It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! If you are jetting off to Europe soon, now is the most wonderful time to immerse yourself in its Christmas festivities.
We’ve handpicked five of Europe’s best Christmas markets guaranteed to dazzle your senses and level up your holiday spirit! Whether you’re after traditional charm, regal elegance or playful fun, these festive markets have something for everyone.
Most markets open in late November and run until Christmas Eve, though some (like Vienna and Strasbourg) extend into early January.
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Strasbourg Christmas Market, France
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Strasbourg proudly wears the crown as the “Capital of Christmas”, and with good reason. Dating back to 1570, this is one of Europe’s oldest and most atmospheric Christmas markets. The entire city becomes a festive wonderland, illuminated by millions of twinkling lights and centered around the stunning Place Broglie.
Children will marvel at one of Europe’s tallest Christmas trees, while adults can browse exquisite Alsatian crafts and sample bredele biscuits—tiny festive cookies baked with love. As night falls, the Strasbourg Cathedral glows with golden light, casting an ethereal aura over the market square.
Vienna Christmas Markets, Austria
Few cities celebrate Christmas with as much grandeur as Vienna. With over 20 markets spread across the city, it’s a playground of festive delight. The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is perhaps the most famous, framed by the majestic Neo-Gothic City Hall.
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Glide across an ice rink under a canopy of sparkling lights, warm your hands on a mug of kinderpunsch then explore the stalls adorned with handmade ornaments. Meanwhile, the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market offers a regal twist, complete with a nativity scene featuring live animals and a traditional carousel.
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, Germany
Dominated by the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral, this Christmas market is an icon in itself. Over 160 wooden huts line the square, selling everything from traditional lebkuchen (gingerbread) to locally crafted jewelry and wooden toys.
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Wander down Christmas Avenue, where dazzling trees create a forest of light, and enjoy the live music and puppet shows that captivate kids and adults alike. Cologne’s warm, festive atmosphere makes it one of the most family-friendly markets in Europe.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, several smaller themed markets like the Harbour Christmas Market and Village of St. Nicholas are just a short walk away.
Prague Christmas Markets, Czech Republic
If ever a city was designed for Christmas, it’s Prague. The Old Town Square transforms into a scene from a fairy tale, framed by Gothic spires and Baroque facades. The market’s towering Christmas tree and festive choirs make for remarkable family photos.
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Here, tradition reigns supreme. Children will love the wooden toys, glass ornaments, and the live nativity scene featuring real animals. As for snacks, you can’t leave without trying a freshly baked trdelník, a cinnamon-sugar pastry rolled around a stick and cooked over an open flame.
The nearby Wenceslas Square market offers a slightly different but equally magical atmosphere, giving you two experiences in one city.
Copenhagen Tivoli Gardens, Denmark
For a Christmas market unlike any other, head to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. Every winter, Tivoli transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with Scandinavian hygge, festive rides, and over 500,000 twinkling lights.
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Families can enjoy everything from rollercoasters to live performances, while browsing stalls filled with handcrafted Danish gifts. Try æbleskiver (spherical pancakes dusted with sugar) and gløgg (Scandinavian mulled wine) as you stroll through this enchanting space.
