Plan your next Christmas in Europe by finding and visiting a Christmas Market.
"The 2024 edition of Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas, is themed "The Time to Marvel," embodied by a giant book that promises a magical immersion in Christmas traditions closely tied to tales and stories. This choice clearly resonates with the designation of Strasbourg as the UNESCO World Capital of Books for 2024. Since April 23, 2024, Strasbourg has been celebrating the richness of literature, writing, and the joy of reading."
"As you make your way through the city this winter, you’ll discover not only the Christmas markets but also Cologne’s finely crafted Nativity scenes, the Christmas Ferris wheel at the Chocolate Museum and wonderful Christmas events. If you don’t wish to tour this blaze of lights on foot, the Christmas Market Express operated by Wolters Bimmelbahnen is just the right thing for you. It will take you restfully from one Christmas market to the next all over the city."
Craftsmen and businesses from all over Austria transform the Christmas village into an impressive world of indulgence, pampering and experience, where traditional Austrian Christmas can be experienced and savoured in all its facets.
The Basel Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered to be one of the prettiest and largest in Switzerland.
"Helsinki Christmas Market, now featured for the third time on the CNN list of best Christmas markets around the world, opens on Friday. The British Army Band was one of the most popular items on last year’s programme and their concert this year will take place at the Christmas Market on Saturday 7 December. Of the almost 120 vendors at the Market, 25 are there for the first time. Weekly-changing vendors add to the variety of the product range during the Market."
Fairy tale illuminations, delicacies, original gifts and a festive atmosphere. This is the Gdańsk Christmas Market! In 2024, the Christmas Market in Gdańsk took first place in the Best Christmas Markets competition organized by the Europe's Best Destinations portal. 92,000 people voted for us. Internet users, beating the previous record by 35%!
Craiova's Christmas Market is the Most Beautiful and Largest in Europe, spanning over 280,000 square meters.
"Immerse yourself in a sea of lights and scents: The scent of roasted almonds, mulled wine and international delicacies attracts visitors from all over the world to Essen's festively decorated city centre. As one of the most beautiful and sustainable Christmas markets in Europe, recognised by European Best Destinations, it offers a unique atmosphere that combines tradition and modernity."
"Journalists from around the whole world describe Prague as one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations, and they do not forget to appreciate especially the Christmas markets and praise their decorations, goods, and refreshment. The Christmas markets have been repeatedly named among the world's best ones by CNN Travel or European Best Destination web pages. The Telegraph, The Independent, Travel Europe, or Skyscanner tend to praise them too."
Celebrate the festive season at Advent Zagreb, a 40-day magical celebration with dazzling lights, live music, and festive markets. Don't miss the iconic Ice Rink at King Tomislav Square!
Geneva is one of the Best European Christmas Markets! Geneva has proudly secured 3rd place of the podium among Europe's Best Christmas Destinations and has been honoured with the prestigious title of Best Christmas City Break 2025. Sparkling chalets, festive treats, and a stunning lakeside setting—Geneva is pure Christmas magic.
Riga's Christmas Market is among the Top 5 in Europe, known for its enchanting Christmas light trail and authenticity. Immerse yourself in Riga's winter wonderland with mesmerizing illuminations, Latvian fairytales, and festive attractions
"For the fourth time in a row, this festive event has been voted Europe’s most beautiful Christmas market, and it truly lives up to its reputation this year as well: nearly a hundred Hungarian artisans, unforgettable culinary experiences, a magnificent Christmas tree, light displays, and countless heartwarming activities."
"Asti Christmas Market is the only one in Italy to be included in the Top Ten of the best markets in Europe for the European Best Destinations ranking."
Amiens is a picturesque city in France that comes alive during the Christmas season with beautiful lights and
"The two Christmas Markets in the city centre are back, beautifully decorated and embellished. The sales stalls, with a new warm finish, will welcome you with their atmospheric lighting in the typical Winter Glow style. These blissful winter hamlets with their cosy ambiance, packed with knick-knacks, will help you get into the Christmas spirit without any problems."
"Throughout the month of December, the Netherlands overflows with the Christmas spirit. Markets are more than a place to buy food and trinkets – they're the perfect spot to warm up with glühwein, find the perfect gifts for friends and family, and spend time with those you love. Here's our roundup of the best Christmas markets - from small crafts pop-ups to iconic city squares - in and around Amsterdam this year."
Experience the UK's largest christmas market.
A cosmopolitan city on the coast of northeastern Spain, known for its unique architecture
Ranked among the Top 20 Best Christmas Markets in Europe, Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations are nothing short of spectacular. Each year, the Scottish capital transforms into a magical winter wonderland, spreading festive cheer across the city with its iconic
Immerse yourself in the magic of Valkenburg Christmas Market, known for hosting the Most Beautiful Christmas Parade in Europe. Explore underground markets in historic caves and enjoy
"Christmas markets are one of the most famous and beloved German holiday traditions. Berlin offers a wide variety of Christmas markets all over the city, with different ambiances catering to all kinds of visitors. "
Bath Christmas Market is one of the best in Europe, set in the heart of Bath's UNESCO World Heritage city. Explore artisan products, local artwork
Ranked among the 20 Best Christmas Markets in Europe, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of London's most iconic festive events, transforming the heart of the city into a magical Christmas destination. Running for six weeks starting in November, this spectacular event offers FREE admission and an abundance of holiday
Experience the enchanting beauty of Montbéliard's Christmas illuminations at one of the best markets in Europe. Enjoy a cozy and romantic atmosphere with over 140 stalls offering high-quality gifts and crafts.
Graz is a picturesque city in Austria where visitors can experience a festive Christmas market with a mix of traditional Austrian and international delights.
