top of page

The most enchanting Christmas markets in Europe to visit this winter

Writer's picture: Rainbow Travel incRainbow Travel inc

Lots of mulled wine, some of the greatest hot chocolate you've ever eaten, and chestnuts burning over an open flame.


With hundreds of holiday markets sparkling brightly as soon as the first Advent door is unlocked, Europe is starting to resemble Christmas. Germany is the true fairy tale, but Christmas markets with crafts, choirs, light displays, and regional fare are a sight to behold throughout the continent, regardless of the weather.


We present 28 European favorites that shine with their own Christmas culture, from off-the-beaten-path favorites to must-see classics, from Alpine summits to little island communities.



1. Dresden, Germany

Dates: November 27 to December 24, 2024


Dresden's Striezelmarkt, Germany's premier Christmas market, has mesmerized people since 1434. With 240 chalets and around three million guests annually, it's large. It's not only for visitors, though. With thousands of lights and the largest Christmas pyramid in the world, complete with life-sized figurines, on the Altmarkt, the background is mesmerizing. With carousels, carollers, ice skating, and stalls selling everything from exquisitely crafted nutcrackers, Räuchermännchen (smoking men), and Erzgebirge crib figures to Germany's most delicious Christstollen—a dense, buttery fruitcake dusted with powdered sugar—the city on the Elbe is a hive of activity.


2. Innsbruck, Austria

Dates: Dates vary for each market, but broadly they run November 15 to December 23, 2024


Innsbruck is home to a number of charming Christmas markets in the snow-capped Austrian Alps. While folk bands perform and chalets sell decorations, candles, gingerbread, and mulled wine, a massive tree glitters in front of the Golden Roof in the historic old town. Children adore the classic fairground rides and puppet performances on Marktplatz by the river or at Kiebachgasse, which has a fairy tale theme. Maria-Theresien-Strasse is illuminated by market booths and trees adorned with sparkling lights.


3. Nuremberg, Germany

Dates: November 29 to December 24, 2024


Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) cannot be mentioned without also mentioning Nuremberg. Is it as good as it seems? You wager. Two million people visit this place annually, so you'll have to deal with crowds, but it's still fantastical, with a blonde-locked, gold-robed Christkind starting the celebrations. With its candy-striped stalls serving everything from brass-foil Rauschgold angels to Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Zwetschgenmännle (figures formed from prunes, figs, and nuts), the Hauptmarkt serves as the center. However, with carols, concerts, carnival rides, and a stunning nativity display in front of the Gothic cathedral, you'll feel the joyous atmosphere everywhere.


4. Barcelona, Spain

Dates: November 28 to December 23, 2024


With a smiling, present-pooping log named Caga Tió, who needs Santa? At Barcelona's Fira de Santa Llúcia, which is spread out in front of the Gothic church on Plaça de la Seu, you may find this Catalan Christmas quirk in miniature along with mistletoe, turrón nougat, and a biblical paradise of nativity toys. Wait till you see the irreverent Caganer, a defecating figurine concealed in the nativity scene for good fortune and bountiful harvests, if you think Caga Tió is strange.


5. Ravenna Gorge, Germany

Dates: Fridays to Sundays, November 22 to December 15, 2024

Need to know: Book tickets in advance for a 2-hour slot


Sheltering under a strikingly illuminated 40m-high (131ft) viaduct in the thickly wooded, steep-sided Höllental ("Hell Valley") in Germany’s Black Forest, this festive beauty in the Ravenna Gorge looks as though it has been plucked straight from the pages of a Grimm fairy tale. If there’s a dusting of snow, the winter wonderland picture is complete. Tourists? Not really – this one is largely for locals and is all the lovelier for it. Look out for Black Forest paper-cut designs, lambswool rugs and local smoked ham and venison sausage. Take a train to Hinterzarten or Himmelreich, then hop on the shuttle (included in the ticket price) or walk.


