Best Christmas Markets in Europe: 5 Unforgettable Itineraries
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Europe’s Christmas markets need to be seen to be believed.
They may seem like something out of an old movie, or maybe a fairy tale, and if you’re like me, perhaps all of that feels like overselling their charm.
“These Christmas markets can’t possibly be as great as folks claim.”
Listen, I get it.
I’M AS BIG OF A SKEPTIC AS THERE CAN BE.
But there’s something about Europe’s Christmas markets that really is as great as folks claim, that truly does seem to transport you to another age.
Strolling through rows of wood-timbered stalls selling glühwein and hot chocolate, lights twinkling in the early evening dusk, you get a sense of a simpler time, and of a completely different kind of holiday experience than the one we’re used to in the States.
There are no Black Friday sales here, no mall Santa to scare the children.
INSTEAD, THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IS A TIME OF COMMUNITY AND COMING TOGETHER.
Of gathering around the rugged wood tables to share a tipple or a bite, and maybe to grab a small gift or a treat to bring home for later.
Europe’s Christmas markets are about slowing down and enjoying the holiday season.
If you’re looking for a good time to visit Europe, the period between late November and mid-December is especially prime for experiencing this uniquely seasonal aspect of the continent’s culture.
I came to this page to write about my favorite Christmas market in Europe, but I couldn’t hold back.
Instead, here are five unforgettable itineraries to experience the unique types of Christmas markets on offer all across Europe.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe:
5 Unforgettable Itineraries
Danube Delights: Christmas Markets in Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest
The first Christmas Market itinerary on the list takes you to three capital cities along the Danube River.
Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest are well-connected by train, making it easy to experience their Christmas Markets in the same trip.
Vienna and Bratislava are just an hour apart, with frequent trains running throughout the day. From Bratislava, it's about a two-hour journey to Budapest, with plenty of scenic Danube views on the way.
Vienna Christmas Markets
VIENNA’S CHRISTMAS MARKET TRADITION DATES BACK TO 1296, MAKING IT ONE OF THE OLDEST IN EUROPE.
Vienna hosts one of Central Europe’s best Christmas Markets.
The main market is held in front of the stunning City Hall, creating a picturesque backdrop.
Visitors can indulge in roasted chestnuts, pretzels, and Vienna's famous sausages while sipping warm Glühwein, or mulled wine.
Handmade ornaments, toys, and artisanal candles are popular gifts for sale.
WITH OVER 3 MILLION VISITORS EACH YEAR, IT’S ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR MARKETS IN EUROPE.
The market includes nightly choral performances which add to the festive atmosphere.
Don’t miss the ice-skating rink and the photo-worthy tree-lined pathways lit up with twinkling lights! 📸
Vienna’s Christmas Markets are open from November 13 to December 26, 2024.
For more information, click here.
Bratislava Christmas Markets
Bratislava’s main Christmas Market, held in the historic Main Square, was established in 1993 after the fall of communism.
Though relatively young, it has become a central part of the city's holiday traditions.
Visitors can sample lokše, or potato pancakes, and cigánska, or grilled pork or chicken in a roll, alongside mulled wine.
The market offers a range of handmade crafts, from ceramics to embroidered textiles, with an emphasis on local Slovak artisans.
Around half a million people visit annually.
ITS SMALLER SCALE CREATES A COZY, INTIMATE ATMOSPHERE, AND THE LOCAL FOLKLORE PERFORMANCES ADD A UNIQUE CULTURAL TOUCH.
Bratislava’s Christmas Markets are open from November 22 to January 6, 2024.
For more information, click here.
Budapest Christmas Markets
Budapest’s largest Christmas Market takes place at Vörösmarty Square, near the famous Chain Bridge.
Budapest’s Christmas Market takes place close to the Danube River.
HUNGARIAN TREATS LIKE CHIMNEY CAKES (KÜRTŐSKALÁCS) AND MULLED WINE ARE MUST-TRIES.
Visitors can browse stalls selling handmade leather goods, wooden toys, and Hungarian embroidery.
