Finest Christmas Markets in Europe 2024

That is your final information to the perfect Christmas markets in Europe! I’ve traveled to a whole lot of Christmas markets to carry you the perfect locations for Christmas Markets in Europe for 2024.

Image this: You’re strolling the traditional cobblestone streets, on both facet heat lights of cafes and outlets beckon you inside, you’ve got a slight chill regardless of your heat winter coat. You see a citadel within the mist on the hill forward of you. Might at this time get any higher? Sure, sure it may.

As you flip the nook you’re first hit with the scent. It’s a mix of true merriment: candied nuts roasting in sugar, mulled wine being poured right into a tall espresso mug, and roasted meats over the open hearth.

Subsequent you’re hit with the noise. Christmas carols sung in German, laughter of all ages, and folks greeting one another on the high of their lungs.

You spherical one other nook and there it’s, shimmering and glittering because the solar units: 1000’s of twinkle lights strewn alongside recent minimize pine bushes. Hand carved wood stalls promoting meals, drinks, and handmade trinkets line the road, every another embellished than the subsequent.

It’s Christmas Markets in Europe and it’s probably the most joyful place on earth!

I like to think about myself as a Christmas market knowledgeable having lived in Germany, the place Christmas markets actually began, I spent years going time and again to Christmas markets throughout Europe and writing about my discovering.

One issues for positive: it’s price it. I do know that many don’t take into consideration visiting Europe through the vacation season, however I discover it actually sensational. It’s such a way of group and pleasure, everybody on the town will get collectively, regardless of the chilly climate to have fun Christmas and share their handmade wares and scrumptious household recipes of conventional meals.

I am sharing the perfect of the European Christmas markets so you’ll be able to guarantee to benefit from your time.

Finest Christmas Markets in Europe 2024

I’ve tons of guides to Christmas markets in Europe! From itineraries, maps, and particular person guides to every place! I hope to make planning your Christmas market journeys a breeze. For all my posts on Christmas markets in Europe click on right here.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, France undoubtedly deserves its nickname because the “Capital of Noel”! This metropolis has among the finest Christmas markets in all Europe and it is an extremely festive place to go to through the vacation season. With fantastically embellished stalls and open day-after-day from November twenty fourth to December twenty fourth, you will end up surrounded by twinkling lights and decorations galore. The Strasbourg cathedral towers over the market and there is even an actual 30 meter tall tree within the sq.!

The streets are BURSTING with decor, from the teddy bear half-timbered motels, the lit up Notre Dame Cathedral with angels that line the streets, and naturally vin chaud- mulled wine! A lot of nice meals, drinks, and hand crafted presents. Take your time right here, there are markets all through town. There are over 300 stalls so that you’re in for a deal with!

PRO TIP: You probably have time, head into the Vosges mountains, the place the large tree of Strasbourg is grown, and go to some Christmas markets there! The cities of Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim and Riquewihr are completely magical for Christmas! You possibly can see my full information to those Alsace villages at Christmas right here.

Starsbourg Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty seventh by means of December twenty seventh, 2027.

See my full information to the perfect Christmas markets in France. Or, my full information to Strasbourg, France at Christmas.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany is likely one of the hottest Christmas markets in Europe and for good purpose! With seven markets, all with completely different themes, all through town, you will discover no scarcity of issues to see and do right here. Massive, lavishly embellished Christmas markets sparkle all through town.

A few of my favorites are the Cologne Cathedral Market, that is the most important and takes place exterior the spectacular cathedral with dwell music, an enormous tree, and gluhwein (scorching, mulled wine!). I additionally adore the Angels’ Market the place you will discover it in Neumarkt Sq. and is likely one of the authentic markets that options girls wearing angel costumes handing out sweets to kids. There’s additionally a wonderful carousel and lovely mugs which might be good to take dwelling as souvenirs. I like the one within the Outdated City as a result of it is crammed with what seems like gnomes, but it surely’s a lot extra! The Alter Markt calls itself the Residence of the Heinzelmännchen (who have been little creatures from a Cologne legend who used to do all of the housekeeping till they have been aggravated by an inquisitive housewife).

And Nikolausdorf or “NicholasVillage” in Rudolfplatz can be nicely well worth the cease! Many half-timbered buildings make this really feel like an actual village. It is all the time wonderful to me that this may come down come January!

Cologne Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November 18th by means of December twenty third 2024.

