Finest Christmas Markets in Europe 2024

That is your final information to the very best Christmas markets in Europe! I’ve traveled to tons of of Christmas markets to deliver you the very best locations for Christmas Markets in Europe for 2024.

Image this: You’re strolling the traditional cobblestone streets, on both aspect heat lights of cafes and outlets beckon you inside, you have got a slight chill regardless of your heat winter coat. You see a fortress within the mist on the hill forward of you. May right now 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 fireplace.

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: hundreds of twinkle lights strewn alongside contemporary reduce pine bushes. Hand carved picket stalls promoting meals, drinks, and handmade trinkets line the road, every yet another embellished than the following.

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

I like to think about myself as a Christmas market professional having lived in Germany, the place Christmas markets actually began, I spent years going repeatedly 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 really sensational. It’s such a way of neighborhood 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 very best of the European Christmas markets so you’ll be able to guarantee to profit 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 positively deserves its nickname because the “Capital of Noel”! This metropolis has top-of-the-line Christmas markets in all Europe and it is an extremely festive place to go to through the vacation season. With superbly embellished stalls and open day-after-day from November twenty fourth to December twenty fourth, you may 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 inns, the lit up Notre Dame Cathedral with angels that line the streets, and naturally vin chaud- mulled wine! Plenty of nice meals, drinks, and hand crafted items. Take your time right here, there are markets all through the 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 massive 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 way of December twenty seventh, 2027.

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

Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany is without doubt one of the hottest Christmas markets in Europe and for good purpose! With seven markets, all with completely different themes, all through the town, you may discover no scarcity of issues to see and do right here. Massive, lavishly embellished Christmas markets sparkle all through the town.

A few of my favorites are the Cologne Cathedral Market, that is the biggest and takes place outdoors the spectacular cathedral with dwell music, an enormous tree, and gluhwein (scorching, mulled wine!). I additionally adore the Angels’ Market the place you may discover it in Neumarkt Sq. and is without doubt one of the unique markets that options girls wearing angel costumes handing out sweets to kids. There’s additionally an exquisite carousel and beautiful mugs which are good to take house as souvenirs. I am keen on the one within the Outdated City as a result of it is crammed with what appears like gnomes, however it’s a lot extra! The Alter Markt calls itself the Dwelling of the Heinzelmännchen (who had been little creatures from a Cologne legend who used to do all of the home tasks till they had been irritated by an inquisitive housewife).

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

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

See the very best Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Vienna, Austria

Since 1296 Vienna has hosted an incredible Christmas market- one of many first ever! You will see beautiful buildings decked out in bows and ribbons. However you additionally get unbelievable 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 massive markets positioned across the metropolis, every with their very own distinctive really feel. The preferred might be at Rathausplatz in entrance of the gorgeous City Corridor. With over 150 chalets, this is without doubt one of the largest in Europe. It is good for selecting up items and grabbing a chunk to eat. The Glühwein right here is a number of the finest I’ve ever had!

If you need 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 extremely 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 extremely relaxed and charming environment. It is the right 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 way of December twenty sixth, 2024.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn appears 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 appears like one thing out of a storybook.

The principle market is positioned in City Corridor Sq., in entrance of the beautiful medieval City Corridor. This is without doubt one of the largest markets in Tallinn and is ideal for selecting up items and souvenirs. You will 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 good spot to choose up a home made wool sweater and stick round for dwell music and leisure at evening.

If you happen to’re searching for one thing somewhat completely different, try the Rotermann Quarter. This market is positioned in an outdated 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 items 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 way 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 principle market is positioned in Munsterplatz and is crammed with stunning handcrafted items, a big collection of food and drinks, and twinkling lights. You’ll want to strive the scrumptious Basler Läckerli, a spiced gingerbread-like biscuits which are 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 the town together with one within the sq. in entrance of Basel’s stunning purple sandstone cathedral. It is a good spot to do some Christmas procuring as you may discover every part from jewellery to picket toys.

PRO TIP: If you happen to’re searching for one thing somewhat completely different, make sure you 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 way of December twenty third, 2024.

Prague, Czech Republic

If you happen to’re searching for 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 principle market is positioned in Outdated City Sq. the place you may discover a beautiful Christmas tree and the spectacular Tyn Church within the background. It is a actually fashionable spot, so be ready for crowds, which is why I like to recommend weekdays. Nevertheless it’s positively price braving the lots to see the gorgeous 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 fashionable areas of the town and provide a refreshing change of tempo from the Outdated City.

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

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland is a novel Christmas market expertise as a result of it is not solely in regards to the market stalls, but additionally 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’ll find on the Outdated Market Corridor. This is without doubt one of the few markets the place you’ll find meals indoors, so it is good for those who’re visiting in colder climate or for those who simply want a break from the chilly. You will 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 may 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 way of December twenty second, 2024.

Ribeauvillé, France

This market is small and solely provided for a pair brief weekends however SO WORTH IT. It is probably the most uncommon markets I’ve ever been to in essentially the most charming method. The whole city clothes up and participates. There are individuals dressed up, on stilts, smart 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 very completely different, medieval world.

You will discover all the same old Christmas market fare right here like mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. However Ribeauvillé can be recognized for its wonderful native wines, so make sure you choose up a bottle or two to take house with you. You will 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 brief season however so price it! The Ribeauville Christmas market is barely open for 2 weekends however is HIGHLY price it.

