Europe in December is pure magic for Christmas lovers, thanks to the charming winter markets that illuminate the continent with twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine, and festive cheer.
Become entranced by the twinkling lights of Vienna’s City Hall, or the scent of cinnamon and fir drifting from the cottages of Vörösmarty Square in Budapest. A truly enchanting experience, Christmas markets in Europe will have you feeling as though you’ve landed in the North Pole itself.
United Kingdom
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London, England
The name says it all: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland hosts an outstanding Christmas experience. One of the most famous of London’s Christmas markets, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers families many festive activities. Browse the traditional Christmas market stalls, where you will discover an abundance of festive trinkets and gifts. Hold hands with a loved one while skating on the Winter Wonderland ice rink, the largest outdoor rink in the United Kingdom. Explore the icy passageways of the Magical Ice Kingdom, followed by a trip to the stars in the Giant Observation Wheel, where you can relish in the sparkling festival lights below. You won’t be left hungry either, with so many restaurants and bars around, you won’t know where to start.
When: Returns November 2025 (specific dates TBC)
Where: Hyde Park, London, England
Kingston Christmas Market, London, England
A visit to Kingston Christmas Market in London will have you filling up your Christmas stocking, and also your belly. Allow your taste buds to explore the various food options at the markets, from bratwurst to street food from across the globe. If that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, a mug of mulled wine coupled with twinkling Christmas lights surely will. You will have all of your holiday shopping covered, as the Kingston Christmas Market offers a selection of festive retailers where you can be sure to find the perfect gift. Soak up the festive sounds of carollers and live music as you revel in the classic Christmas ambience.
When: 13 November 2025 to 28 December 2025 (closed all day on 25 December)
Where: Ancient Marketplace, London, England
East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market, Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh comes to life during the holiday season, bursting with Christmas cheer. The entire city turns into an Advent haven, with East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market showcasing festivities for all. Set in Edinburgh’s historic city centre, the market offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. Approximately 70 stalls can be found in the market, featuring products from both local and international producers. These products range from hand-crafted gifts to tasty treats, all Christmas-themed, of course. Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel can also be found in the Christmas markets, as well as the magical Santa Train that travels through a winter wonderland that is completely lit up. Rides are available too, for the thrill seekers at the markets.
When: 2025 dates TBC
Where: In Edinburgh’s historic city centre, Scotland
France
Lumières de Noël, Montbéliard
The German-style Christmas markets that are held in Montbéliard are a yearly tradition dating back 25 years. Lumières de Noël is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe. Montbéliard can expect up to 400,000 visitors during the Advent season. Over 115,000 light bulbs are lit from Place Denfert-Rochereau to the railway station, decorating the streets in spectacular fashion. The market stalls showcase the talents of local artisans, selling traditional artworks and accessories that you won’t find anywhere else. Watch for Santa Claus wandering the glowing streets as you indulge in festive treats.
When: 22 November to 24 December 2025
Where: At the foot of the Temple Saint-Martin, Montbéliard
Christmas Markets, Metz
Home to a myriad of Christmas-themed boutiques and scrumptious food, visiting Metz in December is like stepping into a Christmas party hosted by Saint Nick himself. Metz hosts five Christmas markets across the city, forming a festive ring around its majestic Gothic Cathedral. The parade of lights, coupled with the scent of hot chocolate and mulled wine, will excite all of your senses. Craftspeople have stalls set up selling a variety of homemade gifts, the perfect present to place under the Christmas tree. Metz’s Lantern Trail is a sight to behold, with illuminated Christmas-themed sculptures such as snowflakes and gingerbread men lighting your way through. With its Lantern Trail and magical atmosphere, Metz delivers not only one of the best Christmas markets in Europe but also one of the finest in the world.
When: 2025 dates TBC
Where: Across the city’s main squares, Metz
Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg
Often dubbed the ‘Capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg hosts the oldest Christmas market in Europe, Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570. Hundreds of stalls are spread throughout the old town, particularly around Cathedral Square, with merchants selling traditional toys, sweets and handmade ornaments. A towering Christmas tree graces Place Kléber, while carols echo from the city’s churches. Strasbourg’s market is the ultimate mix of history, heritage and holiday cheer.
