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.
Budapest Christmas markets
2025 Christmas market dates: 15 November – 1 January
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.
Graz Christmas markets
2025 Christmas market dates: 21 November – 24 December
Discover Graz's festive charm as its Christmas markets fill the city’s historic streets. Discover handcrafted gifts, sip spiced wine, and enjoy the cozy magic of Austria’s holiday traditions, all within easy strolling distance.
Hanover Christmas markets
2025 Christmas market dates: 24 November – 22 December
Magical Hanover. Legend has it that if you make a wish at the fountain in the fairy-tale Wishing Well Forest it will come true.
Nuremberg Christmas markets
2025 Christmas market dates: 28 November – 24 December
Fall in love with Nuremberg where the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt has a range of stalls selling toys, treats and spiced wine.
Prague Christmas markets
2025 Christmas market dates: 29 November – 6 January
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.
Salzburg Christmas markets
2025 Christmas market dates: 20 November – 1 January
Feel the warmth of festivities in Austria. Salzburg is home to several Christmas markets, wrap up in big coats and soak up the wintery enchantment of the city.
Stuttgart Christmas markets
2025 Christmas market dates: 26 November – 23 December
Explore Stuttgart’s Christmas markets which boast around 300 stalls selling traditional gifts, mulled wine and irresistible cinnamon-star cookies.
Berlin Christmas markets
2025 Christmas market dates: 24 November – 31 December
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.
Cologne Christmas markets
2025 Christmas market dates: 18 November – 4 January
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.
Krakow Christmas markets
2025 Christmas market dates: 28 November – 1 January
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.
Riga Christmas markets
2025 Christmas market dates: 29 November – 2 January
Head to Riga's romantic cobbled streets and squares during this holiday season and see the Latvian capital sparkle with festive spirit.
Vienna Christmas markets
2025 Christmas market dates: 14 November – 26 December
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.
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