The Ultimate Guide To Christmas Markets In Europe
Winter is waiting in the corner and with November passing by I am sure most of you think where they want to spend the Christmas. Winter is magical everywhere but try to spend it in Europe and you will be fascinated until the end of your life! During this beautiful time of the year Europe if full of Christmas markets – they can pop up everywhere around you! They are the perfect place to enjoy Christmas carols, eat delicious food, drink wine and enjoy the magical Christmas decoration. Here you will find the ultimate guide to these city treasures in Europe.
The Christmas markets and festivals in Europe are also the perfect places to choose amazing and one of a kind gifts for your family and friends. Trust me, they will be amazed by the beauty! Last year I bought many hand-made Christmas decorations and they are pure perfection.
*contains affiliate links
If you are still thinking what gift to give yourself or to someone you love you can take advantage of the great and really really cheap plans of Siteground. This is a huge deal, guys! I strongly recommend them because their services are perfect and their support is 24/7 (the best). Don’t hesitate! Make your dream come true and take your plan from here.
If you need inspiration and you still don’t know where to spend the holidays just take a look at this list of magical winter destinations and book your holiday from here.
Christmas Market European Cities
Vienna, Austria
Imagine November and December in Vienna. This magical place transforms into a fairy tale during the winter months. Here is one of the most popular Christmas markets. It is called “Vienna Magic of Advent”. It turns the city center into a magnificent and shining place. Just imagine a place full of Christmas decorations Christmas gifts, sweet sensations all over the place and warming drinks. Of course, there’s something even for the smallest members – a magical and majestic carousel. Christmas workshops also are available for the kids. You don’t want to miss this fascinating scene from a fairy tale. The dates for the Christmas market are from 13th November to 23rd December. Book your stay for the best price here.
Zagreb, Croatia
The capital city of Croatia is an amazing place. If you want to see something different try spending there the holidays or go to their Christmas market, which is voted two times in a row for a “European Best Christmas Market”. This is one of the best places to celebrate in Europe. The atmosphere in Zagreb during this Christmas market is exceptional. Zagreb is a very special place to be during the winter. You can wander around the city streets and see many people singing, dancing and having so much fun. There are many themed celebrations where you and your family or friends can take a part of. You can even try many traditional specialties. The Christmas market begins on 2nd December and it ends on 7th of January. You can book your stay here.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of the most magical places in the world! The atmosphere there during the holidays is absolutely incredible. This is something you have to see! The city is festive and decorated with lights and it is pure perfection. The Christmas mood is all around the city. The Christmas market in the Old Square of the town is one of the most famous markets in Europe. There is full of gifts, decorations, traditional food, sweet desserts, wine, and music. You can experience a one of a kind Christmas market. The Prague Christmas Market starts on 2nd of December and it ends on 6th of January. Don’t wait – book your hotel or apartment here.
Budapest, Hungary
The Budapest Christmas Market is also called and known as “Advent Feast at the Basilica”. It is held every year in front of the grandest cathedral of Budapest. There are sparkling lights everywhere. The city gets really festive and majestic during this time. Here you can find absolutely everything. There are free attractions. One of the main attractions for children is ice-skating in a huge ice ring. The rink goes around a fabulous Christmas tree. There is also a modern part of this celebration like flash mobs and Hungarian hand-crafted products. It is interesting to know that this festival is eco-friendly. The Market begins on 24th November and it ends on 1st January. If you are already fascinated by this magnificent place book your stay here.
Cologne, Germany
If you want to be touched by the magic of Cologne and take a part of the festive Christmas Market you should save the dates from 27th November to 23rd December. You can hear the Christmas music all around the city. You can absolutely enjoy the scent of bakeries, the beauty of crafts and toys, the mulled wine and air filled with gingerbread scent. It is pure perfection! You will be absolutely fascinated by the beauty of the city during these magical days. You can save your trip from here.
Strasbourg, France
This is the Christmas capital of France and also the oldest Christmas Market in Europe. This market was first held in 1570. Strasbourg holds two of the awards for European Best Christmas Market for the years of 2014 and 2015. Being there in the city center makes you feel cozy and warm with all the beautiful decorations. There are many activities and events you can attend such as concerts with live music and cultural events. Save the dates between 25th November and 31st December. Choose your hotel or apartment from here.
Paris, France
Paris is simply magical during the holidays. You can see enchanting views. You can also find everything there – magical decorations, arts, crafts and other festive objects. This is the perfect place to find some real inspiration for decoration. The atmosphere there is incredible. Walking through the wooden cabins all around the city center makes you speechless. You can enjoy this beauty from 23rd November to 28ht December. Save your trip here.
