Best Christmas Markets in Europe

The most glittering time of the year has finally arrived! With faith in the new bringing improvement, wishes have started to be made. While the cold face of winter sweeps the streets, the spirit of New Year has enveloped everything with its colors and the scent of roasted chestnuts.

As we start to deeply feel the New Year spirit, it’s also the perfect time to head to Europe. The dazzling Christmas markets set up in many places across European cities are practically inviting you to this journey.

We’ve selected the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe where you can experience a special atmosphere and observe different cultures firsthand.

Come on, let’s begin our journey to the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe!

berlin christmas markets

Germany is the birthplace of Christmas markets, known as “weihnachtsmarkt” in German, with their history tracing back to almost the Middle Ages.

Among the markets set up in Berlin, Gendarmenmarkt is an absolute must-see. Offering handcrafted souvenirs, wooden toys, and a variety of food and drink options, it stands as one of the city’s finest markets. Gendarmenmarkt can be visited until New Year’s.

The Christmas market set up at Alexanderplatz, on the other hand, exudes a full-fledged fair atmosphere. In this carnival-like setting, you can skate on ice throughout the night and wander the glittering market amid the scent of gingerbread cookies. Moreover, there are places to dance all night long. You can visit this market from November 27th to December 30th.

If you want to see numerous Christmas markets and experience something unique at each, Berlin is definitely the place for you!

Prague, Czech Republic: Enchanting Architecture and Colorful Market Squar

Prague is a captivating city that transforms into a whole different atmosphere during Christmas time. Witnessing the Charles Bridge during this time of year is simply mesmerizing. The city, which preserves medieval architecture, sets up Christmas markets in many places, evoking the essence of the season. These Christmas markets, known as ‘vánoční trhy’ in Czech, boast handicrafts, towering Christmas trees, and local flavors, creating a colorful and festive ambiance. You can freely visit all the Christmas markets from December 2nd , to January 6th.

While traveling in another country, there are moments when you move away from being a tourist and get closer to the local culture. Listen to Czech songs, try local products at the Christmas markets in Prague, and blend in among the people, wandering like a local!

If you’re planning a delightful trip during the most sparkling time of the year, Prague is definitely worth a visit!”

Tallinn, Estonia: Fairy Tale Land of Christmas

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, was named as Europe’s Best Christmas Market by European Best Destinations in 2019. The lights sparkle, local delicacies are prepared, and everyone gathers to enjoy the most radiant time of the year. Considering how the front of the town hall turns into a fairytale land during this period, it’s no surprise it earned that title. You can visit all the Christmas markets from December 1st, to January 7th.

You’ll definitely find items to keep you warm during the winter months here. Being quite a chilly country, they excel in this area. Wool sweaters, gloves made from goat wool, and felt slippers will not only save your life but also make great gift alternatives for your friends and family. Don’t miss out on the delicious food available in this enchanting atmosphere.

Before heading to the Christmas markets, exploring the city is a must. You can use the Free Tour website to get guidance, allowing you to tour the city and learn about Tallinn’s history and stories. City tours take place daily from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm, and they are free of charge.

If you wish to travel from Antalya to Tallinn, direct flights are available in April and May. Alternatively, you can plan a connecting flight from Istanbul through Antalya. Another way to reach this region is to fly to Helsinki and transfer by ferry from there!

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, stands out among cities that amplify their sparkle during the Christmas season. ‘Julemarked,’ in Danish, translates to ‘Christmas market.’ The most famous and beautiful ‘julemarked’ is set up in the Tivoli Gardens.

In this enchanting atmosphere, there are traditional wooden stalls, brightly colored shops filled with sweets and decorations. Tivoli, inspired by Disneyland, guarantees entertainment and enchantment. It’s a place where you’ll feel joyous like a child! The best experience comes when the colorful lights illuminate the area as night falls. You can visit the Christmas market set up in Tivoli from November 17th to December 31st.

