Last Updated on October 11, 2026 by Lindsey
The best Christmas markets in Europe have twinkly lights, mulled wine, and a lot of carbs on a stick. I’ve visited many of them with my kids, and this guide shares my honest picks. You’ll find 2026 dates, tips for going with kids, and where to stay. Look for the ⭐ Adventurous Tastes Pick label to see my favorites. I’ll also tell you which famous market I’d skip.
This post includes affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you shop through them at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our content!
Quick answer: Most of Europe’s big Christmas markets open between November 20 and 28, 2026, and close on December 23 or 24. Vienna’s Schรถnbrunn Palace opens first, on November 6; Vienna’s other markets, Cologne, and Copenhagen’s Tivoli open from mid-November. Planning a trip after Christmas? Prague, Vienna’s Schรถnbrunn Palace, Salzburg, Brussels, and Copenhagen’s Tivoli stay open into January. For the widest choice, go on a weekday between November 30 and December 11. Dates checked October 2026. Always confirm on each market’s official site before you book.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe Map
Best Christmas Markets in France
Strasbourg, France: The Capital of Christmas and One of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Strasbourg is often called the โCapital of Christmasโ for a good reason. Its Christkindelsmรคrik dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest and best Christmas markets in Europe.
- Dates: November 27 โ December 24, 2026
- Location: Place de la Cathรฉdrale, Place Broglie, and other squares in the city center.
- Highlights: Strasbourgโs market is famous for its giant Christmas tree in Place Klรฉber, stunningly decorated half-timbered houses. Dine on local Alsatian specialties like bredele (traditional Christmas cookies), tarts flambรฉes (Alsatian pizza), maennele (brioche shaped like a little man with chocolate chip eyes), dampfnudle (balls of dough served with jam). Don’t forget the vin chaud (mulled wine).
- Official Website: Strasbourg Christmas Market
- Where to Stay Strasbourg: Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery
Colmar, France: Fairy-Tale Charm in One of the Best Xmas Markets in Europe
Just a short trip from Strasbourg, Colmar offers a postcard-perfect Christmas setting with its six different themed markets. This market is one of the best European cities for Christmas for those seeking cozy streets and artisan crafts.
- Dates: November 23 โ December 29, 2026 (Gourmet Market to January 3, 2027)
- Location: Various locations across the old town, including Place de la Cathรฉdrale and Place des Dominicains
- Highlights: Colmar features six different Christmas markets, each with a unique theme. Stalls offer local Alsatian treats like pain d’รฉpices (spiced bread), flammekueche (thin-crust pizza), and regional wines from nearby vineyards. The market is also perfect for finding handmade ornaments and crafts from local artisans.
- Must-See: The magical Little Venice area with holiday lights reflecting on the canal is a photographerโs dream. You can also take guided tours of Colmarโs historic sites while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
- Official Website: Colmar Christmas Market
- Where to Stay Colmar: L’esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar – MGallery
- Tour: Colmar Christmas Market Tour
Best Christmas Markets in Germany
Munich, Germanyโ A Top Spot for Xmas in Europe
Munichโs Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is one of the largest and most traditional Christmas markets in Germany, with roots going back to the 14th century. What sets Munich apart is its Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz, a unique twist on the traditional Christmas experience.
Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz
- Dates: November 20 to December 24, 2026
- Location: Marienplatz, Munich
- Highlights: Located in the heart of the city, this market is famous for its traditional Bavarian foods, such as bratwurst, gingerbread, eierpunsch (a German take on oozy eggnog), and glรผhwein (mulled wine), as well as handcrafted wooden ornaments and gifts. Read more about my favorite Christmas cocktails.
- Official Website: Munich Christmas Market at Marienplatz
- Where to Stay Munich: Hotel Deutsche Eiche
- Tour: Munich Christmas Market Tour
Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz
The Medieval Christmas Market is a personal favorite and offers a completely different experience from the traditional markets. From the stalls to the drinks, this market is designed to feel like the Middle Ages. This was the only market where we made friends with locals. It’s got a very social vibe!
- Dates: November 20 โ December 23, 2026 (closed Sunday, November 22)
- Location: Wittelsbacherplatz, Munich
- Highlights: Jesters, fire-eaters, and medieval feasts featuring suckling pig and mead. This market is a treat for history buffs or anyone looking for a more interactive experience. Donโt miss the dramatic flaming furzangenbowle!
