Are you looking for amazing and unique Christmas markets in Europe? During the holiday season, Europe transforms into a winter wonderland, with Christmas markets illuminating its most charming cities. These European Christmas markets are not just about shopping; they’re a full sensory experience with the smell of mulled wine, twinkling lights, local crafts, and festive traditions.
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Christmas Markets in Europe – European Christmas market tours
Here’s a detailed guide to the best Xmas markets in Europe, with why they’re worth visiting, historical importance, how to get there, where to stay, things to do, and useful tips.
Christkindlesmarkt – Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the world’s oldest and most iconic Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to the 16th century. Its red-and-white striped stalls and Christkind (angelic figure) tradition create a magical atmosphere. This market is unique because of handmade goods, toys, and delicious gingerbread (Lebkuchen).
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Location: Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany.
How to Reach: Nuremberg is easily accessible from major German cities like Munich (1 hour by train) and Frankfurt (2.5 hours by train).
Where to Stay – Hotel Victoria Nurnberg – which is at walking distance of the market.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Old Town: Stroll through the medieval city center for stunning views of the castle and surrounding architecture.
- Ride the horse-drawn carriages for a scenic journey through the festively lit streets.
Tours to Book – Nuremberg Old Town & Christmas Market Tour – A guided walk to explore the city’s history and market traditions.
Useful Tips:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Wear warm clothing as the market is outdoors.
Striezelmarkt – Dresden, Germany
This famous Xmas market was founded in 1434, and is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. It is renowned for its giant Christmas pyramid and Stollen (traditional fruitcake). The market’s rich history and picturesque setting in front of the Frauenkirche make it a must-visit.
Location: Altmarkt Square, Dresden, Germany.
How to Reach: Dresden is a 2-hour train ride from Berlin and can be accessed via its international airport.
Where to Stay – InterCityHotel Dresden – A mid-budget option just a 15-minute walk from the market.
Things to Do:
- Watch the Stollen Parade: Witness a centuries-old tradition’s ceremonial procession of a giant Stollen cake.
- Admire the Frauenkirche: This reconstructed baroque church is a stunning backdrop to the market.
- Enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel for panoramic views of the market and the illuminated city.
Tours to Book – Dresden Christmas Walking Tour – A comprehensive guide through the market and the historical parts of the city.
Useful Tips – Try a slice of the original Dresden Christstollen.
Vienna Christmas Market – Vienna, Austria
The Christmas markets in Vienna are known for their elegance and charm. The market is located in front of the Rathaus (City Hall) and is filled with illuminated trees, local crafts, and traditional Austrian treats. A skating rink and carol concerts add to the festive atmosphere.
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Location: Rathausplatz, Vienna, Austria.
How to Reach: Vienna International Airport has direct connections to many European cities, and the market is easily accessible via tram, bus, or subway.
Where to Stay – Hotel Rathauspark – A mid-range hotel near the market with classic rooms and a beautiful Viennese atmosphere.
Things to Do:
- Skate at the Ice World: A large outdoor skating rink is next to the market.
- Try roasted chestnuts and Glühwein (mulled wine) as you browse the stalls.
- Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the beautifully decorated streets of Vienna.
Tours to Book – Vienna Christmas Markets Walking Tour – A perfect way to explore the market as well as the surrounding city attractions.
Useful Tips – Visit in the late afternoon when the lights are most magical, but before the large crowds arrive.
Prague Christmas Market – Prague, Czech Republic
With the stunning Gothic architecture of the Old Town Square as a backdrop, Prague‘s Christmas market is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Expect traditional Czech crafts, hearty food like trdelník (chimney cake), and live performances.
Location: Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic.
How to Reach: Prague’s Václav Havel Airport is well-connected, and the market is easily accessible by public transport anywhere in the city.
Where to Stay – Hotel Lippert – Located right on Old Town Square, this boutique hotel is perfect for enjoying the market atmosphere.
Things to Do:
- Watch the Christmas tree lighting: The major attraction of the market is the tree, which is lit every evening with great fanfare.
- Sample Czech pastries and mulled wine while browsing the stalls for unique gifts.
- Climb the Old Town Hall Tower for breathtaking views over the market and Prague.
Tours to Book – Prague Christmas Markets and Old Town Tour – A combination tour of the city’s highlights and the festive market.
Helpful Tips – Visit early in December before the school holidays when the market is less crowded.
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market – Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens transforms into a festive wonderland each Christmas, with sparkling lights, traditional Danish decorations, and stalls selling everything from wooden toys to gløgg (Danish mulled wine). The amusement park itself is also a magical place for families during the holiday season.
Location: Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark.
How to Reach: Copenhagen Central Station is next to Tivoli Gardens, making it easily accessible by train. Copenhagen International Airport is 15 minutes away by metro.
Where to Stay – Hotel Alexandra is a stylish, budget-friendly hotel just a short walk from Tivoli Gardens.
Things to Do:
- Ride Tivoli’s historic roller coasters amidst a backdrop of festive lights.
- Enjoy Danish Christmas treats like æbleskiver (pancake balls) and gløgg.
- Attend a Christmas concert at the Tivoli Concert Hall.
Tours to Book – Copenhagen Christmas Walking Tour – A great way to explore the city’s festive spirit, including stops at Tivoli Gardens and other markets.
Helpful Tips – Tivoli’s Christmas market is family-friendly, with plenty of activities for children, so bring the whole family.
Winter Wonders – Brussels, Belgium
Winter Wonders transforms the Grand Place into a dazzling Christmas spectacle with light shows, ice skating, and a giant Ferris wheel. Belgian waffles, chocolate, and mulled wine ensure a cozy and indulgent visit.
