15 Christmas Markets in Europe To Visit This Year
Visiting Christmas markets is a great way to kick off the festive season, and I’ve got the best Christmas markets in Europe right here!
Pottering around wooden market stalls, listening to carol singing, and sipping mulled wine in crisp December air – can you think of a better way to get into the Christmas mood? We are so fortunate to have so many of the best European Christmas markets easily accessible – all of the cities listed below can be reached by direct flights from Ireland.
My top tip if you are visiting any of Europe’s Christmas markets is watch your dates! Although some markets are open earlier, the majority do not not open until the last weekend of November, and some are even later.
There is not much point booking Prague for late November if the market doesn’t open until early December. But you need not worry, I have highlighted all the Christmas market 2025 dates below.
1. Krakow, Poland
Home to Europe’s largest market square, Krakow is an excellent choice for a Christmas market break. The massive main square in the centre of the old town comes alive with hundreds of market stalls selling handmade gifts and souvenirs as well as traditional local food and mulled wine to enjoy,
Visit Wawel castle, the fascinating Jewish quarter, and if you are feeling up to it you can take a day trip to nearby Auschwitz.
Read : Top things to do in Krakow and where to stay
The Krakow Christmas Markets will open from 28th November 2025 – 26th December 2025, some markets usually stay open until the 2nd of January to celebrate the Epiphany Festival – see more here.
2. Nuremburg, Germany
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most renowned Christmas markets in the world. In the wooden booths visitors can discover traditional, often handmade Christmas decorations, nativity figures, and festive crafts. The market also offers a delightful array of seasonal treats, from the region’s famous gingerbread and almond cookies to roasted nuts, mulled wine, and other warming specialities, creating a truly magical holiday atmosphere.
Nuremburg Christmas markets are open from November 28, 2025 – December 24, 2025. See more here.
3. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a beautiful city at any time of year, but Christmas time is magical. Vienna’s Christmas markets are some of the best in the world, they have been a tradition since 1298, and there are over 12 different markets in the city centre, with more in the suburbs.
Some markets open from mid November and run until the 23rd of December, and I highly recommend visiting as early as possible to enjoy them with less crowds. We went at the end of November on a group tour with Travel Department and it was the perfect time to visit.
The market at Rathaus (City Hall) is considered the best Christmas Market in Vienna and is its largest with over 100 stalls. You will also find a giant Christmas tree, ferris wheel, carousel, ice rink and a dedicated children’s area.
The markets at Schonnbrunn Palace are also worth visiting, and because it gets dark from about 4pm in December, it is a good idea to combine them with a visit to the Palace.
I liked the Art Advent Market too and the small market at Am Hof is also a must visit, it has some great outdoor bars and cafés, including a cosy Champagne Bar! Pop into the nearby Brezl Gwolb restaurant afterwards for authentic Austrian food.
There are international choir singers performing free of charge at the markets, and classical concerts are on in churches and theatres all over the city.
There are many more markets to choose from including large markets at the Museum Quarter and Belevedere House, as well as stalls in the city centre at St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Read: Vienna travel guide – Top things to do in Vienna.
The Vienna Christmas markets open from 14th November and run until the 23rd of December 2025. See more here.
4. Cologne, Germany
Cologne is renowned as having one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. Many choose to visit the large market near the Cathedral which offers live performances and an ice skating rink.
However, there are several other Christmas markets in Cologne including a specific LGBT Christmas Avenue market, which has a great party atmosphere and lots of stage events.
Some markets are open from the 14th of November 2025, but the majority open from the 17th of November until the 28th December 2025- see more here.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Like many of Europe’s best Christmas markets, Budapest has several to choose from – the most popular is in Vörösmarty Square. Gerbeaud House is transformed into a giant Advent Calendar and each day a new window opens at 5pm.
There are many street performances and Santa Claus programs, and lots of places to chill out and watch them. At night time visit the market at St Stephen’s Basilica, the whole area is lit up like something from a Disney movie.
Read: 20 Cheap European City Breaks for an Affordable Getaway
Budapest’s Christmas markets usually open from the 18th November to 31st December, but the Christmas Fair at Basilica will open until January 1st – this makes Budapest ideal for a post Christmas market break too – see more here.
6. Berlin, Germany
Berlin has a whopping 50 Christmas markets! Winter World at Potsdamer Platz has super activities including ice skating and tobogganing, and is a great fun destination. The traditional Christmas Markets at Alexanderplatz and Charlottenburg house wooden huts and beer houses.
The market in Spandau has over 500 stalls at weekends. Traditionally, the Spandau Christmas Dream begins with the cutting of a giant Christmas stollen. The XXL stollen will be cut on 22 November at 11 am. Other highlights include the Ferris wheel and the family roller coaster “The Crazy Worm”.
This market is open from November 24, 2025 – January 04, 2026- see more here.
Berlin has a Christmas market to cover all tastes, as well as many other sights to see and great nightlife.
Read my city guide to Berlin here.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague Christmas market is picture perfect. With the old town square, Charles Bridge and its famous castle all magically lit up, it is a stunning sight to see. Both the old town square and Wenceslas Square are transformed with festive market stalls offering Christmas decorations, traditional foods and of course plenty of mulled wine.
