exploring Christmas markets.

Travel Lip Balm

Digital Luggage Scale

Hydrating Skincare Travel Kit

Small, nourishing, and handbag-friendly, perfect for protecting dry lips from cold temperatures and chilly winter winds.

Compact, lightweight, and incredibly useful, perfect for checking your suitcase after buying one too many Christmas souvenirs.

Compact, hydrating, and travel-friendly, perfect for keeping your skin moisturised and happy during cold, dry winter getaways.

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