Europe’s Christmas markets are renowned for their magical atmosphere, festive decor, and unique traditions. Here’s a list of some of the top Christmas markets in Europe:

Nuremberg Christmas Market: Christkindlesmarkt – Germany

One of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, established in 1969, features 180 wooden booths that are traditionally decorated with red-and-white-striped cloth roofs. This is why it is sometimes referred to as “The Little Town of Wood and Cloth.”

• Dates: Late November to Christmas Eve
• Highlights: Famous for its Christkind (Christmas Angel) opening ceremony, this market features beautiful wooden stalls, local gingerbread (Lebkuchen), and handcrafted decorations. The Nuremberg bratwurst and gluhwein (mulled wine) are must-tries.

Vienna Christmas Markets – Austria

The Christmas markets in Vienna are indeed a long-standing tradition. Their origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, specifically in 1296, when Albrecht I bestowed upon the citizens of Vienna the right to host a December Market, known as the “Krippenmarkt.”

• Dates: November 11 to December 26
• Highlights: Vienna hosts multiple Christmas markets, with the one at Rathausplatz being the largest. The markets offer festive decorations, traditional Austrian foods like sausages and pastries, and ice skating. Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace markets are also popular for their stunning backdrops.

Strasbourg Christmas Market: Christkindelsmärik – France

Strasbourg, known as the “Capital of Christmas,” boasts one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, which dates back to 1570. The market’s allure is further heightened by the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral that serves as its backdrop.

• Dates: November 27 to December 27
• Highlights: Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg’s market is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Europe. It boasts a massive Christmas tree, Alsatian treats like bredele cookies, and over 300 stalls offering handmade ornaments and gifts.

Cologne Christmas Markets – Germany

Cologne’s first Christmas market only appeared in 1820. Despite its late start, it has quickly become one of the most popular and beloved Christmas markets in Germany.

• Dates: Late November to December 23
• Highlights: Cologne’s main market is set against the breathtaking backdrop of Cologne Cathedral. The city has several themed markets, including a medieval-style market, with treats like Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and steins of warm mulled wine.

Budapest Christmas Market and Advent Fair – Hungary

The history of Budapest’s Christmas markets dates back to the late 19th century. Before that, Christmas markets were smaller and more localized, often centered around specific neighborhoods and churches. They primarily focused on selling traditional handicrafts, toys, and local delicacies.

• Dates: Mid-November to January 1
• Highlights: Held at Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest’s Christmas markets offers local hand made crafts, from jewellery through pottery to bigger and smaller tiny gifts. The market is best with a mulled wine mug in the hand and Hungarian foods like chimney cake (kürtőskalács). However, come with a full tummy. Recent sharp inflation increased hot snacks / dishes beyond reasonable prices (€40 for a sausage??) so if you can, eat elsewhere, not at the Budapest Christmas Market (sausages, stew, goulash etc. are best at (street) vendors like Leves (Soup!), Bistros, Langos and casual restaurants (try District 6 and 7 for some lovely yummy bites). Enjoy the market sights and lights with projections on St Stephen’s Basilica, which is particularly magical in the evenings after the sun sets at 4pm.

Prague Old Town Square Christmas Market – Czech Republic

The history of the Prague Old Town Square Christmas Market traces back to the medieval era. With its stunning architecture and central location, soon became a natural focal point for these events.

• Dates: Late November to January 6
• Highlights: Located in Prague’s beautiful Old Town Square, this market is famous for its Nativity scenes, a towering Christmas tree, and traditional Czech pastries like trdelník. The setting amidst Gothic architecture creates an enchanting atmosphere.

Brussels Christmas Market: Winter Wonders – Belgium

The Brussels Christmas Market is spread across several iconic locations, including the Grand-Place, the heart of the market, Place Sainte-Catherine, known for its artisanal products, Bourse, and Place de la Monnaie, hosting various winter activities.

• Dates: Late November to January 5
• Highlights: Brussels’ market spreads across the Grand Place and nearby streets. It features a massive Christmas tree, light shows, ice skating, and a Ferris wheel. Belgian chocolates, waffles, and hot mulled wine are visitor favorites.

Copenhagen Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market – Denmark

Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, has been hosting Christmas celebrations since 1994. Initially, the Christmas market was a small event, but it quickly grew in popularity and now covers the entire park.

• Dates: Mid-November to December 31
• Highlights: Tivoli Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights, an ice-skating rink, and stalls selling Nordic treats like gløgg (Danish mulled wine) and æbleskiver (fried dough balls). The Scandinavian decor is enchanting and unique.

Basel Christmas Market – Switzerland

The historic setting of Basel’s old town, with its medieval architecture and festive lights, creates a magical atmosphere for the Basel Christmas Market.

• Dates: Late November to December 23
• Highlights: Switzerland’s largest Christmas market, set in the historic Old Town, features Swiss specialties like raclette, fondue, and Läckerli (gingerbread). The city is beautifully decorated, and many stalls offer unique Swiss gifts and crafts.

Edinburgh Christmas Market – Scotland

As the temperature drops and the festive season approaches, Edinburgh’s historic streets come alive with twinkling lights, cozy markets, and a host of winter festivities.

• Dates: November 18 to January 5
• Highlights: Located in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh’s market offers Scottish treats like haggis and shortbread, plus classic Christmas market snacks. With an ice rink, Ferris wheel, and views of Edinburgh Castle, it’s especially scenic.

Tips for Visiting European Christmas Markets

• Visit Early or Late in the Day: For smaller crowds, you can visit Xmas markets in the morning or later in the evening.
• Bring Cash: Many smaller stalls at Christmas fairs are cash-only, and some markets have limited ATM access.
• Dress Warmly: Winters in Europe can be chilly, around zero degrees Celsius. It feels especially cold if you’re visiting Northern or Eastern Europe from a country where the winter / cold seasons are relatively mild.

Each of the Christmas Markets offers a unique experience, blending festive traditions, regional specialties, wonderful architectures and nightscapes as well as holiday cheer and communal spirit in beautiful historical settings. Enjoy your holiday explorations. If you can, please help local charities, fund raising events in their Christmas goals as giving is the biggest present at Christmas.