See the perfect Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Vienna, Austria

Since 1296 Vienna has hosted a tremendous Christmas market- one of many first ever! You may see beautiful buildings decked out in bows and ribbons. However you additionally get unimaginable Christmas markets! I have been to markets all all through Europe and I can inform you, those in Vienna are a number of the finest.

There are a number of giant markets positioned across the metropolis, every with their very own distinctive really feel. The most well-liked might be at Rathausplatz in entrance of the attractive City Corridor. With over 150 chalets, this is likely one of the largest in Europe. It is good for choosing up presents and grabbing a chunk to eat. The Glühwein right here is a number of the finest I’ve ever had!

If you’d like a extra conventional really feel, then head to the Spittelberg Weihnachtsmarkt market (Weihnachtsmarkt means Christmas in German). That is positioned in a pedestrian zone within the Spittelberg district and is made up of small, particular person chalets. This market has a very cozy really feel and is ideal for a romantic stroll.

And at last, my favourite market in Vienna is the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at Freyung. This market is positioned in a stunning park and has a very relaxed and charming environment. It is the proper place to seize a cup of scorching chocolate and a slice of Sachertorte (a chocolate cake that may be a Vienna specialty!)

Vienna Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November eleventh by means of December twenty sixth, 2024.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn seems like a snow globe come to life! Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a medieval metropolis with a fairytale really feel. And through Christmastime, it is much more magical! With twinkling lights, snow-dusted rooftops, and Christmas carols within the air, Tallinn seems like one thing out of a storybook.

The primary market is positioned in City Corridor Sq., in entrance of the beautiful medieval City Corridor. This is likely one of the largest markets in Tallinn and is ideal for choosing up presents and souvenirs. You may discover handmade Estonian crafts, decorations, and loads of locations to seize a chunk to eat. The gluwein right here can be wonderful! It is a excellent place to choose up a home made wool sweater and stick round for dwell music and leisure at evening.

When you’re in search of one thing a bit completely different, try the Rotermann Quarter. This market is positioned in an previous salt storage constructing that has been transformed into a shopping mall. It is a actually distinctive setting for a market, and you will find loads of nice presents and souvenirs right here.

I extremely suggest taking a strolling tour* to get a really feel of the historical past in Tallinn! We went on a themed strolling tour and it was a spotlight of my time in Tallinn. See my full information to Tallinn at Christmas right here.

Tallinn Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty second by means of December twenty seventh, 2024.

Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland is a captivating metropolis positioned on the river Rhine and is understood for its stunning Outdated City, medieval structure, museums, and naturally Christmas markets! This metropolis has one of many longest working Christmas markets in Europe because it dates again to 1521.

The primary market is positioned in Munsterplatz and is crammed with stunning handcrafted items, a big choice of foods and drinks, and twinkling lights. Make sure you strive the scrumptious Basler Läckerli, a spiced gingerbread-like biscuits which might be a neighborhood specialty. I additionally love the mulled wine right here, it is a number of the finest I’ve ever had!

There are additionally a number of different markets positioned all through town together with one within the sq. in entrance of Basel’s stunning purple sandstone cathedral. It is a excellent place to do some Christmas procuring as you will discover every thing from jewellery to wood toys.

PRO TIP: When you’re in search of one thing a bit completely different, remember to try the Creation Calendar Home. It is a home with 25 home windows, every with a special shock behind it!

Basel Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty eighth by means of December twenty third, 2024.

Prague, Czech Republic

When you’re in search of a market with a extra medieval really feel, then Prague is the place for you! With its pretty Gothic structure and cobblestone streets, Prague lends itself completely to a festive environment. The markets listed below are a number of the most unusual in Europe with stunning handmade items on provide.

The primary market is positioned in Outdated City Sq. the place you will discover a gorgeous Christmas tree and the spectacular Tyn Church within the background. It is a actually in style spot, so be ready for crowds, which is why I like to recommend weekdays. Nevertheless it’s undoubtedly price braving the plenty to see the attractive decorations and seize some conventional Czech meals.

For one thing a bit extra low-key, try the markets at Wenceslas Sq. and Havel’s Market. These are each positioned in additional trendy areas of town and provide a refreshing change of tempo from the Outdated City.

Prague Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November thirtieth by means of January sixth, 2025.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland is a singular Christmas market expertise as a result of it is not solely in regards to the market stalls, but in addition the ice skating rink that units up in Senate Sq.. It is so festive and wonderful to skate round with the Helsinki Cathedral within the background.