6. Mt Pilatus‏, Switzerland

Dates: November 15 to 17, 2024

Need to know: The market is free to visit, but a ticket is required for the cable cars or cogwheel train


Travel to Europe's highest Christmas market on the world's steepest cogwheel railway, which has been trundling up to 2132m (6995ft) Mt Pilatus since 1889, for novelty value and breathtaking Alpine views. With more than 40 adorned market stalls offering beeswax candles, nativity figurines, gingerbread, and other stocking fillers, the hilltop Christkindlimärt, perched above Lake Lucerne, has festive music.


7. Helsinki, Finland

Dates: November 29 to December 22, 2024  


As one of the few places in Finland where you can combine a festive shop with a sauna and swim in an avanto (ice hole), Helsinki is the epitome of Christmas, with chilly winds sweeping over the Baltic and frequently the promise of snow. The pearly-white dome of the neoclassical Tuomiokirkko cathedral sits above the exquisite Senaatintori (Senate Square) of the 19th century, which is the market's primary attraction. A classic carousel spins here, while traditional crafts, decorations, and glögi (mulled wine) are sold in rustic timber chalets. The lights atop Aleksanterinkatu are turned on to begin the festivities, which also include a sparkling parade, dancing groups, elves, and a visit from Santa, who traveled from Lapland.


8. Zagreb, Croatia

Dates: November 30, 2024 to January 7, 2025


When you think about Christmas markets, the capital of Croatia may not come to mind straight away, but Zagreb's is on par with the best in Europe. Its parks, squares, and historic center—where the twin-spired Gothic cathedral towers—are infused with a dash of festive charm by the wintry weather, sparkling trees, and hundreds of fairy lights. For carols, concerts, crafts, and DJs, visit the Fuliranje ("Fooling Around") market. Alternatively, visit Ban Jelačić Sq for some Hrvatsko Zagorje-region wooden toys, licitars (intricately decorated gingerbread hearts), and hot chestnuts.


9. Zürich, Switzerland

Dates: November 21 to December 23, 2024


You believe you have seen every Christmas market? Not like the ones you don't have in Zürich. Switzerland's swankiest city, which is perched on its namesake lake and the Limmat River, goes all out with a frenzy of markets. Explore the historic Niederdorf quarter's alleys for raclette, fondue, and mulled wine; ride an e-bike to illuminate the enormous tree on the main station concourse; or visit the Sechseläutenplatz Christmas village to find presents in the 100 chalets arranged in front of the opera house. The cherry on top of the celebration is the Singing Christmas Tree on Werdmühleplatz, which is made up of choir members in red beanies who sing gospel and carols every day at 5:30 p.m.


10. Schloss Hellbrunn‏, Austria

Dates: November 21 to December 24, 2024

Need to know: The €7 admission fee includes a hot drink 


Christmas markets glitter all over Austria come Advent, but few are as magical as Hellbrunn Advent Magic held at Salzburg's Schloss Hellbrunn, with carollers, handicraft stalls, a Christmas train ride and petting zoo for kids, and the baroque palace's 24 windows transformed into a giant Advent calendar. A Christmas parade, brass bands, Alphorn blowers, nativity scenes and a veritable forest of 400 twinkling trees make Yuletide here special.  

 

11. Colmar, France

Dates: Dates vary for each market, but broadly they run November 26 to December 23, 2024

Colmar in Alsace, with its half-timbered, gingerbready old town and six distinct Christmas markets, is the place to go if you want to experience the real spirit of Christmas. While antique, art, and craft buyers wander the Ancienne Douane, the children's market is held in the canal-woven Petite Venise, which keeps the kids occupied with its carousel, animated nativity scene, and Santa's letterbox. Great gourmet stocking fillers include kirsch-laced Berawecka fruit cake, spicy Bredele cookies, anise-flavored Springerle biscuits, and Alsatian gingerbread.


12. Nice, France

Dates: November 28, 2024 to January 1, 2025  


Nice is a fantastic option if you want to mix a Christmas store with a dash of southern French flair, even though it often has more bright sky, palm trees, and double figures than snow. With huts offering gifts, crafts, mulled wine, and (this being the upscale Côte d'Azur) champagne and oysters, Jardin Albert 1er fully enters the holiday mood while the stately Promenade des Anglais sparkles with lights. Light festivals, fairground rides, DJ sets, and Santa visits are all commonplace. Additionally, don't pass up the chance to purchase high-quality stocking fillers like honey and Provençal olive oil.


