This Christmas Market Guided Includes:
- Strasbourg, France: The Capital of Christmas
- Colmar, France: Fairy-Tale Christmas in Alsace
- Munich, Germany: Traditional Christkindlmarkt & Medieval Market
- Regensburg, Germany: Thurn und Taxis Christmas Market
- Cologne, Germany: Majestic Market by the Cathedral
- Vienna, Austria: Grand Elegance in Rathausplatz & Schonbrunn
- Salzburg, Austria: Fairy-Tale Charm in the Heart of the Alps
- Copenhagen, Denmark: Nordic Hygge at Tivoli Gardens
- Prague, Czechia: Affordable and Picturesque Holiday Magic
- Brussels, Belgium: Winter Wonders
- Bruges, Belgium: Christmas Magic in a Medieval City
- Budapest, Hungary: Traditional and Cozy
- Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Pin for Later!
If you’re searching for the best Christmas markets in Europe to visit in 2024, you’ve come to the right place. Europe transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland during the holiday season, and its Christmas markets are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit. From the traditional German markets of Munich and Cologne to the regal elegance of Vienna and the medieval charm of Regensburg, this guide covers all the top Christmas markets across Europe, complete with 2025 dates, insider tips, and must-see highlights.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Christmas market enthusiast, you’ll find the perfect destination on this list. Let’s dive into the top Christmas markets in Europe you can’t miss!
What Are the Best Christmas Markets in Europe?
Europe boasts hundreds of Christmas markets, each with its unique traditions, food, and holiday charm. To help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas markets in Europe, known for their festive atmosphere, history, and picturesque settings. This guide includes markets in Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Salzburg, Copenhagen, Prague, and more, along with practical advice on what to expect and how to plan your visit.
Strasbourg, France: The Capital of Christmas
Strasbourg is often called the “Capital of Christmas”, and its Christkindelsmärik is one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe. Situated in the heart of the Alsace region, Strasbourg’s market dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest in Europe.
- Dates: November 27th to December 27th, 2024
- Location: Place de la Cathédrale, Place Broglie, and other squares in the city center.
- Highlights: Strasbourg’s market is famous for its giant Christmas tree in Place Kléber, stunningly decorated half-timbered houses, and local Alsatian specialties like bredele (traditional Christmas cookies), tarts flambées (Alsatian pizza), maennele (brioche shaped like a little man with chocolate chip eyes), dampfnudle (balls of dough served with jam), and vin chaud (mulled wine).
- Official Website: Strasbourg Christmas Market
- Where to Stay Strasbourg: Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery
Colmar, France: Fairy-Tale Christmas in Alsace
Colmar’s Christmas Markets feel like stepping into a fairy-tale village, with half-timbered houses decked out in lights and festive decorations. Located in the Alsace region, this charming market is famous for its cozy atmosphere and enchanting setting.
- Dates: November 26 – December 29, 2024
- Location: Various locations across the old town, including Place de la Cathédrale and Place des Dominicains
- Highlights: Colmar features six different Christmas markets, each with its own unique theme. Stalls offer local Alsatian treats like pain d’épices (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: A highlight is the Little Venice area of Colmar, where the holiday lights reflect on the canal, creating a postcard-perfect scene. You can also take guided tours of Colmar’s historic sites while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
- Official Website: Colmar Christmas Market
- Where to Stay Colmar: L’esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar – MGallery
- Consider a tour of Colmar’s markets
Munich, Germany: Traditional Christkindlmarkt & Medieval Market
Munich’s 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 25 to December 24, 2024
- 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 glühwein (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
- Consider a tour of Munich’s Christmas markets
Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz
The Medieval Christmas Market is a personal favorite and offers a completely different experience from the traditional markets. It’s like stepping back in time to the Middle Ages, with market stalls and entertainers dressed in period costumes, selling medieval-inspired goods.
- Dates: November 25 – December 23, 2024
- 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. Do not miss the flaming furzangenbowle, a giant goblet of gluwhein set on fire in dramatic fashion!
- Official Website: Munich Mittelaltermarkt
Regensburg, Germany: Thurn und Taxis Christmas Market
One of the best-hidden gems among European Christmas markets is the Thurn und Taxis Christmas Market in Regensburg. Hosted on the grounds of the Thurn und Taxis Palace, this market offers a unique blend of royal elegance and traditional Christmas spirit. It’s small, but it’s charm makes it one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
- Dates: November 24 – December 23, 2024
- Location: Thurn und Taxis Palace, Regensburg
- Highlights: With candle-lit pathways, hand-carved wooden gifts, and a real castle setting, this has to be one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. It’s an intimate, romantic atmosphere that transports visitors to a different era.
- 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.
Cologne, Germany: Majestic Market by the Cathedral
The Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom in Cologne is one of the largest and most iconic Christmas markets in Germany, set against the stunning backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral. The market is enormous, with over 150 stalls offering everything from local crafts to festive foods.
- Dates: November 18 – December 23, 2024
- Location: Cologne Cathedral
- Highlights: Visitors can shop for handmade Christmas gifts, wooden toys, and local delicacies like reibekuchen (potato pancakes) while enjoying live music in the shadow of the Cathedral.
- Official Website: Cologne Christmas Market
- Where to Stay Cologne: Stern am Rathaus
Vienna, Austria: Grand Elegance in Rathausplatz & Schonbrunn
Vienna’s Magic of Advent at Rathausplatz
Vienna’s Magic of Advent at Rathausplatz is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, known for its grand displays of holiday lights, stunning architecture, and musical performances. The market exudes elegance and holiday cheer, with over 150 stalls set against the backdrop of the historic Vienna City Hall. Get the full scoop on planning a Christmas market visit to Austria with kids.