Munich, Germany
I saved the best for the last! If you have to pick only one place where to visit the Christmas Market it should definitely be Munich. The festive and enchanting place is Marienplatz. Do you know there are 24 Christmas Markets in Munich? They all are pretty impressive and deserve to be seen! Prepare for music, traditional dishes, beautiful lights, mulled wine, decorations, crafts and many other surprises. All of this can make your stay really special. Save the dates from 27th November to 24th December. Book your hotel here at the best possible price.
I am sure you are going to fall in love with all these magical places! Don’t think too much – just go! Prepare your cozy and warm sweaters and enjoy the fascinating winter fairy tale!
Have you ever been to a Christmas Market? Where were you and how was it?
Subscribe to get the best travel articles and news!
With love,
Monica
Oh wow! Some great tips for some amazing places!
Aw, thank you! I am glad you lile my article! 💕
Hello
I live in Switzerland and we do have a spectacular Christmas market just in the Zurich Bahnhof but I see you did not mention it on your post.Having said that, I have been lucky to visit Chrstmas markets in most of these cities over the years apart from Zagreb which is on my to-do list.
Aw, I take a note and I will definitely add Zurich because I love this city, but I’ve never been there during the Christmas holidays! I bet it’s magical! Zagreb is a great choice! 💕
I was at the Christmas market in Prague a few years ago, and have to agree! It’s an amazing place!
I bet it was magical! Prague is a really beautiful city! 💕
I’m going to Munich for the Christmas market in a few weeks and this has really got me in the mood thanks
Aw, thank you and congratulations! I would love to hear your feedback when you get back! Have a magical time there! 💕
Nice post,it made me think about Christmas already. I love the atmosphere on those Christmas markets. I study in Prague and enjoy the market there every year. I can also highly recommend the one in Krakow in Poland. They have amazing smoked cheese with cranberries and many other amazing things to try. I have never been to Zagreb and the Christmas time can be a good time to go there one day. 🙂
Aw, the market in Krakow sounds really interesting! I should visit! 💕
This sounds so amazing. I would love to go to Europe for Christmas,
You should definitely come to Europe during the holidays! It’s magical! Such a fascinating beauty! 💕
Zagreb and Paris sounds amazing ! Time to serioisly make plans thanks for the information what a great guide for family time
Thank you! I am sure that whatever you pick it’s going to be beautiful! 💕
We are going to some markets next month: Graz (Austria) and Nuremberg and Frankfurt. I’ve never been to European Christmas markets, so I can’t wait!
These places are fascinating! I am sure you are going to have a magical time there! I would to hear your feedback after! Have a lovely time there! 💕
Fantastic ideas for Christmas! We were lucky enough to be in Germany for Christmas a few years back, and it’s a very fond memory. I’m definitely adding Zagreb to my list!
I think Germany is the mother of all Christmas Markets! It’s magical there! Zagreb is a great option! 💕
I’d love to see a European Christmas market someday. It’s definitely something for the bucket list.
You should definitely visit Europe during the holidays! It’s magical! 💕
This post is perfect for us! We are planning a trip for this Christmas but we don’t know where… We have visited the ones in Munich but now we are curious to visit the markets in Prague, one of our favorite cities in Europe 🙂
I am sure you are going to fall in love with Ptague Christmas Market!💕
This sounds amazing! I’ve never been to a Christmas market but would love to go one day. This is great advice!
You should definitely! It’s magical and you will see a whole new world! 💕
I have been to markets in a couple of these places! I found them amazing in the middle of summer, and can only imagine how magical they would feel at Christmastime. This is totally on my bucketlist. 🙂
You will definitely see a whole new world! It’s magical! 💕
My choice would be Zagreb, because I love Croatia with all my heart. But it looks like we’re going to stay home for Christmas this year, sipping mulled wine , covered with a warm blanket and there would be the smell of a Christmas tree in the air. Actually it’s my favourite kind of Christmas because it reminds me of home.
I love Christmases at home! But I also love to be on the road! It’s amazing to see a whole new world! 💕
Definitely a bucket list trip, these are great tips!
-Ashley
Thank you! I am glad you like my blog post! 💕
I come from austria so i’ve been to vienna! 🙂 would love to check out more of the markets of your list! 🙂
You should definitely check them out! They all are magical! 💕
I’ve been to the Christmas markets in Prague (there were several!) and just loved it. So festive, with the Gluhwein, Trdelnik pastries and the flame-roasted hams. Makes me want to go back!
