The most popular time to visit the European countries is during the spring, summer, and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant. With the arrival of winter, tourist footfall decreases in the European continent, as most of the countries experience low temperatures and heavy snowfall as well. But there is a reason why you must visit Europe in the winter, especially in December. Christmas is the most important festival in the Europe where Christians are in the majority. The birth of Christ is celebrated with great pomp and splendor in most of the European countries. The European cities are filled with numerous festivities, and the Christmas Markets are surely the biggest spectacle. If you are in Europe during Christmas, here is a list of the 15 best European Christmas Markets you must visit.
Brief History of Christmas Markets in Europe
Christmas Markets in Europe had humble beginnings. They started in the late Middle Ages, in German speaking regions of the continent, as practical markets where people could stock up on essential goods required for winter. It was in the 14th century that these markets were transformed into Christmas Markets. In fact, the first reported Christmas Market was in Dresden in 1434. Over the centuries, these markets evolved, giving rise to the Christmas Markets we have today. Beginning a few weeks before Christmas, these Christmas Markets mark the beginning of the celebrations.
Why Visit Christmas Markets in Europe?
If Christmas to you is about Christmas trees, fairy lights, and snow-capped streets, visiting the Christmas Markets would be the highlight of your trip.
- These markets are the epitome of the magic that we often associate with Christmas. The best part is that each Christmas Market is unique and gives you the chance to enjoy the local culture and celebrations.
- These markets are decorated with Christmas trees, fairy lights, nativity scenes, and so much more. You will find stalls selling handmade gifts, traditional crafts, unique souvenirs, and everything you need for Christmas.
- You also get to enjoy winter and Christmas delicacies of the region, including local mulled wine, sausages, pastries, gingerbread, and more.
- Some of the best European Christmas Markets also offer family-friendly activities like riding on a carousel, exploring Santa’s grotto, meeting Santa, and skating on an ice rink.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2025
1. Dresden, Germany
Although there are many Christmas Markets in Dresden, TheStrietzelmarket is the oldest and needs to be the first on this list. The market still has a historic charm to it, which is one of the reasons it is so popular.
Highlights: The market has a tall Christmas tree at the center, although the 14 meters tall wooden Christmas Pyramid is the main attraction. At this Christmas Market, you will find stalls selling traditional Saxon handicrafts like ornaments, candleholders, etc. Rauchermann, Striezelmarkt nutcrackers, and Schwibbogen candle holders are some of the things you can buy here. Church services with boys’ choir, Ferris Wheel, children’s railway, etc., are some of the things to experience at this Christmas Market.
Foods to Try: One of the must-things to try here is Stollen or Christstollen, a light and low-sugar fruitcake. Apart from this, you must also try potato pancakes with applesauce, Saxon sausages, candied nuts, and more. Gluhwein or mulled wine is something you must try here.
Dates: Late November till Christmas Eve 2025
2. Vienna, Austria
Austria’s capital, Vienna, has around 20 Christmas Markets, but the one on Rathausplatz is the most popular one. It has a classic Christmas Market and is located right in front of the 19th century town hall. You can check it out while visiting the city with one of the Vienna tour packages.
Highlights: The entire place is decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and a beautiful Christmas tree as well. Do check out the Heart Tree, where glowing hearts are released in the gap of 30 minutes, every evening. You must also visit the Rathauspark, where you can enjoy Christmas delights like Ferris Wheel, nativity scene trail, etc. One of the highlights here is the Ice Dream, where you can enjoy ice skating. Apart from all these, there are over 145 stalls where you can buy Christmas goods, right from decoration to toys and other gifts.
Foods to Try: Warm mulled wine is something you must try along with shredded pancakes (Kaiserschmarrn), sweet punch (Punsch), dumplings, donuts, chocolate-covered strawberries, pastries, and roasted chestnuts.
