A busy street is full of crowds surrounded by half-timbered houses brightly lit with Christmas lights and decorated with various colourful Christmas ornaments.

Few places elicit festive feelings more than the best Christmas markets in Europe. From the scent of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts to the sound of Christmas carols, these markets are sure to bring out some festive cheer whatever your age.

Many of the oldest and most authentic Christmas markets are in Germany (where I’m lucky to live). Today the most magical markets are located in northern and central Europe, so that’s the region I’ve focused on here. Based on my personal experiences and plenty of research, here are my favourites.

A cobbled street lined with half-timbered houses decorated with various colourful Christmas ornamentals and Christmas lights lightly covered in snow.
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The best Christmas markets in Germany

Germany has long set the global standard for the quintessential Christmas market. Their combination of old city settings, warming and filling food and drink, and artisanal crafts is a model copied around the world. But Germany still does it better than anywhere else.

Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt, Munich

Facade of Munich's New Town Hall with neo-gothic architecture in front of the Christmas Market.
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Address: Marienplatz 26, 80331, Munich, Germany

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Dates 2025: November 25 to December 24, Monday – Saturday 10am – 9pm, Sundays 10am – 8pm, December 24 10am – 2pm

Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt is one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe. Hosted in Munich’s main square, Marienplatz, it’s been held since Medieval times and is bursting with atmosphere and authenticity.

The neo-Gothic town hall provides a stunning backdrop. Never more so than Sunday to Thursday evenings, when Bavarian bands take to its balcony to entertain the crowds below. There are plenty of activities among the market stalls. Kids can make their own presents in the town hall workshops. Adults, meanwhile, can indulge in glühwein and feuerzangenbowle or “fire tongs punch”.

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Hôtel du Train

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Located 0.4 mi from the Christmas Market

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8.4 (2021 reviews)

In terms of food, try local favourites including Lebkuchen (a type of spiced biscuit), magenbrot (gingerbread) or classic wurst (sausage) with mustard followed by a sweet plum cake. Stroll up to the foyer of the Michaelskirche church for around 5 pm to enjoy German advent carols.

Don’t miss: The Krampus Run – 300+ participants in sometimes scary mythological costumes parading through the market is hard to forget

Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg

An elaborately decorated brick cathedral in Gothic style with tall Christmas trees on either side of its entryway and Christmas shops on the main square.
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Address: Hauptmarkt Nürnberg, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany

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Dates 2025: November 28 to December 24, 10am – 9pm, December 24 10am to 2pm

Halfway between Frankfurt and Munich, Nuremberg hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. “The little city of wood and cloth” is home to nearly 200 wooden booths with red-and-white-striped cloth roofs. For most of December, they transform Nuremberg’s Hauptmarkt (main market) Square into a festive wonderland.

Among its handmade decorations and gifts, the Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt offers some unique quirks. Few are stranger than the popular Zwetschgenmännle. Figurines made of dried prunes, they’re dressed to look like everyone from a pastor to the devil. Pick up a chimney sweep for good luck over the coming year.

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Garden Hotel

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Located 0.3 mi from the Christmas Market

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8.2 (2278 reviews)

Food is at the heart of every German Christmas market, but is particularly special here. The famed bratwurst sausage can trace its origins back to Nuremberg in 1313, and it’s well worth a try. There are excellent self-guided tours available to help you find its hidden treasures. If you’re taking the whole family, don’t let your kids miss the Kinderweihnacht party on Hans-Sachs-Platz.

Don’t miss: The Lantern Procession up to Nuremberg Castle is pure Christmas theatre – great for kids and adults alike

Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom, Cologne

An imposing Gothic-styled cathedral with a brilliant Christmas market in the middle of its square.
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Address: Roncalliplatz, 50667 Cologne

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Dates 2025: November 17 to December 23

Call me biassed, but my ‘local’ Christmas market, Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom, is also one of the best. Held below the looming twin towers of Cologne’s 515-foot-tall, 600-year-old cathedral (Germany’s most visited tourist attraction) it oozes history and atmosphere. The market is soundtracked from the central stage by a roster of live music.

At its heart, a massive Christmas tree dominates the 150 stalls. From its trunk, a huge net of twinkling lights stretches from it in all directions, bathing all of Roncalliplatz in a Christmas glow. Stalls overflow with artisan gifts, hand-crafted from wood, glass and ceramics.

