The 17 Most Charming Christmas Markets in Europe

There's nothing quite like a European Christmas market: wooden huts glowing with lights, the smell of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts, carols in the square and handmade decorations to take home. These are 17 of the most charming.

Tip: Market dates change every year. Most run from late November to around Christmas – always check the official city website before you travel.

Germany

1. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

One of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, in the city's main square. It's known for its traditional atmosphere, Lebkuchen gingerbread and small Nuremberg sausages served three in a roll.

2. Dresden Striezelmarkt

First held in the 15th century, the Striezelmarkt is one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets. It's named after Striezel, the local name for Stollen, the fruit bread that Dresden is famous for.

3. Cologne

Cologne has several markets, but the one in front of the Gothic cathedral, with its huge Christmas tree and canopy of lights, is the most spectacular.

France

4. Strasbourg

Strasbourg calls itself the "Capital of Christmas", and its markets spread across the old town. Don't miss the giant tree on Place Kléber and the bredele, Alsatian Christmas biscuits.

5. Colmar

A short train ride from Strasbourg, Colmar's half-timbered houses and canals look like a storybook in December, with several small markets spread around the old town.

Austria and Switzerland

6. Vienna

The market in front of the City Hall is the best known, with an ice rink and a park full of lights, but Vienna has many smaller, quieter markets too, including at Schönbrunn Palace.

7. Salzburg

The Christkindlmarkt sits between the cathedral and the Residenz, with the fortress lit up above it. Salzburg is the home of the carol "Silent Night", which adds to the magic.

8. Basel

Switzerland's best-known Christmas market fills two squares in the old town, with a strong focus on crafts and local food.

Central and Eastern Europe

9. Prague

The Old Town Square market, beneath the Gothic towers of the Týn Church, is one of the most photographed in Europe. Try trdelník, a sweet pastry cooked over coals.

10. Budapest

Vörösmarty Square and the square in front of St Stephen's Basilica host the city's main markets, with light shows projected onto the basilica and plenty of Hungarian comfort food.

11. Kraków

The market fills Kraków's huge medieval Main Square, surrounded by historic buildings and the twin towers of St Mary's Basilica.

12. Zagreb

Zagreb's Advent has been voted among Europe's best Christmas markets several times, with events spread across the city's squares and parks.

13. Tallinn

The market in Tallinn's medieval Town Hall Square feels like stepping back in time, especially when it snows.

Northern and Western Europe

14. Copenhagen – Tivoli Gardens

The historic Tivoli amusement park becomes a Christmas wonderland of lights, stalls and rides.

15. Brussels

Winter Wonders spreads through the city centre, with a big wheel, an ice rink and a sound-and-light show on the Grand-Place.

16. Bruges

Bruges's markets on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein are small but magical, set among medieval buildings and canals.

Italy

17. Trento

Alpine Trento's market is one of the best in Italy, with wooden chalets, regional food and mountains all around.

Plan your trip

Combine two or three markets in one trip by train – Strasbourg and Colmar, Vienna and Salzburg, or Prague and Dresden all work well. Pack warm layers but keep your luggage light with our winter packing tips, and see our list of Europe's best scenic rail journeys for a festive train trip.