The Top 10 Christmas Markets in Europe

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by exploring Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets? Twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine and stalls brimming with handmade gifts—Europe’s Christmas markets are nothing short of magical!

Whether you’re dreaming of snow-dusted streets, cosy winter treats, or ticking some gifts off your Christmas list, at Civitatis, we’ve got you covered with the best Christmas markets to visit in Europe this holiday season.

The Best Christmas Markets in Europe

1. Basel, Switzerland
2. Budapest, Hungary
3. Manchester, UK
4. Poznań, Poland
5. Vienna, Austria
6. Brussels, Belgium
7. Trier, Germany
8. Dresden, Germany
9. Tallinn, Estonia
10. Madeira, Portugal
11. Warsaw, Poland
12. Frankfurt, Germany

• When Do Christmas Markets Open in Europe?

1. Basel, Switzerland – A Christmas Full of Flavour

Basel’s Christmas market has been repeatedly voted the best in Europe by various international tourism organisations and travellers alike. Each year, Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz are transformed into a winter wonderland with Christmas lights, baubles, and amazingly decorated Christmas trees. Here, you’ll find food stalls and handcrafted goods, all with the elegant touch Switzerland is known for.

As well as concerts and children’s activities, Basel’s Christmas market offers mouthwatering Swiss delicacies like cheese, gingerbread, roasted sausages, and sweets such as the traditional Basler Läckerli.

2. Budapest, Hungary – Pure Magic

In front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, a golden glow lights up the square from November until early January. At the heart of the square, a giant Christmas tree stands tall over stalls selling Hungarian food and crafts. It’s no wonder that Budapest’s Christmas market is often regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. If you’re travelling with little ones, be sure to pay a visit to the nearby ice rink!

Another highlight of visiting Budapest at Christmastime is that it’s the perfect time to catch a performance of The Nutcracker in the Opera House. Tickets for the Christmas classic tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to book in advance!

3. Manchester, UK – A Hidden Gem

Manchester’s historic city centre provides a picturesque backdrop for one of Europe’s most charming Christmas markets. As the festive season unfolds, the city is transformed into a winter wonderland, with hundreds of traditional wooden huts offering an array of delicious food, warming drinks, and beautifully crafted local goods.

With a whopping 350 stalls scattered across various parts of the city, each corner brims with Christmas magic. From Albert Square to Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester is sure to leave you feeling merry and bright!

4. Poznań, Poland – A Festive Gem on the Warta River

Poznań, a picturesque city along the Warta River in western Poland, hosts one of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets, spread between the Old Market Square and Freedom Square. The market offers wooden stalls filled with festive food, crafts, and an annual ice sculpture festival. You’ll also find Poznań’s only outdoor ice rink, adding to the winter fun.

Free concerts, performances, and entertainment for kids make it a perfect holiday outing. However, the market’s highlight is without a doubt the Ferris wheel in Freedom Square. Don’t miss out on the chance for an absolutely breathtaking view of the city’s twinkling lights—did you know that over 43,000 LED lights are used to light up Poznań for the festivities?

5. Vienna, Austria – One of Europe’s Best Christmas Markets

Vienna’s City Hall Square is a place where Christmas magic truly happens. Aptly named the “Viennese Dream Christmas Market,” it transforms the city centre into a fairytale scene with festive stalls offering workshops, food, and mulled wine. Wandering through the market amidst the festive lights of Austria’s romantic capital is an unforgettable experience. It’s also a great option for those wanting to travel after Christmas, as it then transforms into a New Year’s market!

As well as the Viennese Dream Christmas Market, Vienna has over 20 more markets. If you have a few days in the city, why not visit more than just one? Join our Vienna Christmas market tour for the ultimate festive day in Vienna.

If you’re staying for a few days, take a day trip to Salzburg, known for its role in ‘The Sound of Music’ and home to more enchanting Christmas markets and a Christmas museum! Who knows, maybe you’ll find gifts in brown paper packages tied up with string…

6. Brussels, Belgium – A Market Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

Brussels’ Christmas market, known as “Winter Wonders,” is spread across the beautiful Grand Place and other locations in the city centre. Thanks to its impressive Christmas tree, you’ll be literally rocking around the Christmas tree in Brussels. It comes as no surprise that over 4 million people flocked to Winter Wonders in 2023.