One drawback to the markets in Budapest is that they’ve become rather expensive in recent years due to general inflation in Hungary.
While enjoying a beverage or a small snack won’t break the bank, it may be wiser to have full meals in one of the nearby restaurants.
The market's proximity to the Danube River and the illuminated cityscape makes for some excellent photo opportunities, and the light show, which takes place every 30 minutes, is worth the wait.
Budapest’s Christmas Markets are open from November 16 to January 1, 2024.
For more information, click here.
Enchanting Alsace: Christmas Markets in Strasbourg & Colmar
The second itinerary on this list will take you to two of France’s best Christmas Markets, in the Alsace region.
THE JOURNEY BETWEEN STRASBOURG AND COLMAR IS JUST 30 MINUTES ON A REGIONAL TRAIN.
Both cities are close, so you can visit both Christmas markets in one day if you're really ambitious.
This short, scenic train ride winds through charming villages and vineyards.
Strasbourg Christmas Market
STRASBOURG'S CHRISTMAS MARKET, KNOWN AS CHRISTKINDELSMÄRIK, DATES BACK TO 1570 AND IS ONE OF THE OLDEST IN EUROPE.
It is located in the city's historic center, known as the Grande Île, the first entire city center to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors flock to sample local Alsatian specialties like bredele (Christmas biscuits), foie gras, and mulled wine.
The market features over 300 wooden chalets selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to regional wines, and the large Christmas tree in Place Kléber is one of the most photographed spots.
Strasbourg’s Christmas tree in Place Kléber
Attracting over 2 million visitors each year, this market is an icon in the realm of European Christmas markets.
IT TRULY CAN’T BE MISSED.
In addition to the market itself, and the evening concerts and choirs which add to the magical atmosphere, the city of Strasbourg itself is transformed into a winter wonderland.
There are elaborate decorations in shop windows and on the exterior of buildings that make it seem like the entire town is part of the Christmas market.
Strasbourg has even begun referring to itself as the Capital of Christmas.
IF YOU ARE FORCED TO CHOOSE ONLY ONE CHRISTMAS MARKET TO VISIT, I WOULD SUGGEST YOU HEAD TO STRASBOURG.
Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets are open from November 27 to December 27, 2024.
For more information, click here.
Colmar Christmas Market
The Colmar Christmas Market is spread across the town’s five squares, each with its own unique vibe and decor.
Just like in Strasbourg, this small city goes all out with holiday decor, though Colmar, nicknamed Petit Venise (“Little Venice,”) feels more cozy and intimate.
It wouldn’t be an Alsatian market without regional staples like flammekuechen, or a thin-crust pizza, and local wines.
Those shopping the market for gifts will find a wide variety of artisanal goods, including handmade toys, as well as local wines and sweets.
Colmar is unique among other markets for its children’s market, which offers hot apple juice, a merry-go-round, and the chance to write a letter to Santa (so cute!)
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO TAKE PHOTOS, COLMAR’S HALF-TIMBERED HOUSES, DRAPED IN FESTIVE LIGHTS, ARE THE PERFECT BACKDROP.
Colmar’s Christmas Markets are open from November 26 to December 29, 2024.
For more information, click here.
Rhine-Main Holiday Magic: Christmas Markets in Cologne & Frankfurt
Germany is a big country, and I don’t mean to reduce it to just the two towns of Cologne and Frankfurt.
BUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT TWO AMAZING CHRISTMAS MARKETS IS DIFFICULT TO PASS UP.
Deutsche Bahn’s high-speed ICE trains connect these cities in just over an hour.
With frequent departures, you can easily enjoy Cologne’s market in the morning and be strolling through Frankfurt’s Römerberg market stalls in the evening.
Cologne Christmas Markets
Cologne’s Christmas Market, located at the base of its famous cathedral, dates back to the early 19th century and attracts over 4 million visitors annually.
