Whoever said, ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year,’ must have been strolling through a Christmas market with mulled wine in one hand and a pretzel in the other.
Europe’s Christmas markets date back to the late Middle Ages when roasted chestnuts and local crafts were sold around the festive season in Germany and Austria. And still today, there is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than visiting a market.
Twinkling lights, seasonal carolers, handmade ornaments, and bubbling hot wine are sold in the rows of charming wooden stalls. These are the top cities to visit if you want to make the most out of Europe’s Christmas market scene:
12. Copenhagen, Denmark
You know it’s Christmas in Copenhagen when Tivoli Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland straight out of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. The market here isn’t just massive; it’s a festive overload. Wooden stalls covered with fairy lights sell Danish holiday treats, handmade ornaments, and glogg (Denmark’s version of mulled wine).
There are a few other impressive markets around the city, from the Nyhavn Christmas Market at the iconic waterfront, to the Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market.
My top tip is to visit Tivoli’s market at sunset, when the park’s lights start to illuminate, and the ice skating rink is in full swing.
11. Colmar, France
France is known for many things – fashion, art, and chocolate croissants. But when the weather cools down towards the end of the year, the festive season hits hard in Colmar. This small city with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses glows with festive lights, pine wreaths, and red ribbon decorations.
This small Alsace region city in northeastern France boasts a fair share of Christmas markets. The Petite Venise and Place des Dominicans are two of the best. However, the one in Place Jeanne d’Arc, steals the show. Here, you can sip local wines, taste artisanal chocolates, and get enough homemade gingerbread to fill all your family’s stockings.
10. Cologne, Germany
Germany really knows how to do Christmas. Cologne is not too big, but it has seven stunning Christmas markets to check out when the festive season arrives. The main event is the Cathedral Christmas Market, set in the shadow of Cologne’s towering Gothic Cathedral.
While this market is undoubtedly a show-stopper, the entire city transforms into a festive wonderland. You can expect top-end decorations and unique lighting features set up across every street, in storefront windows, and even the train stations.
For a unique market experience, the city also has a Christmas market floating on a wooden ship on the Rhine.
9. Malaga, Spain
Spain might not have the classic winter wonderland feel, but sunshine and warm weather don’t have to mean a lack of festive fun. Malaga proves you don’t need snow to feel festive.
The main market at Plaza de la Marina combines Andalusian charm with the classic northern European Christmas vibe. You can pick up some handmade goods, nativity scenes, and the most delicious churros you’ve ever had.
But the real star of Malaga’s Christmas show is the Calle Larios Christmas light show, where the entire street becomes a glittering tunnel of lights.
8. Merano, Italy
Tucked away in the South Tyrol region of Italy, Christmas in Merano is first and foremost about food. And it’s at the Christmas market where you can indulge in regional specialties and alpine treats like strudel and hot cider.
Simply named the Merano Christmas Maret, it’s located on the cathedral square, framed by the riverfront and Kurhaus. Various booths wind through the city, selling local produce, food, and crafts.
There are also markets set up at Castle Tirolo and Enzian Alm in Val Martello, which you can reach by hiking or by sleigh ride.
7. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is arguably Belgium’s most exciting city during Christmas time. Even without the wreaths, glittering lights, and decorations, this city is one of the most festive-looking on the continent. You could say that the buildings here look like real-life gingerbread houses.
And when the weather gets crisp, the medieval city takes on a whole new festive fairytale role. Christmas markets here are known as ‘Winter Glow’, and are inclusive of all religions and cultures.
The smell of waffles might pique your interest. But it’s the horse-drawn carriage rides and ice skating at the Christmas markets that will really get you into the festive mood.
6. Prague, Czechia
Prague is one of the most underrated cities in Europe, but that’s all part of what makes it so great. The Prague Christmas Market is a timeless example of a historic market in Europe. Year after year, it is ranked one of the best markets on the continent.
The famous market takes place in the heart of the city’s Old Town square, surrounded by Gothic buildings and cobblestone alleyways. All roads in Prague lead to this square. Some unique finds here might include hand-blown glass ornaments, straw decorations, embroideries, and tasty Czechia pastries known as ‘trdelnik.’
5. Helsinki, Finland
Few cities do Christmas like Helsinki. If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, chances are Finland’s capital city will provide the perfect white winter wonderland backdrop. The entire town gets decked out for the festive season. Restaurants and shops decorate their windows with holly, mistletoe, and Christmas lights that reflect in the white snow.
The main market is located in Senate Square. It’s a good example of a Scandinavian market selling traditional items like woolen socks, reindeer sausages, and hand-knitted clothing. The centerpiece of this market is, no doubt, the vintage carousel. It’s absolutely worth braving the cold for.
4. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Advent Feast at the Basilica has been awarded the title of Europe’s Best Christmas Market four times. Between November and December, the town square in front of the St. Stephens Basilica turns into a winter wonderland of epic proportions.
It’s been running for fifteen years and today features around one hundred local craft sellers, exhibitors, and food and dining stalls. Top that off with an ice-skating rink, carolers, and the smell of mulled wine wafting through the air, and it’s no wonder this market is so famous.
3. Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s Christmas markets are the stuff of legend. There are countless to speak of, with many of the city’s picture-perfect plazas transforming into magical markets during the winter season.
But the star of the show has to be the famous Vienna Magic of Advent market held in the City Hall Square. Framed by this stunning building with a sky-high Christmas tree at its center, this market has consistently been rated as one of the best in Europe.
Stop by to stock up on Christmas gifts and stocking fillers, and enjoy a warm drink and seasonal sweets while you’re at it.
2. Strasbourg, France
No matter what time of year it is, Strasbourg looks like a fairy tale village. So you can only imagine what it’s like when its half-timbered houses are laced with Christmas lights and holly.
Strasbourg brands itself as the Capital of Christmas, and it’s not hard to see why. The city’s main market (called the Christkindelsmarik) is the oldest in France. It takes place all over the city center, where visitors can browse through wooden stalls while being entertained by carolers and entertainers.
1. Nuremberg, Germany
The Nuremberg Chriskindlesmarkt is one of the planet’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets. It has since been replicated in other cities with German influence, including Chicago and Cincinnati in the U.S. This market is all about local traditions, some tracing back to the 16th century.
In the traditional market, stalls are set up in small wooden booths. You’ll find everything from hand-carved wooden Christmas decorations to fresh bread and sweet treats like gingerbread and almond cookies.
The opening night of the market is quite a spectacle. On this night, the Nuremberg Christkind (a specially elected representative of the season) shares a famous Christmas speech while wearing a white and gold dress.
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