You’ll find little to no throwaway plastic here – Cologne’s market was the first in Germany to receive an ISO certificate for sustainability. That’s not to say things aren’t indulgent. The aroma of glühwein and melting cheese lingers in the air (the Swiss raclette stand is always a highlight).

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Ibis Köln Am Dom

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Located 0.1 mi from the Christmas Market

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8.0 (2577 reviews)

Local tip: This is just one of many amazing Christmas markets around Cologne. While you’re there visit the magical Markt der Engel, the local favourite at Stadtgarten and ice skating at Heumarkt.

The best Christmas markets in the rest of Europe

Beyond Germany, the best mainland European Christmas markets have a unique festive charm. Most are ancient and draw on weird and wonderful local traditions to create unique experiences. Each is an insight into a different interpretation of Christmas, all are worth visiting.

Wiener Christkindlesmarkt, Vienna, Austria

Ornate Christmas market stalls across an impressive Gothic structure with five towers.
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Address: Rathausplatz 1010, 1st District, Vienna

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Dates 2025: November 14 to December 26

The Wiener Christkindlsmarkt is one of the largest and longest-running Christmas markets in Europe. One of 20 advent markets in Vienna, its roots reach back to the first winter market from the 14th century. That history oozes from every stall, as well as from the gorgeous buildings that surround the Rathausplatz.

Its 150+ stalls are a showcase of local goods and produce. Shop for winter clothing, jewellery, toys and Christmas decorations. Try local delicacies like roast goose washed down with punch (with or without the rum). For a sweet kick, ground almond vanillekipferl biscuits always hit the spot.

In front of the impressive Christmas tree sits a lifesize nativity scene soundtracked by traditional Austrian music. The market’s most famous tree isn’t the traditional fir, however. Rather, a Sycamore tree decorated with 200 glowing hearts.

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Pension Lehrerhaus

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Located 0.3 mi from the Christmas Market

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8.4 (4571 reviews)

Local tip: The children’s ice rink is free and magical. The vintage Ferris wheel gives lovely views over the market and a huge advent calendar dishes out daily prizes.

Christmas Town Valkenburg, the Netherlands

A side-view shot of a senior couple standing together next to the Christmas markets, they have been shopping for Christmas gifts on a cold December​ night.
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Address: Cauberg Hill, Valkenburg, Netherlands

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Dates 2025: November 14 to January 4, 2026

Running for an epic 51 days, no one can claim the town of Valkenburg doesn’t take its Christmas market seriously. And when you have something as special as the marl caves to show off, why wouldn’t you?

Enter the Valkenburg Market at the foot of Cauberg Hill and you’ll find a typical Christmas scene. Twinkling stalls, vendors selling handmade ornaments and gifts. All very lovely, but it’s underground where the real magic happens.

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Hotel Courage Valkenburg

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Located 0.5 mi from the Christmas Market

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7.5 (929 reviews)

A labyrinth of tunnels in the Gemeentegrot and Fluweelengrot quarries play host to Europe’s largest underground Christmas market. (Though I do wonder how many rivals it has for that title!) Illuminated festive statues and fir trees light the way revealing drawings from the original miners on the tunnel walls.

Stalls line the pathways selling all manner of everything. The deeper you go, the wider and more amazing the caves get. The Gemeentegrot in particular has huge caverns. Fly into Maastricht and it’s just a 20 minute drive to Christmas Town.

Liseberg Christmas Market, Gothenburg, Sweden

LISEBERG CHRISTMAS MARKET
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Address: Liseberg Gardens, Gothenburg, Sweden

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Dates 2025: November 15 to December 30

If you’re heading north, perhaps on a family trip to Lapland, a stopoff in Gothenburg is a treat. Make it extra special for the kids with a visit to Liseberg Gardens. There the Liseberg theme park is recast as a children’s Christmas fantasy land called Tomtebyn.

There’s a lot to get involved in. The Elves’ Adventure invites children to navigate their way around Santa’s Village with a map and compass. Prizes await. In the Elves’ Cottage, they can write their Christmas wish lists while snacking on treats and listening to stories. Then, in Santa’s Workshop they can feed their lists into the magical wish machine.

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Hotell Onyxen

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Located 0.3 mi from the Christmas Market

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8.7 (2385 reviews)

All the while, adults can browse the myriad market stalls, take on the ice rink and refuel on traditional Swedish treats. You won’t even need to take your skates off at the Ice Bar and Lisebergs Wärdshus serves up regional, seasonal and organic local dishes. Not just a vacation for the kids after all.