Location: Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium.
How to Reach: Brussels is well connected by train from cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam. The market is within walking distance from Brussels Central Station.
Where to Stay – Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo – Just a stone’s throw from the Grand Place, this mid-budget hotel offers comfort and elegance.
Things to Do:
- Watch the sound and light show in the Grand Place for a magical experience.
- Explore Belgian delicacies such as waffles, chocolate, and traditional frites (fries).
- Ride on the Ferris wheel for stunning views over the illuminated market.
Tours to Book – Brussels Christmas Markets Walking Tour – A great way to get the most out of Winter Wonders, with a local guide sharing the history and traditions.
Useful Tips – Try visiting in the early evening to catch the daytime atmosphere and the light show after dark.
Salzburg Christkindlmarkt – Salzburg, Austria
This unique market with the backdrop of Salzburg’s Baroque architecture and the fortress of Hohensalzburg, making it a perfect fairytale setting. The market’s history dates back to the 15th century, and today, it offers hand-blown glass ornaments, local crafts, and plenty of festive cheer.
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Location: Domplatz, Salzburg, Austria.
How to Reach: Salzburg can be reached by train from Vienna (2.5 hours) or Munich (1.5 hours).
Where to Stay – Hotel am Dom – Situated in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, this mid-budget hotel offers an excellent location for visiting the Christmas market.
Things to Do:
- Attend a live choral performance on weekends to soak in the festive atmosphere.
- Try Austrian delicacies like raclette and pretzels.
- Visit Mozart’s Birthplace nearby for a dose of history and culture.
Tours to Book – Salzburg Christmas Markets and Old Town Walking Tour – A guided tour exploring the market’s history and the beauty of Salzburg.
Useful Tips – Salzburg’s Christmas market can get quite busy on weekends, so consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Tallinn Christmas Market – Tallinn, Estonia
This one of the famous European Xmas markets is set in the medieval Old Town. Tallinn’s Christmas market looks like a scene from a winter fairytale. The market is known for its cozy atmosphere, traditional Estonian crafts, and unique Christmas tree tradition (Tallinn claims to have had Europe’s first public Christmas tree).
Location: Town Hall Square, Tallinn, Estonia.
How to Reach: Tallinn is well connected by flights from major European cities, and the market is a 10-minute walk from the central train station.
Where to Stay – Hotel Telegraaf – A boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town, offering both luxury and affordability.
Things to Do:
- Walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings.
- Enjoy traditional Estonian food like black pudding and gingerbread cookies.
- Watch local folk dance performances around the Christmas tree.
Tours to Book – Tallinn Old Town and Christmas Market Tour – A guided tour that takes you through the historic streets and the festive market.
Helpful Tips – Tallinn is quite cold in winter, so dress warmly and enjoy hot mulled wine to stay cozy.
Colmar Christmas Market – Colmar, France
Colmar’s Christmas market feels like stepping into a storybook, with half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and canals illuminated by festive lights. The market offers artisanal crafts, Alsatian wines, and local delicacies.
Location: Colmar, Alsace, France.
How to Reach: Colmar can be reached by train from Strasbourg (30 minutes) or Paris (2.5 hours by TGV).
Where to Stay – Hotel Le Colombier – A charming mid-range hotel located in the heart of Colmar’s historic center.
Things to Do:
- Take a boat tour through the “Little Venice” area of Colmar, lit up with Christmas lights.
- Sample Alsatian wines and regional delicacies like tarte flambée and kougelhopf.
- Admire the stunning light installations around the historic town.
Tours to Book – Alsace Wine and Christmas Market Tour – A day tour exploring the famous Alsace wine region and the Christmas markets.
Useful Tips:
- Colmar is small and easily walkable, so explore each corner of this picturesque town.
Budapest Christmas Market – Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Christmas market in Vörösmarty Square offers a blend of Hungarian culture and festive traditions. It’s known for its handcrafted goods, chimney cakes, and performances by local folk groups. The atmosphere is lively yet cozy, making it perfect for a holiday escape.
Location: Vörösmarty Square, Budapest, Hungary.
How to Reach: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport has frequent flights from major European cities, and the market is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport.
Where to Stay – K+K Hotel Opera – A comfortable mid-budget hotel near the Christmas market and the main sights of Budapest.
Things to Do:
- Cruise on the Danube River to see the city’s illuminated skyline.
- Try Hungarian street food like langos (fried dough) and sausages.
- Visit the Buda Castle and enjoy stunning views over the city and the market.
Tours to Book – Budapest Christmas Markets and Illuminations Tour – A tour that takes you through Budapest’s main festive spots, including the Christmas market.
Useful Tips – Don’t miss out on the thermal baths, such as Széchenyi, to warm up after a day of exploring the market.
General Tips – Christmas Markets in Europe
- Dress Warmly: European winters can be cold, so wear layers, gloves, and a scarf to stay warm.
- Cash vs. Cards: While most markets accept cards, carrying some cash (especially in smaller markets) for small purchases is a good idea.
- Weekdays vs. Weekends: Markets are generally less crowded on weekdays, making for a more pleasant shopping and sightseeing experience.
- Timing: Most markets open in late November and run until just before Christmas, with some staying open until New Year’s Eve.
European Christmas markets are magical experiences that combine history, culture, and festive spirit. Whether you’re drawn by the glowing lights, handmade crafts, or delicious treats, these European Xmas markets offer something for everyone looking to get into the holiday spirit.
Now that you know the best Christmas markets in Europe, you will soon plan European Christmas market tours to experience the festive atmosphere.
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