Dates: November 14 to December 26, 2025
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Featured 3. Prague, Czech Republic
If you want to enjoy a Gothic-style Christmas Market, the Old Town Christmas Market in Czech Republic’s Prague is the one for you. It is the oldest and the most popular market in this European country, one that you must not miss while exploring the city with the Prague holiday packages.
Highlights: The Gothic-style buildings and monuments around the Old Town Square add an old-world charm to the Christmas Market. Along with this is the huge Christmas tree along with other beautiful lights and decorations. Do not forget to check the Nativity Scene here. One of the star attractions of this Christmas Market is the live music performances that happen here almost every evening. As for the stalls at the market, you can buy a variety of Christmas ornaments, wood carvings, traditional Czech marionettes, and gingerbread houses.
Foods to Try: You must try the most popular beverage, which is perfect for a cold wintery Christmas, hot wine. Moreover, you can also try some of the typical Czech foods like grilled meats, Prague ham, and a sweet pastry named Trdelnik.
Dates: Late November 2025 to January 6, 2026
Featured Featured 4. London, UK
The capital of United Kingdom is known to host some of the best Xmas Markets in Europe, but the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the most well-known. Featuring thrilling rides and activities, this one is more than a regular Christmas Market.
Highlights: The main highlight of the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is its numerous adventurous rides. A giant observation wheel, the largest portable rollercoaster, a drop tower ride, a classic carousel, and several high spinning rides are what await you here. Then there is also the ice rink, which is the largest outdoor ice rink in the country. At this Christmas Market, you can purchase a variety of things, including jewelry, art and crafts, unique gifts, trinkets, decorations, and more. Themed bars like the Ice Bar are also a must visit here.
Foods to Try: Craft ales, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, churros, etc., are some of the foods to try here.
Dates: November 14, 2025 to January 1, 2026
5. Basel, Switzerland
While there are numerous Christmas Markets in Basel, the ones located on Munsterplatz and Barfusserplatz are the most sought-after.
Highlights: Both the markets are lit with colorful lights and decoration that add to the Christmas mood. An important attraction to check out here is the Christmas Pyramid, which also acts like a stand for mulled wine. Apart from the fairytale setting, these markets are also known for their elaborate nativity scenes, handmade gifts, lamps, figurines, and decorations. You must also take this chance to climb up the Munster Cathedral from where you will get to see a magical view of the entire place.
Foods to Try: Mulled wine is the most popular here, although hot tea is also something that most people enjoy. The festive food you must try here are sweet sausages, bacon bread balls, chocolate-covered fruits, etc.
Dates: November 27 to December 23, 2025
6. Strasbourg, France
Originated in 1570, the Christmas Market in Strasbourg is the first of its kind in France. Known as the Christkinderlsmarik, this is the oldest and the most popular Christmas Market in France.
Highlights: The Christkinderlsmairk is a market where you can enjoy the traditional Christmas experience. The market has a grand entrance, with the name “Christkinderlsmarik” decorated with flowers and lights. The market is decorated with a Christmas tree, small village houses, nativity figurines, advent wreaths, and more. It is also quite interesting to shop here, as the stalls here sell embroidered tablecloths, music boxes, Alsatian pottery, handmade toys, glass paintings, and wooden objects.
Foods to Try: Some of the traditional foods you can try at this French Christmas Market are roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, gingerbread, etc.
Dates: November 28, 2025 to December 23, 2025
8. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels hosts the Winter Wonders, which is the ultimate Christmas event, every year. Complete with Christmas Market and amazing attractions, this is a must visit in Belgium.
Highlights: Spread over Bussels’ Grand-Place and city center, the Winter Wonders comes with a Christmas Market with more than 200 wooden chalets where you can buy holiday decorations, artisanal gifts, and regional specialties. But shopping is not the only thing to do here. The place has a large Ferris wheel from where you can enjoy a view of the entire market. The ice-skating rink and carnival rides are a favorite of families. Winter Wonders Market
Foods to Try: Mulled wine, Belgian waffles, deep fried sweet dumplings, gin, etc., are the foods to try at this market in Brussels.