You can enjoy the school choirs performing in traditional costumes or better still go to a classical concert. Housed in ancient churches and grand concert halls around the city, it will round off your weekend break in style.
Read: Top Things to do in Prague and Where to Stay – Prague Travel Guide
Prague’s Christmas markets are open from the 29th November 2025 to 6th January 2026, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day – see more here.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s most popular Christmas markets is at Tivoli Gardens, and it attracts over 1 million people each year. This winter wonderland comes with reindeer rides and rollercoasters making it a great choice for a family Christmas market break.
Copenhagen’s Christmas markets are open from the 14th November 2025 – 4th January, making them an ideal choice for a pre or post Christmas market break – see more here.
Read: My guide to Copenhagen here
9. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Christmas markets are renowned all over the world, and Bavaria’s capital has some of the best. Munich’s main market takes place in the Marienplatz, where the town hall provides a striking backdrop for the huge Christmas tree and traditional wooden stalls. You’ll find everything from handmade ornaments and wooden toys to roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
Other highlights include the Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz, which recreates an old-world festive atmosphere with costumed traders, and the Chinese Tower market in the English Garden, a more local spot known for its cosy beer garden feel. Munich also has a Pink Christmas Market in Stephansplatz, offering a lively and inclusive take on the holiday season.
Christmas Markets in Munich are open from 17th November through to 24th December, and there are over 20 markets to choose from.
Read: My Reviews of the Christmas markets in Munich.
10. Zagreb, Croatia
Did you know that Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, is renowned for having one of Europe’s best Christmas markets? There are 25 different markets in the city and it was named “Best Christmas Market” by European Best Destinations three years in a row – the maximum number of times for any city.
Advent is a key celebration in Zagreb and the Christmas markets usually open on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent, and this year it is the 29th November, 2025, to January 7th, 2026.
11. Salzburg, Austria
Mozart’s hometown celebrates one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, dating all the way back to the 15th century. You can enjoy free concerts in front of the cathedral every day and hear plenty of renditions of Silent Night, which was first performed in St. Nicholas’ Church in Oberndorf near Salzburg on Christmas Eve in 1818.
As well as being steeped in tradition, its unique setting in Salzburg’s old city is one to savour. However, you will still find lots of traditional market stalls selling local handmade crafts, and plenty of gluhwein to keep you warm.
Salzburg’s Christmas markets are open from November 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026. See more here.
12. Tallinn, Estonia
The magical Tallinn Christmas Market will light up Town Hall Square, with its centrepiece, the massive Christmas tree. First raised here in 1441, it is the oldest public Christmas tree in Europe and the most treasured in Estonia.
The square becomes a festive wonderland, filled with sparkling lights, decorated trees and stalls offering Estonian Christmas treats, from black pudding and sour cabbage to gingerbread and warm drinks, as well as traditional handicrafts. Children can enjoy merry-go-rounds, while a cheerful programme of events brings festive spirit to all.
Tallinn Christmas markets are open from November 21, 2025 – December 27, 2025. See more here.
Read: Top Things to do in Tallinn and Where to Stay – Tallinn Travel Guide
13. Brussels, Belgium
The capital of Belgium, Brussels, hosts some of the best Christmas markets in Europe each year. The city comes alive with festive lights, seasonal food, and charming wooden stalls. Highlights include the Grand Place, where a massive Christmas tree and an enchanting sound and light show create a magical atmosphere, Place Sainte-Catherine with its bustling market and ice rink, and the Marché aux Poissons, home to a glittering Ferris wheel and funfair rides.
If you have extra time, the nearby towns of Bruges and Ghent are also well worth a visit. Both offer their own delightful Christmas markets, complete with cosy squares, skating rinks, and plenty of opportunities to sample Belgian treats such as waffles, chocolate, and mulled wine.
Brussels Christmas markets are open from November 29, 2025 – January 5, 2026. See more here.
14. Rome, Italy
Rome may not offer markets on the same scale as some of it’s European counterparts, but that does not make it any less attractive. The Piazza Navona houses the annual Christmas market with traditional food stalls and souvenirs. Santa makes regular appearances and there is a carousel to complete the festive atmosphere.
However, it is the magical crib displays and nativity scenes in numerous churches, that make Rome very special at Christmas time. What better time to visit the Vatican and the beauty of Rome.
Read: Top 10 things to do in Rome
Read: Where to stay in Rome, my top 20 picks
15. Malaga, Spain
While Malaga may not be considered to have one of Europe’s best Christmas markets, it certainly knows how to celebrate the Christmas season!
Visitors flock to Malaga city every December to take part in the festivities and to enjoy its stunning streets lit up with over two million festive lights. In addition to the lights, there are five Christmas trees, Christmas markets, colourful arches and light shows to complete the festive experience.
The Christmas lights are usually illuminated around the 29th of November each year- see more here.
Many of the top things to do in Malaga are located close together so you can see most of the highlights in a Malaga city break. My Malaga travel guide has all you need to know about discovering this great city:
Read: Top things to do in Malaga, where to stay and eat
Please note that all dates are correct at time of issue, but may change. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is makde, but at no additional charge to you.
Like this post? You might like my best alternative Christmas market breaks.
