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. Today their influence has spread across Europe, even reaching south into warmer climes. For now though, the most magical are located in northern and central Europe, so that’s the region I’ve focused on here.
The best Christmas markets in Europe
The best Christmas markets in the UK
Christmas markets in the UK have really improved in recent years. Now the tacky, half-hearted markets that used to pop up in every town and city have been replaced by more authentic and distinctly European-influenced affairs. Fun, festive and full of goodwill – and glühwein!
Bath Christmas Market, Bath
Address: The streets around Bath Abbey, Bath, United Kingdom
Dates 2025: November 27 to December 14, Mon-Wed 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thu-Sat 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The World Heritage City of Bath isn’t short on atmosphere at any time of the year. During the Christmas season, it becomes even more beguiling. Over the end of November and early December, its Christmas Market unfurls through the picturesque Georgian streets at its heart.
Dukes Bath
Located 0.3 mi from the Christmas Market
8.7 (1114 reviews)
The market’s 170-plus twinkling chalets pass by medieval Bath Abbey and the famed Roman Baths and Thermae Spa. Perfect for a rejuvenating soak after a hard day of festivities.
En route, you’ll find locally made housewares, jewelry and gifts. More than half the products are handmade in the UK and most chalets are run by local businesses. The market also offers free chalets to local charities to help raise awareness and funds.
There are more food stalls than you ever could dream of eating at. Everything from German bratwurst to British sausage rolls, mince pies and mulled wine, cider and even mulled gin. International food stalls line the streets surrounding nearby Southgate if you want to try something different.
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market, Oxfordshire
Address: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL, United Kingdom
Dates 2025: November 14 to January 3 2026, daily 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
For a spectacular Christmas setting, look no further than the Blenheim Palace. Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough, it’s probably best known as the birthplace of Winston Churchill. At the end of the year however, it becomes an ode to all things Christmas.
The Kings Arms
Located 0.5 mi from the Christmas Market
8.4 (1528 reviews)
The market is spread across the Great Court. Rows of wooden chalets selling arts and crafts, ceramics and textiles and lots of food and drink. This year also sees the opening of a new covered ice rink. Inside, the palace is transformed into a swashbuckling interpretation of Peter Pan. Follow Tinkerbell through the state rooms as the story of Neverland unfolds from one to the next.
When the sun drops, join the Illuminated Trail. Twinkling installations and huge lit-up artworks shed new light on the gorgeous Palace grounds. Amid the tunnels of lights and giant LED spheres, see if the kids can spot Father Christmas. He’s definitely there somewhere.
Note: The light show and entrance to the building for the Nerland experience are ticketed events. The Christmas market however is free of charge.
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
Address: Marienplatz 26, 80331, Munich, Germany
Dates 2025: November 25 to December 24, Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., December 24 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Now a major tourist attraction it would be easy to ignore Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt for something quieter. There’s a reason why the original Munich market is popular though – because it’s absolutely magic. The fairytale Christmas made real.
Hôtel du Train
Located 0.4 mi from the Christmas Market
8.4 (2021 reviews)
Now 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”.
In terms of food, try local favorites 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
Address: Hauptmarkt Nürnberg, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany
Dates 2025: November 28 to December 24, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., December 24 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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.
Garden Hotel
Located 0.3 mi from the Christmas Market
8.2 (2278 reviews)
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.
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. As is the spekulatius almond cookies – sweet and delicious.
There are excellent English language 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
Address: Roncalliplatz, 50667 Cologne
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.
Koncept Hotel zum kostbaren Blut
Located 0.2 mi from the Christmas Market
8.1 (2278 reviews)
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).
Note this is just one of many amazing Christmas markets around the city. Try the magical Markt der Engel, the local favorite 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
Address: Rathausplatz 1010, 1st District, Vienna
Dates 2025: November 14 to December 26
The Wiener Christkindlsmarkt is among Europe’s largest and longest-running Christmas markets. 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 winter clothing, jewelry, toys and Christmas decorations that sparkle under the lights. 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.
Pension Lehrerhaus
Located 0.3 mi from the Christmas Market
8.4 (4571 reviews)
There’s plenty for kids too. 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
Address: Cauberg Hill, Valkenburg, Netherlands
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.
Hotel Courage Valkenburg
Located 0.5 mi from the Christmas Market
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
Address: Liseberg Gardens, Gothenburg, Sweden
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.
Hotell Onyxen
Located 0.3 mi from the Christmas Market
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.
And as Gothenburg is the world’s most sustainable city, it makes sense that its five million market lights are powered by Liseberg’s wind turbine. Tempted? Find more things to do this winter in Sweden.
Strasbourg Christmas Market, Strasbourg, France
Address: Cathedral Square & Place Broglie, Strasbourg, France
Dates 2025: November 26 to December 24, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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.
Hôtel Patricia – Strasbourg Hyper Centre
Located 0.4 mi from the Christmas Market
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
Address: Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic
Dates 2025: November 29 to January 6 2026, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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.
Hotel King George
Located 0.2 mi from the Christmas Market
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 breads, 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, send them off to the impressive nativity scene where sheep, goats and donkeys await.
Gdańsk Christmas Market, Gdańsk, Poland
Address: Targ Węglowy, Gdańsk, Poland
Dates 2025: November 21 to December 23, Sunday to Thursday noon to 8 p.m., Friday to Saturday noon to 9 p.m.
Christmas time in Poland is so 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. Reason enough to check out this charming market that dates back to the 17th century this year.
Even today, it keeps its fairytale setting, making Christmas dreams come true – for big and small Christmas fans. This includes a festive chamber where you sit on Santa’s throne, the perfect backdrop for your Christmas card this year.
Hampton by Hilton Gdansk Old Town
Located 0.2 mi from the Christmas Market
9.0 (5503 reviews)
Of course, you can do your Christmas shopping at the market, but 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.
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
Address: Quai du Mont-Blanc, Geneva, Switzerland
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 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.
Hotel Kipling Manotel
Located 0.3 mi from the Christmas Market
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
Address: Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb, Croatia
Dates 2025: November 30 to January 7, 2026
While most travelers 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 afterward.
Pod Zidom Rooms
Located 0.1 mi from the Christmas Market
9.6 (804 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!
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! Winter Wonderland in London, 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.