Dates: November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026
9. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is not a stranger to Christmas Markets, although the St. Stephen’s Basilica Market is probably one of the best. This one is located at the city’s St. Stephen’s Square , which you will get to visit with Budapest packages
Highlights: The festive vibe of this Christmas Market comes with its numerous lights and the large Christmas tree as well. But the high point of this market is the brilliant light show that happens on the facade of the Basilica every 30 minutes. Live music is also a part of the celebrations. Like most Christmas Markets in Europe, this one too comes with an ice rink where you can enjoy ice skating. The stalls of the Christmas Market consist of traditional souvenirs and handcrafted goods and decorations.
Foods to Try: Some of the traditional foods you must try here are Goulash, Langos, Porkolt, Chimney Cake, Chicken Paprikash, Kolbasz, etc.
Dates: November 18 to December 31, 2025
Featured Featured 10. Zagreb, Croatia
Winner of the “Best Christmas Market” in Europe for three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018, the Zagreb Christmas Market deserves a place on this list.
Highlights: Also known as Advent Zagreb, this Christmas Market in Croatia is not limited to a single place. Rather, it is spread across different squares and promenades of the city. The best part is that each area has its own theme and decor. While the lights and decor of the market add to its festive charm, it is the live entertainment in the form of musical performances and cultural concerts that attract people to the place. Ice skating is also available here. Do not forget to check out the stalls where local artisans sell their handmade products like ceramics, handmade toys, and jewelry.
Foods to Try: Mulled wine, fritule (fried balls served with sugar and other toppings), sausages, red heart-shaped gingerbread cookie, homemade pork sausages, baked rolled pastry, stuffed cabbage leaves, etc.
Dates: Late November 2025 to early December 2026
11. Poznan, Poland
Although not as popular as other Christmas Markets Europe, the Poznan Christmas Market in Poland has a charm of its own.
Highlights: The Poznan Christmas Market is a part of the Poznan International Fair and brings together the traditional and modern aspects of Christmas festivities. There are plenty of family friendly attractions here, including an ice rink, a mill wheel, a Christmas tree, a Venetian carousel, Santa’s house, and more. For your entertainment, you will also find several themed events as well as interesting workshops for children. The market is best to get your Christmas gifts like festive trinkets, unique souvenirs, artisanal crafts, and more.
Foods to Try: You will get to enjoy some traditional Polish delicacies at the Christmas Market. Some of them include Goulash (a meat stew), Bigos (Hunter’s Stew), Oscypek (smoked mountain cheese wrapped in bacon), mulled wine, croissant, etc.
Dates: November 19 to December 23, 2025
12. Barcelona, Spain
Among all the Christmas Markets that happen in Spain’s Barcelona, Fira de Santa Llucia is the oldest. The Gothic architecture surrounding the market adds to its character.
Highlights: One of the things that stands out at this Christmas Market is the presence of unique Catalan traditions. The Nativity scenes and stalls have two unique figures, the Caga Tio (the Pooping Log) and El Cagner (the Defecating Figure), which can also be found with the face of famous personalities. The area is decorated with all the traditional decorations like the Christmas trees, eucalyptus, mistletoe, moss, etc. Moreover, there are more than 200 stalls where artisans sell handmade crafts like ceramic work, leather goods, jewelry, textiles, and more.
Foods to Try: Churros with chocolate, roasted chestnuts, artisanal cheeses, turron (Christmas confection), polvorones, mantecados, honey, local wine, etc., are the interesting foods to try at this market in Barcelona with Barcelona tour packages.
Dates: November 28 to December 23, 2025
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Featured 13. Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia’s Tallinn hosts a month-long Christmas Market at its own Town Square in the Old Town to create the atmosphere of cheer and happiness in the air.
Highlights: It is believed that the Tallinn Christmas Market was the first to put up a public Christmas tree in 1441. Till today, the tree is at the center of the festival with fairy lights and other decorations surrounding it. One of the most popular things about this Christmas Market is that it has a Santa Claus hut where kids can meet him and also ride the fantastic carousel. Live performances in the form of musical concerts and dance shows also happen at this market. As for shopping, the market is full of stalls selling handmade products, ceramics, wooden ornaments, woolen mittens, etc.
