European Christmas Markets
Christmas in Europe

European Christmas Markets

As the Christmas season approaches, cities and towns across Europe transform into winter wonderlands with twinkling lights, cozy wooden stalls, and the scent of mulled wine wafting through the air. Christmas markets, a cherished tradition that dates back centuries, spring up in cities throughout Europe. From the bustling squares of Vienna to the fairytale streets of Bavarian towns, these markets are the perfect place to try new foods, shop for gifts for friends and family, and embrace the holiday spirit.

In this guide, we’ll uncover some of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets, plus provide several itineraries, so you can plan a magical holiday Christmas market trip.

Germany

Germany is the birthplace of the traditional Christmas market and its markets are some of the best in Europe. Visitors can sip on warm glühwein, snack on bratwurst and gingerbread, and browse stalls filled with wooden toys and holiday decorations. The smaller towns, like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, have picture-perfect backdrops while the larger cities add a modern twist, with ice rinks, Ferris wheels, and international cuisines.

So far, we have been to the Christmas markets in southern Germany (Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg) but the markets in the north are also spectacular (and a place we hope to visit soon).

Bavaria is the quintessential Christmas destination, with its mix of fairytale towns, historic cities, and lively Christmas markets.

Munich Christmas Markets 2024 | The Ultimate Guide

As November draws to a close, Munich comes alive with the magic of Christmas markets, transforming the city into one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations. From iconic Marienplatz to smaller markets brimming with local charm, there are quite a few festive places to visit in Munich. The Munich Christmas markets are located in and around […]

Christmas in Nuremberg | Christmas Markets & Festive Things to Do (2025 Guide)

The Nuremberg Christmas Market (Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt) is widely regarded as one of Germany’s best Christmas markets. It’s often a favorite among those who tour the country’s holiday markets – a remarkable feat in a country renowned for its spectacular number of unique, festive markets. You only need a few hours to visit the Nuremberg Christmas […]

2 Days in Munich at Christmas: Must-See Sights & Best Christmas Markets

If you are planning a trip to Munich during the Christmas season, you are in for a treat. This city is brimming with holiday cheer. With its long list of Christmas markets, decorations, and festive vibe, Munich is one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations. 2 days in Munich is the perfect amount of time to […]

Christmas in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: Market & Festive Things to Do

With its colorful streets, narrow cobblestoned lanes, medieval towers, and picturesque main square, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming place to visit all year. But come the end of November, this small city becomes even more delightful. Shops and restaurants are decorated for the holiday season and a Christmas market opens on its main […]

Regensburg Christmas Markets 2025 | The Ultimate Guide

Regensburg is a historic city in Bavaria, Germany. During the Christmas season, Regensburg hosts four Christmas markets, and one of them, the Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Palace, is often sited to be the most beautiful in Germany. We loved visiting Regensburg. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making the […]

The southwest corner of Germany is home to one of the most unique Christmas markets in Europe, Ravenna Gorge, plus a mix of modern cities and small towns that are a delight to explore. The markets here can easily be combined with a trip to Bavaria or the Alsace region of France.

Christmas Markets in Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, and Esslingen am Neckar, Germany

If you are planning a Christmas market trip to Germany, there is a trio of cities not to be missed. Stuttgart is home to one of Europe’s largest and oldest Christmas markets. This historic market features some of the best decorated stalls in all of Germany. From Stuttgart, travel Ludwigsburg by train, to visit the […]

Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market 2025: Is It Really Worth It?

The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is one of Germany’s most unique markets. Brightly lit, decorated stalls sit around the base of a train viaduct, which is illuminated in a rainbow of colors throughout the night. It’s a beautiful sight to see. But is it worth it? This market is only held on a few weekends […]

Austria

Vienna is a magical Christmas destination. This city is beautiful to visit all year, but come November, it transforms into one of the best holiday destinations in Europe. Markets pop up throughout the city and its amazing displays of Christmas lights make this one of the brightest places to visit in Europe.

