Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe 2024

That is your final information to the perfect Christmas markets in Europe! I’ve traveled to tons of of Christmas markets to deliver 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 may have 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 might.

As you flip the nook you’re first hit with the odor. 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 prime 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 timber. Hand carved picket stalls promoting meals, drinks, and handmade trinkets line the road, every yet one more adorned than the subsequent.

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

I like to consider myself as a Christmas market professional having lived in Germany, the place Christmas markets actually began, I spent years going many times to Christmas markets throughout Europe and writing about my discovering.

One issues for certain: it’s value 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 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 perfect of the European Christmas markets so you may guarantee to benefit from your time.

Greatest 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 the most effective Christmas markets in all Europe and it is an extremely festive place to go to through the vacation season. With fantastically adorned 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 lodges, 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 the town. There are over 300 stalls so that you’re in for a deal with!

PRO TIP: In case you 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’ll be able to 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 perfect Christmas markets in France. Or, my full information to Strasbourg, France at Christmas.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany is among the hottest Christmas markets in Europe and for good motive! With seven markets, all with totally different themes, all through the town, you will discover no scarcity of issues to see and do right here. Giant, lavishly adorned Christmas markets sparkle all through the town.

A few of my favorites are the Cologne Cathedral Market, that is the most important and takes place outdoors the spectacular cathedral with reside 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 among the unique markets that options girls wearing angel costumes handing out sweets to youngsters. There’s additionally a gorgeous carousel and lovely mugs which are good to take dwelling as souvenirs. I am keen on the one within the Previous City as a result of it is stuffed with what seems to be 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 irritated by an inquisitive housewife).

And Nikolausdorf or “NicholasVillage” in Rudolfplatz can be effectively well worth the cease! Many half-timbered buildings make this really feel like an actual village. It is at all times superb 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 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 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 giant markets positioned across the metropolis, every with their very own distinctive really feel. The preferred might be at Rathausplatz in entrance of the attractive City Corridor. With over 150 chalets, this is among the largest in Europe. It is good for selecting up presents and grabbing a chew 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 ambiance. It is the proper place to seize a cup of scorching chocolate and a slice of Sachertorte (a chocolate cake that could be a Vienna specialty!)

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

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn seems to be 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 looks 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 among the largest markets in Tallinn and is ideal for selecting up presents and souvenirs. You may discover handmade Estonian crafts, decorations, and loads of locations to seize a chew to eat. The gluwein right here can be wonderful! This can be a excellent place to choose up a home made wool sweater and stick round for reside music and leisure at evening.

Should you’re searching for one thing just a little totally 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 way of December twenty seventh, 2024.

Basel, Switzerland

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

The principle market is positioned in Munsterplatz and is stuffed with lovely handcrafted items, a big choice 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 lovely pink sandstone cathedral. This can be a excellent place to do some Christmas purchasing as you will discover all the things from jewellery to picket toys.

PRO TIP: Should you’re searching for one thing just a little totally different, you’ll want to try the Creation Calendar Home. This can be a home with 25 home windows, every with a unique shock behind it!

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

Prague, Czech Republic

Should you’re searching for a market with a extra medieval really feel, then Prague is the place for you! With its beautiful Gothic structure and cobblestone streets, Prague lends itself completely to a festive ambiance. The markets listed below are a number of the most original in Europe with lovely handmade items on supply.

The principle market is positioned in Previous City Sq. the place you will discover a beautiful Christmas tree and the spectacular Tyn Church within the background. This can be a actually in style spot, so be ready for crowds, which is why I like to recommend weekdays. But it surely’s positively value braving the lots 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 the town and supply a refreshing change of tempo from the Previous 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 isn’t 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 Previous Market Corridor. This is among 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 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 supplied for a pair quick weekends however SO WORTH IT. It is one of the uncommon markets I’ve ever been to in probably the most charming method. All the city attire up and participates. There are folks dressed up, on stilts, smart males with actual camels, fires in the course 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 totally 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 you’ll want to decide up a bottle or two to take dwelling with you. You may additionally discover loads of handmade items on supply.

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

Heidelberg, Germany

The Heidelberg Christmas market is among the oldest markets in Germany, courting again to 1398! The principle market is positioned in Heidelberg’s previous city, all through the Hauptstrasse. This can be a bit totally different than a number of the different markets, and I discover it a pleasure! You’ll be able to stroll almost a mile and revel in totally different Christmas festivities alongside the way in which. I am biased since I lived in Heidelberg, however with a gorgeous sixteenth century buildings, the citadel towering over the skating rink, it is simply magical.

It is a actually charming place with round 100 fantastically adorned 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 beautiful.

There’s additionally a market in close by Mannheim which I additionally suggest trying out if in case you have time. It is a quick drive or prepare trip 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 really a fairytale city and its Christmas market doesn’t disappoint. With over 300 stalls, this is among the largest markets in France. The setting could not be extra good both, because the market is positioned within the lovely 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 mild 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 supply.