Don’t miss: Kolbulle – a charcoal bun cooked over open fire with salted pork and lingonberry jam. So, so good

Strasbourg Christmas Market, Strasbourg, France

A woman using her camera to capture the scene at a market square with lights.
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Address: Cathedral Square & Place Broglie, Strasbourg, France

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Dates 2025: November 26 to December 24, from 2pm to 9pm

The streets, alleys and squares of Strasbourg glow with Christmas cheer in December. More than 300 chalets flood the city, with the main markets at Place Broglie and Place de la Cathédrale.

Connecting them are thousands of lights draped across trees, churches and a forest’s worth of fir trees. Start at the Corbeau Bridge and walk up to the Porte des Lumières to see the best of the lights. Follow the decorations to reach the Grand Christmas Tree where a troupe of musical angels lead you to the Cathedral Square.

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Hôtel Patricia – Strasbourg Hyper Centre

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Located 0.4 mi from the Christmas Market

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8.0 (3746 reviews)

The scale of the market helps thin the crowds and gives you plenty of room for browsing. As is the Christmas market norm, local artisan goods are the mainstay. In Strasbourg that means exquisite blown-glass baubles and candles and handmade decorations. Alsatian food is also at the forefront – don’t miss the bredle butter biscuits and manele brioche figures.

Don’t miss: The walk to the stars – stroll from Corbeau Bridge to Saint-Guillaume Bridge under a magic carpet of stars with incomparable views of Rohan Palace

Old Town Square Market, Prague, Czech Republic

Night-time scene of a town square's Christmas market surrounded by buildings and a Gothic church with towers of multiple turrets.
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Address: Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic

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Dates 2025: November 29 to January 6 2026, from 10am to 10pm

Prague has two Christmas markets spread over Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Just a ten minute walk separates them so it’s easy to cover both in one extremely festive night.

Start in the magnificent Old Town Market. On one side the gothic spires of the Church of Our Lady before Týn, on the other, the extraordinary 15th-century astronomical clock. It’s a pretty sight, lit by the constant twinkle of Christmas lights, the towering Christmas tree and usually, plenty of snow.

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Hotel King George

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Located 0.2 mi from the Christmas Market

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8.3 (2735 reviews)

Amid the market stalls and local wares (sword making is a thing), there’s plenty to enjoy. The cinnamon aroma you can smell wafts from vats of ‘svarak’, the local equivalent of mulled wine. Soak it up with a local bite – cheesy bread, fatty sausages or sweet ‘trdelnik’ pastries.

Head to the main stage to enjoy a roster of carol singers and performances. When the kids get restless, visit the impressive nativity scene where sheep, goats and donkeys await.

Don’t miss: Visiting the neighbouring market at Wenceslas Square

Gdańsk Christmas Market, Gdańsk, Poland

Fireworks bursting in a rainbow of colours over the buildings alongside a canal.
Detail of one of the stalls of Munich Christmas Market in december 2018.
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Address: Targ Węglowy, Gdańsk, Poland

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Dates 2025: November 21 to December 23, Sunday to Thursday noon to 8pm, Friday to Saturday noon to 9pm

Christmas time in Poland is very special; however, no city does it better than Gdańsk. The Gdańsk Christmas Market, or Gdański Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy, was voted best Christmas market in Europe by Europe’s Best Destinations in 2024. That’s reason enough to check out this charming market, which dates back to the 17th century, this year.

Even today, it keeps its fairy-tale setting, making Christmas dreams come true – for big and small Christmas fans alike. This includes a festive chamber where you can sit on Santa’s throne, the perfect backdrop for your Christmas card this year.

Of course, you can do your Christmas shopping at the market, but you can also learn how to make your own arts and crafts. The Christmas Factory holds regular workshops for handicrafts, and the Artistic Cafe offers the perfect place to recharge with a cuppa and a good book.

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Hampton by Hilton Gdansk Old Town

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Located 0.2 mi from the Christmas Market

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9.0 (5503 reviews)

There is also the fun Moose Corner, carousels including the interactive Santa’s Sleigh, the Angelic Corner for your next Instagram shot, and so much more.

Don’t miss: The Orzechowski family is a pair of nutcracker grandparents dressed in traditional Gdańsk Garrison clothing telling visitors all about the market’s history.

