17 Best Christmas Markets in Europe You Can’t Miss

Planning a winter trip and wondering where to find the best Christmas markets in Europe? From twinkling lights and mulled wine to handmade ornaments and cozy holiday vibes, Europe does Christmas like nowhere else.

Every city has its own traditions and treats, so exploring the markets is one of the most magical ways to experience Christmas in Europe.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of the most beautiful and festive markets over the years, from Vienna and Budapest to Strasbourg and Colmar. In this guide, I’m sharing my personal picks for the best European Christmas markets that truly capture the holiday spirit.

And because my Christmas market adventures are far from over, I’ve also included a few Christmas destinations in Europe that are still on my list (and definitely worth adding to yours!).

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.

Best Christmas Markets in Europe

1. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is easily one of my all-time favorites when it comes to Christmas markets. The whole city feels royal and elegant, with grand buildings, twinkling lights, and that cozy festive energy everywhere you go.

It’s no surprise that Vienna is often named among the best Christmas markets in Europe!

There are so many markets to explore across the city, each with its own vibe. The main one at Rathausplatz in front of City Hall is huge and full of life, but I also love the smaller ones.

Schönbrunn Palace feels straight out of a Christmas movie, with the palace glowing behind the stalls, and Belvedere is another favorite for its romantic lakeside setting.

Each year, they even design special ceramic mugs that you can keep as a souvenir, which makes grabbing a hot punch or glühwein even better.

What makes Christmas in Vienna so special is that it’s not just about the markets. The city has amazing coffeehouses where you can warm up with a slice of Sachertorte, world-class museums, and those beautiful streets that are just fun to wander in the cold. It’s the kind of place that makes you fall in love with winter.

Read more:
Best Christmas Markets in Vienna You Have to Visit
18 Festive Things to Do in Vienna at Christmas

2. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest has such a magical atmosphere at Christmas! The city’s mix of grand architecture, twinkling lights, and cozy market stalls makes it one of the best European Christmas markets to visit.

It’s also one of the most affordable big cities for a Christmas trip, which means you can really enjoy it without breaking the bank.

The main Christmas market is in Vörösmarty Square, right in the heart of the city. It’s full of local crafts, warm drinks, and traditional Hungarian food like goulash, lángos, and chimney cake. The smell alone will pull you in from blocks away!

Don’t miss the smaller market by St. Stephen’s Basilica either. It’s set against the backdrop of one of Budapest’s most beautiful buildings, and there’s a light show projected onto the basilica each evening that makes it feel extra festive.

Beyond the markets, Budapest is a great city to explore in winter. You can warm up in the famous thermal baths, go ice skating in City Park, or just enjoy a walk along the Danube with all the lights reflecting off the water.

Budapest really knows how to do Christmas, and it’s one of those cities that feels just as beautiful at night as it does during the day.

Read more:
Christmas Markets in Budapest: A Complete Guide
17 Festive Things to Do in Budapest in December

3. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague looks straight out of a fairytale at Christmas. The cobblestone streets, gothic towers, and glowing market stalls make it one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe.

Even if you’ve been before, seeing the city covered in lights with the smell of cinnamon and roasted nuts drifting through the air feels completely different in winter.

The main market takes over Old Town Square, surrounded by pastel-colored buildings and the spires of the Church of Our Lady before Týn. There’s a giant Christmas tree in the middle, and you can climb up the Old Town Hall Tower for a perfect view over all the lights.

The smaller market in Wenceslas Square is also worth checking out, especially if you want to try local snacks like trdelník (a sweet pastry roll), sausages, or mulled wine.

What I love about Prague at Christmas is that everything feels close together. You can wander from one market to the next, stop for a hot chocolate or a glass of punch, and take photos pretty much anywhere because the whole city looks beautiful.

It’s festive, cozy, and just the right mix of lively and charming.

Read more: Prague Christmas Markets: Where to Go and What to Eat

4. Dresden, Germany

Dresden is often called the birthplace of the Christmas market, and once you’ve been, it’s easy to see why. The city has been celebrating Christmas this way since the 1400s, and it still feels wonderfully traditional.

