Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Known For : Vienna City Hall Austrian Parliament Building Museums Quartier

Vienna's Christmas markets are an enchanting display of festive cheer. The City Hall Square hosts one of the grandest Christmas markets, with beautifully decorated stalls offering handcrafted goods, ornaments, and delicious Austrian delicacies like roasted chestnuts and pretzels. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, sip hot mulled wine, and marvel at the festive lights as they stroll through this winter haven.

Best Time: May to October

49 Vienna Attractions

Known For : Prague Castle Charles Bridge Old Town Square Prague

Christmas market in Prague's Old Town Square is a fairy tale come to life. Traditional wooden stalls are filled with Czech crafts, from glass ornaments to hand-carved wooden toys. Visitors can indulge in Czech treats like trdelník (a sweet pastry) and warm mulled wine, while taking in the stunning backdrop of Prague’s medieval architecture.

Best Time: April to October

48 Prague Attractions

Known For : Main Market Square Krakow St. Florian’s Gate Krakow Barbican

Kraków’s Christmas market, set in the Main Market Square, is a magical spot to experience traditional Polish Christmas spirit. Visitors can shop for hand-carved wooden decorations, Polish pottery, and other local handicrafts. Don’t miss the pierogi (Polish dumplings) and hot mulled wine to warm you up during your visit.

Best Time: May to September

28 Krakow Attractions

Known For : Markt Bruges Belfry of Bruges Burg Square

Christmas market in Bruges is a cozy, picturesque escape with its medieval charm. Stalls line the cobbled streets, offering Belgian chocolates, crafts, and festive treats like hot waffles and mulled wine. The serene canals and medieval buildings create a perfect atmosphere, making it an ideal place to embrace the festive spirit.

Best Time: June to August

38 Bruges Attractions

Christmas market in Tallin is like stepping into a fairy tale, with its medieval town square decorated for the season. Visitors can browse through stalls selling handmade gifts, woolen products, and local delicacies, while enjoying the crisp winter air. The cozy ambiance, combined with a backdrop of snow and cobblestone streets, makes this market unforgettable.

Best Time: June - August

Known For : Castle Hill Budapest Fisherman's Bastion St. Stephen's Basilica

Budapest's Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square is an enchanting blend of Hungarian traditions and festive cheer. The market offers a mix of handmade crafts, local foods like chimney cakes, and unique gifts. The beautifully lit square and the majestic backdrop of the surrounding architecture create a mesmerizing setting for a winter stroll.

Best Time: March to October

46 Budapest Attractions

Known For : Cologne Cathedral Lindt Chocolate Museum Cologne Cologne Zoological Garden

Set against the backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral, the Christmas market here is one of the largest and most popular in Germany. Over 150 stalls offer handcrafted goods, seasonal treats, and festive beverages. The market is family-friendly, with an ice skating rink and a carousel to keep little ones entertained.

Best Time: May - September

22 Attractions

Known For : Old Town Salzburg Getreidegasse Hohensalzburg Fortress

Salzburg’s Christmas market, set near Hohensalzburg Fortress, offers a charming experience. With over 100 stalls selling Christmas ornaments, crafts, and Austrian treats like stollen and mulled wine, it’s a festive destination where visitors can embrace the holiday spirit in a picturesque setting.

Best Time: Throughout the year

36 Salzburg Attractions

Known For : Tivoli Gardens Amalienborg Palace Little Mermaid statue

Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with its lights, decorations, and charming wooden stalls. The market offers Danish holiday treats, like æbleskiver (fried dough balls) and gløgg (mulled wine). Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, festive performances, and shop for unique Scandinavian gifts.

Best Time: May to September

34 Copenhagen Attractions

Gdansk’s Christmas market, located in the heart of this historic port city, offers a magical atmosphere with its vibrant stalls, festive lights, and traditional Polish foods. Local crafts, including hand-painted ornaments and amber jewelry, make this market a unique destination for Christmas shopping.

Best Time: May - September

Known For : Tinguely Fountain Marktplatz Basel Cathedral

Basel’s Christmas market, held in the historic old town, is one of Switzerland’s oldest and most charming. The market is filled with handmade gifts, Swiss treats, and festive lights. Visitors can shop for unique crafts, enjoy a hot chocolate, and explore the charming streets adorned with Christmas decorations.

Best Time: June to September

27 Basel Attractions

Known For : Notre Dame de Strasbourg La Petite France Parc de l'Orangerie

Strasbourg, known as the "Capital of Christmas," boasts a market that dates back to 1570. Its Christkindelsmärik or Christmas Market is located in the heart of the city, offering a magical atmosphere with over 300 stalls selling crafts, food, and gifts. The stunning cathedral is illuminated, creating a picturesque backdrop for a perfect Christmas evening in France.

Best Time: May - September

18 Attractions

Known For : Grand Place Atomium Cinquantenaire Park

Brussels’ Winter Wonders market is a festive celebration that combines Belgian holiday traditions with a variety of international offerings. The market is famous for its stunning light displays and ice skating rink, with food stalls selling Belgian waffles, chocolates, and beer. A visit to the Grand Place, lit up for the holidays, is a must.

Best Time: March to May

35 Brussels Attractions

Known For : Eiffel Tower The Louvre Notre Dame

Paris Christmas markets, spread across iconic locations such as the Champs-Élysées, La Défense, and the Tuileries Garden, offer a delightful mix of French and international holiday traditions. Visitors can explore stalls selling handcrafted gifts, unique Christmas ornaments, and French delicacies like roasted chestnuts, French pastries, and hot chocolate. The sparkling lights of Paris provide a magical backdrop, with the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre adding to the holiday atmosphere.

Best Time: April - early October

62 Paris Attractions

Known For : Old Town Zurich Lindenhof Bahnhofstrasse

Zurich is known for its festive and charming Christmas markets. The largest and most popular market is held at the Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main train station), where visitors can explore over 150 stalls offering everything from handmade crafts to seasonal delicacies. The Old Town (Altstadt) is another favorite spot, with smaller markets featuring artisanal gifts and mulled wine. 

Best Time: May to September

39 Zurich Attractions