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.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe for 2023
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.
Image credit: Getty Images, Suphanat Wongsanuphat. Image Location: Marienplatz Christmas Market, Munich, Germany
Best Christmas Markets in Germany
Marienplatz Christmas Market | Munich
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
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, munching on Franconian treats and inspecting handmade ornaments. The German National Christmas Museum is right next door, giving you a much-needed Glühwein break.
Image Credit: Getty Images, wWeiss Lichtspiele. Image Location: Salzburg, Austria
Best Christmas Markets in Austria
Hellbrunner Adventzauber | Hellbrunn
While Saltzburg’s main Christmas market dates back to the 15th century, nearby Hellbrunner Adventzauber at Hellbrunn Palace is one Austria 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
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 regally whimsical hue to the fairytale-like atmosphere.
Best Christmas Markets in France
Trocadéro Christmas Market | Paris
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
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 in France and one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. And Strasbourg just happens to be a perfect day trip from Paris.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Victor Huang
Best Christmas Markets in London
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 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.
Image Credit: Getty Images, George Clerk. Image Location: Albert Square, Manchester, England, UK
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 Zurich 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.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Jorg Greuel. Image Location: Christmas Market, Cologne, Germany