When: 28 November to 24 December 2025
Where: Primarily around Cathedral Square, Strasbourg
Christmas Markets, Colmar
The Christmas markets in Colmar represent everything wonderful about the holiday season. The multicoloured lights adorning the streets illuminate the way to each of the city’s six Christmas markets. It feels as though the town was built for Christmas, with brown and golden coloured buildings that look as though they were made from gingerbread. Each market, although in keeping with the Christmas tone, has its own unique ambience. Some may amaze you with bright coloured lights and rides for children, while others have soft LED lights and mulled wine. With smoked pork, foie gras or other hot dishes from the gourmet market that pair nicely with a selection of local Alsatian wines, you’ll leave these European Christmas markets with a warm belly and a warm heart.
When: 25 November to 29 December 2025
Where: Mainly located in the town’s historic centre, spreading throughout the city
Noël des Alpes, Annecy
For cosy Christmas markets with a picturesque backdrop of snow-capped mountains, visit the Noël des Alpes in Annecy between late November and December. Rows of wooden chalets offer nougat, mulled drinks (choose from red wine, white wine or cider) and Savoyarde specialities such as Tartiflette and raclette. Support local producers from the Haute-Savoie by browsing their ranges of hand-crafted Christmas trinkets, knitted hats and leather gloves. If the mulled wine doesn’t warm your heart, the convivial atmosphere of this alpine market surely will.
When: Returns November 2025 (specific dates TBC)
Where: The old town by the canal next to Église Saint-François de Sales
Germany
International Christmas Market, Essen
International Christmas Markets Essen has so many lights you’ll think you’re in space. The festive glow accompanied by the hot mulled wines delivers a cosy, Christmas vibe, with plenty of nooks and crannies to discover. The scent of freshly roasted almonds creates a spiced aroma, preparing your taste buds (and your stomach) for a trip to one of the many food stalls on offer. Bring your family, a loved one, or simply yourself to this extraordinary Christmas market in Europe, a delight for all holiday lovers.
When: 14 November to 23 December 2025
Where: The main market is located in Kennedyplatz, Essen
Trierer Weihnachtsmarkt, Trier
The Trier Christmas Market creates an intimate and cosy atmosphere for all to enjoy. The scent of mulled wine and sugary sweets is a welcoming fragrance as you make your way through the markets. Around 90 wooden stalls, all decorated with their own Christmas jolly, create the opportunity to chat with friendly vendors, admire the handmade items for sale, and fill up your Christmas stockings. You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to traditional holiday delicacies. Grab a steaming cup of fresh mulled wine or perhaps some sweets from one of the stalls. Don’t forget to grab a picture with Santa Claus on your way out of one of the best Christmas markets in Europe to capture a moment you won’t soon forget.
When: 2025 dates TBC
Where: In front of Trier Cathedral, Trier
Christmas Markets, Cologne
Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany, so it comes as no surprise that it hosts an array of Christmas markets. Perhaps the most well-known of Cologne’s Christmas markets sits in front of the Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s most famous landmarks. Get your cameras ready for this picture-perfect setting as the golden Christmas tree perched in the heart of the markets dazzles you. The luminous streets are packed with different stalls, each with its own story to tell. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, looking for a Christmas snack or simply browsing, you will not be left disappointed.
When: 17 November to 23 December 2025
Where: Throughout the city of Cologne, the main market is in front of Cologne Cathedral
Italy
Merano Christmas Market, Merano
Merano is a mountain-side spa town in Italy with one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The annual holiday tradition transforms Merano into the ultimate Christmas market, celebrating all things festive. The crisp air somehow feels cosy, which complements the live music and electrifying atmosphere that generates warmth throughout the markets. Holiday decorations are sprinkled throughout the streets, with the aroma of fresh pastries wafting through the air. Emphasising an immensely special time of year, Merano hosts one of the best Christmas markets Italy has to offer.
When: 28 November 2025 to 6 January 2026
Where: Spread throughout the town of Merano
Christmas Markets, Bolzano
In the heart of Bolzano, you will find one of the top Christmas markets in Europe. A picture-perfect setting that looks pulled from a storybook, the Bolzano Christmas markets light up the night from November to January. Stroll along the 80 traditional multicoloured wooden houses as you bask in the Christmas spirit, exploring the different markets and festivities. Enjoy a serving of speck, strudel, mulled wine or Zelten, a traditional South Tyrolean fruit bread, that will warm your insides. Window shop the several stalls selling Christmas tree decorations and other homemade items as you listen to the live Christmas music being played in the streets.
