Christmas in Europe.
It’s as magical, enchanting, and downright whimsical as it sounds — and Europe’s Christmas markets turn those emotions into physical sensations.
Steamy cups of Glühwein warm your body like gift-giving warms your heart. The dazzling lights strung along centuries-old architecture fill your eyes with childlike wonder. The chill of winter and the sound of music mix with the scent of roasted chestnuts, sausages, and gingerbread.
Visiting the best Christmas markets in Europe is a gift in itself.
Christmas in Europe: what to expect
Christmas may be magical to many, but it’s no monolith. Different countries throughout Europe have their own traditions, customs, folklore, and stories surrounding the winter solstice. From Estonia to Italy and Malta to Finland, you’re bound to find at least one annual Christmas market celebrating the season.
With so many to choose from, start making your list with a few of the best Christmas markets in Western Europe.
Marienplatz Christmas Market in Munich, Germany. Image credit: Getty Images, Suphanat Wongsanuphat
Best Christmas Markets in Germany
Marienplatz Christmas Market, Munich
Dates: Nov. 25–Dec. 24, 2024
Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Dec. 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Munich has some of the best Christmas markets in Germany and the Marienplatz hosts its most popular. It’s the ideal market for your first visit to Europe in winter: treats and handicrafts galore all surrounded by Neo-Gothic architecture. Take your time strolling the stalls and deciding which of the souvenir mulled wine cups you’re going to keep; this Christmas market runs for over a month in Munich.
Reiterlesmarkt, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Dates: Friday before the first Sunday of Advent until Dec. 23, 2024
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Rothenburg’s Old Quarter hosts this market within its medieval walls, and while it’s not the largest or smallest in Germany, it’s certainly one of the prettiest. Stroll along the Tauber River, munch on Franconian treats, and inspect handmade ornaments. The German National Christmas Museum is right next door, giving you a much-needed Glühwein break.
Read also: Best German Christmas Markets in 2024 to add to your holiday wishlist
Christmas market stalls in Salzburg, Austria. Image Credit: Getty Images, wWeiss Lichtspiele
Best Christmas Markets in Austria
Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, Salzburg
Dates: Nov. 21, 2024–Jan. 1, 2025
Opening times: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Special hours: Dec. 24, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Dec. 25 and 26, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Dec. 27–30, 10 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Dec. 31, 10 a.m.–1 a.m.; Jan. 1, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Few Christmas markets go all-out with as many festive features as possible — and Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is one of them. Sing-along concerts, storytimes, Krampus runs, and visits from the Christ Child are all on the itinerary. The shopping, dining, and celebrating ends on January 1, but not before the New Year is marked with a huge fireworks demonstration.
Spittelberg Christmas Market, Vienna
Dates: Nov. 16–Dec. 23, 2024
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 2 p.m.–9:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Vienna has plenty of markets to choose from, but those in the know sneak off to the Spittelberg Christmas Market. Stretched across the small streets of the 7th District, this eclectic market has a cozier feel that lets you explore the stalls alongside locals. This Viennese Christmas market feels more like a scavenger hunt through a rejuvenated neighborhood than a traditional market in the city’s main square.
Hellbrunner Adventzauber, Hellbrunn
Dates: Nov. 21–Dec. 24, 2024
Opening times: Tuesday to Friday, 1 p.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Dec. 23, 1 p.m.–8 p.m.; Dec. 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
While Saltzburg’s main Christmas market dates back to the 15th century, nearby Hellbrunner Adventzauber at Hellbrunn Palace is one Austrian Christmas market giving it a run for its money over the last 20 years. Less flashy and more forestry, the Trick Fountains, sled rides pulled by reindeer, and grilling sausages over an open fire make Hellbrunner Adventzauber simply special.
Old Town Christmas Market, Innsbruck
Dates: Nov. 15–Dec. 23, 2024
Opening times: Daily, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Snowy mountains rise above the medieval houses of Innsbruck’s Old Town while wooden stalls twinkle in festive lights below. The Old Town Christmas Market combines classic charm with local folklore and brass bands, adding a regal, whimsical hue to the fairytale-like atmosphere.
Petite Venise Children's Christmas Market in Colmar, France. Image Credit: Getty Images, wilatlak villette
Best Christmas Markets in France
Petite Venise Children’s Christmas Market, Colmar
Dates: Nov. 26–Dec. 23, 2024
Opening times: Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Colmar hosts a half-dozen Christmas markets each year, and while each is magical in its own way, the Children’s Christmas Market staged at La Petite Venise is especially whimsical. Colorful chalets and cottages create a winter wonderland. Little ones can warm up with hot apple juice, send their letters to Santa, and enjoy a ride on the merry-go-round beneath the twinkling lights.
Trocadéro Christmas Market, Paris
Dates: Dec. 8, 2024–Jan. 2, 2025
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday, 1 p.m.–9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m.–11 p.m.
Because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like buying your beau a special gift you found at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. And if you gave someone your heart last Christmas, perhaps this year you’ll meet someone special beneath the Eiffel Tower’s festive lightshow.
Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg
Dates: Nov. 27–Dec. 27, 2024
Opening times: Nov. 27, 2 p.m.–9 p.m.; daily, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Dec. 24, 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
If you haven’t heard of the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France, then you’re a bit behind the times. Christkindelsmärik has been going strong since 1570. It’s the oldest Christmas market in France, one of the oldest in Europe — and Strasbourg just happens to be a perfect day trip from Paris.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Victor Huang
Other European Christmas Markets to go to
Havel’s Market, Prague
Dates: Open year-round
Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Prague sets up a number of small and large markets across the city during the Christmas season. Havelské tržiště, or Havel’s Market, is unique in that it’s a year-round market that takes on a Christmas theme for the holidays. If you’ve visited other Christmas markets in Europe and want a change from the cheery vibe that so many of them share, Havel’s Market is a perfect alternative for a more local and traditional feel.