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

Take a look at my Christmas market street 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 among the most lovely in Europe and takes place in Vörösmarty Sq. in entrance of the magnificent Nineteenth-century Gerbeaud Home. With over 100 fantastically adorned stalls, a large ferris wheel, an ice rink, and a nativity scene, it is simple to spend just a few hours right here.

There’s additionally a gorgeous mild present each night at 7 pm on the facade of the Gerbeaud Home that is positively value sticking round for. The market is open from November eleventh to January 1st, so you may have 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 superb 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 important ambiance.

The principle market is positioned at Marienplatz within the coronary heart of the town. This can be a actually in style spot, so be ready for crowds. But it surely’s positively value braving the lots to see the attractive Glockenspiel present that takes place day-after-day at 11 am and midday. There are additionally quite a few different markets positioned all through the town, so that you’re certain to search out one which fits your fancy.

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

And when you’re searching for an genuine Bavarian eating expertise, you’ll want to try Hofbräuhaus, certainly one of Munich’s most well-known beer halls. It is an important 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 in need of magical. With over 80 stalls, it is one of many smaller markets on this checklist, but it surely greater than makes up for it with its beautiful setting. The market takes place within the previous city sq. towards 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 gadgets like Krapfen (fried dough balls stuffed with jam) and Kernöl (pumpkin seed oil).

Innsbruck Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November fifteenth by way 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 every single place! Whereas London won’t be the standard spot, Christmas market is certainly value a go to. Situated in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is among 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 may even go to Santa’s Grotto!

Winter Wonderland is open from late November till early January, so you may have loads of time to take pleasure in all of the enjoyable. And once 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.

In case you 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 a gorgeous medieval metropolis positioned within the German state of Bavaria – since 1313. It is best recognized for its conventional Christkindlesmarkt, which is among the oldest and largest markets in Germany.

The market is unfold out throughout the town heart with over 180 stalls, so there’s lots 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 gadgets like Nürnberger Christstollen (a kind of fruitcake) and Nürnberger Rostbratwurst (a grilled sausage).

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

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

Metz, France

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

The market is unfold out throughout the town heart with over 200 stalls, so there’s lots to see and do. You may discover all the standard French Christmas Market staples like vin chaud, ache d’épices (gingerbread), and candies. However you will 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 lovely stained glass home windows that have been constructed by well-known artists like Marc Chagall and Jean Cocteau. Metz has loads of different locations value visiting as effectively – Notre Dame d’Auschwitz, the trendy artwork heart Centre Pompidou-Metz, and Le Temple Neuf is a gorgeous church that appears extra like a citadel.

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

Trier, Germany

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

This system on the Trier Christmas Market modifications day by 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 take pleasure in. With scrumptious food and drinks on supply, plus arts and crafts from world wide, 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 perfect Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a gorgeous 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 among 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 gadgets like gingerbread homes, candles, and handmade picket toys. Yearly Grote Sq. is remodeled 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 way of January fifth 2025.

Aachen, Germany

I simply went to Aachen final 12 months for my first time and completely beloved it! Not solely is Aachen filled with vital historical past, it is bought an unbelievable Christmas market that is been named one of many prime Christmas Markets in Europe through the years.

Aachen Christmas Market is positioned within the historic metropolis heart and is among 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 the entire Aachener Printen on supply. Printen are a kind of gingerbread that originates from Aachen. They arrive in all kinds of sizes and shapes 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 jap coast of the nation. The 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 may discover all the standard 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 presents.

Tivoli Gardens is a well-known park and it is a should for Christmas because it’s arrange like Santa’s village- you may even trip the Polar Specific! Additionally, Kongens Nytorv is among the most lovely squares in Copenhagen and it actually comes alive throughout Christmas time. And do not forget to move to iconic Nyhavn the place you will 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. The town is filled with tradition and historical past with a gorgeous previous city that is good for exploring. The Christmas market is positioned in Tomislav Sq. within the heart of the 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. You’ll want to strive the strukli which is a kind of pastry that is in style in Zagreb.

And if you wish to get a birds eye view of the market, be sure 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 all around the continent!

Christmas Market Prime Suggestions

As your resident professional on Christmas in Europe, listed below are a few of my prime 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 would not harm that the Alsace area already seems to be like an ideal gingerbread village!

What’s the perfect 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 below are some extra useful guides:

What to Eat and Drink at a Christmas Market

Europe Christmas Market Itinerary and Information

Greatest Christmas Markets in Germany

Greatest Christmas Market in France

Greatest Christmas Markets in Switzerland

So there you may have it, my checklist of the perfect Christmas markets in Europe for 2024! Which one are you most excited about- if in case you have any questions, be at liberty to succeed in out to me on Instagram @heleneinbetween – I reply all my DMs!