13. Tallinn, Estonia

Dates: November 22 to December 27, 2024


At Christmas, you can pretty much count on snow in Tallinn. A massive tree rises over charming wooden cottages on Raekoja plats (Town Hall Sq), the medieval focal point of the Unesco-listed Old Town, where celebrations are dispersed. Wood carvings, wickerwork, sea grass animals, and hand-knitted caps are among the most popular Estonian crafts. In the evening, Santa Claus frequently makes an appearance. Warm up with hearty Estonian fare like blood sausage and sauerkraut while finding relief from the bitter cold in cafes lighted by candles.


14. Tromsø, Norway

Dates: From mid-November, 2024


The celebrations in Oslo are more extravagant, but if you want to experience the genuine warmth of Christmas and snowglobe-like sights, head farther north to Tromsø, which is located 400 kilometers (248 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. With icy alleys that are wonderfully illuminated and kiosks selling hand-carved presents, woolen hats, gløgg (mulled wine), and the local twist on a kebab (wild mutton in pitta), even bah-humbugs are moved by the magic here. To admire the lights from above, take the Fjellheisen cable car to float over the city, or stomp down to the harbor for the ice rink and Ferris wheel. Here, you can mix a holiday store with dog sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, and northern lights displays. Well, that's cool.


15. Winchester, UK

Dates: November 22 to December 22, 2024


At Winchester's Christmas market, visitors are awed by the towering spires of one of the most magnificent medieval cathedrals in Britain. The market in the cathedral's medieval gardens beckons after a run through the city's elegant Elizabethan and Regency streets. With baubled trees, family craft studios, and timber chalets offering everything from hand-carved music boxes to artisan cheese, bean-to-bar chocolate, and hand-blown glass, it's all extremely tasteful, following the lead of old Germany. Plan your visit to coincide with one of the cathedral's Christmas concerts for even more joy.


16. St Helier, Jersey

Dates: November 21 to December 8, 2024


Supporting local artisans is central to the Genuine Jersey Simply Christmas Market held in St Helier, Jersey. Chestnut trees strung with lights illuminate Royal Sq, and market stalls get shoppers into the festive spirit with mistletoe, real ales, minced pies and locally-made crafts. There'll be live music and entertainment too, bringing visitors all the Christmas spirit they need in one enticing package.


17. Ulm, Germany

Dates: November 25 to December 22, 2024


Have you never heard of Ulm? You're missing a trick, but you're not alone. This stunning city on the Danube, halfway between Munich and Stuttgart, is home to Albert Einstein's birthplace, a massive Gothic cathedral topped by the tallest tower in the world (161 meters/528 feet), and an ancient neighborhood that is half-timbered and braided with canals. Oh, and its Christmas market is amazing, featuring a carousel to ride, a tree adorned with 18,000 lights, a storytelling yurt, 120 shops selling everything from Steiff toys to beeswax candles and tasty snowballs, and a real nativity scene to swoon over.


18. Malmö, Sweden

Dates: Thursdays to Sundays, November 28 to December 22, 2024


A Swedish buffet of Christmas markets, music, and sparkling trees can be found in Malmö. Browse the handcrafted decorations while taking a break to warm up with lussekatter (saffron-flavored buns) or pepparkakor (ginger biscuits) over glögg (mulled wine). Fairtrade, recycled, and antique goods are available in the Gustav Adolf Square market. Put on skates and spin around the outdoor ice rinks in Folkets Park and Raoul Wallenberg's.