Prague is really beautiful! You shoul definitely check all of the others! 💕
Been to many and loved all of them 🙂 I specially like those in Prague and Belgium 🙂
xx
lau
http://www.malibluemymind.com
Prague is magical! You should definitely check the others! I am sure you are going to like all of them! 💕
I’ve been eager to visit Europe in Christmas! This list is perfect for figuring out my next December destination.
I am glad you find this helpful! 💕
I’ve never been to a Christmas Market but the way these are described sounds absolutely magical! I want to go now!
They really are magical! I am sure you are going to like all of them! 💕
Great info! I love the christmas markets! but so far I’ve only been to ones in Stockholm and Vienna. I’ll add some of these to my list now 🙂
I am glad I can help you! I am sure you are going to fall in love with all of them! 💕
This post reminded me that Christmas is getting closer and closer. I am not prepared yet.
You should prepare! I hope you are going to have a nice Christmas time! 💕
LOL, another Zurich native here, and I agree: Our Christmas markets are pretty neat, too! I’d looooove to go to Zagreb next year… I’ve heard so much about it, and Nürnberg last year was lovely, too! Smiles and Happy Pre-Christmas-Season!
I will add Switzerland on the list for sure! 💕 Have a magical Christmas! 💕
This was a great post! And had some really great tips. 😊xx
Thank you so much! I am happy you find it helpful! 💕
Interesting post! My boyfriend is in Germany working at the moment I will pass this onto him 🙂
You should definitely go there for their Christmas Market! You will fall in love! 💕
What an amazing guide! I found this really interesting! I have been to a few Christmas markets in the Uk but my partner and I are planning to do a different foreign Christmas market every few years’ first stop Germany I think!
Germany is the best place for Christmas Markets! I am sure you are going to fall in love! 💕
These all sound amazing! Now I just want to go on holiday!
Then you should go! 💕
There is absolutely NOTHING like Christmas markets in Europe! I adore them and went to one in Austria before – ugh, it was phenomenal. Freezing, but worth it!
Christmas Markets are magical! You are a lucky girl! 💕
Ah, I dream to visit Europe in the Christmas season! Maybe that’ll have to be a gift to myself one year!
You should give yourself this amazing gift and I am sure you won’t regret it! 💕
This post is so informative and interesting! Now I want to travel to Europe. =)
You should definitely visit Europe during the holiday season! 💕
they have a Christmas village & ice skating rink every year at City Hall in Philadelphia & I love it – it would be amazing to visit a European one!
That sounds really good! But you should definitely visit Europe during the holiday season! 💕
These Christmas markets all sound so fab! Surprised you didn’t mention Spain though, it’s an incredibly religious country and takes Christmas (and Christmas markets) incredibly seriously 🙂
I will definitely add Spain to this list! I am sure it is really beautiful! Thank you for reminding me! 💕
I want to go to all of them. That would be a wonderful trip.
Aw, it surely will be amazing! 💕
Excellent stories especially since it is holiday time. I love travel and your blog made me look forward to visiting next year. If you would like to share blogs on each others’ web pages please contact me. Best wishes and happy holidays.
Hey, Robert! I am really glad you like my post! You should definitely visit Europe during the holidays!
I love the Christmas markets in Europe. I was in Germany a few years ago during Christmas time and I loved the Christmas markets that we went to. They were so fun! I wish we had them everywhere in the States!
I think Germany is the best place to attend a Christmas Market! You are a lucky girl! 💕
I recently lived in Europe and went to Christmas markets in Germany and France. Loved them!!
They both are amazing! I am a huge fan of Christmas Markets in Germany – they are magical! 💕
Great post! Haven’t visited Europe in winter yet, but this makes me think. Nothing like a community festive spirit to make the holidays ultra special!
Trust me, it really is magical and you have to visit! 💕
Croatia is always on my list and I didn’t know that Zagreb was actually named the “European Best Christmas Market”. It’s always been my dream to visit Croatia, and once I get a chance to do so, I suppose I’ll make sure that I’ll do it around Christmas. 🙂
Croatia is magical, especially during the holidays! You should visit! 💕
This is awesome! I haven’t been to Europe yet, but would love to visit and am planning to next year! Definitely bookmarking! <3 Thanks!
Europe is magical during the holidays! You should definitely visit! 💕
Goals: shop in Europe!
That’s a great goal! 💕
I have definitely bookmarked your blog for my Travel blog! Super awesome I would love to go to Positano to shop the Markets their!
You won’t regret it! It’s magical! 💕
I love the Paris markets – they’re the best ones I’ve been to, but I’ve always wanted to visit the Christmas markets in Germany.