Winter Wonders in Brussels is Belgium's most magical Christmas market, offering Sound and Light shows, a majestic Christmas
Bern is the capital of Switzerland and during Christmas
"Experience the traditional, romantic and festive Christmas atmosphere of Innsbruck's historic old town."
Salzburg Christmas Market offers a fairy-tale festive experience in Mozart's city, with charming stalls, unique artisan gifts, and a magical atmosphere.
Bolzano is a picturesque town in Italy famous for its traditional Christmas markets offering local crafts and delicious
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and during Christmas, it hosts a charming market where visitors can enjoy traditional Slovakian treats.
A historic city in Poland known for its well-preserved medieval core, stunning churches, and vibrant cultural scene.
Experience the holiday magic at the Christmas markets in Leeds, offering a variety of festive activities, crafts, and treats.
"Find original gifts, drink hot chocolate with gingerbread … Christmas markets put us in the festive spirit. And that's a good thing, because there are plenty of them all over Paris, in all different styles!"
Lille is a charming city in France that hosts a magical Christmas market with a variety of festive activities and seasonal decorations.
Chester is a historic city in the United Kingdom that hosts a traditional Christmas market in its medieval surroundings, creating a magical atmosphere
Discover the enchanting Christmas markets in Lucerne, where you can find traditional Swiss crafts, delicious food, and holiday decorations.
"In the picturesque streets of Colmar, the succession of stalls, Christmas decorations and lights will sweep you up in the magic of the Christmas season. Wherever you look, you will be spellbound. Truly the place to be for a genuinely exceptional Christmas experience!"
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Christmas markets in Lugano, offering a magical atmosphere, local products, and seasonal delights.
Visit the Christmas markets in Madrid for a vibrant holiday experience with traditional Spanish crafts, food, and entertainment.
Dordrecht is a picturesque city in the Netherlands that hosts a charming Christmas market with a variety of festive stalls and activities
Dresden is a historic city in Germany famous for its traditional Christmas markets offering a magical atmosphere and seasonal delights.
"Visit Dubrovnik Christmas Market, one of the Best Christmas Markets in Croatia with Zagreb Christmas Market. "
"In the run-up to Christmas, the city shines in festive splendor every year: the Dome of Lights shines brightly, the smell of roasted almonds fills the air and the Düsseldorf Christmas market attracts visitors with arts and crafts, the Old Town market and delicious treats. "
Explore the charming Christmas markets in Maribor, known for their festive atmosphere, local crafts, and seasonal treats.
"Martin Luther, the great Reformer, once declared that Erfurt is "in the ideal location … the perfect place for a city". Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, dates back more than 1,280 years and its long history is reflected in the beautifully preserved old quarter. The stately patrician town houses and lovingly restored half-timbered buildings in the charming city centre bear witness to Erfurt's medieval prosperity."
Discover the Christmas markets in Metz, offering a mix of holiday traditions, regional specialties, and festive decorations.
Ghent is a vibrant city in Belgium that offers a magical Christmas market experience
Glasgow is a lively city in the United Kingdom where visitors can enjoy a festive Christmas market with a variety of stalls and entertainment.
Explore the Christmas markets in Nice, known for their sunny setting, regional specialties
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at the Christmas markets in Nottingham, filled with festive cheer, entertainment, and seasonal treats.
"In the period from December 1 to January 10, Christmas Magic will welcome all of you who will be heading to the shopping centre Promenada."
Visit the traditional Christmas markets in Nuremberg for an authentic German holiday experience
Hasselt is a vibrant city in Belgium that hosts a magical Christmas market with a wide range of festive activities and seasonal treats.
Immerse yourself in the holiday magic at the Christmas markets in Opatija, offering a mix of festive decorations, local crafts
Experience the Christmas markets in Oxford, where you can find unique gifts, regional specialties, and holiday cheer.
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Christmas markets in Poznan, offering a mix of holiday traditions, local products, and seasonal delights.
Experience the Christmas markets in Reims, known for their charming atmosphere, regional specialties, and festive decorations.
Discover the enchanting Christmas markets in Rothenburg, offering a mix of
Discover the festive Christmas markets in Stockholm, offering a mix of holiday traditions, local crafts, and seasonal delights.
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at the Christmas markets in St Gallen, known for their charming atmosphere, regional specialties, and festive decorations.
Visit the Christmas markets in Stuttgart for a traditional German holiday experience with crafts, food
Discover the magical Christmas markets in Tallinn, known for their festive atmosphere, local crafts, and seasonal delights.
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Christmas markets in Tartu, offering a mix of holiday traditions, local products, and seasonal delights.
Experience the Christmas markets in The Hague, known for their charming atmosphere, regional specialties, and festive decorations.
Explore the Christmas markets in Trier, offering a mix of holiday shopping, entertainment, and seasonal treats.
"Visit Trieste Christmas Market, one of the Best Christmas Markets in Italy. In the Trieste's Christmas Market you can find gift articles, artisanal items and typical Central European enogastronomic specialities."
Experience the Christmas markets in Vilnius, offering a mix of holiday traditions, local crafts, and seasonal delights.
"Zaragoza is one of the most enchanting Christmas destinations in Spain. This vibrant city seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity, making it an ideal spot for your winter getaway."
"Starting at Roßmarkt, the Christmas market stretches along the Zeil all the way down to Römerberg and the Main River. Visitors can expect elaborately decorated stalls offering handicrafts and Christmas specialties from around the world, as well as a towering Christmas tree at Römerberg, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Old Town and Paulsplatz."
"The scenery: The magnificent spa promenade, the time-honored Kurhaus, snow-covered mountains all around, many, many fires everywhere. The smell of mulled wine, cinnamon, cloves and Christmas cookies, but also of hearty delicacies. "