With dazzling light shows, merry music, Ferris wheels, ice rinks, a snowy atmosphere, and snow on and snow forth, Winter Wonders is a true feast for the senses. For an unforgettable holiday experience, Brussels is a city to add to your list!

7. Trier, Germany – A Medieval Feel

For a cosy Christmas market experience, Trier is a top choice. Each year, the town’s charming Cathedral Square fills with stalls offering sausages, pancakes, mulled wine (known as Glühwein), and festive puppet shows, all set against the stunning medieval backdrop of this German gem.

The illuminated slate-roofed buildings add an extra sparkle to the atmosphere. In fact, Trier’s Christmas market is known for being quite the romantic spot. You’ll be swept away by the magic of Christmas with your special someone as you stroll through the market.

Though located in Germany, Trier is just an hour from Luxembourg, making it a perfect day trip for travellers looking to soak in some holiday magic.

8. Dresden, Germany – A Must-See Christmas Market in Germany

If all you want for Christmas is to visit a traditional Christmas market, look no further than Dresden. First held in 1434, Dresden’s Christmas market, known as Striezelmarkt was one of the world’s first Christmas markets. The market is held annually in Altmarkt Square, adorned with a towering Christmas pyramid.

Throughout Advent, Dresden comes alive with theatre performances, exhibitions, and more festive delights. It’s a magical experience not to be missed, and is often voted the best Christmas market in German-speaking countries!

9. Tallinn, Estonia – A Winter Wonderland

Tallinn’s Christmas market will make you feel like you’re walking in a winter wonderland. Voted the most beautiful in Europe in 2019, the medieval old town of Estonia’s capital is the perfect setting for one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. Strolling through its cobbled streets feels like stepping into a fairy tale, where you might just encounter a Christmas elf around the corner. With a bit of luck, you’ll even enjoy the market on a snowy day, adding to the charm.

If you’re in southern Finland, don’t miss the chance to take a ferry across the Baltic Sea for a day trip to explore Tallinn’s Christmas market from Helsinki.

10. Madeira, Portugal – A Milder Christmas

Madeira’s Christmas market may lack snow, but it shines as Europe’s ‘Most Beautiful Sunny Christmas Market,’ according to European Best Destinations. With vibrant flowers, delicious food, handmade crafts, and lively performances from folk groups and carolers, the Christmas market in Madeira is truly special.

If you prefer festive cheer without the frost, Madeira is perfect, with mild temperatures between 7°C and 13°C during the holiday season.

11. Warsaw, Poland – A Magical Market in the Old Town

Warsaw’s Christmas Market, one of the best in Poland, brings festive cheer to the city from the end of November. Set against the Old Town’s defensive walls, vibrant stalls line the streets, offering an array of seasonal delights. It’s the ideal spot to buy unique gifts and sip on a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.

Nearby, admire Warsaw’s sparkly Christmas tree, recognised as one of the most beautiful in Europe. To add to the magic, just a short stroll away, the Old Town’s ice rink adds to the festive charm. If you want to enhance your visit to Warsaw, join our Warsaw Christmas market tour.

12. Frankfurt, Germany – One of the Oldest Christmas Markets

Another of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, the Frankfurt Christmas market was first held in 1393 and offers a captivating blend of history and festivity. Nestled in the historic quarter, the market attracts around 3 million visitors yearly.

As you wander through the market, be sure to try some delightful baked marzipan treats like rectangular Brenten and the charming Bettmännchen, adorned with almonds. Don’t miss tasting some Quetschemännchen, whimsical figures made from prunes and nuts that were once sent as romantic tokens from young men to their sweethearts. A great way to experience the market to its fullest is with our Frankfurt Christmas market tour!

When Do Christmas Markets Open in Europe?

As the festive season approaches, each country has its own traditions and festive dates. However, most major Christmas markets in Europe are open by the last week of November. In larger cities, you may find twinkling lights and festive stalls lighting up the streets even earlier. To ensure you don’t miss out, we recommend checking the official websites of city councils or tourist offices for opening dates, which are usually updated by October.

Once you’ve got your timing sorted, the only thing left is to choose your destination and enjoy the festive season. All there’s left to say is, from all the team at Civitatis, happy planning and have yourself a merry little Christmas!