- Official Website: Munich Mittelaltermarkt
- ⭐ Adventurous Tastes Pick!
Regensburg, Germany: The Royal Charm of Thurn und Taxis Christmas Market
Regensburgโs Thurn und Taxis Market is one of the best hidden gem Christmas markets in Europe. It offers royal elegance in a fairy-tale castle setting. I was enchanted by the palace setting. It’s small but so memorable!
- Dates: November 20 โ December 23, 2026
- Location: Thurn und Taxis Palace, Regensburg
- Highlights: Candle-lit pathways, hand-made Christmas decorations, and a romantic, intimate atmosphere unlike any other market.
- Official Website: Thurn und Taxis Christmas Market
- Where to Stay: Karl August Hotel, Nuremberg. Regensburg is a small town, so I recommend heading to Nuremberg for the night. While you are there, don’t miss the city’s excellent Christkindlesmarkt.
- ⭐ Adventurous Tastes Pick!
Cologne, Germany: Majestic Market by the Cathedral โ A Top Christmas Destination in Europe
Cologneโs Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom is a grand market nestled beneath the stunning Cologne Cathedral. This is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe for those wanting a lively and iconic holiday experience.
- Dates: November 16 โ December 23, 2026 (closed Sunday, November 22)
- Location: Cologne Cathedral
- Highlights: Over 150 stalls selling handmade gifts, wooden toys, and local delicacies like reibekuchen (potato pancakes). Live music fills the air as you stroll.
- Official Website: Cologne Christmas Market
- Where to Stay Cologne: Stern am Rathaus
Nuremberg Christmas Market โ Germanyโs Most Famous Christkindlesmarkt
If you’re looking for the ultimate classic German Christmas market experience, Nuremberg delivers. The Christkindlesmarkt here is one of the oldest and most famous in Europe. It has over 180 wooden stalls that line the Old Town square, offering everything from spiced nuts to hand-carved ornaments. The vibe? Festive and grand, but still somehow cozy if you time it right.
Just a short walk away, thereโs a dedicated Childrenโs Market that feels like a little Christmas village of its own. Picture a vintage merry-go-round spinning beside tiny stalls. Your kids will love decorating cookies and hands-on craft stations where they can make ornaments or write letters to the Christkind.
- Dates: November 27 โ December 24, 2026 (December 24 closes 14:00)
- Location: Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg Old Town
- Highlights: Christkind angel opening ceremony, famous bratwurst, massive main market, sweet Childrenโs Market with hands-on fun
- Official Website: Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
- Where to Stay: Hotel Victoria Nรผrnberg
💬 Family Favorite: My kids were obsessed with the carousel and cookie station at the Childrenโs Market. And, I wasnโt mad about the warm mulled wine nearby, either.
Why Rothenburg Didnโt Make My List
Rothenburg ob der Tauber sounds like a dream โ medieval towers, cobblestone lanes, and a market straight out of a snow globe. But when I went, it felt more like Disney World during peak season. The crowds were intense, and it was tough to enjoy the charm with so many people packed in. If you’re nearby, it might be worth a stroll, but it didnโt earn a spot on my must-see list.
Best Christmas Markets in Austria
Planning a visit to Austria’s Christmas markets? Check out our detailed Guide to Austrian Christmas Markets.
Vienna, Austria: Grand Elegance at Rathausplatz and Schรถnbrunn Palace
Vienna is one of the best Christmas holiday destinations in Europe, with grand lights, classical music, and festive treats. There are many markets throughout the city. Get the full scoop on planning a Christmas market visit to Austria with kids.
Viennaโs Magic of Advent at Rathausplatz
This is arguably the most famous Vienna market, located in front of City Hall.
- Dates: November 13 โ December 26, 2026 (December 24 closes 18:30)
- Location: Rathausplatz, Vienna
- Highlights: Ice skating, carol concerts, Austrian treats like Kaiserschmarrn and lebkuchen, plus family-friendly craft workshops..
