30 Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, copious amounts of mulled wine, and some of the best hot chocolate you’ve ever had are just a taste of what awaits you. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across Europe, with hundreds of festive markets glittering brilliantly as soon as the first Advent door is opened. While Germany is the real fairy-tale deal, Christmas markets sparkle across the continent, come snow or shine, with crafts, choirs, light displays, and local grub.
From Alpine summits to tiny island towns, we bring you 30 European favorites that shine with their own Christmas culture, from unmissable classics to off-the-beaten-track faves.
1. Dresden, Germany
Dates: November 29–December 24, 2023
The granddaddy of Germany’s Christmas markets, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt has enraptured folk since 1434. It’s big, with 240 chalets welcoming nearly three million visitors each year. But it’s not just for tourists. The backdrop is spellbinding, with thousands of lights and, on the Altmarkt, the world’s biggest Christmas pyramid adorned with life-sized figures. The city on the Elbe fizzes festively with carousels and carollers, ice skating, and stalls doing a brisk trade in everything from beautifully handmade nutcrackers to Germany’s tastiest Christstollen, a dense, buttery fruitcake sprinkled with icing sugar.
2. Innsbruck, Austria
Dates: November 15–December 23, 2023
In the snowy Austrian Alps, Innsbruck hosts several enchanting Christmas markets. A huge tree glitters in front of the Golden Roof, folk bands play, and chalets sell decorations, candles, gingerbread, and mulled wine. Kids love the traditional fairground rides and puppet shows on the riverside Marktplatz.
3. Nuremberg, Germany
Dates: December 1–24, 2023
You can’t whisper Weihnachtsmarkt without Nuremberg being uttered in the same breath. With a blonde-locked, gold-robed Christkind launching the festivities, the hub is the Hauptmarkt, where candy-striped chalets dish out everything from Zwetschgenmännle (figures made from prunes, figs, and nuts) to Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Rauschgold angels. The festive vibes are everywhere, with carols, concerts, and a magnificent nativity scene in front of the Gothic church.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Dates: November 24–December 23, 2023
Who needs Santa when you can have a grinning, present-pooping log called Caga Tió? This Catalan Christmas oddity is found alongside mistletoe, nougat, and a biblical wonderland of nativity figurines at Barcelona’s Fira de Santa Llúcia. You’ll also spot the irreverent Caganer, a defecating figurine hidden in the nativity scene.
5. Ravenna Gorge, Germany
Dates: November 24–December 17, 2023
Sheltering under a strikingly illuminated 40m-high viaduct in the Black Forest, this festive market looks as though it has been plucked straight from a fairy tale. If there’s a dusting of snow, the winter wonderland picture is complete. Look out for Black Forest paper-cut designs, lambswool rugs, and local smoked ham and venison sausage.
6. Mt Pilatus, Switzerland
Dates: November 17–19, 2023
For novelty value and sensational Alpine views, ride to Europe’s highest Christmas market on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Perched above Lake Lucerne, the mountaintop Christkindlimärt has festive music and over 40 decorated market stalls selling beeswax candles, nativity figurines, gingerbread, and other seasonal treats.
7. Zagreb, Croatia
Dates: December 2, 2023–January 7, 2024
The capital of Croatia may not immediately spring to mind for Christmas markets, but Zagreb’s is among Europe’s finest, with twinkling trees and thousands of fairy lights bringing festive magic to its parks and squares.
8. Schloss Hellbrunn, Austria
Dates: November 23–December 24, 2023
Christmas markets glitter all over Austria come Advent, with carollers, handicraft stalls, and a Christmas train ride for kids. The baroque palace’s 24 windows transformed into a giant Advent calendar create a special holiday ambiance.
9. Zürich, Switzerland
Dates: 23 November–23 December 2023
Zürich offers a flurry of Christmas markets that feature mulled wine, raclette, and fondue. The main station concourse has a giant Christmas tree adorned with over 7000 Swarovski crystals, creating a magical holiday experience.
10. Colmar, France
Dates: November 24–December 30, 2023
Colmar hosts five different Christmas markets, with the children’s market featuring a carousel and animated nativity scene. Alsatian gingerbread and cookies make delightful holiday treats.