Vienna Christmas Markets 2025 | Where to Eat, Drink & Shop

If you have plans to visit Vienna in December, you are in for a holiday treat. The Vienna Christmas markets are some of the best in Europe. In mid-November, Vienna transforms into a magical wonderland. Small markets spring up on famous squares and in front of historic buildings. For sale are holiday gifts, arts and […]

Christmas in Vienna: Christmas Lights Walking Tour & Festive Things to Do

From late November through December, Vienna transforms into a holiday wonderland. Festive lights are strung up along this city’s famous streets and small markets pop-up all-over town. Imagine yourself sipping on hot mulled wine, shopping at the markets, and going for a stroll along the brilliantly illuminated streets. These experiences create a memorable Christmas in […]

Here is more information about things to see and do in Austria.

10 Day Central Europe Itinerary: Budapest, Vienna, & Prague

For those who want to tour three of Europe’s great cities, this central Europe itinerary is perfect. Start with Budapest, a gorgeous city known for its thermal baths, unique architecture, and stunning setting along the Danube River. Next, travel to Vienna, a sophisticated city rich in history and culture. End with Prague, the most beautiful […]

How to Plan a Trip to Vienna: The Ultimate Vienna Travel Guide

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Vienna Bucket List: 25 Amazing Things to Do in Vienna

Dine at a Viennese café, visit the Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace, have a slice of Sacher Torte, stroll along Vienna’s bustling pedestrian streets, and ride the oldest Ferris wheel in the world…these top the list of things to do in Vienna. So far, we have visited Vienna twice. The first time was during the […]

2 Days in Vienna Itinerary: How to Plan a Trip to Vienna

If you are planning your first trip to Vienna, this Vienna itinerary is perfect for you. With 2 days in Vienna, you have just enough time to see the highlights of this incredible city. Explore the historic heart of Vienna, tour Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palaces, dine in a Viennese café, and get a bird’s eye […]

One Perfect Day in Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a picture-perfect town in Austria. This was once a quiet place, off of the radar of many European visitors. However, in recent years, Hallstatt has become one of the most popular places to visit in Austria. Spending one day in Hallstatt can be a wonderful experience, there are just some things you should […]

One Perfect Day in Salzburg, Austria (Updated for 2025)

Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, Salzburg is a compact city that is easy to explore in just one day. It’s the perfect blend of history and culture, being home to Mozart, an ancient fortress, and several Sound of Music sites. With one day in Salzburg, explore the old town, enjoy the view from […]

Czech Republic

Like Vienna, Prague is simply magical at Christmas. The markets aren’t quite on the same level as those you see in Austria and Germany, but the holiday decorations make this one of the most enchanting places to visit in Europe in December. Vienna and Prague can easily be combined into a 7-to-10-day trip.

And to help you plan your trip to Prague:

Prague Bucket List: 30 Best Things to Do in Prague

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24 Hours in Prague: How to Spend One Day in Prague

With one day in Prague, explore the historic old town, visit the largest castle in the world, stroll across Charles Bridge, and get a view of this magnificent city from one or more of its Gothic towers. We have visited Prague several times and this is one of our favorite cities in Europe. With its […]

2 Days in Prague: How to Plan the Perfect Prague Itinerary

Stroll across Charles Bridge, gaze across Prague from its Gothic towers, stroll through the Old Town and Mala Strana, visit Prague Castle, and try a few Czech foods. With 2 days in Prague, you have just enough time to visit this city’s must-see attractions and landmarks. We want to help you plan the best visit […]

Best Views of Prague: 10 Iconic Photography Locations (+ Map & Photos)

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How to Day Trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague and Vienna

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Best Prague Restaurants, Cocktail Bars & Beer Gardens

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France

Strasbourg is one of Europe’s most popular Christmas market destinations. Colmar, a nearby neighbor of Strasbourg, is a smaller town that captivates visitors all year but transforms into a true fairytale during the Christmas season.