The market itself has Finnish crafts and design, together with conventional meals like reindeer meatballs, which you could find on the Outdated Market Corridor. This is likely one of the few markets the place you could find meals indoors, so it is good when you’re visiting in colder climate or when you simply want a break from the chilly. You may additionally discover handcrafted Christmas decorations, glassware, and textiles.

I beloved the saunas positioned proper by the Christmas market glog stalls (glog is their model of mulled wine.) So that you would possibly see somebody hop out of a sauna in only a towel, grabbing a mulled mug of steaming wine!

Helsinki Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty ninth by means of December twenty second, 2024.

Ribeauvillé, France

This market is small and solely provided for a pair quick weekends however SO WORTH IT. It is one of the vital uncommon markets I’ve ever been to in probably the most charming means. Your entire city attire up and participates. There are individuals dressed up, on stilts, sensible males with actual camels, fires in the midst of the streets to heat up and medieval traditions.

This space is well-known for its charming half-timbered homes however the Christmas market makes it really feel such as you’ve entered a totally completely different, medieval world.

You may discover all the standard Christmas market fare right here like mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. However Ribeauvillé can be recognized for its wonderful native wines, so remember to choose up a bottle or two to take dwelling with you. You may additionally discover loads of handmade items on provide.

Ribeauvillé Christmas Market Dates for 2024: December seventh, eighth, 14th, and fifteenth – as you’ll be able to see it is a tremendous quick season however so price it! The Ribeauville Christmas market is simply open for 2 weekends however is HIGHLY price it.

Heidelberg, Germany

The Heidelberg Christmas market is likely one of the oldest markets in Germany, relationship again to 1398! The primary market is positioned in Heidelberg’s previous city, all through the Hauptstrasse. It is a bit completely different than a number of the different markets, and I discover it a pleasure! You possibly can stroll almost a mile and luxuriate in completely different Christmas festivities alongside the best way. I am biased since I lived in Heidelberg, however with a wonderful sixteenth century buildings, the citadel towering over the skating rink, it is simply magical.

It is a actually charming place with round 100 fantastically embellished stalls. You may discover loads of mulled wine and conventional German meals like bratwurst and pretzels. The views of the citadel lit up at evening are merely gorgeous.

There’s additionally a market in close by Mannheim which I additionally suggest testing when you have time. It is a quick drive or prepare experience away!

Heidelberg Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty fifth by means of December twenty second, 2024.

See my full information to Heidelberg’s Christmas markets right here.

Colmar, France

Nestled within the Alsace area of France, Colmar is really a fairytale city and its Christmas market doesn’t disappoint. With over 300 stalls, this is likely one of the largest markets in France. The setting could not be extra good both, because the market is positioned within the stunning previous city, which is filled with half-timbered homes, canals, and cobbled streets.

The market itself is extremely festive, with an enormous Christmas tree, a life-sized nativity scene, and a powerful gentle show. You may discover all the standard French Christmas Market favorites right here, from vin chaud (mulled wine) to ache d’epices (gingerbread), to baeckeoffe (a scrumptious Alsatian stew). There’s additionally all kinds of handmade presents and decorations on provide.

When in Colmar, certainly one of my favourite French eating places can’t be beat! Winstub de la Petite Venise. This Michelin star restaurant presents a 35 euro plat du jour that makes my mouth water simply enthusiastic about it!

Take a look at my Christmas market highway journey itinerary right here.

Colmar Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty sixth by means of December twenty ninth 2024.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest’s Christmas Market is likely one of the most stunning in Europe and takes place in Vörösmarty Sq. in entrance of the magnificent Nineteenth-century Gerbeaud Home. With over 100 fantastically embellished stalls, a large ferris wheel, an ice rink, and a nativity scene, it is easy to spend just a few hours right here.

There’s additionally a wonderful gentle present each night at 7 pm on the facade of the Gerbeaud Home that is undoubtedly price sticking round for. The market is open from November eleventh to January 1st, so you’ve got loads of time to go to. And remember to strive some conventional Hungarian dishes like lángos (a deep-fried flatbread) or kürtőskalács (a chimney cake)!

Budapest Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November seventeenth by means of December thirty first 2024.

Munich, Germany

Munich is famend for its wonderful Oktoberfest celebration, however do you know that it additionally has a number of the finest Christmas markets in Europe? The markets listed below are giant and energetic with an amazing environment.