11. Lisbon, Portugal
Dates: November 18–December 21, 2023
Lisbon lights up for Christmas, with a giant tree and market stalls selling crafts, mulled wine, and local delicacies right in the heart of the city.
12. Gengenbach, Germany
Dates: November 30–December 23, 2023
Gengenbach’s charming old town transforms into a winter wonderland with its festive lights and an Advent calendar scene by renowned artists revealed from its historic Rathaus windows.
13. Helsinki, Finland
Dates: December 1–22, 2023
Helsinki hosts a charming Christmas market featuring traditional crafts, decorations, and mulled wine, all set against the backdrop of its stunning neoclassical cathedral.
14. Tallinn, Estonia
Dates: December 1, 2023–January 7, 2024
Tallinn’s markets promise snow-covered charm, with wooden chalets selling Estonian crafts and delicious treats surrounding the impressive Christmas tree in the town square.
15. Nice, France
Dates: December 7, 2023–January 7, 2024
Nice blends southern French flair with Christmas cheer, with festive chalets selling crafts, mulled wine, and local delicacies along decorated promenades.
16. Tromsø, Norway
Dates: December 1–22, 2023
For a true winter wonderland, Tromsø showcases the magic of Christmas, with bustling markets selling local crafts and festive foods against a backdrop of glimmering lights.
17. Winchester, UK
Dates: November 17–December 21, 2023
Winchester’s market takes place within a medieval cathedral setting, offering a beautifully crafted selection of artisan goods and festive treats.
18. St Helier, Jersey
Dates: November 23–December 10, 2023
St Helier’s market supports local artisans and features festive cheer with lights, crafts, mulled wine, and live entertainment in a charming atmosphere.
19. Ulm, Germany
Dates: November 27–December 23, 2023
Ulm dazzles visitors with its lamp-lit stalls, local crafts, and a live nativity scene, all set against the stunning backdrop of its Gothic cathedral.
20. Malmö, Sweden
Dates: November 24–December 18, 2023
Malmö presents enchanting markets with handmade decorations, traditional Swedish treats, and the opportunity to enjoy seasonal festivities and local culture.
21. Berlin, Germany
Dates: November 27–December 31, 2023
Berlin amplifies Christmas fun, with over 80 markets offering unique crafts, culinary delights, and entertainment, ensuring a festive atmosphere for all ages.
22. Seville, Spain
Dates: November 5–December 23, 2023
Seville’s Christmas markets feature stunning lights, artistic decorations, and a range of delicious sweets and local crafts, combining Spanish flair with holiday spirit.
23. Erfurt, Germany
Dates: 28 November–22 December 2023
Erfurt enchants visitors with its medieval charm, featuring a bustling market with a towering Christmas tree, carousel, and stalls brimming with local goods.
24. Padstow, England
Dates: December 7–10, 2023
Padstow combines culinary delights with festive activities, including cooking demonstrations, live music, and charming stalls filled with local produce and crafts.
25. Freiburg, Germany
Dates: November 23–December 23, 2023
Freiburg’s vibrant Christmas market features illuminated stalls offering regional food, crafts, and activities for children, providing a warm festive atmosphere.
26. Budapest, Hungary
Dates: November 18–December 31, 2023
Budapest’s market dazzles with lights and Christmas cheer, offering unique handmade goods and traditional Hungarian treats, perfect for holiday shopping.
27. Milan, Italy
Dates: December 1, 2023–January 6, 2024
Milan showcases its regal charm with Christmas markets featuring handcrafted goods, local culinary delights, and festive decorations across the beautiful city.
28. Basel, Switzerland
Dates: November 23–December 23, 2023
Basel’s Christmas market blooms with handcrafted toys, festive food, and a romantic atmosphere, enhancing the holiday spirit in this charming Swiss city.
29. Vienna, Austria
Dates: November 18, 2023–January 4, 2024
Vienna dazzles with its markets, featuring a mix of crafts, festive foods, and stunning holiday decorations, offering visitors a magical Christmas experience.
30. Brussels, Belgium
Dates: November 24–December 31, 2023
Brussels shines brightly during Christmas, with impressive markets offering delectable treats, beautiful decorations, and a traditional festive ambiance.
