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There’s nothing quite as festive as strolling through Europe's traditional Christmas markets, gluhwein and lebkuchen gingerbread cookies in hand, the sweet scent of roasted chestnuts in the air as you wander among illuminated wooden chalets in mediaeval town squares.
These fairytale-like markets across the continent have something for everyone, including festive carol concerts, fairground rides and Christmas tree mazes. Whether you’re looking to shop for handmade wooden nutcrackers in Nuremberg or locally designed baubles in Budapest – or just wanting to over-indulge on regional delicacies – seeing these European cities in their winter wonderland best is nothing less than a bucket list experience.
We already covered the best Christmas markets in the UK. Below is our list of the very best Christmas markets in Europe, that’ll make 2024 your most festive yet.
When it is
November 16 - December 26, 2024
Where it is
Rathausplatz
Why we recommend it
Vienna’s most famous Christmas market is about as classic as it gets. 150 wooden chalets, winding ice rinks, nativity trails, and fair rides sprawl in front of the towering and illuminated neo-gothic city hall. The Austrian capital’s biggest Christmas tree stands majestically in the centre, but it’s the market’s famous Herzerlbaum (meaning ‘Heart Tree’) that festive travellers flock to – a giant maple tree decorated with 200 illuminated hearts.
It’s not just the trees that get hearty here; try Austrian fare like sausages stuffed with cheese, potato pancakes, and kaiserschmarrn (a sweet fluffy pancake torn into small pieces) to fill up on.
And did you know the snow globe was invented in Vienna? The market is perfect for picking up these perfect snowy gifts, as well as more local ornaments, like intricately-designed glass baubles and hand-carved wooden toys.
When it is
November 27 - December 27, 2024
Where it is
Place Broglie, Place de la Cathédrale, Place Kléber, Place Gutenberg, and all around Strasbourg
Why we recommend it
Flammekueche is not only fun to say, but the doughy Alsace speciality is enough reason to visit Christkindelsmärik, France’s oldest Christmas market, which dates back to 1570. Known as ‘the capital of Christmas’ you’ll be surrounded by festivities at every turn in this charming Mediaeval city, with its half-timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets – it hosts over 13 Christmas markets each year! As you’re on Germany’s border, expect the best of both countries in every sense, from patisseries and pretzels to handcrafted German-style wooden ornaments and elegant French wares.
When it is
November 18 - December 23, 2024
Where it is
Roncalliplatz
Why we recommend it
The whole of Cologne transforms into a winter wonderland when Christmas rolls into town, but it's the giant Weihnachtsgesellschaft Christmas market – with the backdrop of the gothic and grand, UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral and its canopy of fairy lights – that draws in flocks of festive visitors each year. Here you’ll find all the German classics, with glühwein, wooden crafts and regional treats. Cologne truly excels when it comes to entertainment too, with over 100 live performances taking place on the stage throughout the season – from choirs and brass bands, to folk music and puppet shows for children.
When it is
November 30, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Where it is
Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square
Why we recommend it
Prague’s Christmas market is one of Europe’s most romantic (and affordable) festive destinations. You’ll find two main markets right next to each other by the fairytale backdrop of Old Town Square. It’s also one of the best markets for picking up chic gifts, like bohemian crystal ornaments and drinkware (one of the Czech Republic’s most famous exports), and delicate glass-blown decorations. Foodies will have plenty of hearty holiday treats to tuck into, like the trdelník chimney cake – a sugary spiralled pastry covered in cinnamon and nuts – and a Czech twist on mulled wine with citrus, cloves and honey (Svařák).
When it is
November 25 to December 24, 2024
Where it is
Marienplatz and Rindermarkt
Why we recommend it
Does it get more festive than a Bavarian Christmas market? We think nein. Munich’s Christkindlmarkt is one of Germany’s oldest, dating back to the 14th century! Find an authentic Bavarian Christmas experience here, from traditional crafts and Bavarian band performances, to tasty local dishes (think: lebkuchen, stollen and strudel) and Eierpunsch – the German take on eggnog. One of its most unique traditions has to be the Krampus Run (Krampuslauf), where people dressed as Krampus – St. Nicholas’ fearsome companion – roam the streets with chains and bells to ‘scare away’ any mischief-makers.
When it is
November 15 until December 31, 2024
Where it is
Vörösmarty square and St. Stephen’s Basilica
Why we recommend it
Hungary’s capital hosts two major Christmas markets. Head to Vörösmarty Square for traditional Hungarian gifts, a skating rink, folk dance shows, and some seriously hearty feasts, including lángos (a deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream and grated cheese) and goulash served in bread bowls. Guaranteed to keep you warm in the freezing winter cold! Closeby is the smaller St. Stephen’s Basilica market, with its spectacular light show projected on the front of the Basilica every 30 minutes.
When it is
November 29 2024 - January 5 2025
Where it is
Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, Marché aux Poissons and Place De Brouckère
Why we recommend it
Each year, Belgium’s epic Plaisirs d’Hiver (Winter Wonders) takes over the capital, with various festive trails and hundreds of chalets dotted all over the city. The centrepiece of the festivities can be found at the Grand Place – one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy here, including a covered ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and a light and sound show projected onto historic, ornate buildings. The sweet-toothed among us will be in heaven, too, with artisan chocolatiers selling Belgium’s world-famous chocolate in all forms – from truffles to pralines or melted and heaped onto warm Belgian waffles.
When it is
November 29 - December 24, 2024
Where it is
Hauptmarkt
Why we recommend it
Bavaria really does nail it when it comes to all things Christmas. Visiting the region’s second-largest city, Nuremberg, feels like stepping back in time – especially during the Christkindlesmarkt market, which dates back to 1628. Centuries-old traditions span from souvenirs like the Rauschgoldengel gold-foil angels to Zwetschgenmännla prune people (figurines made from prunes, nuts, and dried fruit), while their tinned lebkuchen is a must-buy. Nuremberg is the original home of these world-famous gingerbreads, after all! A short walk away you’ll find the Hans Sachs-Platz for the Kinderweihnacht (Children’s Christmas Market), complete with a carousel, mini Ferris wheel and a festive train ride.
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