Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe 2024

That is your final information to the perfect Christmas markets in Europe! I’ve traveled to a whole bunch of Christmas markets to carry 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 fortress within the mist on the hill forward of you. May right this moment 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 hearth.

Subsequent you’re hit with the noise. Christmas carols sung in German, laughter of all ages, and other people 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: 1000’s of twinkle lights strewn alongside recent reduce pine bushes. Hand carved wood stalls promoting meals, drinks, and handmade trinkets line the road, every yet one more embellished than the subsequent.

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

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

One issues for certain: it’s price it. I do know that many don’t take into consideration visiting Europe in the course of 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 rejoice 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 take advantage of 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 in the course of the vacation season. With fantastically embellished stalls and open on daily basis 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 accommodations, the lit up Notre Dame Cathedral with angels that line the streets, and naturally vin chaud- mulled wine! A number 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: When 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 may see my full information to those Alsace villages at Christmas right here.

Starsbourg Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty seventh by 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 cause! With seven markets, all with totally different themes, all through the town, you may discover no scarcity of issues to see and do right here. Giant, 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 stay music, an enormous tree, and gluhwein (sizzling, mulled wine!). I additionally adore the Angels’ Market the place you may discover it in Neumarkt Sq. and is among the unique markets that options ladies wearing angel costumes handing out sweets to youngsters. There’s additionally a fantastic carousel and beautiful mugs which can be excellent to take house as souvenirs. I like the one within the Previous City as a result of it is full of what seems 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 also 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 it will come down come January!

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

See the perfect Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Vienna, Austria

Since 1296 Vienna has hosted an incredible Christmas market- one of many first ever! You may see attractive buildings decked out in bows and ribbons. However you additionally get unimaginable Christmas markets! I have been to markets all all through Europe and I can let you know, those in Vienna are a few 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 gorgeous City Corridor. With over 150 chalets, this is among the largest in Europe. It is excellent for choosing up items and grabbing a chunk to eat. The Glühwein right here is a few of the finest I’ve ever had!

If you would 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 eventually, 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 environment. It is the proper place to seize a cup of sizzling chocolate and a slice of Sachertorte (a chocolate cake that could be a Vienna specialty!)

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

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn seems 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 attractive medieval City Corridor. This is among the largest markets in Tallinn and is ideal for choosing up items and souvenirs. You may discover handmade Estonian crafts, decorations, and loads of locations to seize a chunk to eat. The gluwein right here can also be wonderful! It is a great spot to choose up a hand-crafted wool sweater and stick round for stay music and leisure at evening.

When you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit totally different, take a look at 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 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 December twenty seventh, 2024.

Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland is an enthralling 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 working Christmas markets in Europe because it dates again to 1521.

The principle market is positioned in Munsterplatz and is full of lovely handcrafted items, a big collection of foods and drinks, and twinkling lights. Remember to attempt the scrumptious Basler Läckerli, a spiced gingerbread-like biscuits which can be a neighborhood specialty. I additionally love the mulled wine right here, it is a few 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 purple sandstone cathedral. It is a great spot to do some Christmas procuring as you may discover all the things from jewellery to wood toys.

PRO TIP: When you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit totally different, be sure you take a look at the Introduction 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 December twenty third, 2024.

Prague, Czech Republic

When you’re on the lookout 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 environment. The markets listed below are a few of the most original in Europe with lovely handmade items on supply.

The principle market is positioned in Previous City Sq. the place you may discover a gorgeous Christmas tree and the spectacular Tyn Church within the background. It is a actually well-liked spot, so be ready for crowds, which is why I like to recommend weekdays. But it surely’s positively price braving the plenty to see the gorgeous decorations and seize some conventional Czech meals.

For one thing a bit extra low-key, take a look at the markets at Wenceslas Sq. and Havel’s Market. These are each positioned in additional fashionable areas of the town and supply a refreshing change of tempo from the Previous City.

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

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland is a novel Christmas market expertise as a result of it isn’t solely concerning 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 yow will discover on the Previous Market Corridor. This is among the few markets the place yow will discover meals indoors, so it is excellent in the event you’re visiting in colder climate or in the event you simply want a break from the chilly. You may additionally discover handcrafted Christmas decorations, glassware, and textiles.

I cherished 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 December twenty second, 2024.

Ribeauvillé, France

This market is small and solely provided for a pair brief weekends however SO WORTH IT. It is one of the uncommon markets I’ve ever been to in essentially the most charming means. Your complete city attire up and participates. There are folks dressed up, on stilts, clever 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 same old Christmas market fare right here like mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. However Ribeauvillé can also be recognized for its wonderful native wines, so be sure you decide up a bottle or two to take house 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 brief season however so price it! The Ribeauville Christmas market is just open for 2 weekends however is HIGHLY price it.

Heidelberg, Germany

The Heidelberg Christmas market is among the oldest markets in Germany, relationship again to 1398! The principle market is positioned in Heidelberg’s previous city, all through the Hauptstrasse. It is a bit totally different than a few of the different markets, and I discover it a pleasure! You may stroll practically a mile and revel in totally different Christmas festivities alongside the best way. I am biased since I lived in Heidelberg, however with a fantastic sixteenth century buildings, the fortress towering over the skating rink, it is simply magical.

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

There’s additionally a market in close by Mannheim which I additionally suggest trying out when you have time. It is a brief drive or prepare experience away!

