The Best Christmas Markets in Europe (2023)
For fans of Christmas time, Europe’s festive markets are an absolute joy. These unabashed spectacles of all-things-Xmas offer everything from gingerbread to mulled wine, stunningly illuminated Christmas trees to giant Ferris wheels and vast ice rinks.
But with so many options available across the continent, choosing a Christmas market is a task that would have Santa Claus himself - a chap who can deliver gifts worldwide in a single evening - feeling befuddled.
So reach for a glass of hot spiced wine, and settle down with our guide to the most enthralling Christmas markets in Europe.
Strasbourg
Among some intense competition, Strasbourg ranks among the most awe-inspiring Christmas market destinations in Europe. With more than 300 stalls, it has a scope that few rivals can match.
There are simply so many things on offer, from mulled wine to hand-crafted gifts, all sold from beautifully decorated stalls, and surrounded by quaint half-timbered hotels and oldy-worldy buildings.
At the heart of the action is the famous 30-metre-tall tree in the main square (Place Kléber). This is itself towered over by the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg).
It all adds up to one of the best xmas markets in Europe.
While you're here - and if you have time - visit the Vosges mountains, where the Strasbourg tree grew, and where there are even more xmas markets to explore. Charming mountain towns like Eguisheim and Riquewihr are chocolate-box perfect this time of year!
Open: November 25th through to December 26th, 2023.
Vienna
The Austrian capital has long been a mecca for Christmas market lovers - not least because it hosted the very first one!
The main market is held at the Rathausplatz (main square), in front of the wonderfully ornate Town Hall. Here, more than 150 chalets offer everything from hand-crafted gifts to delectable glühwein (aka mulled wine).
If you fancy exploring a more traditional, relaxed market, head to Spittelberg Weihnachtsmarkt market, located in a dedicated pedestrian area. If you're in Vienna with someone special, this is one of the more romantic options.
Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at Freyung is another alluring market, positioned in a pretty park and a favourite among hot chocolate aficionados. The chocolate cake (sachertorte) is also to-die-for.
The sheer variety and scale of Vienna’s festive offerings place them among the best European Christmas markets.
Open: November 12th through to December 24th, 2023.
Prague
Gothic Prague is the perfect setting for a Christmas market, with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture.
Here you can pick up some unique - and fairly affordable - handmade gifts for the folks back home.
Head to the Old Town Square to visit the city's main market, the centrepiece of which is the lovingly decorated Christmas tree, backed by the atmospheric Tyn Church. It can get rather busy here, so if you're not a fan of large crowds, visit during the week.
All manner of hearty Czech food is on offer - including Pražská Šunka, or roasted Prague ham, the tantalising aroma of which wafts among the many stalls.
For a more relaxed, less-crowded experience, head to Wenceslas Square and Havel's Market.
Open: November 27th through to December 24th, 2023.
Ribeauvillé, France
While many markets maintain a focus on the classic Christmassy fare of quaint stalls and hot priced wine, Ribeauvillé offers something quite different. The locals dress up in all manner of colourful garments, with real-life camels, men on stilts, and warming fires lit in the middle of the streets!
There's an enticing medieval feel to the whole place, with its half-timbered buildings and strange old traditions.
But of course there's all the usual trappings of a Christmas market, with roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and an array of local wines (that have, naturally, been heated and spiced!).
The snag is it’s only on for a handful of days over the festive season.
Open: Early December.
Cologne
No fewer than seven markets await you in the buzzing city of Cologne. Each one has its own theme, and has been lavishly decorated.
Cologne Cathedral Market is the largest and most impressive market, with a towering tree, plenty of hot mulled wine, live music - all set against the backdrop of that wonderfully Gothic cathedral (despite appearances, it was only completed in 1880!).
Angels' Market in Neumarkt Square is another favourite, where you'll find women dressed as angels handing out sweet treats to children. Souvenir mugs and a dazzling carousel are among the other attractions.