- Dates: November 16 to December 26, 2024
- Location: Rathausplatz, Vienna
- Highlights: Visitors can enjoy ice skating, carol concerts, and a wide variety of Austrian holiday treats like Kaiserschmarrn (sweet, shredded pancakes served with jam) kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), raclette (bread with warm cheese), and lebkuchen (gingerbread). The market is also family-friendly, offering workshops for children to make their own Christmas crafts.
- Official Website: Wiener Christkindlmarkt
- Where to Stay in Vienna: House of Ble
Christmas Market Schönbrunn Palace
- Dates:: November 8, 2024 – January 6, 2025
- Location: Schonbrunn Palace
- Highlights: Buy holiday crafts from more than 80 vendors and enjoy treats like kaiserschmarrn, kartoffelpuffer, and of course, gluhwein in a commemorative mug. Kids will love the market scavenger hunt, which comes with a prize at the end. When you’re done enjoying the charming market, visit the beautiful palace and dress like royalty at the palace’s kids’ museum.
- Official Website: Schloss Schonbrunn
- Get the most out of the markets with a Vienna Christmas tour.
Salzburg, Austria: Fairy-Tale Charm in the Heart of the Alps
Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt is a must-visit for its fairy-tale-like setting at the foot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The medieval streets of Salzburg, already known for their charm, 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 21 – January 1, 2024
- Location: Domplatz and Residenzplatz, Salzburg
- Highlights: Daily live performances of Christmas carols, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and an abundance of local treats like Glühwein, Kaiserschmarrn, and Mozartkugeln (chocolate and marzipan balls).
- Official Website: Salzburg Christmas Market
- Where to Stay in Salzburg: Imlauer Hotel Pitter
- Take a Salzburg market tour
Copenhagen, Denmark: Nordic Hygge at Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market is as cozy as it gets, offering a true dose of Nordic hygge (comfort and warmth). The already enchanting Tivoli Gardens amusement park is transformed into a winter wonderland with lights, snow-covered trees, and charming holiday stalls.
- Dates: November 15 – January 5, 2024
- Location: Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
- Highlights: The market features traditional Danish Christmas treats like æbleskiver (pancake balls) and gløgg (spiced mulled wine), along with a variety of rides and attractions for families. Don’t miss the spectacular light displays or the Christmas parade. The rides are open during the market, and at least 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 Vökel Boutique Apartments
- Don’t miss: Nyhaven Christmas market, November 4 – December 21, 2024
Prague, Czechia: Affordable and Picturesque Holiday Magic
Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas Market is one of the most picturesque and affordable in Europe. The Gothic architecture, festive lights, and gigantic Christmas tree create an unforgettable holiday backdrop. Although not on the level of the most impressive German markets, Prague is so atmospheric that the setting itself is one of the main selling points.
- Dates: November 30 – January 6, 2024
- Location: Old Town Square, Prague
- Highlights: The market is famous for its Bohemian glass ornaments, handmade gifts, and traditional Czech foods like klobása (sausages) and trdelník (chimney cakes, ). Enjoy Christmas carols and festive performances throughout your visit.
- Official Website: Prague Christmas Market
- Where to Stay in Prague: Josephine Old Town Square Hotel
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!
Brussels, Belgium: Winter Wonders
Brussels’ Winter Wonders market is not just a market, it’s a full-on holiday experience. From the Ferris wheel to the ice-skating rink, this market has it all.
- Dates: November 29 – January 5, 2024
- Location: Grand Place and surrounding areas
- Highlights: Bask in the glow of a 360° 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: Christmas Magic in a Medieval City
The Bruges Winter Glow transforms this UNESCO-listed fairy-tale-like medieval city into a winter wonderland, where charming cobbled streets and canals are adorned with festive lights. Bruges offers a picturesque and romantic holiday experience, perfect for anyone seeking traditional European Christmas magic.
- Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2024
- 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 glühkriek, or walk the light trail.
- Must-See: Bruges is known for its canal boat rides, offering a unique view of the city’s illuminated streets from the water. Don’t 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.
Budapest, Hungary: Traditional and Cozy
The Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market in Budapest is known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional Hungarian crafts. You can even try Hungarian street food like chimney cake and lángos.
- Dates: November 17 – December 31, 2024
- Location: Vörösmarty Square
- Highlights: Hungarian folk art, handcrafted gifts, and a giant Advent calendar displayed on a nearby building. Enjoy heart Hungarian cuisine such as nokedli (dumplings), chimney cakes (Kürtöskalács in Hungarian, a pastry tube coated in sugar), mulled wine, and goulash.
- Official Website: Budapest Christmas Market
- Where to Stay Budapest: Deak Central Loft
- Consider a tour of Budapest’s Christmas markets
The Best Christmas Markets in Europe for 2025 Await You!
Whether you’re after a magical, fairy-tale atmosphere or a lively, bustling celebration, the best Christmas markets in Europe promise an unforgettable holiday experience. From the medieval charm of Regensburg’s Thurn und Taxis Market to the grandeur of Vienna’s Magic of Advent, each market offers its unique charm, festive spirit, and traditional treats. Be sure to plan your visit early, check the 2025 dates, and don’t forget to bundle up—these markets are worth every frosty moment!
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Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Pin for Later!
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