German classics like bratwurst, lebkuchen (gingerbread), and warm Glühwein dominate the food offerings, but here’s my food tip: Do like the locals and order the reibekucken, a deep-fried potato pancake served with applesauce.
The market’s 150 stalls sell everything from wooden toys to glass ornaments and local crafts.
The market also features live performances, including choirs and bands, on select evenings.
THE COLOGNE CATHEDRAL, LIT UP AT NIGHT, IS AN AMAZING INSTAGRAM HOTSPOT.
Cologne’s Christmas Markets are open from November 18, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
For more information, click here.
Frankfurt Christmas Markets
The Frankfurt Christmas Market, dating back to 1393, takes place in Römerberg Square, in the heart of the city’s Altstadt.
The carousel at the Frankfurt Christmas Market.
Trade in the typical mulled wine for local regional specialties like apfelwein, a hot spiced apple wine, or eierpunsch, Germany’s answer to eggnog.
German markets use a sustainable system of reusable cups that rely on a deposit (or Pfand) taken at the time of sale which is then returned to you when the empty cup is returned.
A LOT OF VISITORS WILL KEEP THESE CUPS TO COMMEMORATE THEIR VISIT TO THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS - AFTER ALL, THE PFAND IS ONLY A FEW EUROS, NOT A BAD PRICE FOR A SOUVENIR.
The market offers a range of handmade crafts, including candles, soaps, and toys.
It attracts over 3 million visitors each year, and those who love performance experiences should seek out the carol singers and organ concerts at nearby St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral.
If you’re looking to take some great photos, the carousel in the square and the giant Christmas tree are must-see spots.
Frankfurt’s Christmas Markets are open from November 25 to December 22, 2024.
For more information, click here.
Nordic Charm: Christmas Markets in Tallinn and Helsinki
This itinerary involves a little more adventure than just hopping on a train, but it’s overflowing with Nordic charm.
Tallinn and Helsinki may be separated by the Baltic Sea, but getting between them is still straightforward thanks to regular ferry service.
THE FERRY TRIP BETWEEN THE TWO CAPITALS TAKES ABOUT TWO HOURS.
From the ferry terminals, you can easily hop on a local train to reach the Christmas markets in both Tallinn and Helsinki.
Tallinn Christmas Markets
Tallinn’s Christmas Market was founded in 1991 after Estonia regained its independence.
Taillinn’s Christmas Market takes place in the medieval Town Hall Square.
It takes place in the medieval Town Hall Square, an historical setting with cobbled streets and centuries-old towers that turns absolutely magical when it starts to snow.
Estonian treats like blood sausage, sauerkraut, and spiced gingerbread are local favorites, washed down with hot mulled wine.
Stalls sell handmade woolen goods, candles, and traditional Estonian ornaments.
THE GIANT CHRISTMAS TREE IN THE SQUARE, WHICH HAS BEEN A TRADITION SINCE 1441, IS A MAJOR DRAW FOR VISITORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ALIKE.
Tallinn’s Christmas Markets are open from November 22 to December 27, 2024.
For more information, click here.
Helsinki Christmas Markets
Helsinki’s Christmas Market is held in Senate Square, in front of the city's iconic cathedral.
Finnish specialties like reindeer sausages, rice porridge, and warm glögi, or mulled wine are popular fare.
Stalls offer handmade items like woolen socks, ceramics, and Finnish sweets.
A special day for the market is December 13th, when the traditional procession of St. Lucia is celebrated at Helsinki Cathedral.
This event, a symbol of light during the dark winter months, features a young girl, wearing a white gown and a crown of candles to symbolize St. Lucia, leading a candlelit procession down the cathedral steps and through the streets.
WHILE YOU'RE THERE, CROSS YOUR FINGERS FOR SNOW — THE MOST INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SCENE IS THE FESTIVE LIGHTS AND CATHEDRAL COVERED IN SNOW.
Helsinki’s Christmas Markets are open from November 29 to December 22, 2024.
For more information, click here.
Christmas in Central Europe: Christmas Markets in Prague, Dresden, and Berlin
Take a long weekend and explore three of the best Christmas markets in Central Europe.