I think Germany has one of the best markets and you should definitely visit! 💕
I have never been any of these places but hope to make it happen one day. Merry XMAS. Great post!
Have a magical holidays! 💕💕💕
I agree with you, Prague is the most magical place on the planet. I still hope to move to Europe some day. I definitely at least want to get back to visit during the winter months to see all of the Christmas markets. What a fantastic trip that would be!
It is going to be magical! Europe is fascinating during the holidays! 💕
Awesome post. I’ve never been to any of those places during the holybut I can only imagine how beautiful they are!!
They are truly magical and you should definitely visit at least one of them! 💕
Great round up! I LOVED walking around the winter markets in Vienna. It was awesome!
Vienna is really beautiful, especially during the holidays! 💕
Ah this is such a great post! I have major holiday fever aaaand wanderlust right now. European markets are the best, and I bet the christmas ones are so spectacular!
They are magical! You should definitely visit! 💕
Thanks for the list. Although we do not make any travel plans during or around Christmas time, it is still great to know about these fantastic places to visit! Who knows someday we may decide to experience Christmas in any of those lovely places you mentioned.
You should visit at least one of them! They all are magical during the holidays! 💕
Will be staying in London this Christmas, hopefully next year I will be able to visit one of these wonderful markets.
I would love to hear more about London! 💕
I visit Christmas market in Zagreb every year, but experienced markets in Budapest and Munich too. The one I like too, but it’s not on the list is Christmas market in Ljubljana.
I should visit Ljubljiana! I’ve been there in September! I am sure it’s magical during the holidays! 💕
Love this, such a good idea to have all the best Christmas markets listed in one piece! Europe is so good for all things “Christmassy”
That’s really true! All of the places are magical! 💕
Ooh I love Christmas markets, need to go to a lot more of them in Europe. I went to the one in Munster in Germany once, that one was fun as well!
You should visit all of them! 💕
Wow I didn’t realize all of these places would have Christmas markets! It would be neat to go to all of them and see the unique differences. You should add some photos to compliment your beautiful words 🙂
Thank you for your feedback! There are much more places that have Christmas Markets! 💕
There are some suggestions that I’d never even have thought of. Munich is a given but Paris!? I am definitely attempted to visit the Christmas capital of France, Strasbourg…sounds delightful.
Strasbourg is magical! You should definitely visit during the holidays! 💕
I live in UK and we do have Christmas markets in every big cities here, id love to go and experience it around Europe too. I love the atmosphere and the crowds when visiting markets.
It’s truly magical! 💕
Thanks for this! I’ve been needing to book a Christmas holiday 🙂
I hope I helped you a little with that task! 💕
This is a great guide! I love Christmas markets and enjoy browsing through them when I get the opportunity! You find some of the most beautiful things and eat the finest treats!
It is truly magical! I love Christmas markets! 💕
It is truly magical! Christmas markets are fascinating! 💕
I love Christmas markets in Europe!! I’ve been Cologne and Prague . They were magical! I am doing Strasbourg and Paris this year. I can’t wait!! Great post. A good summary of the best Christmas markets around Europe. I will be ticking off the eventually!! 🙂
I would love to hear more when you get back! Have a magical time! 💕
Some of the European market traditions have been brought to the US. Chicago has adopted some of these traditions
That’s absolutely normal! I am sure it’s magical in Chicago! I have close family there and I love seeing their Christmas pictures! 💕
I didn’t know Christmas markets were a thing! They all sound magical. Would love to visit one to see what the fuss is about!
You should definitely visit! It’s like a scene from a movie – incredibly beautiful! 💕
Fab list! I’ve been to Nuremberg Christmas Market and I absolutely loved it! The atmosphere, the sweets, the gluhwine! I had so much fun! You’ve given me a new bucket list to go through now! 🙂
It’s pure magic! I love the atmosphere there! 💕
I have heard a lot about Christmas Markets in Germany and thanks for letting me know about the others across Europe like France, Hungary, and Austria! however, I would particularly want to see the Christmas night market in Zagreb because of what you have described and it is named the “Best Christmas Market in Europe” – very intrigued.
@knycx.journeying
You will be amazed and absolutely fascinated by Zagreb! Pure magic! 💕
I always love to experience xmas in a western country. I grow up in Asia so the xmas atmospher is not so good. I wish to have a white xmas with a lot of decorations and markets!
I have only been to Christmas markets in London and around. They were lovely. Definitely, want to go to some of the others that you have listed down here. Shared this on G+ for future reference. Thanks!
Yea, I am in love with Christmas markets! The atmosphere is magical! Which one you would want to visit next? 💗