The primary market is positioned at Marienplatz within the coronary heart of town. It is a actually in style spot, so be ready for crowds. Nevertheless it’s undoubtedly price braving the plenty to see the attractive Glockenspiel present that takes place day-after-day at 11 am and midday. There are additionally numerous different markets positioned all through town, so that you’re positive to search out one which fits your fancy.

There are lots of markets in Munich, however remember to begin on the iconic Christkindlmarkt positioned in Marienplatz. From there, you’ll be able to select from the traditional Neuhausen Christmas market or go for one thing completely different just like the Wintertollwood Pageant held on Oktoberfest grounds.

And when you’re in search of an genuine Bavarian eating expertise, remember to try Hofbräuhaus, certainly one of Munich’s most well-known beer halls. It is an amazing place to strive some conventional German dishes like Weißwurst (veal sausage) and Leberkäse (a sort of meatloaf).

Munich Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November 25tht by means of December twenty fourth, 2024.

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is a captivating metropolis positioned within the Austrian Alps and its Christmas market is nothing wanting magical. With over 80 stalls, it is one of many smaller markets on this listing, but it surely greater than makes up for it with its gorgeous setting. The market takes place within the previous city sq. in opposition to the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

What I like most about this market is that it has an actual conventional really feel to it. You may discover all the standard Austrian Christmas Market staples like Glühwein (mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Maroni (roasted chestnuts). However you will additionally discover some extra uncommon objects like Krapfen (fried dough balls crammed with jam) and Kernöl (pumpkin seed oil).

Innsbruck Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November fifteenth by means of January 1, 2025.

London, England

I like London for Christmas as all of the shops are decked out and there is a feeling of pleasure in all places! Whereas London may not be the everyday spot, Christmas market is unquestionably price a go to. Positioned in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is likely one of the largest markets in Europe and it is fully free to enter!

When you’re inside, you will discover an array of sights like an ice rink, a large ferris wheel, and a German-style market with over 200 stalls. And when you’re feeling actually festive, you’ll be able to even go to Santa’s Grotto!

Winter Wonderland is open from late November till early January, so you’ve got loads of time to get pleasure from all of the enjoyable. And whenever you’re prepared for a break from the chilly, head to certainly one of Hyde Park’s many cafes for a cup of tea or some conventional English fare.

You probably have further time, head to Tub,a quintessential city in the UK that is additionally acquired an exquisite Christmas market!

London Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November 18th by means of January 1st, 2025.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is a wonderful medieval metropolis positioned within the German state of Bavaria – since 1313. It is best recognized for its conventional Christkindlesmarkt, which is likely one of the oldest and largest markets in Germany.

The market is unfold out throughout town heart with over 180 stalls, so there’s loads to see and do. You may discover all the standard German Christmas Market staples like Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and Maroni. However you will additionally discover some extra uncommon objects like Nürnberger Christstollen (a sort of fruitcake) and Nürnberger Rostbratwurst (a grilled sausage).

When you go to Nuremberg Christmas Market on the primary Friday earlier than Creation there’s a tremendous opening ceremony with performances and dwell music.

Nuremberg Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty ninth by means of December twenty fourth, 2024.

Metz, France

Metz is a wonderful metropolis positioned within the northeast of France, near the border with Germany. It is best recognized for its giant Christmas market, which is likely one of the largest in Europe.

The market is unfold out throughout town heart with over 200 stalls, so there’s loads to see and do. You may discover all the standard French Christmas Market staples like vin chaud, ache d’épices (gingerbread), and sweets. However you will additionally discover some extra gormet meals like foie gras, tarte flambée (a sort of pizza), and quiche Lorraine.

Cathedral Saint-Étienne de Metz dates again to the eleventh century has a stunning Christmas market simply exterior the doorways full with a ferris wheel. Inside are stunning stained glass home windows that have been constructed by well-known artists like Marc Chagall and Jean Cocteau. Metz has loads of different locations price visiting as nicely – Notre Dame d’Auschwitz, the fashionable artwork heart Centre Pompidou-Metz, and Le Temple Neuf is a wonderful church that appears extra like a citadel.

Metz Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty fourth by means of December thirtieth, 2024.

Trier, Germany

Trier is a wonderful metropolis positioned within the southwest of Germany, near the border with Luxembourg. Trier is understood for it is romantic setting and with the Christmas market’s backdrop of the beautiful cathedral, it is a pretty spot.

