Last Updated on January 11, 2026 by Lindsey
The best Christmas markets in Europe blend magical charm, festive traditions, and mulled wine-fueled fun. This guide shares my top picks. In this guide, you’ll find up-to-date 2025 market dates for Europe’s best markets. Plus, get insider tips and recommendations on where to stay and how to join fun tours.
I’ve visited many of these markets with my kids. I’ve included personal favorites to help you skip the overrated ones and go straight to the magic. Look out for ⭐ Adventurous Tastes Pick highlighting my favorite markets.
This post includes affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you shop through them at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our content!
Best Christmas Markets in Europe Map
Best Christmas Markets in France
Strasbourg, France: The Capital of Christmas and One of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Strasbourg is often called the “Capital of Christmas” for a good reason. Its Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest and best Christmas markets in Europe.
- Dates: November 26 – December 24, 2025
- 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. Dine on 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). Don’t forget the vin chaud (mulled wine).
- Official Website: Strasbourg Christmas Market
- Where to Stay Strasbourg: Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery
Colmar, France: Fairy-Tale Charm in One of the Best Xmas Markets in Europe
Just a short trip from Strasbourg, Colmar offers a postcard-perfect Christmas setting with its six different themed markets. This market is one of the best European cities for Christmas for those seeking cozy streets and artisan crafts.
- Dates: November 25 – December 29, 2025
- 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 a 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: The magical Little Venice area with holiday lights reflecting on the canal is a photographer’s dream. 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
- Tour: Colmar Christmas Market Tour
Best Christmas Markets in Germany
Munich, Germany— A Top Spot for Xmas in Europe
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 24 to December 24, 2025
- 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
- Tour: Munich Christmas Market Tour
Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz
The Medieval Christmas Market is a personal favorite and offers a completely different experience from the traditional markets. From the stalls to the drinks, this market is designed to feel like the Middle Ages. This was the only market where we made friends with locals. It’s got a very social vibe!
- Dates: November 24 – December 23, 2025
- 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. Don’t miss the dramatic flaming furzangenbowle!
- Official Website: Munich Mittelaltermarkt
- ⭐ Adventurous Tastes Pick!
Regensburg, Germany: The Royal Charm of Thurn und Taxis Christmas Market
Regensburg’s Thurn und Taxis Market is one of the best hidden gem Christmas markets in Europe. It offers royal elegance in a fairy-tale castle setting. I was enchanted by the palace setting. It’s small but so memorable!
- Dates: 21nd November – 23rd December 2025, Closed: 23th November
- Location: Thurn und Taxis Palace, Regensburg
- Highlights: Candle-lit pathways, hand-made Christmas decorations, and a romantic, intimate atmosphere unlike any other market.
- 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.
- ⭐ Adventurous Tastes Pick!
Cologne, Germany: Majestic Market by the Cathedral — A Top Christmas Destination in Europe
Cologne’s Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom is a grand market nestled beneath the stunning Cologne Cathedral. This is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe for those wanting a lively and iconic holiday experience.
- Dates: November 17 – December 23, 2025
- Location: Cologne Cathedral
- Highlights: Over 150 stalls selling handmade gifts, wooden toys, and local delicacies like reibekuchen (potato pancakes). Live music fills the air as you stroll.
- Official Website: Cologne Christmas Market
- Where to Stay Cologne: Stern am Rathaus
Nuremberg Christmas Market – Germany’s Most Famous Christkindlesmarkt
If you’re looking for the ultimate classic German Christmas market experience, Nuremberg delivers. The Christkindlesmarkt here is one of the oldest and most famous in Europe. It has over 180 wooden stalls that line the Old Town square, offering everything from spiced nuts to hand-carved ornaments. The vibe? Festive and grand, but still somehow cozy if you time it right.
Just a short walk away, there’s a dedicated Children’s Market that feels like a little Christmas village of its own. Picture a vintage merry-go-round spinning beside tiny stalls. Your kids will love decorating cookies and hands-on craft stations where they can make ornaments or write letters to the Christkind.
- Dates: November 28 – December 24, 2025
- Location: Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg Old Town
- Highlights: Christkind angel opening ceremony, famous bratwurst, massive main market, sweet Children’s Market with hands-on fun
- Official Website: Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
- Where to Stay: Hotel Victoria Nürnberg
Why Rothenburg Didn’t Make My List
Rothenburg ob der Tauber sounds like a dream — medieval towers, cobblestone lanes, and a market straight out of a snow globe. But when I went, it felt more like Disney World during peak season. The crowds were intense, and it was tough to enjoy the charm with so many people packed in. If you’re nearby, it might be worth a stroll, but it didn’t earn a spot on my must-see list.
Best Christmas Markets in Austria
Planning a visit to Austria’s Christmas markets? Check out our detailed Guide to Austrian Christmas Markets.
Vienna, Austria: Grand Elegance at Rathausplatz and Schönbrunn Palace
Vienna is one of the best Christmas holiday destinations in Europe, with grand lights, classical music, and festive treats. There are many markets throughout the city. Get the full scoop on planning a Christmas market visit to Austria with kids.
Vienna’s Magic of Advent at Rathausplatz
This is arguably the most famous Vienna market, located in front of City Hall.
- Dates: November 14 to December 26, 2025
- Location: Rathausplatz, Vienna
- Highlights: Ice skating, carol concerts, Austrian treats like Kaiserschmarrn and lebkuchen, plus family-friendly craft workshops..