This itinerary was part of my first trip to Europe more than ten years ago, and these three majestic cities had me hooked, from the medieval charm of Prague and the trompe l'oeil architectural decor of Dresden, to the bustling excitement of Berlin.
THE TRAIN ROUTES BETWEEN PRAGUE, DRESDEN, AND BERLIN ARE WELL-ESTABLISHED AND EASY TO NAVIGATE.
Traveling from Prague to Dresden and Dresden to Berlin takes just two hours each, and there are regular trains throughout the day.
Prague Christmas Markets
Prague’s main Christmas Market is held in Old Town Square, with the city’s iconic astronomical clock as a backdrop.
Prague’s main Christmas Market.
It’s held in Old Town Square.
CZECH SAUSAGES AND TRDELNÍK, A CHIMNEY-LIKE PASTRY, COOK OVER OPEN FLAMES WHILE THE SCENT OF STRONGLY SPICED MULLED WINE WAFTS THROUGH THE STREETS.
The market sells everything from glass ornaments and Bohemian crystal to wooden toys.
Attracting over 1 million visitors, the Prague Christmas market is one of the most popular in Central Europe, famous for its nativity scene and live animal displays.
Prague’s photogenic medieval square is a favorite spot for capturing photos.
Prague’s Christmas Markets are open from November 20, 2024 to January 6, 2025.
For more information, click here.
Dresden Christmas Markets
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, dating back to 1434, is Germany’s oldest Christmas Market.
Held in the city’s Altmarkt Square, it’s famous for its stollen, a traditional German fruitcake, filled with fruit and nuts and topped with powdered sugar.
I ESPECIALLY LIKED THE COMBINATION OF KÄSESPÄTZLE AND BRATWURST AT THIS MARKET, ALONG WITH THE CUSTOMARY GLUÜWEIN.
Visitors can find wooden ornaments, nutcrackers, and traditional textiles among the offerings for sale.
If you’re looking for a good photo, Dresden has the world’s tallest wooden Christmas pyramid, standing over 14 meters tall.
Dresden’s Christmas Markets are open from November 29 to December 24, 2024.
For more information, click here.
Berlin Christmas Markets
Berlin’s Christmas Markets have been held since the 16th century and are spread across multiple locations throughout this massive capital city.
The most popular Christmas market in Berlin is at Gendarmenmarkt.
German street foods like currywurst, bratwurst, and candied almonds are local favorites.
SKIP THE TRADITIONAL GLÜHWEIN AND TRY A FEUERZANGENBOWLE INSTEAD.
It’s similar to glühwein, but in this version, a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set afire as carmelized sugar drips into a batch of mulled wine.
Berlin’s most luxurious Christmas Market, WeihnachtsZauber at Bebelplatz.
At the Berlin Christmas Market, trade in the usual glühwein for a feuerzangenbowle or eierpunsch.
Visitors can browse stalls selling handmade jewelry, artwork, and ornaments.
With over 4 million visitors spread across its markets, Berlin’s holiday scene is among the busiest.
Berlin’s markets are known for their diversity and nightly live performances.
The twinkling lights and grand architecture make for beautiful photos, especially at the Gendarmenmarkt.
Berlin’s Christmas Markets are open from November 24, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
For more information, click here.
Conclusion
THESE FIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET ITINERARIES ARE WHERE I WOULD SEND MY FRIENDS IF THEY WERE COMING TO EUROPE TO EXPERIENCE THE WARMTH AND EXCITEMENT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
Not only do these markets immerse you in the European culture of community, regional food and wine traditions, and fairy tale surroundings; it’s also one of the best times to travel.
The period between late November and mid-December is fantastic for traveling to Europe: flights are cheaper, hotels aren’t as booked up, and you’re able to enjoy a more relaxed pace for exploring destinations.
The charm and coziness of the Christmas markets are just an added bonus.
Wishing you warm holiday cheer!
xx,
Angela 🎄🎅☃️
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