Participating in Christmas markets in Europe is the dream of every traveler. Tourists from all over the world want to experience the majestic spirit of Medieval Europe through the smell of sugary cookies, glowing lights dangling from every surface, and cheerful sounds that evoke nostalgia.
The history of winter markets during Christmas, or Wintermärkte, dates back hundreds of years. In the past, these fairs were not related to Christmas. Rather, they began as the dukes and kings of old Europe gave permission to butchers and other sellers to hold a free market.
These annual markets, mainly of German origin, slowly transitioned into Christmas markets and spread to Switzerland, France, and Italy. Slowly, they gained traction and became a place for buying baked goods, meat, commodities, gingerbread, Christmas trees, children’s toys, etc.
Today, although widely enjoyed by the residents of Europe, visitors from all over North America, Asia, and Oceania are also fascinated by these Christkindlmärkte and come here to enjoy their winter holidays.
As thousands prepare to stroll along the sought-after holiday fairs in Europe in 2024, we are bringing a list of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Almost all the Christmas markets in Europe are starting in mid-November. Are you ready to be one of the eager onlookers of the illuminated, romantic, and jovial Christmas fairs that are reminiscent of the Old World?
Where To Go For Christmas In Europe? Travel Taste Discover’s Favorite Christmas Markets!
Austria
Salzburg
Dates: November 21, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Location: Cathedral and Residenz Square
Salzburg is going to be one of the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2024 as its 50th anniversary celebrations are on their way! On the 21st, the Thursday before the first Sunday in Advent, the Christmas market opens with pomp and circumstance, spilling joy everywhere with Austrian delectable treats, hot punch, mulled wine, guided Christmas tours, Krampus parades, and so much more.
Innsbruck
Dates: November 15 – December 23, 2024
Location: Innsbruck’s historic city center, in front of Golden Roof
The golden roof and the preserved medieval structures are an integral part of this Christmas market in Europe. Tourists and locals love to refer to this fair as the Old Town Christmas Market while munching on Kiachln, sipping the Glühwein, and making new friends found between stalls, selling souvenirs, woolen goods, and handicrafts.
Vienna
Dates: November 15 – December 26, 2024
Location: On the square in front of the City Hall
Tourists who are wondering where to spend Christmas in Europe often cannot resist the snow-covered city of Vienna. Viennese Dream Christmas Market, which takes place in front of the City Hall, is a highlight of their winter holidays. Not only is this Christmas fair known for its gigantic Christmas tree, but it also has an adjacent park with Advent surprises such as open-air skating, the Instagrammable Tree of Hearts, and other activities.
Belgium
Antwerp
Dates: December 6, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Location: Grote Markt, Handschoenmarkt, Groenplaats, Hendrik Conscienceplein, Suikerrui and Operaplein in Antwerp, Belgium
Winter in Antwerp is a magical experience, and Christmas markets make them even more fascinating. Just like last year, this year’s Christmas market will enjoy additional perks like an ice-skating rink, JOW Xmas House, and Winter bar. If you are planning to go to Antwerp for Christmas in Europe, don’t forget to explore their downtown area and witness fireworks on New Year’s eve!
Brussels
Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Location: Grand-Place, Sainte-Catherine, Place de la Monnaie, Bourse, and other places throughout Brussels
The winter Christmas markets take place in the most favorite tourist spots in Brussels, offering everything from 200+ chalets, the most beautiful Christmas tree in front of Grand Place, cultural activities, a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, ice-rink, and much more. No wonder millions of people come here to celebrate their Christmas holidays in Europe.
Croatia
Zagreb
Dates: November 30, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Location: City-wide celebrations
The entire Zagreb will be glittering with approximately 40 days of Christmas markets in Europe in 2024. The capital of Croatia is one of the top destinations to spend Christmas in Europe, as the whole city, from cultural institutions to fine dining restaurants, participates in colorful decorations, holiday spirit, shopping, and family-friendly activities. The Merry Christmas Tram is the highlight of the festivities as it runs along Praška Street.
Czech Republic
Prague
Dates: November 30, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Location: Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square
The historical city Prague of the Czech Republic comes alive during winter with two main Christmas markets; one in Staroměstské náměstí and the other in Václavské náměstí. These two are some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, in the center of the city and just a 5-minute walk away from each other. Other smaller Christmas markets also happen around the city. You will find them in Republic Square, Na Kampě Square, Havel’s Market, and other locations.
Denmark
Copenhagen
Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Location: Tivoli Gardens
Christmas in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, feels like a real-life interpretation of all the Disney movies. Wooden houses decorated with twinkling Christmas lights, snow-covered trees, Santa Claus, reindeer, and a sparkling Christmas tree create a Nordic, magical Christmas atmosphere. The 70,000+ baubles and over a thousand Christmas trees will be making this one of the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2024.
The United Kingdom
Winchester
Dates: November 22 – December 22, 2024
Location: Winchester Cathedral
The Winchester Cathedral is a highly sought-after Christmas market in Europe. This time, once again, it is expecting lots of visitors and will proudly showcase its thousand-year-old history. And there is lots to do for everyone, from Lantern Parades, high-quality and handpicked exhibitors, The Big Nativity service at the Cathedral, and the Kings and Scribes exhibition that appeals to everyone who comes here to celebrate winter holidays.
