Christmas markets
Get into the festive spirit with Christmas market breaks and enjoy an enchanting winter adventure. Wander around food stands, sip on something mulled and soak up the heart-warming atmosphere.
Our cheapest Christmas markets
'Tis the season to be jolly
Discover the best Christmas markets in Europe and get to see the big sights minus the summer crowds – filled instead with ultra-Christmassy stalls festooned with lights and decorations.
Pick out your favourite hand-crafted baubles in Austria, nibble some classic Bratwurst sausage at Christmas German markets and try the hot sugar-coated pastries in the Czech Republic.
Carefully selected European Christmas market hotels
Choose from a merry selection of Christmassy destinations, enjoy a city break and make the most of this magical time of year. Immerse yourself in the best traditional markets when you stay in Vienna, which date back to the thirteenth century. See miniature puppets, glistening lights and delicate handblown glass. Or go to Innsbruck for a romantic Christmas retreat – see Christmas tree lights bounce off the snow-dusted mountain backdrop and smell the aroma of sweet gingerbread. Visit the best festive food spot in Budapest. Stroll through the stalls and try kurtoskalacs (a cinnamon-pastry chimney cake), toki pompos (a Hungarian-styled pizza with bacon, onion and cream), home-made chocolates and honey cakes. Whether it’s cosy alpine themed lodges or twinkling fairground rides you're looking for, choose the festive destination for you.
Where are the best European Christmas markets?
A visit to Europe’s Christmas Markets is a chance to combine an indulgent city break with shopping for truly individual gifts. This is our pick of the continent’s best cities to soak up the fairy-tale festive atmosphere.
Prague Christmas markets
Was: 2 December 2023 – 6 January 2024
2024 Christmas market dates: TBC
Enjoy festive magic in the Czech Republic. Stroll through the glistening markets of the Old Town Square, sip on hot mulled wine and purchase some Christmas glass ornaments for your tree back home.
Budapest Christmas markets
Was: 24 November – 31 December 2023
2024 Christmas market dates: TBC
Wrap up warm and relish the winter chill of Hungary. See sparkling lights at the Christmas market by Basilica, nibble on scrumptious Hungarian pastries and soak up the charm.
Berlin Christmas markets
Was: 27 November – 31 December 2023
2024 Christmas market dates: TBC
With over 60 Christmas markets, feel mesmerised in Germany’s capital. Go to the Berliner Weinachtszeit, behind the Alexanderplatz and take in the Christmas spirit at the captivating Charlottenburg Palace.
Vienna Christmas markets
Was: 11 November – 26 December 2023
2024 Christmas market dates: TBC
Discover the traditions of Vienna’s Christmas markets. Revel in the aromas of roasting chestnuts, wander through the Christmas village of Belvedere Palace and ice skate through City Hall Park.
Cologne Christmas markets
Was: 20 November 2023 – 7 January 2024
2024 Christmas market dates: TBC
Not only home to one of Europe’s most striking gothic cathedrals, Kölner Dom, there’s a thriving food scene developing along the riverside and six traditional Christmas markets to set the seasonal mood. Wander through Cologne Cathedral market, stroll along the glistening Harbour market at the Chocolate Museum, then amble about the Old market by the town hall.
Krakow Christmas markets
Was: 24 November 2023 – 1 January 2024
2024 Christmas market dates: TBC
One of Europe’s biggest and best medieval squares, Rynek Glowny, is the perfect romantic backdrop to Poland’s most popular Christmas market. Browse quirky, crafty gifts and elaborate homemade cribs, while sampling tasty specialities like grilled ewe’s cheese with cranberries, honeycake and vodka tea. Alongside is the fabulously ornate Renaissance Cloth Hall – claimed to be the world’s oldest shopping mall. Step inside for a chance to find more unique Christmas gifts.
Salzburg Christmas markets
Was: 23 November 2023 – 1 January 2024
2024 Christmas market dates: TBC
Feel the warmth of festivities in Austria. Salzburg is home to several Christmas markets, from the main market around Cathedral Square, to the sparkle of the Mirabell Palace market. Wrap up in big coats, warm your hands with a cup of mulled wine and soak up the wintery enchantment of the city. Pop along to Hellbrunn Palace, for a real Christmas treat..
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