- Official Website: Wiener Christkindlmarkt
- Where to Stay in Vienna: House of Ble
- Tour: Vienna Christmas Market Tour
Christmas Market Schรถnbrunn Palace
- Dates: November 6, 2026 โ January 6, 2027
- Location: Schonbrunn Palace
- Highlights: Buy holiday crafts from more than 80 vendors and enjoy treats like kaiserschmarrn, kartoffelpuffer. Don’t forget your gluhwein in a keepsake mug. Kids will love the market scavenger hunt, which comes with a prize at the end. When you’re done visiting the market, explore the beautiful palace and dress like royalty at the palace’s kids’ museum.
- Official Website: Schloss Schonbrunn
- ⭐Adventurous Tastes Pick!
Salzburg, Austria: Fairy-Tale Charm in the Heart of the Alps
Salzburgโs Christkindlmarkt is a must-visit for its fairy-tale-like setting at the foot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The medieval streets of Salzburg take on a magical glow with holiday lights and decorations during the Christmas season. The night we were there, a chorus was singing, and it was incredibly atmospheric.
- Dates: November 19, 2026 โ January 1, 2027
- Location: Domplatz and Residenzplatz, Salzburg
- Highlights: 360ยฐ light shows, ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Enjoy local treats like sweet pancakes (kaiserschmarrn), and chocolate and marzipan balls (Mozartkugeln)
- Official Website: Salzburg Christmas Market
- Where to Stay in Salzburg: Imlauer Hotel Pitter
- Tour: Salzburg Christmas Market Tour
- ⭐Adventurous Tastes Pick!
Best Christmas Markets in Belgium
Brussels, Belgium: Winter Wonders Festival โ A Full Holiday Experience
- Dates: November 27, 2026 โ January 3, 2027
- Location: Grand Place and surrounding areas
- Highlights: Bask in the glow of a 360ยฐ light show at Grand Place, go ice skating, or enjoy the ferris wheel or merry-go-round. Dine on Belgian waffles, frites, and chocolate.
- Official Website: Winter Wonders Brussels
- Where to Stay Brussels: Stanhope Hotel by Thon Hotels
Bruges, Belgium: Medieval Magic at the Winter Glow
Bruges, with its fairy-tale medieval streets, is one of the best places to go in Europe for Christmas for a romantic holiday.
- Dates: November 20, 2026 โ January 3, 2027
- Location: Market Square (Grote Markt) and Simon Stevinplein, Bruges
- Highlights: The Market Square comes alive with twinkling lights, ice skating, and stalls selling Belgian chocolates, waffles, and frites. Visitors can also sip on Belgian mulled wine, locally known as glรผhkriek, or walk the light trail.
- Must-See: Bruges is known for its canal boat rides, offering a unique view of the cityโs illuminated streets from the water. Donโt miss climbing the Belfry Tower for a panoramic view of the festive lights below.
- Official Website: Winter Glow
- Where to Stay Bruges: Villa Beau Sejour
Bruges’ Christmas market is smaller than some others in Europe, but the intimate setting and the city’s medieval architecture make it one of the most magical.
Best Christmas Markets in the Rest of Europe
Copenhagen, Denmark: Nordic Hygge at Tivoli Gardens โ A Unique Xmas Market in Europe
Copenhagen’s already enchanting Tivoli Gardens amusement park transforms for Christmas. It becomes a winter wonderland with lights, snow-covered trees, and charming holiday stalls.
- Dates: November 13, 2026 โ January 3, 2027 (closed December 24)
- Location: Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
- Highlights: Danish treats like รฆbleskiver and glรธgg, spectacular light displays, and a Christmas parade. The amusement rides are open during the market. When we visited, few were on them, so we were able to ride anything we wanted with no wait!
- Official Website: Tivoli Christmas Market
- Where to Stay in Copenhagen: Eric Vรถkel Boutique Apartments
- ⭐ Adventurous Tastes Pick
Prague, Czechia: Affordable and Picturesque Holiday Magic
Pragueโs Old Town Square market is one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe. It’s a great choice for travelers on a budget who want a beautiful setting.
- Dates: November 28, 2026 โ January 6, 2027
- Location: Old Town Square, Prague
- Highlights: Bohemian glass ornaments, klobรกsa sausages, chimney cakes (trdelnรญk), and festive carols.
- Official Website: Prague Christmas Market
- Where to Stay in Prague: Josephine Old Town Square Hotel
- Prague – Visit 3 Christmas Markets Tour
Tip: Typically, each market has its own custom mug for gluhwein mugs. You can keep it for a small fee, and they make great keepsakes!