Tallinn Christmas Market, Tallinn
Dates: Nov. 22–Dec. 27, 2024
Opening times: Daily, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Estonia’s capital has used the same Christmas tree since 1441, which may very well be the oldest Christmas tree in Europe. Experience Tallinn’s fairy tale-like Christmas market from late-November through late-December to try old world artisans crafts and cuisine like sour cabbage and black pudding.
Ice Village Amsterdam, Amsterdam
Dates: Dec. 12–26, 2024
Opening times: Daily, noon–9 p.m.
Amsterdam has quaint and quirky markets ranging from the Pure Markt Wintermarkt to the monthly farmers market that becomes a Funky Xmas Market in December. Ice Village Amsterdam, though, brings an extra something special to the Museumplein. This Christmas Village has about 50 stalls, which means less time for shopping and more time to ice skate, snowball fight, and nibble on snacks with your family.
Aerial view of Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market in Budapest, Hungary. Image Credit: Getty Images, Vesnaandjic
Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, Budapest
Dates and opening times: To be confirmed
Budapest is a sleeper pick for one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. If you’ve visited this city on the Danube, then you can imagine how brilliant it looks when it decks the halls. The Christmas market in Vörösmarty Square is the main focus of festivities, with triple-digit chalets and all the chimney cakes you can eat.
Singing Christmas Tree and Christmas Market, Zürich
Dates: Nov. 21–Dec. 23, 2024
Singing Christmas Tree times: Daily, 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; Saturday piano concert, 8 p.m.
Zürich is loaded with Christmas markets and the ambitious will delight in scouring the city for each and every one. If you’re going to choose a single market to visit, though, make it the Singing Christmas Tree. The market at Werdmühleplatz is joined by a Christmas tree-shaped stage that carolers sing on. Concerts take place multiple times a day throughout the Christmas season.
Basel Christmas Market, Basel
Dates: Nov. 28–Dec. 23, 2024
Opening times: Daily, 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Barfüsserplatz closes at 8 p.m. and Münsterplatz at 6 p.m. on Dec. 23
Basel Christmas Market spreads its holiday cheer at two Old Town locations: Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz. Foodies will find Basel’s traditional take on gingerbread, Läckerli, and other delicious local food like raclette (melted Swiss cheese). If you’re in awe of the beautiful ornaments adorning the Münsterplatz Christmas tree, purchase your own hand-blown and hand-painted Johann Wanner creations at his shop near the Marktplatz.
Winter Wonders in Brussels, Belgium. Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari
Winter Wonders, Brussels
Dates: Nov. 29, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025
Opening times: Daily, noon–10 p.m.
If you’re spending Thanksgiving in Europe, let Brussels help you welcome the start of the Christmas season. The Grand-Place is the epicenter for the annual Winter Wonders and Christmas market. More than 200 chalets emanate out from the popular square, though you shouldn’t feel pressured to buy. A sound and lights show, as well as rides, an ice rink, and curling, keep this market lively from November through January.
Markt & Simon Stevinplein Markets, Bruges
Dates: Nov. 22, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10.30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Dec. 24 and 31, closes at 5 p.m.; Christmas Day and New Year's Day, open with limited offerings and limited opening hours
Great news if you find yourself in Bruges: this Belgian city only hosts two main Christmas markets in the city center. No more dashing through the snow to hit every stall; you can relax at a lazy reindeer’s pace and stroll the traditional market in Markt square. Then, walk down to Simon Stevinplein where you’ll find locally made crafts. Plan your day well and you might be able to fit in some of the best things to do in Bruges too.
Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Dates: Nov. 28–Dec. 23, 2024
Opening times: Daily, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; holidays and holiday eves, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Everyone who goes to Barcelona has a picture in front of the Sagrada Familia, but you’ll be the lucky one with photos of it decked out in festive lights. The Christmas market in front of Gaudi’s great creation is a traditional affair with stands of chestnuts, cheese, and cold meats. It’s also the perfect place to grab pieces for your nativity set at home.
Christmas market on Trafalgar Square in London, England. Image Credit: Getty Images, JohnnyGreig
Christmas Markets in London and the UK
Are there Christmas markets in London?
Yes, the yuletide festivities are also found amongst the streets of London. King’s Cross (the Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ train station) hosts a pop-up Christmas market, as does Covent Garden, Greenwich, and Trafalgar Square.
Which is the biggest Christmas market in London?
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the largest in London and features the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK. A circus, rides, ice sculpting workshops, and sit downs with Ol’ Kris Kringle himself make this one of the best Christmas markets London has ever seen.
What other English cities have Christmas markets?
Take a day trip from London to find christmas markets in Liverpool, York, Nottingham, Bath, Manchester, and more. Wales and Scotland also have their share of mulled wine stalls if you’re Christmas market hopping around Great Britain.
Albert Square Christmas market in Manchester, England. Image Credit: Getty Images, George Clerk
How to get to Europe’s Christmas markets by train
Did you know that Edinburgh has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, that Zürich has a singing Christmas tree, and that St. Nicholas hands out Barley soup to children in Liechtenstein’s Schellenberg forest?
Christmas is a magical time of the year and makes your vacation all the more enchanting. Getting to Christmas markets in major cities and small villages is almost as swift as a sleigh pulled by enchanted reindeer. Download the Trainline app and let us help you plan your visit to the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Christmas market on Marienplatz in Munich, Germany. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Gary Yeowell