9 Best Christmas Markets in Europe
It’s that time of the year – we are once again coming up to the most wonderful time of the year! Advent celebrations across Europe are coming back in full glory! Who wouldn’t want a glass of mulled wine accompanied by some delicious food while listening to carols at a market lit up by thousands of
Christmas lights? Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Well, as with every year, Christmas is well and truly coming and all cities try to host the best Christmas market in the region. Some are bigger and better than others, so if you’re looking for the best Christmas Markets in Europe this year, check out our list and prepare for your next getaway!
Table of Contents
1. Zagreb, Croatia
When: 26 Nov – 7 Jan
Zagreb‘s Christmas market was declared a #1 market in Europe three years in a row! Throughout the Christmas season, Zagreb offers numerous events that will meet the needs of even the most demanding ones amongst you. Unique events, plenty of food and a genuine Christmas atmosphere await you on the streets and in the main square of the Croatian capital.
The magic starts with the Ice park on Tomislav Square where you can skate to the rhythm of Christmas songs and afterwards you can continue your celebrations at the small wooden stands covered in christmas decorations at Zrinjevac by the pavillion and also at the Europski trg (square), where you can try local specialties and enjoy some fantastic mulled wine.
Zagreb’s busy program will win you over in a second, whether it’s because of the many concerts being organised or the Christmas trains or simply for the magical atmosphere throughout the city.
2. Nuremberg, Germany
When: 25 Nov- 24 Dec
Although Germany has several strong competitors, the Christkindlesmarkt in the charming medieval city of Nuremberg has been, without any doubt, a number one Christmas market in the country for over 400 years.
The main market held in the city’s biggest square (Hauptmarkt) abounds in lights, Christmas songs, art crafts and glasses filled with mulled wine, or as Germans call it – Glühwein (which goes great with a traditional German Wurst, by the way). More than 180 market stalls, all fantastically decorated, invite you to enjoy the local gold-foil angel known as Zwetschgenmännle, a figurine made of prunes, figs and walnuts.
The Christkindlesmarkt is a fairytale land with a main carousel flanked by reindeer and Santa’s sleigh, and there is also a mini carousel for children and a steam locomotive.
3. Budapest, Hungary
When: 18 Nov – 1 Jan
Another multi-award-winning “Advent Feast at the Basilica” is the open-air Christmas market, which hosts anyone that enjoys good food (both Hungarian and international specialties are available) such as the all-time favorite ‘flódni’ cake – the Hungarian chimney cake.
Also tasty burgers, fish specialties and much more. The market has many attractions, such as ice-skating for children in a big ice rink surrounding an even bigger Christmas tree (it’s free for children under 14). In addition it features some modern elements, such as the country’s best contemporary handmade items, a fantastic light show that gives St. Stephen’s Basilica a whole new look (especially if you wear 3D glasses).
The flash mobs are also very interesting. You may even bump into Santa Claus whilst shopping at the stalls. Do you need any more reasons to buy a ticket for Budapest?
4. Vienna, Austria
When: 19 Nov – 26 Dec
A visit to the festive Advent “villages” in Vienna makes Christmas especially magical. Why settle for one Christmas market when you can have more than 20 of them in one place? These festive villages fill up the loveliest squares and are right next to impressive architectural wonders, like Schönbrunn and Belvedere.
Just to highlight a few – the biggest (and for many, the best) of them is the Viennese Christmas Dream on the Rathausplatz square, with more than 150 traditional stands and stalls set in front of the City Hall. For those interested in handmade arts and crafts, there is the Art Advent on Karlsplatz.
Voted as one of the three best Christmas markets in Europe, the whole city of Vienna turns into a magical Christmas land, with trees, gifts, decorations and warm drinks creating a unique Viennese experience you definitely don’t want to miss out on!
5. Brussels, Belgium
When: 25 Nov – 1 Jan
Ever since 2002, the Christmas market in Brussels has been pulling off its Plaisirs d’Hiver/Winter Pret festival with class. It includes a sound-and-light show at the Grand Palace and at Saint Catherine Square, but that’s not all – there are more than 200 wooden chalets offering handmade crafts and souvenirs to the market visitors .
Keep in mind that you cannot go there without trying moules (mussels) and caricoles (peppery whelks or winkles), Belgian fries and fluffy waffles, seasonal croustillons (sugar doughnuts), and Belgium’s two most welcome additions to World Cuisine: fine chocolates and beer.
Near the fish market you will find a lit up 50-meter-high Ferris wheel and a bit further along , at the Place de la Monnaie you can enjoy skating on a 2500-square-meter-big ice rink while dancing along to the most popular Christmas songs, which is a perfect way to have fun for both younger and older generations right?
6. Prague, Czech Republic
When: 26 Nov – 6 Jan
Prague has been maintaining its long tradition of hosting one of the best Christmas markets in Europe – and it will not let us down this year either. The two best Christmas markets in Prague are on the Wenceslas Square and in the Old Town Square surrounding a giant tree, the nativity scene and a small zoo.