Heidelberg, Germany

The Heidelberg Christmas market is without doubt one of the oldest markets in Germany, courting again to 1398! The principle market is positioned in Heidelberg’s outdated 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 revel in completely different Christmas festivities alongside the best way. I am biased since I lived in Heidelberg, however with an exquisite sixteenth century buildings, the fortress towering over the skating rink, it is simply magical.

It is a really charming place with round 100 superbly embellished stalls. You will discover loads of mulled wine and conventional German meals like bratwurst and pretzels. The views of the fortress lit up at evening are merely beautiful.

There’s additionally a market in close by Mannheim which I additionally suggest testing when you’ve got time. It is a brief drive or practice experience away!

Heidelberg Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty fifth by way 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 actually a fairytale city and its Christmas market doesn’t disappoint. With over 300 stalls, this is without doubt one of the largest markets in France. The setting could not be extra good both, because the market is positioned within the stunning outdated 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 formidable mild show. You will discover all the normal 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 items 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 gives a 35 euro plat du jour that makes my mouth water simply fascinated about it!

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

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

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest’s Christmas Market is without doubt 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 superbly embellished stalls, an enormous ferris wheel, an ice rink, and a nativity scene, it is simple to spend a number of hours right here.

There’s additionally an exquisite mild present each night at 7 pm on the facade of the Gerbeaud Home that is positively price sticking round for. The market is open from November eleventh to January 1st, so you have got loads of time to go to. And do not forget 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 way 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 massive and full of life with an ideal environment.

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

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

And for those who’re searching for an genuine Bavarian eating expertise, make sure you try Hofbräuhaus, certainly one of Munich’s most well-known beer halls. It is an ideal place to strive some conventional German dishes like Weißwurst (veal sausage) and Leberkäse (a kind of meatloaf).

Munich Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November 25tht by way 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 checklist, however it greater than makes up for it with its beautiful setting. The market takes place within the outdated city sq. towards the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

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

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

London, England

I really 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 standard spot, Christmas market is unquestionably price a go to. Positioned in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is without doubt one of the largest markets in Europe and it is fully free to enter!

When you’re inside, you may discover an array of sights like an ice rink, an enormous ferris wheel, and a German-style market with over 200 stalls. And for those who’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 have got loads of time to take pleasure in all of the enjoyable. And if 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 Bathtub,a quintessential city in the UK that is additionally bought an exquisite Christmas market!

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

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is an exquisite medieval metropolis positioned within the German state of Bavaria – since 1313. It is best recognized for its conventional Christkindlesmarkt, which is without doubt one of the oldest and largest markets in Germany.

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

If you happen to go to Nuremberg Christmas Market on the primary Friday earlier than Creation there’s an incredible opening ceremony with performances and dwell music.

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

Metz, France

Metz is an exquisite metropolis positioned within the northeast of France, near the border with Germany. It is best recognized for its massive Christmas market, which is without doubt one of the largest in Europe.

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

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

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

Trier, Germany

Trier is an exquisite 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 each day, providing a wide range of leisure for the entire household. From historic puppet theater to star tenor and songsmiths, there’s something for everybody to take pleasure in. With scrumptious food and drinks on provide, plus arts and crafts from all over the world, the Trier Christmas Market attracts guests from far and vast.

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 way of December twenty second, 2024.

See the very best Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is an exquisite 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 middle and is without doubt one of the most atmospheric markets in Europe.

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

Bruges Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty second by way 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 bought an unbelievable Christmas market that is been named one of many high Christmas Markets in Europe through the years.

Aachen Christmas Market is positioned within the historic metropolis middle and is without doubt one of the oldest markets in Germany. It dates again to 1434 making it even older than Nuremberg! You will discover all the normal German Christmas Market staples like Glühwein, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Bratwurst.

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

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

Copenhagen, Denmark

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

You will discover all the normal Danish Christmas Market staples like æbleskiver (a kind of pancake), Gløgg (mulled wine), and Danish Christmas beer. There are additionally loads of stalls promoting handmade Christmas decorations, toys, and items.

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 without doubt one of the most stunning squares in Copenhagen and it actually comes alive throughout Christmas time. And do not forget to move to iconic Nyhavn the place you may additionally discover a market.

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

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is positioned within the northwest of the nation. Town is filled with tradition and historical past with an exquisite outdated city that is good for exploring. The Christmas market is positioned in Tomislav Sq. within the middle of the town.

On the Zagreb Christmas Market, you may discover all the normal Croatian Christmas Market staples like mulled wine, sausages, and pancakes. You can even discover handicrafts, jewellery, and pottery. You’ll want to strive the strukli which is a kind of pastry that is fashionable in Zagreb.

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

Zagreb Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November thirtieth by way 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 Ideas

As your resident professional on Christmas in Europe, listed below are a few of my high suggestions for taking advantage of your Christmas market journey!

Which nation has the very best 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 very best Christmas markets in Germany right here.

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

What’s the very best time to go for Christmas markets in Europe? I believe December is your finest guess to make sure you see the Christmas markets however many begin in late November. Some markets do go till January as effectively.

Listed here 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 have got it, my checklist of the very best Christmas markets in Europe for 2024! Which one are you most excited about- when you’ve got any questions, be happy to achieve out to me on Instagram @heleneinbetween – I reply all my DMs!