10 Top Christmas Markets In Europe (2024)
If you’re dreaming of holiday lights, mulled wine, and cozy market stalls filled with festive treats, you have to add Europe’s Christmas markets to your holiday travel bucket list! From charming cobblestone streets to busy city squares, these markets make the holiday season so magical. I’ve rounded up the 10 top Christmas markets in Europe for 2024.
This guide will help you find the best spots for a warm holiday drink, unique gifts, and all the cheer Europe’s holiday markets are known for.
1. Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz | Vienna, Austria
Vienna is famous for its festive atmosphere, and the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is the city’s main event. Located in front of Vienna’s gorgeous town hall, the market is decorated with beautifully lit trees, cozy booths, and a giant ice skating rink that wraps around the square. You’ll find everything from handcrafted ornaments to traditional Austrian foods like roasted chestnuts and gingerbread. For families, there’s a carousel and a Christmas workshop for kids to make their own gifts. Don’t miss the hot punch (“Punsch”)!
2. Christkindelsmärik | Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is often called the Christmas capital of Europe, and for good reason! The Christkindelsmärik is the oldest Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570. Located in the heart of the city, the market is spread across several squares, each with its own unique charm. You’ll find traditional Alsatian treats like "bredele" (Christmas cookies) and "vin chaud" (mulled wine) while surrounded by half-timbered houses and twinkling lights. Strasbourg’s huge Christmas tree and illuminated decorations make this one a must-see.
3. Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz | Munich, Germany
For an authentic Bavarian Christmas market experience, Munich’s Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is unmatched. Set against the backdrop of the New Town Hall, this market offers a variety of regional specialties like “Lebkuchen” (gingerbread) and “Weißwurst” (Bavarian sausage). A highlight of this market is the “Kripperlmarkt,” where you can find all types of nativity scene figurines.
4. Old Town Square Christmas Market | Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas Market is truly magical. Imagine historic Gothic architecture, fairy lights, and a massive tree set in the heart of Prague’s old town. The market is known for its Czech treats, like “trdelník” (a deliciously sweet pastry) and spiced “medovina” (honey wine). You’ll also find Czech crystal and handmade ornaments that make perfect gifts. This market feels straight out of a fairytale, making it one of the top Christmas markets in Europe.
5. Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market | Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen transforms into a winter wonderland every December. The market is filled with festive stalls, decorations, and holiday lights. Stroll through the market to find Scandinavian treats like “æbleskiver” (Danish doughnuts) and unique gifts like Danish wooden toys and cozy knitwear. The amusement rides are open, and you can even catch a Christmas light show on the lake! Tivoli Gardens’ charm and holiday cheer make this one of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets.
6. Edinburgh Christmas Market | Edinburgh, Scotland
Situated along Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is an absolute dream during the holiday season. With stalls selling Scottish shortbread, mulled cider, and cozy winter items, it’s the ideal place for finding unique, local gifts. The city’s winter festival also includes an ice skating rink, festive carnival rides, and Santa’s Grotto for kids. With Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop, the market has a distinctly Scottish vibe filled with holiday charm.
7. Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom | Cologne, Germany
Cologne’s Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom is a quintessential German Christmas market, located right in front of Cologne’s beautiful cathedral. You’ll find over 150 wooden stalls filled with crafts, delicious German holiday treats, and handmade gifts. Be sure to try a classic bratwurst with a glass of “Glühwein” (mulled wine) as you browse.
8. Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz Christmas Markets | Basel, Switzerland
Basel might not be the first place that comes to mind, but its Christmas markets at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz are some of the best in Switzerland. Both markets are filled with Swiss specialties like raclette, fondue, and Swiss chocolate. The Münsterplatz market is incredibly scenic, located in front of the historic Basel Minster. And the atmosphere at Barfüsserplatz market is super warm and cozy.
9. Tallinn Christmas Market | Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s Christmas Market takes place in the town’s medieval square, making it feel like stepping back in time. Known for its fairytale setting, Tallinn’s market has a stunning Christmas tree surrounded by cute stalls with Estonian gifts and holiday food like sausages and gingerbread. There’s even a Santa House for kiddos to visit! Tallinn’s snowy winter scenes and unique setting make it one of the top Christmas markets in Europe.
10. Bruges Christmas Market | Bruges, Belgium
In the fairytale city of Bruges, the Bruges Christmas Market turns the historic town center into a holiday dream. The market spans across the main square (Markt) and Simon Stevinplein and has festive stalls selling Belgian waffles, chocolates, and traditional Belgian beer. The medieval architecture, canals, and holiday lights make Bruges one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Europe. Plus, there’s a cozy ice rink set against the stunning backdrop of the Belfry Tower.