When: 28 November 2025 to 6 January 2026
Where: Piazza Walther, Bolzano
The Netherlands
Christmas Town Valkenburg
A nearly two-month holiday celebration is held in Valkenburg from mid-November to early January each year. The Christmas parade is a highlight for all ages. Sing along to your favourite Christmas jingles as the Christmas float parades through the streets. The underground caves are also a delight, with centuries-old corridors to explore, decked out with different stalls selling your favourite Christmas goodies, or perhaps a ride on the cable cars, which tell the story of Christmas in a magnificent way. Whether through the street theatre showings or a stroll along the various walking routes, Christmas Town Valkenburg is sure to ignite your Christmas spirit.
When: 14 November 2025 to 5 January 2026
Where: Theodoor, Valkenburg
Christmas Markets, Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s Christmas markets can be found in the neighbourhood of Museumplein. Whether you are embarking on a family holiday, spending Christmas with a special someone or perhaps checking Amsterdam off of your travel checklist, these vibrant Christmas markets have something for everyone. Encounter a friendly vendor at any one of the 45 Christmas stalls, with plenty of gifts and trinkets to send home. The various places to eat and drink can create the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends and family, an important part of the Christmas season. The markets are always bustling with people, generating the kind of Christmas buzz you only see in the movies.
When: 2025 dates TBC
Where: Located next to the ice rink on Museumplein, Amsterdam
Spain
Plaza Mayor Christmas Market, Madrid
The Plaza Mayor Christmas Market in Madrid is a collector’s dream. One of the best Christmas markets in Europe for Christmas shopping, you will find a huge variety of Christmas decorations and toys. With over 12,000 items to be discovered, including vintage pieces from the 1960s to the 1980s, you are certain to find something that catches your eye. Ignite your taste buds at one of the food stalls, with succulent turkey and tasty sweets that will leave you satisfied.
When: 2025 dates TBC
Where: Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Seville Christmas Market, Seville
Seville boasts a wonderful European Christmas market. Its rich history and artistic heritage, coupled with the warm winter, (compared to other parts of Europe) make it a vibrant city to celebrate Christmas in. Seville erupts with holiday spirit during December, with musical choirs and Christmas stalls scattered throughout the markets. Explore the yearly street exhibitions, showing off antique signage that promotes creative and cultural content to the public.
When: 2025 dates TBC
Where: Nervion, Seville
Czech Republic
Christmas Markets, Prague
Prague prides itself on hosting one of the best Christmas markets in Europe every year. The city is lit with an impressive array of lights. A variety of stalls await your perusal, with wares such as jewellery, hand-crafted ornaments, winter accessories and toys for sale. The markets are not just an opportunity to shop, though. Prepare your stomach for a selection of tasty samples and hearty meals. Local favourites include Christmas fish soup, cakes and sweets, spicy gingerbread, and traditional Czech desserts. Admire the impressive 25-metre Christmas tree as you enjoy an amazing Christmas holiday in Prague.
When: 29 November 2025 to 6 January 2026
Where: Many locations throughout Prague, with the main ones being in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square
Hungary
The Advent Basilica, Budapest
These Budapest Christmas markets are a gorgeous addition to the many Christmas markets Europe has to offer. The light show presentations are simply mesmerising, bringing a magical presence to St. Stephen’s Basilica. Enjoy a 3D visual show after sunset every evening, with special glasses handed to visitors. Embark on a guided tour as you get the full Christmas market experience. The tours are enhanced even more once you discover the vast variety of hand-crafted jewellery on offer, followed by a cup of mulled wine.
When: 2025 dates TBC
Where: In front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest
Poland
Gdańsk Christmas Market, Gdańsk
The Christmas season is a special time for the Polish city of Gdańsk, as it hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. With 155 stalls sprawling the city’s streets, visitors to the Christmas markets will not be leaving empty-handed. If it’s gifts to place under the tree that you’re after, you will be delighted to discover stalls selling handcrafted linen and wool products, wooden toys, jewellery, candles and lamps, baubles and painted angels. Unique Christmas ornaments and ceramics are also on offer, perfect for holiday decorations. As well as classic Polish dishes, you can enjoy international cuisines from over 20 different countries, including Japan, Italy and Spain. The Gdańsk Christmas markets have a little something for everyone and are a stellar destination for your Christmas holiday.
When: 2025 dates TBC
Where: Located in the historical centre of Gdańsk
Austria
Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz, Vienna
The most famous of Vienna’s Christmas markets, Christkindlmarkt, is full of Christmas spirit. A truly wholesome celebration, you will be greeted by a lit-up entrance arch, neighbouring the ‘Tree of Hearts’, a tree decorated in romantic red-lit hearts. If you enjoy Christmas delicacies, you will not be disappointed at Christkndlmarkt on the Rathausplatz. Tradition roast-chestnut stalls can be found throughout the streets, as well as stalls selling everything from creamy pastries to Fladenbrot, a flatbread with toppings. You can also purchase a variety of toys and clothes crafted by Austrian artisans. If you’re not in the market for purchasing goodies, you can simply stroll through the streets and parks, lit up with enchanting shimmering lights to ignite the way.