The main Striezelmarkt in Altmarkt Square is full of handmade toys, wooden ornaments, and the smell of freshly baked stollen, which actually originated here.

What I love about Dresden is that the festive vibe spreads across the whole city. The medieval market in Stallhof is one of the most interesting, with costumed vendors and old-fashioned crafts, while the smaller one near the Frauenkirche is perfect for browsing local gifts from Saxony.

You can easily spend a whole day wandering from one square to another, tasting snacks and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.

It’s also really easy to combine Dresden with another favorite, Prague. The cities are only about two hours apart, and the FlixBus runs frequently between them, so it’s simple to plan a day trip or a quick overnight stay.

With its Baroque architecture, live choirs, and warm glow of lights after dark, Dresden is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe and a must for anyone who loves that old-world feel.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to the Best Dresden Christmas Markets

5. Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg proudly calls itself the Capital of Christmas, and honestly, it lives up to the name! The city has been hosting its Christmas market since the 1500s, making it one of the oldest in Europe, and it still feels incredibly special today.

The main market takes place around Place de la Cathédrale, where the giant Christmas tree towers above the crowd, and the backdrop of the cathedral makes everything feel extra festive.

There are smaller markets scattered all over the city too, each with a slightly different vibe. You’ll find stalls selling ornaments, wooden toys, and Alsatian specialties like bredele cookies, vin chaud, and tarte flambée.

Even just walking around is a treat. The half-timbered houses are covered in lights and garlands, and every corner seems more decorated than the last. One of my favorites was the teddy bear house!

If you have time, try to visit in the evening when the city lights up completely. Strasbourg is easily one of the best European Christmas markets, and it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life Christmas village.

Read more: Best Strasbourg Christmas Markets: A Complete Guide

6. Colmar, France

Colmar looks like it was built for Christmas. The colorful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and canals make it one of the prettiest towns in Europe any time of year, but during the holidays, it feels straight out of a fairytale.

The decorations are incredible, with twinkling lights reflected in the water and every window covered in wreaths and ornaments.

What makes Colmar special is that it doesn’t have just one big market; it has several smaller ones spread across the old town, each with its own charm.

You can wander from square to square trying local specialties like mulled wine, pretzels, and Alsatian gingerbread, or pick up handcrafted gifts from local artisans.

Even though it’s smaller than nearby Strasbourg, I actually found Colmar even more atmospheric. It’s easy to explore on foot, and just strolling around feels magical. If you’re planning a European Christmas market trip, make sure Colmar is on your list!

Read more: Best Colmar Christmas Markets You Have to Visit

7. London, United Kingdom

London might not have the centuries-old Christmas markets that you find in Central Europe, but it definitely knows how to do the holidays.

The whole city goes all out with lights, ice rinks, and cozy food stalls that pop up everywhere. You can easily spend a few days exploring all the different festive spots and soaking up the Christmas in Europe atmosphere.

The biggest market is Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which is more like a full-on Christmas theme park than a traditional market. It has everything: rides, shows, food stalls, and even a huge ice bar. It’s busy, but it’s a lot of fun if you’re in the mood for something lively.

For something smaller and more relaxed, head to Southbank along the Thames or the Christmas by the River market near London Bridge, where you can sip mulled wine while looking out at Tower Bridge.

What I love most about London at Christmas is how every neighborhood has its own vibe. Covent Garden is covered in decorations, Carnaby Street goes for bold colors and lights, and even just walking through the city feels festive.

It’s one of those places that manages to blend big-city energy with Christmas charm.

Read more:
18 Festive Things to Do in London at Christmas
The Perfect London Christmas Itinerary for 3 Days
13 Best London Christmas Photo Spots for Festive Pictures

8. Paris, France

Paris at Christmas feels extra magical. The whole city glows with lights, from the Champs-Élysées to the little side streets lined with cafés and bakeries.

It might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of the best Christmas markets in Europe, but Paris has plenty of festive spots that make it worth visiting in December.