Budapest, Hungary: Cozy Traditional Christmas Market
Budapestโs Vรถrรถsmarty Square Christmas Market blends hearty food and folk art in a warm setting.
- Dates: Vรถrรถsmarty Square: November 13 โ December 31, 2026; Advent Basilica: November 13, 2026 โ January 1, 2027
- Location: Vรถrรถsmarty Square
- Highlights: Hungarian crafts, chimney cakes, nokedli dumplings, goulash, and a giant Advent calendar.
- Official Website: Budapest Christmas Market
- Where to Stay in Budapest: Boutique Residence Budapest
- Tour: Budapest Christmas Market Tour
FAQs: Planning Your Visit to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Most open between November 20 and 28. Vienna’s Schรถnbrunn Palace market opens first, on November 6. Vienna’s Rathausplatz and Tivoli in Copenhagen open November 13, Cologne opens November 16, and Munich opens November 20. Nuremberg opens November 27 and Prague opens November 28.
Go on a weekday, and go early in the season if you can. Crowds are heaviest December 5 to 8, when a St. Nicholas weekend and a holiday in Austria, Italy, and Spain all land together. We’ve always gone around US Thanksgiving, and it’s still my favorite way to get into the holiday spirit. Hotels cost less, too. Thanksgiving is November 26 this year, so Vienna, Cologne, Munich, and Colmar will already be open. Nuremberg and Strasbourg open the next day.
Several stay open into January 2027. Vienna’s Schรถnbrunn Palace and Prague run to January 6, Brussels and Tivoli run to January 3, and Salzburg runs to January 1. Nearly every German market closes by December 24, so skip Germany for a trip between Christmas and New Year’s.
Most are not. Strasbourg is always closed on December 25. Colmar and Salzburg stay open, and Vienna’s Rathausplatz runs through December 26.
My family’s favorites are Nuremberg’s Children’s Market, where kids can decorate cookies and ride a vintage carousel, and Vienna’s Schรถnbrunn Palace, which has a scavenger hunt with a prize at the end. Tivoli in Copenhagen is great too, since the rides stay open during the market. Vienna’s Rathausplatz also has an ice rink and craft workshops.
Most are free. Tivoli in Copenhagen requires a Tivoli ticket, and Regensburg’s Thurn und Taxis market charges an entry fee. At most markets you’ll pay a small deposit for your mulled wine mug. You can return it for your money back or keep it as a souvenir.
Pack warm layers, waterproof boots, gloves, and a scarf. You’ll spend hours outside, often standing still. A portable phone charger helps too, since cold weather drains batteries fast.
Explore Multiple Christmas Markets with a River Cruise
Want to see multiple markets without the transit stress? A river cruise between cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Nuremberg lets you enjoy it all โ glรผhwein included.
The Best Christmas Markets in Europe for 2026 Await You!
From the medieval fun of Munich’s Wittelsbacherplatz to the glow of Vienna, Europe’s best Christmas markets make great holiday memories. Check the 2026 dates, book your hotel early, and pack warm socks. Trust me on the socks.
Read More Christmas Travel Tips
- Plan a visit to Austria’s Christmas markets
- Celebrate Christmas in NYC in 3 days
- Christmas cocktails from around the world
This post includes affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you shop through them at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our content!
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Pin for Later!
This guide is written by a seasoned traveler whoโs visited dozens of Europeโs top Christmas markets with kids โ and always with a mug of glรผhwein in hand.
What a great list of Christmas markets in Europe. I’ve been to a few from your list (Vienna and Budapest), but would love to visit more this winter. Thanks for sharing.
Great post! European Christmas Markets are a bucket list trip of mine. Thank you for the info!
Christmas markets are the best. I’ve been to several, Cologne and Colmar are indeed spectacular. The Christmas markets in Valkenburg, the Netherlands are a hidden gem, from the ones I’ve visited.
I’ve always wanted to go to Salzburg for Sound of Music reasons, but they have a Christmas market too?!
Also, as a Brit I’d add Bath, its beautiful!
Choices, choices, choices. I’ve read various posts about the different European Christmas markets. I think Prague is at the top of my list.