The Top 10 Christmas Markets in Europe

Discover the top Christmas markets in Europe, offering illuminations, quality culinary delights, music and fun to get into the festive spirit.

With twinkling lights, festive decorations and joyful music, Christmas markets create a winter wonderland for all ages. More than just shopping, a Christmas market is a cherished Christmas tradition – a place for families to share wonderful experiences, create lasting memories and celebrate the joy of this magical season together. We’ve put together a list of 10 of the best Christmas markets packed with tradition, love and fun wintry activities like fairground rides and ice-skating. Many continue until the first week of January, making them perfect for ringing in the New Year too!

SHOP CHRISTMAS

Strasbourg Christmas Market. Photo by Vincent Muller.

1. Strasbourg, France

Known as the “Capital of Christmas”, Strasbourg’s Chrìstkìndelsmärik (Christmas market) dates back to 1580, making it one of the oldest in Europe. It features more than 300 stalls spread across the city’s historic centre, with glowing illuminations, traditional Alsatian Christmas delicacies, and a soaring 30-metre Christmas tree. The season also brings shows, exhibitions, musical evenings and cultural events, and the vast 20-metre nativity beside Strasbourg’s magnificent cathedral is one of the most striking in Europe.

Dates: 26 November to 24 December 2025

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2.Gdańsk, Poland

Voted the best Christmas market in Europe in 2024, Gdańsk’s Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy (Christmas Market) is primarily set in its medieval Old Town, spilling into neighbourhood streets to create a storybook Christmas village atmosphere. Dating back to the 17th Century it offers an ice-skating rink, carousel, fairy tale illuminations (with over 160 light figures across 14 locations), handcraft workshops; original gifts, delicious food and drink, Christmas music and artistic events.

Dates: 21 November to 23 December 2025

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Vienna Christmas Market. Photo by Johannes Wiedl.

3. Vienna, Austria

Vienna has multiple Christmas markets, but the most famous and iconic one is Wiener Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz (Vienna Christmas Market at City Hall). A seasonal celebration since the late 18th century, it’s set in front of the City Hall with a huge Christmas tree with a large nativity scene at its feet, a giant carousel, ice-skating, a cabin with kids’ activities, around 100 stalls and seasonal treats galore. The adjoining park sparkles with further delights, including a nativity trails and Ferris wheel. For those seeking a stronger focus on artisan offerings, a visit to the Spittelberg and Karlsplatz markets is recommended.

Dates: 14 November to 26 December 2025

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4. Cologne, Germany

Set against the majestic Cologne Cathedral, the Weignachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom (Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral) is famed for its glittering Christmas tree, artisan stalls, performances and traditional food and drinks. It features a diverse Christmas stage programme with more than 100 free events. From Tuesday to Thursday there is a children’s programme with Punch and Judy shows, face painting and play. This market is also ISO-certified as a sustainable event. Close by, the Markt Der Engel (Market of Angels) at Neumarkt, enchants with countless glowing stars, fairy lights in the trees and magical angels, creating a special atmosphere.

Dates: 17 November to 23 December 2025

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5. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, England

One of the most luxurious Christmas markets in the UK, Blenheim Palaces offers an elegant shopping experience within the Great Court of this grand estate. Brows festive stalls brimming with gifts and gourmet treats, and enjoy the Observation wheel and an ice rink. If you stay after dark delight in the renowned Illuminated Trail with spectacular works by international and local artists, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way! Indoors, The Palace of Oz event brings the state rooms alive with scenes inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Dates: 14 November 2025 – 3 January 2026

Whilst you don’t have to pay to get into the Blenheim Palace Christmas Market, you do need to pre-book and pay for parking, skating, the Illuminated Trail or the Palace. Go here

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Blenheim Court Christmas Market

6. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is home to several enchanting Christmas markets, the largest at Vörösmarty Square featuring over 120 stalls with hearty Hungarian dishes (including chimney shaped cylindrical cakes called Kürtőskalács) and local crafts. Another must-visit is Advent Bazilika at St. Stephen’s square, set against the stunning backdrop of the Basilica, with a large 3D light show projected onto the Basilica’s façade nightly. Visitors can also enjoy an ice-skating rink, traditional advent candle lighting, and browse food and craft stalls.

Dates: 15 November 2025 to 1 January 2026

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7. Brussels, Belgium

Brussels’ Plaisirs d'Hiver (Winter Wonders), transforms the city centre into a Christmas wonderland, sparkling with lights and decorations. The Christmas market offers over 200 stalls at Marché aux Poissons selling traditional foods like waffles and chocolate and Christmas ornaments. The impressive Ferris wheel is a must for panoramic views. Visitors can marvel at the magical light and light show projected on to the Grand-Place, glide across the ice-skating rink at Place de Brouckère, or explore Place Sainte-Catherine, a cultural hub offering food and crafts from various regions, perfect for discovering special gifts.

Dates: 28 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

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8. Tallinn, Estonia

The star of Tallinn Christmas market is without a doubt the large Christmas tree. There’s been one in the Town Hall Square for Christmas since 1442, making it the first ever Christmas tree to be put on display in Europe! Enjoy Estonian Christmas cuisine, from gingerbread to sour cabbage, as well as various handicrafts. Youngers guests will delight in the merry-go-rounds and other festive fun.

21 November to 27 December 2025

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Tallinn Christmas Market. Photo by Rasmus Jurkatam

9. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is considered to be one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas destinations, home to several Christmas markets. The most famous is at Staroměstské náměstí (the Old Town Square), featuring a giant 22m Christmas tree; traditional Czech crafts of glassware, embroidered lace and wooden carvings; Christmas decorations; candles, and food, like rybí polévka (Christmas fish soup) and drink. Music and dance performances enliven the square, while children can join weekend workshops to create traditional Czech Christmas decorations. If you fancy some open air ice-skating then take a wander over to the smaller market at Václavské náměstí (Wencelas Square).

Dates: 29 November 2025 to 6 January 2026

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10. Bath, Somerset, England

Step into a fairy-tale setting at this UNESCO World Heritage City’s award-winning Christmas market, where over 170 stalls line the cobbled streets beneath the spires of Bath Abbey and the elegance of Georgian façades. The market specialises in handcrafted gifts and seasonal delicacies, creating a shopping experience as enchanting as its surrounding.

Dates: 27 November – 14 December 2025

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