Heidelberg Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty fifth by 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 among the largest markets in France. The setting could not be extra excellent both, because the market is positioned within the lovely previous city, which is stuffed 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 gentle show. You may 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 supply.

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

Try my Christmas market highway journey itinerary right here.

Colmar Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty sixth by 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 embellished stalls, a large ferris wheel, an ice rink, and a nativity scene, it is easy to spend just a few hours right here.

There’s additionally a fantastic gentle 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 may have loads of time to go to. And remember to attempt some conventional Hungarian dishes like lángos (a deep-fried flatbread) or kürtőskalács (a chimney cake)!

Budapest Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November seventeenth by December thirty first 2024.

Munich, Germany

Munich is famend for its wonderful Oktoberfest celebration, however do you know that it additionally has a few of the finest Christmas markets in Europe? The markets listed below are giant and vigorous with a fantastic environment.

The principle market is positioned at Marienplatz within the coronary heart of the town. It is a actually well-liked spot, so be ready for crowds. But it surely’s positively price braving the plenty to see the gorgeous Glockenspiel present that takes place on daily basis at 11 am and midday. There are additionally quite a few different markets positioned all through the town, so that you’re certain to seek out one which fits your fancy.

There are a lot of markets in Munich, however be sure you 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 in the event you’re on the lookout for an genuine Bavarian eating expertise, be sure you take a look at Hofbräuhaus, one among Munich’s most well-known beer halls. It is a fantastic place to attempt some conventional German dishes like Weißwurst (veal sausage) and Leberkäse (a sort of meatloaf).

Munich Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November 25tht by December twenty fourth, 2024.

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is an enthralling 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 listing, but it surely greater than makes up for it with its gorgeous 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 same old Austrian Christmas Market staples like Glühwein (mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Maroni (roasted chestnuts). However you may additionally discover some extra uncommon objects like Krapfen (fried dough balls full of jam) and Kernöl (pumpkin seed oil).

Innsbruck Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November fifteenth by 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 all over the place! Whereas London won’t be the standard spot, Christmas market is unquestionably price a go to. Positioned in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is among the largest markets in Europe and it is fully free to enter!

When you’re inside, you may discover an array of points of interest like an ice rink, a large ferris wheel, and a German-style market with over 200 stalls. And in the event 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 get pleasure from all of the enjoyable. And if you’re prepared for a break from the chilly, head to one among Hyde Park’s many cafes for a cup of tea or some conventional English fare.

When you have additional time, head to Bathtub,a quintessential city in the UK that is additionally received an exquisite Christmas market!

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

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is a fantastic 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 a lot to see and do. You may discover all the same old German Christmas Market staples like Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and Maroni. However you may additionally discover some extra uncommon objects like Nürnberger Christstollen (a sort of fruitcake) and Nürnberger Rostbratwurst (a grilled sausage).

When you go to Nuremberg Christmas Market on the primary Friday earlier than Introduction there’s an incredible opening ceremony with performances and stay music.

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

Metz, France

Metz is a fantastic 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 a lot to see and do. You may discover all the same old French Christmas Market staples like vin chaud, ache d’épices (gingerbread), and goodies. However you may additionally discover some extra gormet meals like foie gras, tarte flambée (a sort 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 price visiting as effectively – Notre Dame d’Auschwitz, the fashionable artwork heart Centre Pompidou-Metz, and Le Temple Neuf is a fantastic church that appears extra like a fortress.

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

Trier, Germany

Trier is a fantastic 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 attractive cathedral, it is a beautiful spot.

This system on the Trier Christmas Market modifications day by 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 get pleasure from. With scrumptious foods and drinks on supply, plus arts and crafts from around the globe, the Trier Christmas Market attracts guests from far and extensive.

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 December twenty second, 2024.

See the perfect Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Bruges, Belgium

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

Bruges Christmas Market Dates for 2024: November twenty second by January fifth 2025.

Aachen, Germany

I simply went to Aachen final yr for my first time and completely cherished it! Not solely is Aachen stuffed with essential historical past, it is received an unimaginable 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 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 normal German Christmas Market staples like Glühwein, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Bratwurst.

However what I cherished most concerning the market have been all the Aachener Printen on supply. Printen are a sort of gingerbread that originates from Aachen. They arrive in all kinds of styles and sizes and are completely scrumptious!

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

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is positioned on the japanese coast of the nation. The town is stuffed 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 normal Danish Christmas Market staples like æbleskiver (a sort 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 may even experience the Polar Categorical! Additionally, Kongens Nytorv is among the most lovely squares in Copenhagen and it actually comes alive throughout Christmas time. And remember to move to iconic Nyhavn the place you may additionally discover a market.

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

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is positioned within the northwest of the nation. The town is stuffed with tradition and historical past with a fantastic previous city that is excellent for exploring. The Christmas market is positioned in Tomislav Sq. within the heart 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 too discover handicrafts, jewellery, and pottery. Remember to attempt the strukli which is a sort of pastry that is well-liked 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 January seventh, 2025.

Christmas Markets in Europe Map

This 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 Prime Suggestions

As your resident skilled on Christmas in Europe, listed below are a few of my high ideas 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 few 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 does not harm that the Alsace area already seems like an ideal gingerbread village!

What’s the perfect time to go for Christmas markets in Europe? I feel December is your finest wager 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 listing of the perfect Christmas markets in Europe for 2024! Which one are you most excited about- when you have any questions, be happy to succeed in out to me on Instagram @heleneinbetween – I reply all my DMs!