This system on the Trier Christmas Market adjustments every day, providing quite a lot of leisure for the entire household. From historic puppet theater to star tenor and songsmiths, there’s something for everybody to get pleasure from. With scrumptious foods and drinks on provide, plus arts and crafts from world wide, the Trier Christmas Market attracts guests from far and huge.

To get a view from above like I did right here, head to the DE retailer proper earlier than you enter the market.

Trier Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty second by means of December twenty second, 2024.

See the perfect Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a wonderful metropolis positioned within the northwest of Belgium. It is best recognized for its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval structure. The Christmas market is positioned within the historic metropolis heart and is likely one of the most atmospheric markets in Europe.

You may discover all the standard Belgian Christmas Market staples like Belgian chocolate, waffles, and beer. However you will additionally discover objects like gingerbread homes, candles, and handmade wood toys. Yearly Grote Sq. is reworked to Bruges’ largest Christmas market and within the heart you will discover a skating rink. You too can head to Stevin Sq. for much more Christmas festivities.

Bruges Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty second by means of January fifth 2025.

Aachen, Germany

I simply went to Aachen final yr for my first time and completely beloved it! Not solely is Aachen stuffed with essential historical past, it is acquired an unimaginable Christmas market that is been named one of many high Christmas Markets in Europe over time.

Aachen Christmas Market is positioned within the historic metropolis heart and is likely one of the oldest markets in Germany. It dates again to 1434 making it even older than Nuremberg! You may discover all the standard German Christmas Market staples like Glühwein, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Bratwurst.

However what I beloved most in regards to the market have been all the Aachener Printen on provide. Printen are a sort of gingerbread that originates from Aachen. They arrive in all types of sizes and styles and are completely scrumptious!

Aachen Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty second by means of December twenty third 2024.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is positioned on the jap coast of the nation. The town is filled with attraction with its canals, cobbled streets, and historic buildings. The Christmas market is positioned within the coronary heart of town at Metropolis Corridor Sq..

You may discover all the standard Danish Christmas Market staples like æbleskiver (a sort of pancake), Gløgg (mulled wine), and Danish Christmas beer. There are additionally loads of stalls promoting handmade Christmas decorations, toys, and presents.

Tivoli Gardens is a well-known park and it is a should for Christmas because it’s arrange like Santa’s village- you’ll be able to even experience the Polar Categorical! Additionally, Kongens Nytorv is likely one of the most stunning squares in Copenhagen and it actually comes alive throughout Christmas time. And remember to go to iconic Nyhavn the place you will additionally discover a market.

Copenhagen Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November fifteenth by means of January fifth, 2025.

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is positioned within the northwest of the nation. The town is filled with tradition and historical past with a wonderful previous city that is good for exploring. The Christmas market is positioned in Tomislav Sq. within the heart of town.

On the Zagreb Christmas Market, you will discover all the standard Croatian Christmas Market staples like mulled wine, sausages, and pancakes. You too can discover handicrafts, jewellery, and pottery. Make sure you strive the strukli which is a sort of pastry that is in style in Zagreb.

And if you wish to get a birds eye view of the market, be certain that to go to the Zagreb Eye which is a big Ferris wheel positioned within the coronary heart of town.

Zagreb Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November thirtieth by means of January seventh, 2025.

Christmas Markets in Europe Map

Here is a map of all my favourite Christmas Markets in Europe. I’ve mapped out not solely the highest 10 Christmas Markets in Europe from this information, however a few of my favorites everywhere in the continent!

Christmas Market High Suggestions

As your resident knowledgeable on Christmas in Europe, listed below are a few of my high suggestions for benefiting from your Christmas market journey!

Which nation has the perfect Christmas Markets? That is clearly up for debate, however the award has to go to Germany! Germany has a number of the oldest and finest markets round. The custom runs deep and even small cities and villages take part. See the perfect Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Which nation has the perfect decorations for Christmas? France! France goes all out for decorations. It does not damage that the Alsace area already seems like an ideal gingerbread village!

What’s the perfect time to go for Christmas markets in Europe? I feel December is your finest wager to make sure you see the Christmas markets however many begin in late November. Some markets do go till January as nicely.

Listed below are some extra useful guides:

What to Eat and Drink at a Christmas Market

Europe Christmas Market Itinerary and Information

Finest Christmas Markets in Germany

Finest Christmas Market in France

Finest Christmas Markets in Switzerland

So there you’ve got it, my listing of the perfect Christmas markets in Europe for 2024! Which one are you most excited about- when you have any questions, be happy to succeed in out to me on Instagram @heleneinbetween – I reply all my DMs!