Our 6 Favourite Christmas Markets In Europe
Author: Maheshwari Vickyraj, Content Writer
It's finally the holiday season in Europe! November to January is when Christmas markets turn into a magical fusion of tradition and culinary enticement. Picture cosy wooden chalets popping up in medieval squares, angelic choirs serenading snow-covered cathedrals, twinkling lights turning trees into sparkling wonders, log fires crackling and of course, a buffet of seasonal delights to tinsel your taste buds!
1. Magical Vienna
Dates: November 11, 2023 to January 4, 2024
Best for: Magical carousel, handcrafted ornaments and gourmet condiments
Christkindlmarkt in Vienna has got to be our number-one Christmas market that will make your heart sing and your taste buds tinsel! Stroll through a grand, arched gateway that welcomes you with the warm glow of countless candles, setting the scene for a magical experience in City Hall Square. Here, you'll discover a treasure trove of festive delights, from charming gifts to beautifully crafted tree decorations, handmade goodies, and heartwarming drinks. So, make sure you bag some sparkling ornaments that whisper, "Take me home."
Don't miss the chance to twirl on the ice at the Rathausplatz ice skating rink and catch a glimpse of the "Tree of Hearts," a stunning attraction for couples, while children can delight in a 12-metre-high multi-level carousel or ride the reindeer train. Let's not forget the Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung, a place where tradition reigns supreme. Dating back to 1772, it's a treasure trove of handicrafts, glass ornaments, traditional mangers and ceramics. As the clock strikes 4 p.m., festive advent music fills the square, creating the perfect yuletide ambiance. For more top-quality handicrafts, explore the Am Hof Christmas Market, where Christmas melodies and choral singing add to the enchantment. And when it's time to fuel up, indulge in hearty Austrian classics like Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausages) and fluffy Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake dessert). But the true star of the show is the delightful Sachertorte, Vienna's famous chocolate cake, served with a dollop of whipped cream! A visit to this winter wonderland is simply a must! Check out our Best Vienna Christmas Markets Holiday Offer here!
2. Twirl In Berlin
Dates: October 28, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Best for: Trendy Christmas gifts and tobogganing
If you're looking for a twist to tradition, Berlin's got your back! This artsy city isn't just decking the halls, but the whole city center with around 80 Christmas markets (yes, even one for our furry pals!). You might need a teleporter to cover them all, so pick your faves wisely.
Spandau's got the crown when it comes to shopping since it is the largest Christmas market. Want picture-perfect? Weihnachtszauber at the majestic Gendarmenmarkt Square is where artsy crafts meet your shopping whims. Fancy a festive thrill? Head to Winter World at Potsdamer Platz—less about shopping sprees and more about the action! Think tobogganing, curling and an ice-skating rink where kids get free lessons. Our tip, 10 a.m. is the secret hour for the coolest vibes!
3. Warm Up In Budapest
Dates: November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Best for: Traditional folk textiles from the fashion and craft stalls in Deák Ferenc
Get ready to taste the perfect blend of old-school charm and futuristic dazzle in Budapest's Christmas extravaganza! It's like time-traveling through traditional stalls set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping Neoclassical and Baroque architecture, all while being showered with mind-blowing 3D illuminations.
In this open-air wonderland, you'll stumble upon Christmas trees that practically glow in the dark and shops that are decked up with greenery, peddling traditional wooden toys and ceramic delights. But that's not all — as the sun sets every evening during advent, behold St. Stephen's Basilica, putting on a modern party with kaleidoscopic lights and lasers projecting enchanting Christmas tales onto its ancient stone facade. It's like mixing pure spectacle with a hearty dose of holiday charm, creating an experience that's out-of-this-world and impossible to resist.
4. Holly-Jolly Strasbourg
Dates: November 24 to December 24, 2023
Best for: Storybook scenery and candies
Welcome to France's "Capital of Christmas" which transforms into a magical nativity scene come to life! Imagine strolling through the city's central squares, where 300 traditional market stalls are packed to the brim with delightful hand-painted wooden Christmas treasures. But that's not all – you've got to embark on a quest to discover the “Market of the Invincible Small Producers of Alsace”, where savoury sausages and almond-infused, fruity, brioche-like kugelhopf reign supreme. It's a festive adventure that'll have your taste buds and holiday spirit full of joy!
5. Carol In Prague
Dates: December 2, 2023 to January 6, 2024
Best for: Open-air concerts and traditional nativity scenes
Take a break from the ordinary and dive into the holiday magic of postcard-pretty Prague! Instead of the usual mulled wine, go full local and savour a glass of grog – a delightful mix of rum, water, lemon and sugar. The setting is simply majestic: on one side, you've got the 14th-century twin spires of Our Lady Before Tyn and on the other, the famous 15th-century astronomical clock. In between, the whole place sparkles with seasonal joy.
Expect a bounty of gifts, including frosty, hand-blown glass baubles that are pure eye candy. But it's the food that'll keep you lingering – think warm, juicy sausages fresh off the grill, fluffy pancakes and garlic-and-cheese flatbread. All of this is perfectly topped off with a sip of svarak, the local, citrus-infused twist on mulled wine. Its cinnamon aroma dances through the entire square. And if you've got little ones in tow, make a beeline for Old Town Square, where you'll find friendly sheep, goats and a donkey, all eagerly waiting for some love and snaps!
6. Cocoa In Bruges
Dates: 22, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Best for: Sampling some iconic Belgium beer, cheese, meats and pâté
Bruges, the epitome of romance all year round, with its charming Medieval architecture, enchanting canals and sun-kissed vistas, cranks up the magic meter when Christmas arrives! It's like stepping into a storybook, where the entire city is transformed into a festive playground. During the holiday season, Bruges hosts not one but two whimsical Christmas markets – one in the main “Markt square” and another at Simon Stevinplein. The air is filled with tantalising scents of sweet spices, sizzling sausages and the irresistible aroma of mulled wine that seems to embrace the entire city. Take a spin on the outdoor ice rink, where twinkling lights add a sprinkle of fairy dust to your skate or hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a picture-perfect ride through the city's cobbled streets. And don't miss the Light Experiences Trail, a journey that makes Bruges' beautiful buildings twinkle and shimmer in all the right places, turning this already captivating city into a dreamy winter wonderland.
So, if you’re ready to embrace the magical season with a dash of European flavour along the way, check out our top Christmas Markets Holiday offer here, grab your woolly hat and get cracking!
NOTE: Some Christmas Markets aren’t open for the entire season, so make sure you double-check dates with the official event organizer’s website or the official tourism board for that destination.