- Official Website: Wiener Christkindlmarkt
- Where to Stay in Vienna: House of Ble
- Tour: Vienna Christmas Market Tour
Christmas Market Schönbrunn Palace
- Dates:: November 6, 2025 – January 6, 2026
- Location: Schonbrunn Palace
- Highlights: Buy holiday crafts from more than 80 vendors and enjoy treats like kaiserschmarrn, kartoffelpuffer. Don’t forget your gluhwein in a keepsake mug. Kids will love the market scavenger hunt, which comes with a prize at the end. When you’re done visiting the market, explore the beautiful palace and dress like royalty at the palace’s kids’ museum.
- Official Website: Schloss Schonbrunn
- ⭐Adventurous Tastes Pick!
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 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 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Location: Domplatz and Residenzplatz, Salzburg
- Highlights: 360° light shows, ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Enjoy local treats like sweet pancakes (kaiserschmarrn), and chocolate and marzipan balls (Mozartkugeln)
- Official Website: Salzburg Christmas Market
- Where to Stay in Salzburg: Imlauer Hotel Pitter
- Tour: Salzburg Christmas Market Tour
- ⭐Adventurous Tastes Pick!
Best Christmas Markets in Belgium
Brussels, Belgium: Winter Wonders Festival — A Full Holiday Experience
- Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2025
- 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: Medieval Magic at the Winter Glow
Bruges, with its fairy-tale medieval streets, is one of the best places to go in Europe for Christmas for a romantic holiday.
- Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4 2026
- 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.
Best Christmas Markets in the Rest of Europe
Copenhagen, Denmark: Nordic Hygge at Tivoli Gardens — A Unique Xmas Market in Europe
Copenhagen’s already enchanting Tivoli Gardens amusement park transforms for Christmas. It becomes a winter wonderland with lights, snow-covered trees, and charming holiday stalls.
- Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Location: Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
- Highlights: Danish treats like æbleskiver and gløgg, spectacular light displays, and a Christmas parade. The amusement rides are open during the market. 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
- ⭐ Adventurous Tastes Pick
Prague, Czechia: Affordable and Picturesque Holiday Magic
Prague’s Old Town Square market is one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe. It’s a great choice for travelers on a budget who want a beautiful setting.
- Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 6, 2026
- Location: Old Town Square, Prague
- Highlights: Bohemian glass ornaments, klobása sausages, chimney cakes (trdelník), and festive carols.
- Official Website: Prague Christmas Market
- Where to Stay in Prague: Josephine Old Town Square Hotel
- Prague – Visit 3 Christmas Markets Tour
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!
Budapest, Hungary: Cozy Traditional Christmas Market
Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market blends hearty food and folk art in a warm setting.
- Dates: November 17 – December 31, 2024 (2025 dates tbd)
- Location: Vörösmarty Square
- Highlights: Hungarian crafts, chimney cakes, nokedli dumplings, goulash, and a giant Advent calendar.
- Official Website: Budapest Christmas Market
- Where to Stay in Budapest: Boutique Residence Budapest
- Tour: Budapest Christmas Market Tour
FAQs: Planning Your Visit to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Most Christmas markets in Europe open in late November and run through Christmas Eve or early January. If you want to experience the markets without overwhelming crowds, it’s best to visit on weekdays or as early in the season as possible. We’ve always gone during US Thanksgiving and thought it was the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit while paying lower prices for hotels.
European Christmas markets are often held outdoors, so pack warm clothing, waterproof boots, and plenty of layers. Gloves and a scarf are also essential. Many markets offer hot drinks to warm you up, but staying bundled is key to enjoying the experience.
The best Christmas markets in Europe include Strasbourg in France, known as the “Capital of Christmas,” and Nuremberg in Germany, famous for its historic charm and traditional treats. Vienna dazzles with elegant lights and classical music, while Colmar and Budapest offer postcard-perfect settings and festive food. For a magical experience, don’t miss Prague, Dresden, and lesser-known gems like Thurn und Taxis. Each market brings its own unique holiday spirit, from handcrafted gifts to steaming mugs of glühwein.
Explore Multiple Christmas Markets with a River Cruise
Want to see multiple markets without the transit stress? A river cruise between cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Nuremberg lets you enjoy it all — glühwein included.
The Best Christmas Markets in Europe for 2025 Await You!
From the medieval magic of Regensburg to the elegant glow of Vienna, Europe’s best Christmas markets offer incredible holiday memories. Plan your trip early, check 2025 dates, and get ready for cozy moments with mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, and twinkling lights. These markets are worth every chilly moment!
I can help plan your perfect Christmas market itinerary in Europe. I’m here to help you make your holiday trip magical.
Read More Christmas Travel Tips
- Plan a visit to Austria’s Christmas markets
- Celebrate Christmas in NYC in 3 days
- Christmas cocktails from around the world
This post includes affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you shop through them at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our content!
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Pin for Later!
This guide is written by a seasoned traveler who’s visited dozens of Europe’s top Christmas markets with kids — and always with a mug of glühwein in hand.
What a great list of Christmas markets in Europe. I’ve been to a few from your list (Vienna and Budapest), but would love to visit more this winter. Thanks for sharing.
Great post! European Christmas Markets are a bucket list trip of mine. Thank you for the info!
Christmas markets are the best. I’ve been to several, Cologne and Colmar are indeed spectacular. The Christmas markets in Valkenburg, the Netherlands are a hidden gem, from the ones I’ve visited.
I’ve always wanted to go to Salzburg for Sound of Music reasons, but they have a Christmas market too?!
Also, as a Brit I’d add Bath, its beautiful!
Choices, choices, choices. I’ve read various posts about the different European Christmas markets. I think Prague is at the top of my list.