The Best Christmas Markets in Europe this Season

Spending Christmas in Europe has always been considered one of the most magical experiences a traveler can have. After all, they're the home of thousands of Christmas markets each and every year.

If you're hoping to spend some time in Europe this holiday season, there are Christmas markets in different countries that you can choose from.

Like anywhere, different countries (and even regions) have different cultures and customs, making each Christmas market a little bit different than the last.

Where to find them

Christmas markets are all over Europe, though you'll see a lot of them in Western/Central Europe, from Eastern France to Poland, Hungary, and even further east.

Germany is known for having thousands of Christmas markets in big cities and little villages alike, but it isn't the only place you'll find them, of course.

Most European cities have a Christmas market or event of some kind, and if they don't have that, they'll often have Christmas lights and window displays around town.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin has over 80 different Christmas markets around the city, varying in size. Some markets are open starting at the beginning of November, while others are open in December, leading up to the holidays.

Different markets can have different themes, like the Winter World market or the Medieval Christmas Market.

If you're looking for a "classic" Christmas market, Berlin is a solid destination. You'll see Christmas lights, artisan goods, local food, etc. Plus, Berlin is an international city that is easily accessible, offering a wealth of sights and activities.

Brussels, Belgium

The festivities start at the end of November in Brussels, complete with twinkling lights, trees, and markets filled with handmade goods and local food and bev. There are over 200 stalls to check out!

There are activities like ice-skating and a Ferris wheel, too, which can be a nice activity in between hot chocolate and treats!

Brussels is easily accessible by plane or train, and you're also close to smaller towns that have their very own Christmas celebrations too, such as Bruges.

Budapest, Hungary

One of Budapest's Christmas markets has been crowned Europe's Best Christmas Market more than once, and for good reason.

There are around 100 stalls, Christmas/winter activities, carolers, light shows, the Advent candle lighting, and more. It takes place at the world-famous St. Stephen's Basilica, which is a wonder in itself.

This isn't the only market in town, though. There are others that offer another unique experience for their visitors, complete with Santa Visits for those who still crave the magic.

Colmar, France

Only a 20-minute train ride from Strasbourg (which is featured later in this list), you can easily do both in one trip.

Colmar is on the border of France and Germany, offering a beautiful mix of the two cultures. One of the things that makes Colmar such a special place for Christmas is that the entire historic city center looks like a gingerbread village year-round, thanks to its existing architecture.

Colmar is a small town with a handful of Christmas markets, but you'll find Christmas ornaments, events, local goods, and a ton of food.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne takes Christmas very seriously, with something holiday-inspiring at every corner.

With multiple Christmas markets to explore, you will be able to experience different vibes, from more contemporary and playful themes to more traditional ones.

Usually, the markets open up in mid-November and stay open through Christmas and the New Year.

Pictured above is one of Cologne's most celebrated markets, the one at Cologne Cathedral.

Craiova, Romania

While Romania might not have been the first place that came to mind when you pictured Christmas markets, it certainly should be!

The largest Christmas market in all of Europe is in Craiova, at over 280,000 square meters. That's over 3 million square feet.

You'll find everything you could have ever imagined. Meetings with Santa, stalls with locally made goods, delicious food, themed sections of the market, and endless Christmas lights and decor.

Craiova isn't too far from Bucharest, which is easily accessible!

Dresden, Germany

Dresden has several Christmas markets around town to explore. The Striezelmarkt started in 1434, making it one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets to date.

You'll be able to find everything your heart desires in Dresden. Little wooden figurines, traditional mulled wine, and delicious gingerbread.

Helsinki, Finland

If you're looking for a more Nordic experience, you shouldn't look past Helsinki.

Located in the Senate Square, Helsinki's Christmas Market is big and well-organized, with stalls in a line.

It often makes lists of the best Christmas Markets in Europe for its food, vintage merry-go-round, and overall festive feeling.

Kraków, Poland

Located in one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, Kraków's Christmas Market is one of the best.

Here, you will find delicious local food like pierogies, libations like traditional mead, handmade souvenirs, and gifts like little wooden ornaments.

There's also an ice skating rink with a beautiful city-center backdrop.

Nuremberg, Germany

Another German city to add to the list - Nuremberg's Christmas markets are some of the best in the world.

Dating back to the 17th century, nearly 2 million tourists come to Nuremberg's Christmas markets every single year.

There's gingerbread, mulled wine, wooden ornaments and toys, unique Christmas lights, and the Christkind (an old religious alternative to Santa).

Paris's Christmas markets aren't the biggest in Europe, but there are several and they are a special place to be come holiday season.

With several to visit throughout the city, each one has its own vibe and offerings, though you're sure to find vin chaud (mulled wine), treats, and souvenirs at all of them.

The largest is in a more modern part of the city, La Défense, though the most famous one is in the Tuileries Gardens (next to the Louvre).

Prague, Czech Republic

Surrounded by impressive Gothic architecture, Prague's Christmas markets are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Christmas-lovers.

In cute, lit-up chateaus, you will be able to find glassware, ceramics, little wooden ornaments, and other locally made goods.

For food, you'll find mulled wine, sausage, roasted chestnuts, and other Christmastime treats popular in Czechia.

Strasbourg, Christmas

Strasbourg is often called the Christmas Capital of the World due to its world-famous Christmas markets, gingerbread architecture, and serious dedication to holiday decor.

Their Christmas markets date back to the year 1570, and today they sprawl across the city with over 300 stalls.

There is vin chaud (mulled wine), delicious breads with cinnamon, chocolate, and more, local art, handmade ornaments with glittery patterns, rides, and more.

Plus, it is only a 20-minute train ride from Colmar, meaning you can knock out two incredible places on the list in one trip.

Tallinn, Estonia

Across the channel from Helsinki, Tallinn offers a beautiful, Nordic experience.

A little-known fact: Tallinn, Estonia, was one of the first European cities to light a Christmas tree, displaying it in the town square in 1441.

You'll find a truly unique and authentic experience here. At the market, you will find sour cabbage, black pudding, gingerbread, and other traditional delicacies.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is famous for its Christmas markets and decor with multiple Christmas markets throughout the city.

Like other European cities, each one offers its own experience, but you can find stalls, food, and activities at each of them.

Vienna's markets are cherished for the decorations, workshops (strudel-making demos!), and holiday concerts. After all, Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn all spent much of their careers in Vienna. Plus, Schubert and Strauss were born there.