When: 14 November to 26 December 2025
Where: Vienna’s Rathausplatz, the square in front of the town hall
Salzburg
Christkindlmarkt on Dom and Residenzplatz Square, Salzburg
One of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe and the world is the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt on Dom and Residenzplatz Square. The markets’ traditional huts sell a variety of Austrian delicacies, essential for celebrating Christmas in Salzburg. Christmas lights are strung well above the markets, which mimic stars in the night sky. If you’re travelling with children, be sure to visit the readings of children’s stories or take them to one of the many parades. The Christmas atmosphere is enhanced even further by the “sing-along” choirs, a treat for all.
When: 20 November 2025 to 1 January 2026
Where: Cathedral Square, Salzburg
Romania
Christmas Markets, Craiova
The citizens of Craiova love the holiday season, which is evident in their extraordinary Christmas markets. Held in the heart of Craiova’s Central Square, these Christmas markets in Europe blend modern entertainment and Christmas festivities to perfection. A lineup of local artists and bands perform a mixture of modern and folk music live, bringing an upbeat energy to the celebration. Children won’t want to leave, with fun activities such as carousel rides, games and workshops where they can craft traditional Oltenian ornaments and toys. Wooden stalls selling traditional crafts and decorations can be found throughout this Romanian Christmas market, too.
When: 2025 dates TBC
Where: Central Square, Craiova
Latvia
Christmas Markets, Riga
Riga offers both travellers and locals alike an enchanting holiday experience with its annual Christmas markets. You will encounter a medley of Christmas markets throughout Riga, making the city a prime location to celebrate Christmas. Sip on mulled wine as you scour the streets, picking out your favourite hand-crafted gifts. Latvia is also known to snow during December, a great opportunity for those seeking a White Christmas.
When: 29 November 2025 to 1 January 2026
Where: Doma Square, Riga
Portugal
Christmas Markets, Madeira
Christmas is a monumental celebration for Portugal, and the Madeira Christmas markets are a big part of it. Visitors can enjoy a merry Christmas, with a relatively warmer climate compared to other parts of Europe. As you enter the markets, you will instantly be in awe of the gorgeous Christmas lights, which are set up in the streets, buildings gardens and mountains of the island. The Children’s Christmas Village is an absolute must-visit for families, as the little ones will get the opportunity to explore the long wooden Christmas train, Santa’s Sleigh and will even encounter Saint Nicholas himself. A walk through these European Christmas Markets is perhaps the biggest attraction, as beautiful flowers decorate the streets along the stalls. A diversity of delicacies and gifts are available for purchase while Christmas carols can be heard from the fish markets, all in keeping with the Christmas spirit.
When: 1 December 2025 to 5 January 2026
Where: Avenida Arriaga central walkways, Madeira
Belgium
Brussels Winter Wonders, Brussels
If you’re searching for one of the best Christmas markets in Europe and happen to be staying in Belgium, look no further than Brussels Winter Wonders. A hugely popular Christmas market in Belgium, Brussels Winter Wonders attracts nearly 2.5 million visitors. If you’re planning to fill up Christmas stockings for yourself or your loved ones, over 200 stalls await your perusal. There are lots of activities to do too, with two ice rinks and multiple rides available. Explore the tastes that Brussels Winter Wonders has to offer, whether it be deep-fried sweet dumplings or a cup of hot wine or gin.
When: 29 November 2025 to 5 January 2026
Where: Place Saint Catherine, Brussels
Denmark
Zoologisk Have København, Copenhagen
This European Christmas market, which is held in a zoo, takes the Christmas spirit to new heights. Christmas lights are showered over the zoo, with no dark spots in sight. Try your hand in one of the gift workshops, where you can create hand-crafted Christmas gifts. Enjoy the smell of pine from the 900 Christmas trees that surround the zoo. While exploring the numerous stalls full of Christmas gifts and goodies, you may encounter the reindeer and horses that tour around the park. A truly unique Christmas experience, Zoologisk Have Copenhagen is one of the best Christmas markets that Europe has to offer.
When: 2025 dates TBC
Where: Copenhagen Zoo, Copenhagen
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