breaks in Europe
Dreaming of hot mulled wine, sweet treats and twinkling lights? Get into the Christmas spirit this winter with a visit to Europe’s most loved festive markets.
Medieval squares adorned with festive lights, rows of wooden stalls selling handcrafted, unique gifts and the smell of roasted chestnuts hanging in the air. When the nights start to draw in, towns and cities in Europe come to life with the magic of Christmas.
Christmas market breaks are one of the most enchanting ways to celebrate the holiday season: discover Europe’s best Christmas markets with us, so you can find a trip that’s perfect for you.
10 of the best Christmas markets in Europe
Whether you’re looking for a Christmas market that you can spend days exploring or a smaller, more intimate setting, there’s a festive holiday waiting for you in Europe.
1. Cologne, Germany
Germany has earned a reputation for spectacular Christmas markets, and Cologne is no small part of the reason why.
Cologne Christmas market is the largest in Germany, with over 200 stalls to explore under the imposing Gothic cathedral in the city’s main square. And the grand Cathedral Market is only one of several markets scattered around the city!
From the charming Village of St. Nicholas to the cosy Heinzels Winter Fairytale market – inspired by folktales of friendly spirits – there’s a whole world of festive charm to discover this Christmas season.
Open dates: November 18 to December 23, 2024
2. Nuremberg, Germany
For a more traditional experience, head to Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s oldest and most beloved Christmas markets. Wander through the wooden stalls, picking up local delicacies like Nuremberg bratwurst and Lebkuchen gingerbread, as you seek the perfect present.
On December 6th, you could get a glimpse of the gift-giving Christkind. Instead of a jolly old man dressed all in red, in Nuremberg, Christkind is a woman with a crown on her head. She’s part of a long tradition dating back to the 16th century; Martin Luther wanted to bring back the meaning of Christmas to Christ, so the Christmas Angel became the symbol of the season.
An honourable mention goes to Germany’s capital, Berlin, which has its own fantastic Christmas markets!
Open dates: November 29 to December 24, 2024
3. Prague, Czech Republic
A dusting of snow over the old town square and the smell of gingerbread floating over wooden huts filled with gifts: the magic of Christmas is alive and well in Prague.
Prague Christmas markets are found all over the city, so you can get swept up in the festive cheer from Wenceslas square to the castle. For the most authentic shopping experience, follow the locals to Náměstí Míru Christmas market, for homemade baked goods and traditional gifts.
Open dates: November 30 2024 to January 6 2025
4. Vienna, Austria
Austria takes note from its German neighbours for Christmas: the Christmas markets of Vienna rival the scale of those in Nuremburg, Cologne and Berlin.
Vienna even has its own Christkindlmarkt, found at the Rathausplatz, overlooked by the stunning city hall, with over 100 stalls to explore.
And while the baubles and trinkets on show at the markets are the draw, it’s the city itself that makes these Christmas markets special. A Christmas market under the Belvedere palace, another in front of Schönbrunn: the pretty streets of Vienna and grandiose Habsburg residences are enchanting at this time of year.
Open dates: November 11 to December 26 2024
5. Salzburg, Austria
Music is in the soul of Salzburg – and the birthplace of Mozart offers a Christmas market break that strikes a different chord.
If Christmas and carols go hand in hand for your dream festive trip, then the virtuoso performances streaming through the streets of Salzburg are sure to delight. The familiar refrain of Silent Night filters over cosy stalls, as it has since 1818, when the famous carol was written and composed here.
The snow-capped mountains of the Alps provide a beautiful backdrop for shoppers milling around the Advent market looking for treats and handmade gifts to share with loved ones. In Salzburg, Christmas markets are cosy and intimate; Salzburg is a wonderful choice for a more laid-back Christmas market experience.
November 21, 2024 to January 1, 2025
6. Strasbourg, France
As the oldest Christmas market in France, Strasbourg is a must-visit for anyone seeking an enchanting winter escape. Kids (and big kids!) will gaze up in awe at the famous giant Christmas tree in Place Kléber, which towers over the festive stalls.
Be sure to visit some of the smaller markets, including the market of the “Irreducible Small Producers of Alsace,” where you’ll find chocolates, wines, cheeses and more from local producers in the region.
You can pair your visit with a trip to the nearby medieval town of Colmar, where the timber-framed houses and cobbled streets are picture-perfect at Christmas. A glass of warming mulled wine at Colmar’s more intimate market is the best way to end your festive adventure in France.
Open dates: 27 November to 27 December 2024
7. Bruges, Belgium
For a Christmas market to delight your senses, Bruges is sure to please. The chocolate-box houses of Bruges’ fairytale centre are even prettier adorned with wreaths and twinkling lights.
Bruges might not have the largest Christmas market, but its fairytale setting more than makes up for it.
The central market is very family-friendly, with fairground rides and an ice rink that will delight visitors of all ages. And for those with a sweet tooth, the festive markets of Bruges will tantalise your taste buds: the city is world-renowned for its waffles and chocolate!
Open dates: November 22 until January 5 2025
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Embrace the chilly Scandinavian winter for the unmatched hygge of a Copenhagen Christmas. If the weather’s cold, the people are warm – and the city inviting. Picturesque Christmas markets are dotted around the Danish capital, and the pretty setting is even more charming when decorated for the season.
Warm yourself with a sip of glögg, the Danish answer to mulled wine, as you explore the Christmas markets and take in the festive atmosphere all around you.
When you’ve had your fill of trinkets and treats, you can head over to the standout festive experience in Copenhagen at Tivoli Gardens. Christmas at Tivoli is a magical experience, as the historic amusement park comes to life with enough sparkling lights and festive spirit to fill you with a childlike glee.
Open dates: November 15 2024 to January 5 2025
9. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Vorosmarty Square Christmas market is one of the city’s most iconic holiday destinations, where you can indulge in Hungarian specialties like chimney cakes and browse artisanal goods from local craftsmen.
For an even more magical experience, visit the Basilica Christmas market, with its famous ice rink, Christmas tree and festive light show.
Open dates: November 17 until December 31, 2024.
10. Krakow, Poland
Head to Krakow Christmas market for something a little more outside the box this festive season.
Krakow Christmas markets exude old-world charm. The city’s main market square is the centrepiece of its festive celebrations, with wooden stalls offering regional delicacies and handcrafted items. Explore Krakow Christmas markets to find one-of-a-kind gifts and take in the city’s rich traditions and culture during the holiday season.
Open dates: November 29 2024 until January 1 2025.
Christmas market breaks in the UK
If you’d rather stay closer to home, the UK offers some fantastic Christmas market experiences at affordable prices. From the festive fun of Winter Wonderland in London to the historic charm of York and Edinburgh, you don’t have to travel far to get into the Christmas spirit.
Ready for your festive getaway?
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – especially if you’re a fan of Christmas markets! But it’s also one of the busiest. Take the stress of finding the best deals, the perfect hotel, car hire (if you need it!) and the right flights off your shoulders.
You don’t have to rely only on package holidays: step into Christmas with Oyster Travel for a festive break you’ll never forget.