These posts were written during a summer trip to the Alsace region but will be helpful in planning a trip here in December.

One Day in Colmar: Best Things to Do, Where to Eat & Where to Stay

Colmar is a picture-perfect town located in the Alsace region of France. This small town, with its colorful, half-timbered houses, overflowing flower pots, and bustling street cafes, looks like it has been plucked right out of a fairy tale. With one day in Colmar, you have just enough time to explore the scenic streets, dine […]

3 Days in the Alsace: Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit

The Alsace wine route, located in eastern France, is a wonderful blend of fairytale towns and picturesque vineyards. 3 days on the Alsace wine route gives you enough time to visit a handful of these charming towns and to explore the countryside. About the Alsace Wine Route The Alsace wine route stretches 170 km, starting […]

10 Fairytale Towns to Visit on the Alsace Wine Route

When I first saw photos of the town of Colmar, it immediately got added to our travel wish list. With its colorful buildings, bouquets of flowers, and scenic streets, it looked like it was plucked right out of a fairy tale. With a little more research, I was thrilled to learn that Colmar is just […]

England

Come the end of November, market stalls pop up throughout London, but it’s the millions of lights and the holiday decorations that really make a visit here special during the Christmas season.

To help you plan your trip to London, here are a few more helpful articles.

15 Festive Things to Do in London at Christmas

Christmas markets, holiday themed afternoon tea, dazzling displays of Christmas lights, ice skating, shopping, and cozy pubs decorated for the holidays…these are all things to see and do in London at Christmas. London is magical at Christmas. The city streets sparkle with thousands of Christmas lights, famous department stores create elaborate holiday themed window displays, […]

15 Places to See the London Christmas Lights in 2025 (+ Photos & Map)

When it comes to Christmas lights, London is one of the brightest cities in the world. From November through early January, the city streets sparkle with brilliant displays of twinkling lights and holiday decorations. If you are planning a visit during this holiday season, seeing the London Christmas lights is one of the best things […]

London Christmas Markets 2025 | The Ultimate Guide

Springing up around the city, just weeks before Christmas, are the London Christmas markets. Filled with stocking stuffers, holiday decorations, clothing, and street food, these small markets are the perfect place to browse for gifts for friends and family, try some new foods, sip on mulled wine, and get into the holiday spirit. The Christmas […]

5 Days in London: The Ultimate London Itinerary

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London Bucket List: 50 Epic Things to Do in London

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Best Time to Visit the European Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets open at the end of November (generally around November 22 to 25, but this can depend on the country) and close just before Christmas (December 22 or 23). In some countries, such as England and the Czech Republic, the markets can stay open until the first week of January.

Since there is some variability, check the dates of the markets as you plan your trip. In our guides, we list the dates and have links to official websites, so you can confirm the dates and hours before you go.

In general, if you are planning a trip to visit the European Christmas markets, the best time to go is from the last week of November through December 22.

It’s also important to know that many things will be closed on December 25, such as some restaurants, public transportation, and city attractions. If your trip includes Christmas day, plan for some downtime.

What are the Best European Christmas Markets to Visit?

Our favorite Christmas markets are in Germany. Southern Germany is the perfect mix of storybook towns and charming, historic markets. Some cities host incredible markets, with elaborately decorated market stalls (such as Stuttgart, Munich, and Nuremberg) whereas other smaller cities have a gorgeous setting, such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Regensburg.

The Colmar Christmas market has a fairytale setting and the market stalls sell gourmet foods, Alsatian wine, and high-quality handicrafts, making this another great market to visit.

We also loved the variety of the markets in Vienna and collecting the small mugs shaped as boots.

Finally, one week in London during the Christmas season is an unforgettable, festive trip. It’s easy to plan and fun from start to finish.

Looking for More Travel Inspiration?

Check out our European Itineraries or take a look at our Destinations page for more exciting places to visit around the world.

Best European Christmas Markets