Geneva’s Christmas Market, Switzerland

The Jet d'Eau jutting into the sky as streaks of night lights reflect on the lake.
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Address: Quai du Mont-Blanc, Geneva, Switzerland

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Dates 2025: November 21 to December 24

The Noël au Quai sits, as its name implies, right at the Quai du Mont-Blanc. Perfect to combine sightseeing with Christmas because you are directly on the shore of Lake Geneva with a fantastic view of the Jet d’Eau.

Geneva’s Christmas market was also voted as one of the best European Christmas markets, and with good reason. It shines not only due to its location, but thanks to plenty of sparkling chalets that enchant the whole family.

The Noël au Quai is not only home to these chalets selling raclette, mulled wine, and chocolates (this is Switzerland after all) but also has a Christmas Pub should the temperatures drop. If the mulled wine isn’t enough to keep you warm, head to the Chalet à Fondue, where you can have typical Geneva fondue overlooking the lake.

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Hotel Kipling Manotel

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Located 0.3 mi from the Christmas Market

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8.7 (3050 reviews)

Little ones should head to the Kids’ Yurt for face painting, storytelling, arts and crafts or jump on the beautiful old-fashioned carousel. Lucky for you, adults are also welcome to take a ride.

Don’t miss: the Chalet à Fondue

Zagreb Christmas Market, Croatia

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Address: Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb, Croatia

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Dates 2025: November 30 to January 7, 2026

While most travellers flock to Croatia during the summer months for the country’s stunning beaches and charming cities, Zagreb should be on your list for a European Christmas markets trip this year.

The Christmas market in Zagreb is also known as Advent Zagreb, though it is actually a full 40-day celebration of all things Christmas. A great opportunity to see a few other markets first and enjoy Christmas in January in Croatia afterwards.

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Hotel Dubrovnik

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Located 0.1 mi from the Christmas Market

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8.6 (5136 reviews)

The Advent Zagreb takes place throughout the city, but the heart of the market is at Ban Jelačić Square. You can admire the huge Christmas tree before moving to the Grič Tunnel. This former bomb shelter is now home to festive light installations and Christmas decorations, fun and festive with some interesting history sprinkled throughout.

A highlight of the Advent is undoubtedly the Ice Rink at King Tomislav Square, now in its 10th season and a beloved icon by now. Can it compete with the rink at Rockefeller Center in NYC? Why not give them both a fair chance this Christmas and find out!

Tips for visiting Christmas markets in Europe

Two children in warm clothing looking at ornaments being sold at a Christmas market.
Couple in winter coats holding each other's backs as they look at a Christmas shop.

Despite many markets being open for over a month, they are often hectic. Visit midweek to get a (slightly) calmer experience – especially if you have kids.

Europe’s best Christmas markets involve lots of walking, browsing stalls and watching performances. Much like the UK, it can get icy after sundown, so prepare to be colder than you expect and pack accordingly.

There are two things I never go to a Christmas market without. Cash is essential, especially in Germany where many stalls don’t take card payments. Wet wipes too, for kids and adults – mulled wine is super sticky and you’re guaranteed to spill plenty over yourself!

Christmas Markets in Europe FAQs

Germany has the best Christmas markets in Europe and the world. Every town and city hosts at least one advent market, and Dresden is home to the oldest Christmas Market in the world. For an extra special experience try the Ravenna Gorge Market in Germany’s Black Forest.

The Christmas markets in Berlin and Munich are amazing. Elsewhere, Paris has many unusual markets and is particularly charming at Christmas. Budapest features two wonderful markets within walking distance of each other at Vörösmarty Square and outside Saint Stephen’s Basilica. Lastly, Prague is like a fairytale – the markets at Wenceslas and Old Town squares are particularly special. 

Biggest doesn’t always mean best! London’s Winter Wonderland, for example, is enormous but can’t compare to the regional markets found in the UK and Europe for atmosphere or authenticity. My favorite is the Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt. In terms of the biggest, Vienna’s Christmas World has around 1,000 booths each year.

About the author

Duncan MaddenDuncan is a freelance travel writer, copywriter and book author in constant search of travel stories and the perpetual sensation of being on holiday. He’s never happier than when on a dusty trail in search of empty waves or ducking under the piste tape in search of snowbound solitude. British born, living in Germany, but happiest heading for the horizon. His first book, Found in Translation, explores the etymologies and stories of country names around the world and is out now.

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