Foods to Try: Black pudding, gingerbread, sausage, hot mulled wine, potatoes, sauerkraut, etc., are the traditional Christmas foods to try here.
Dates: November 21 to December 27, 2025
14. Cologne, Germany
Among all the amazing Christmas Markets in Cologne, the one right in front of the Cologne Cathedral stands out, both for its decor and festive vibe.
Highlights: The backdrop of the large cathedral along with the stunning illuminations is what makes the Cathedral Christmas Market shine out. Along with the majestic setting, you will also get to enjoy several entertainment programs like live music, choir, and such other festivities. For the kids, the market has a fun carousel. You can even take part in workshops that happen here regularly. The market has more than 150 stalls where you can buy gifts, handmade crafts, Christmas ornaments, etc.
Foods to Try: Regional pastries, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, bratwurst, etc., are some of the Christmas specialties to try at this market.
Dates: November 17 to December 23, 2025
15. Munich, Germany
Another Christmas Market in Germany, the Munchner Christkindlmarkt or Munich Christmas Market is one of the most popular in the city.
Highlights: The Munich Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Germany and one of the best places to experience the traditional Bavarian culture. Moreover, it is located in the city’s Gothic Town, making it even more interesting. The large Christmas tree with a thousand illuminating lights is at the heart of the market. You will also get to enjoy Bavarian Christmas music performances almost every day at the market. Then there are the numerous stalls where you can buy handcrafted items like nativity figures, wooden toys, local handcrafts, ornaments, and so much more.
Foods to Try: Lebkuchen (German gingerbread), Bratwurst & Weisswuest (Bavarian sausages), roasted almonds and chestnuts, Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Stollen (fruit-filled Christmas bread), spiced mulled wine, cheesy egg noodles, and more are some of the delicacies you must try here.
Dates: November 25 to December 24, 2025
16. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam hosts numerous Christmas Markets every year, although the Winter Festival at Museumplein is one of the best and the most popular as well. Many Amsterdam holiday packages during the winter months include a visit to the Christmas Markets as well.
Highlights: The prime feature of this Christmas Market is the large outdoor ice-skating rink, where you can enjoy a fun spin. Light displays, dance performances, and musical concerts are also a part of this market. Moreover, as it is located near the most important museums of the city, a visit to the market is also your chance to explore the museums here. The market itself is filled with interesting stalls where you can buy a variety of unique handcrafted gifts directly from the artisans.
Foods to Try: Stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffles), Poffertjes (mini-Dutch pancakes), Oliebollen (Dutch donuts), Kaaskroketten (cheese croquettes), Erwtensoep (Dutch pea soup), mulled wine, and hot chocolate with whipped cream are some of the delicacies to try here.
Dates: November 15, 2025 to January 5, 2026
Travel Tips for Visiting European Christmas Markets
- Most Christmas Markets in Europe would be crowded. Hence, it is important to be prepared for it. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit the place during the early hours and during the weekdays.
- Beware of pickpockets when you are exploring crowded markets.
- Always carry cash, as most stalls at these Christmas Markets do not accept cards.
- People from all around the world visit these European cities to explore the Christmas Markets. Hence, it is important to book your hotel accommodation in advance.
- Christmas Markets happen during peak winter times in Europe. Hence, it is necessary to dress up in layers. Do not forget to pack warm clothes for your trip.
- It is crucial to wear comfortable walking shoes as visiting a Christmas Market involves a lot of walking.
- Do not start buying as soon as you enter the market. It is best to walk around, compare products and prices, before you make a purchase.
Conclusion
Christmas Markets in Europe are a great way of beginning the festive cheer and starting the preparations for Christmas celebrations. So, if you are in Europe during this holiday season, do not forget to explore one of these amazing markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