The lit up markets sell wooden toys, handmade jewelry, Bohemian crystal and classic Czech marionettes, but you can also find something yummy – from delicious honeyed gingerbread and vosí hnízda (nutty cookies with a lot of rum) to mead and svarene vino (a sweet mulled wine). The traditional Czech Christmas dinner consists of juicy sausages and carp fish, so don’t forget about these mouthwatering delicacies.
If you happen to be in Prague on November 30, expect a special event – a big burning Christmas tree will mark the official beginning of the most beautiful period!
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
When: 18 Nov – 31 Dec
The capital of Denmark celebrates its so-called “July” with Christmas markets and countless glittering Christmas trees in the city’s famous historical amusement park, Tivoli Gardens. Six kilometers of lights illuminate hundreds of stands draped with willows by the lake.
Do as the Danes do and ward off the cold with æbleskiver (iced donuts with blackcurrant jam) and drink glogg, hot mulled wine hot with raisins, almonds, cinnamon sticks and garlic – all topped off with aquavit brandy or schnapps. For the full experience, try visiting the canalside market in the historic Nyhavn district – if you want to catch the city’s herald, visit the market between 5pm and 6pm.
The most important thing, however, is to find the nisser, the tiny elves who go around Denmark at Christmas time wearing clogs, red shirts and pointy red hats. They can also bring you gifts if you leave bowls of porridge in the attic for them. Who wouldn’t want a few more gifts, especially from Copenhagen?
Stockholm, Sweden
When: 19 Nov – 31 Dec
Ever since 1903, Stockholm has been strengthening its Advent season with four different markets in the city, in the Old Town, Skansen, Kungstradgàrden and Djurgàrden. These markets offer a wide selection of handmade toys, ornaments and specialties of Swedish gastronomy, especially the delicious glogg (Swedish mulled wine), gingerbread cookies (pepparkakor), saffron buns (lussekatter).
Most of these markets close at 6pm, so make sure to continue your tour in Drottninggatan, a long pedestrian street in the city centre full of shops decorated for this magical occasion or to visit the church of Seglora where beautiful Christmas concerts are held each year.
While in Stockholm during the Advent, stop by at the Royal Mews (Kungliga Hovstallet), the stables where the royal horses, harnesses, and carriages create a traditional Christmas fair where you can buy high quality handicrafts and delicacies while exploring the buildings and checking out the horses too.
8. Tallinn, Estonia
When: 25 Nov – 8 Jan
Over the past few years, the Tallinn Christmas market has become increasingly popular in the foreign media as one of the best in Europe. This year the market abounds in heart-shaped ornaments chosen to decorate the market for many reasons (the market itself is heart-shaped when viewed from the air as well!) – the heart is a symbol of love, and Christmas is the most heartfelt holiday in general, don’t you agree?
For children, there are carousels and Santa Claus which gives candy to those who are good at reciting verses, but there is also mulled wine for children (don’t worry, there are different flavors for adults, too).
The market has a very rich cultural program – on the weekends there are more than 3 000 performers appearing on the stage, and during the Advent period a candle is lit every Sunday and church leaders greet the gathered crowd.
9. Colmar, France
When: 24 Nov – 29 Dec
You can visit France’s first and Europe’s second best Christmas market in a city that combines everything you need for a top destination – gastronomy, wines, tradition, culture, architecture and history.
Most of them are from Alsace and have been chosen for the quality and the uniqueness of their products, so make sure to buy at least one souvenir. In addition, you’re invited to participate in some guided tours, wine-tastings, shows put on by children, toy exhibitions and many other shows and concerts.
Which European country has the best Christmas markets?
Hands down, Germany is home to some of the oldest and most iconic Christmas markets in the world. The markets in Cologne, Nuremberg, and Dresden are particularly famous for their traditional atmosphere, delicious food, and beautiful decorations.
Dresden in particular stands as the site of Germany’s oldest Christmas market. It is often regarded as a standout destination for experiencing all that the merry season has to offer.
Where is the best Christmas market in Europe?
Determining the absolute “best” Christmas market in Europe is subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, several markets consistently receive high praise and recognition for their enchanting ambiance, traditional offerings, and overall visitor experience.
Here are a few of the top contenders:
1. Nuremberg, Germany
2. Strasbourg, France
3. Budapest, Hungary
4. Vienna, Austria
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Where is the most popular Christmas market?
Again, very hard to determine, but our guess for this year would be Cologne, Germany.
Cologne’s Weihnachtsmarkt, held annually in front of the Cologne Cathedral, is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Germany. It attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn to its vast array of stalls, traditional food and drinks, and vibrant atmosphere.
Are European Christmas markets worth it?
Yes, European Christmas markets are definitely worth it! They are a magical experience that can create lasting memories. Some of the reasons why you should visit a European Christmas markets are:
1. Christmas markets have been a part of European culture for centuries
2. They are full of festive cheer
3. They offer a variety of activities
4. They are simply beautiful