London
Dates: Starting from November 12, 2024
Location: Covent Garden
London’s Covent Garden Christmas market is one of the best Christmas markets, not just in Europe but in the whole world. Last year, it surprised everyone with 40 gigantic bells and bows, eight spinning mirror balls, and 12 giant baubles, something that visitors still talk about to this day. Thousands of tourists are once again expecting the Covent Garden Christmas market to outdo its own glory and have been promised the same Christmas installations along with a 60 ft Christmas tree, Mulled Wine stations, and an iconic Santa’s sleigh.
Estonia
Tallinn
Dates: November 22 – December 27, 2024
Location: Town Hall Square of Tallinn
Tallinn has proven that it has the best Christmas market in Europe ever since it set up the first ever Christmas tree in the continent in 1441. Every year since then, the Christmas markets have been a dream holiday destination for locals and tourists who want to indulge in Estonian cuisine (hot drinks, sour cabbage, black pudding, gingerbread, and so much more) and purchase handicrafts as souvenirs to remind themselves of the magical Christmas market they were a part of.
Finland
Helsinki
Dates: November 29 – December 22, 2024
Location: Senate Square
This year, the holiday crowd looking for the best Christmas markets in Europe will be swept off their feet at Helsinki Christmas Market, which is offering a varied live music program. Creative performances by ZinZingen choir, British Army Band Sandhurst, Soiva Joulukortti duo, and others will spill magic everywhere. While the heart of this Christmas market will be Deliyard and Restaurant Yard, which will serve festive treats and alcoholic beverages. But don’t forget to visit the small vendor stalls, too. They have chestnut roasting, metalsmithing, glassblowing, and other exciting workshops.
France
Colmar
Dates: November 26 – December 23, 2024
Location: 6 Christmas markets in Koïfhus, Place des Dominicains, Gourmet Market, Place Jeanne d’Arc, Place de l’Ancienne Douane, and Petite Venise
Colmar is a picturesque destination and feels like a fairytale. This charming little town has 6 of the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2024, and each one is based on its own particular theme. Drink in the rich taste of Alsatian wine at the wine cellars, get the perfect handicraft gifts for your loved ones, or enjoy the carols sung by children on boats – there is so much to do during this Christmas market in Europe.
Strasbourg
Dates: November 27 – December 27, 2024
Location: Throughout Strasbourg
Strasbourg is known for its hallmark Roman ruins, which makes for a magical Christmas destination for winter markets and fairs. Families, couples, and solo travelers arrive from all over the world to stroll through its Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. Its main highlight is the 30-meter-tall Christmas tree, the 300 chalets by the merchants and craftsmen, and the little traditional Bredele biscuits that no one in this Christmas market can resist.
Germany
Nuremberg
Dates: November 29 – December 24, 2024
Location: Multiple locations, including the central square of Hauptmarkt, Hans-Sachs-Platz, and Sister Cities Market
The highest number of Christmas markets in Europe belong to Germany. Some tourists say that Nuremberg’s Christmas market is the best one in Europe, and we cannot agree more. The Christmas market here is called the “little city of wood and cloth” because there are so many wooden booths with red and white striped cloth roofs that picking out Christmas decorations and delicacies can be a tough task.
Cologne
Dates: November 18 – December 23, 2024
Location: Multiple locations across Cologne
Just like the dark and dominating Cologne Cathedral is the reason behind star-struck tourists, the Christmas markets cast a different kind of spell on them. Cologne has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, such as the market at Cologne Cathedral, the Cologne Harbor Christmas Market, the Village of St. Nicholas, the Market of Angels, etc. All of them are theme-oriented.
Frankfurt
Dates: November 25 – December 22, 2024
Location: Starting from Roßmarkt, all the way to Römerberg and the Main River
If you love shopping, this Christmas market in Europe is perfect to buy souvenirs and gifts for yourself and your loved ones. Quetschemännchen, the tiny figures made with nuts, dried plums, and wire, are one of the favorite items bought by locals and tourists who believe they bring good luck. Frankfurt Christmas market is also known for its holiday delicacies, such as the sweet Bethmännchen, a marzipan pastry, and hot apple wine – a must-try during the winter holidays.
Dresden
Dates: November 27 – December 24, 2024
Location: Dresden’s Altmarkt
Dresden’s Old Market Square, or Altmarkt, will celebrate its 587th Christmas market this year! There will be a 25-meter-high Freital fir decorated with an extra giant Herrnhut star at the top and other activities that are more traditional than any other Christmas market in Europe. For example, the skillful bakers of Dresden will bake a giant stollen while the onlookers listen to the stories, and after that, taste the stollen with others!
Berlin
Dates: November 25 – December 22, 2024
Location: Kulturbrauerei
Berlin’s Lucia Christmas market, which takes place in Kulturbrauerei, happens where a former brewery was set up in the 19th century. This Christmas market in Europe has a unique ambiance as it mostly focuses on Scandinavian food, handicrafts, and other goods. There is an “open-air coat heater” that warms coats with a wood-fired oven, a giant bungee trampoline for the little ones, and a swing carousel. Every corner oozes historic charm and holiday festivities.
Hungary
Budapest
Dates: November 17 – December 31, 2024
Location: St Stephen’s Square, Budapest, District V
Budapest has many small and large Christmas markets going on, but one of them that makes it onto the list of best Christmas markets in Europe is the Budapest Basilica Christmas Fair. The market happens in front of St Stephen’s Basilica, one of the most beautiful buildings in Hungary, and offers everything from Hungarian crafts, a giant skating rink, and irresistible stuff for foodies like roasted chestnuts, mulled wines, and other Hungarian snacks!