Christmas markets also serve as places to get acquainted with a country’s culture. We can say that the most beautiful place to experience Nordic culture and delicious cuisine is at the Christmas markets in Copenhagen.

“If I want to wander amid sparkling Christmas trees,” Copenhagen is just the place for you!

Zagreb, Croatia: One of the best Christmas markets in all of Europe

The capital of Croatia, Zagreb, was chosen as the most beautiful Christmas market in 2016, 2017, and 2018. They truly value their Christmas markets, referred to as ‘Advent.’ They even have a separate website dedicated to it. By visiting the Zagreb Advent website, you can get information about the Christmas markets, learn about Christmas traditions, local cuisine, and detailed information about the city. It’s worth checking out before heading to Zagreb. The Zagreb Christmas Market is open from December 2nd, to January 7th.

People skating on ice, children singing Christmas songs, local foods, wooden toys, cozy coffees, and beverages… Moreover, this year, unlike other countries, they’re bringing augmented reality to the streets, promising a completely different atmosphere.

If you want to experience the Christmas spirit, you should definitely consider Zagreb. The easiest way to reach Zagreb is by flying to Budapest.

Vienna, Austria: Imperial flair in front of palaces

In Vienna, numerous Christmas markets are set up. If you ask, “Which is the most famous Christmas market in Vienna?” we’d say it’s the market located in the square Rathausplatz, where Vienna’s city hall stands. Known as “Christkindlmarkt,” this market is one of the busiest places where the Christmas spirit thrives.

As mentioned, the options here are plentiful. If you head to the Medieval Advent Market, you can join in the medieval entertainment with music, jugglers, and fire shows. (November 30th – December 3rd) If you fancy tasting delicious Austrian cuisine under a huge illuminated Ferris wheel, you can go to Riesenradplatz. (November 18th – January 7th) If you want to visit Austria’s largest Christmas market this year, you can immerse yourself in the crowd in the narrow streets of Spittelberg. (November 16th – December 23rd)

In short, if you want to explore a variety of Christmas markets, Vienna’s Christmas markets are perfect for you!

Basel, Switzerland: One of Europe’s Best Christmas Markets

Basel, one of Switzerland‘s most beautiful cities, was chosen as Europe’s best Christmas market by European Best Destinations in 2021. The city’s Christmas markets are set up in Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz squares (November 23rd – December 23rd). There are various delicious treats, but don’t forget to try Basel läckerli, a local delicacy, which is a type of gingerbread. Wooden toys, sparkling squares, and fun activities await you at Basel’s Christmas markets.

The easiest way to reach this region is by flying directly to Basel!

Barcelona, Spain: Centuries-Old Christmas Market

Barcelona, a beautiful city in Spain, hosts delightful Christmas markets at four different locations. The oldest among them is La Fira de Santa Llucia, inviting visitors to its splendor every year since the 18th century (November 24th – December 23rd). Set up in front of Barcelona Cathedral, this market offers a variety of foods and diverse gift options.

The Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família Christmas market, a bit smaller than La Fira de Santa Llucia, runs from November 24th to December 23rd. Here, you can find traditional treats like sweet potatoes baked in the oven and churros.

Bruges, Belgium: The Christmas Spirit of Bruges

Bruges enthusiasts, gather around! The city center of Bruges transforms into a massive Christmas market during the festive season. The Christmas markets at Markt and Simon Stevinplein are adorned with homemade hot chocolate and a variety of Belgian cheeses (November 24th.  – January 7th. ). And of course, you can also have fun at the ice skating rink if you wish!

Strasbourg, France: Journey to France’s Christmas Capital

Strasbourg, recognized as France’s Christmas capital and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts approximately 300 different Christmas stalls. If you wish to visit a Christmas market in France, we highly recommend opting for Strasbourg. The Place Kléber Christmas Market is renowned as the city’s main Christmas market. To explore this beautiful market, head to Kleber Square (November 24th – December 24th).

To reach France’s Christmas city, Strasbourg, you can fly to Marseille and make a transfer.