"NicholasVillage'' in Rudolfplatz is known for its pretty half-timbered buildings that give the area a real "village" feel.
If you're into gnomes, then make a beeline for Alter Markt ('old market'), where little creatures called 'heinzelmännchen' have been lovingly crafted into gifts. Legend has it that they used to do the townsfolk's housework at night, until the appearance of a particular tailor's wife, who spilled peas on the floor to make them fall over! Understandably, the little elf-like creatures never returned!
The locals take Christmas fun very seriously here - one of the reasons is one of the top Christmas markets in Europe!
Open: November 21st through to December 23rd, 2023.
Tallinn
Medieval Tallinn has a fairytale-look all year round - but especially so during the festive period.
Often blanketed in snow, at Christmas time in Tallinn, you can expect Christmas carols to rise in the chill air, among the many stalls with their galaxies of twinkly lights.
Positioned on the square in front of the impressive Town Hall is the city's main festive market. Alongside lots of delicious Estonian food and mulled wine, there's a huge array of hand-made gifts and souvenirs to choose from - all made in a quirky, Gothic-esque Estonian style. The locally made woolly jumpers are a must!
Another unique Xmas market is held in the Rotermann Quarter, where an old salt storage building has been transformed into a gift-packed shopping area.
Open: December 1st through to January 7th, 2024.
Budapest, Hungary
With its huge Ferris wheel, ice rink, and elaborate nativity scene, Budapest's Christmas market has all the ingredients for a fun festive getaway.
Positioned in front of the beautiful 19th-century Gerbeaud House on Vörösmarty Square, there are more than 100 market stalls to explore. There’s also a magnificent light show focused on Gerbeaud House at 7pm every night.
And hearty Hungarian fare is available in the form of lángos (a deep-fried flatbread) and delicious kürtőskalács (a chimney cake) - both of which can be washed down with some of the plentiful forralt bor (Hungarian mulled wine).
And if you’re on a tight budget, Budapest’s is one of the best xmas markets in Europe - being far more affordable than the big-hitting markets of Germany, France, and Austria!
Open: November 4th through to December 31st, 2023.
Helsinki, Finland
What sets Helsinki’s festive market apart is the vast ice rink in Senate Square - an annual feature. With the city's ornate cathedral in the background, skating around this festively decorated rink is sure to make you feel truly Christmassy.
Finland is rightly famous for its elegant design - so expect some eye-catching handmade crafts and souvenirs, along with more challenging offerings such as reindeer meatballs!
The sensible Finns have also set up some great indoor areas where you can eat - thereby avoiding the biting Helsinki cold!
Speaking of cold, every year there's a sauna located next to the 'glug' stalls (more mulled wine!), where you can get festive with locals in nothing more than a towel, if you so wish!
Open: November 27th through to December 22nd, 2023.
Heidelberg, Germany
As a setting for a Christmas market, Heidelberg is almost perfect. With its ice rink, medieval castle, and 16th century buildings, it's impossible not to be taken by the magic of it all.
This is also one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets, dating back to 1398.
Together with handmade gifts, you'll find bratwurst, gluhwein, and pretzels proffered by the 100+ stalls.
After a visit to Heidelberg, you'll realise that no one does Christmas quite like the Germans!
Open: November 21st through to December 22nd, 2023.
Basel
Enticing Basel on the River Rhine is home to Switzerland's best-known Christmas market, and is one of Europe's oldest, having started out in 1521.
Munsterplatz is where most of the festive goings-on occur, with a fabulous choice of food and drink.
Why not try a delicious Basler Läckerli biscuit (similar to gingerbread), and wash it down with some warming mulled wine?
The city also hosts a number of other Xmas markets, including one beside the city’s red sandstone cathedral. Handmade toys, jewellery, and other fabulous gifts are on offer here.
And if you're visiting with kids, don’t miss the spellbinding Advent Calendar House, featuring 25 windows behind each of which is a festive surprise.
Open: November 24th through to December 23rd, 2023.
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