The biggest market used to be along the Champs-Élysées, but now it’s held in the Tuileries Garden next to the Louvre. It’s a great mix of food stalls, crafts, and rides, and you can grab a cup of vin chaud while admiring the view of the Ferris wheel and museum in the background.

There are smaller markets too, like the ones at La Défense and in front of Notre-Dame, which feel a bit more local and less touristy.

What makes Christmas in Paris special is that the markets are just part of the experience. You can spend the day shopping under the decorations at Galeries Lafayette, have a warm drink at a sidewalk café, or take an evening walk along the Seine while the Eiffel Tower sparkles.

Paris at Christmas is all about atmosphere, and it’s hard not to fall in love with it!

Read more: 13 Festive Things to Do in Paris at Christmas

9. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges looks like a Christmas card come to life once the holidays roll around. The medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, and canals make it charming any time of year, but during winter it’s next-level beautiful.

The main Christmas market takes over Markt Square, surrounded by twinkling lights and the sound of carols, with the Belfry tower watching over it all.

It’s not a huge market, but that’s part of the charm. You can grab a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine, browse stalls selling Belgian chocolates and handmade gifts, and then go ice skating right in the middle of the square.

There’s another smaller market on Simon Stevinplein that’s worth checking out too, especially if you want to escape the crowds for a bit.

Bruges is easy to explore on foot, and the whole city feels festive. You can take a canal cruise, stop for waffles or fries, and wander the side streets as the lights reflect on the water. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and just enjoy the moment.

Read more: Bruges Christmas Markets: Your Ultimate Holiday Guide

10. Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is one of those cities that really surprises you at Christmas. The main event, called Winter Wonders, completely transforms the city center with lights, music, and festive decorations.

The market stretches from Grand Place to Place Sainte-Catherine, with hundreds of stalls selling crafts, snacks, and every kind of holiday drink you can imagine.

Grand Place is easily the highlight. The nightly light and sound show set against the backdrop of the historic buildings is incredible, and it’s worth timing your visit to see it.

There’s also a big Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and plenty of food stands where you can try waffles, frites, and hot chocolate – all the Belgian classics.

What I like most about Brussels at Christmas is how lively it feels. It’s bigger and busier than Bruges but still has plenty of charm, especially once the lights come on in the evening.

If you’re planning a Christmas market trip through Belgium, visiting both cities makes for the perfect combo!

Read more: Best Brussels Christmas Markets: The Ultimate Guide

More European Christmas Markets I Can’t Wait to Visit Next

Even though I’ve already visited quite a few, there are still so many amazing Christmas markets in Europe that I haven’t made it to yet. These are all high on my list for future trips, and each one looks like it would be worth planning a winter getaway around.

11. Tallinn, Estonia

I’ve seen photos of Tallinn’s Christmas market, and it honestly looks like something out of a snow globe. The medieval buildings, twinkling lights, and likely chance of snow make it one of the dreamiest Christmas settings in Europe.

12. Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg looks so cozy during the holidays, especially with the fortress lit up above the city. I’d love to visit the market in Cathedral Square and check out some of the smaller ones tucked around the old town.

13. Krakow, Poland

Krakow’s market in the Main Square always ranks among the best in Europe, and it looks like such a fun mix of festive lights, hearty food, and local crafts. Definitely one for my future December plans.

14. Cologne, Germany

Cologne has several markets spread across the city, and the one by the cathedral looks incredible. I’ve heard it’s one of Germany’s most atmospheric Christmas destinations, so it’s an easy yes for me.

15. Stuttgart, Germany

The wooden stalls and huge Christmas pyramid in Stuttgart look beautiful, and I like that it’s less touristy than some of the bigger markets. Plus, it’s close to the Black Forest, which would make a great winter trip.

16. Montreux, Switzerland

This one looks so unique! It’s right on Lake Geneva with mountains in the background, and they even have a Flying Santa show each evening. It looks like such a fun twist on the classic market vibe.

17. Nuremberg, Germany

The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is one of the most famous in the world, and I can’t believe I haven’t made it there yet. It’s known for its traditional stalls, mulled wine, and the Christkind opening ceremony that officially kicks off the season.