19. Berlin, Germany

Dates: November 25 to December 31, 2024

Need to know: Entry costs €2 


With over 80 Weihnachtsmärkte turning on their lights for Advent and shining brightly until the New Year, Berlin amplifies the Christmas festivities. Don't miss WeihnachtsZauber on Bebelplatz, which is hidden behind the imposing State Opera, if you have children with you. With acrobats, dance troupes, ice queens, golden angels, choirs, performers on stilts, and white, star-topped tents selling everything from fine pottery to wood carvings, marzipan, fondue, and schnitzel with champagne, street entertainers create a full-fledged fairy tale. Go to Potsdamer Platz for ice skating, sledding, and mulled wine if you're in the mood for some snow fun.


20. Erfurt, Germany

Dates: November 26 to December 22, 2024


Medieval Erfurt, right in the heart of Germany, is a proper feast at Christmas. The city’s big market is on Domplatz, backdropped by the stately Gothic cathedral (where Martin Luther was ordained) and the three-towered, five-naved Severikirche. For kids, it’s like the Nutcracker come to life, with a 20m-high (65ft) tree, Ferris wheel, carousel, towering Christmas pyramid and nativity scene, enchanted forest, fairy-tale scenes and bakery. Brass bands and choirs enliven crowds as they browse 200 stalls selling pottery, Erzgebirge wood carvings and traditional blue-dyed fabrics. Pause to snack on Thuringian bratwurst and Erfurt Schittchen (the local take on Stollen).


21. Budapest, Hungary

Dates: November 17 to December 31, 2024


The market on stately Vörösmarty tér, which is turned into a sea of gold lights and red-baubled trees, is one of the highlights of the Hungarian capital's Christmas splendor. There are choirs and concerts, workshops for glassblowing, wood carving, and candle making, as well as a parade of charmingly lit wooden chalets where you can purchase Hungarian pottery, needlework, and wood carvings, as well as mézeskalács (honey gingerbread). This nostalgic number is free of tourist crap. Gulyásleves, or goulash soup in a bread bowl, are a great way to warm up. Try to schedule your visit around the Basilica of St. Stephen's candle-lighting ceremony for the massive wreath, which takes place on Sundays throughout Advent at 4 p.m.


22. Freiburg, Germany

Dates: November 21 to December 23, 2024


The vibrant university city of Freiburg, located in Germany's Black Forest, close to the borders of France and Switzerland, has one of the most charming Christmas markets in the nation in its medieval, alley-lined center. On Rathausplatz, where 120 wooden chalets maintain history with local cuisine and crafts, lights shine on the gabled homes. Look around the booths for Black Forest ham, Moravian stars, beeswax candles, sheepskin rugs, and folk crafts and nativity scenes. Glühwein goes nicely with snacks like toasted almonds and regional Langer Rote sausages. Children will love riding the Ferris wheel, baking cookies, and creating candles.


23. Basel, Switzerland

Dates: November 28 to December 23, 2024


Northern Switzerland's Basel, a forward-thinking, art-loving city on the Rhine, is never more charming than around Advent, when a charmingly traditional Christmas market emerges on the old Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, which is surmounted by a cathedral. A revolving Weihnachtpyramide (Christmas pyramid) with nativity scenes, a fantasy carousel, a fairy-tale woodland, snowglobe-strung trees, and shops filled with handmade crafts, decorations, and toys are all in store. Try the grilled sausages, local potato pancakes, and baumstriezel (chimney cake) with mulled wine or hot chocolate for a snack.


24. Vienna, Austria

Dates: November 16 to December 26, 2024


With its palaces and horse-drawn carriages, Vienna is fantasy stuff – and never more than during Advent, when you’re only ever a step away from the next Christmas market. Go for fairground rides, ice skating and mulled wine at the buzzy market in front of the neo-Gothic Rathaus or high-quality crafts at the romantic number in the narrow Biedermeier lanes of Spittelberg. Fairest of the lot, though, is the market on the grounds of Schloss Schönbrunn, with its magnificent tree, choirs, brass bands, carousel, and 80 huts selling everything from nostalgic wooden toys to beeswax candles, felt figurines, Alpine cheese and candied nuts.


25. Brussels, Belgium

Dates: November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025


Brussels resembles the setting of an antique Advent calendar, with its step-gable homes, cobbles, and brightly lit Grand Place. And it's amazing at Christmas. With sound and laser performances, a magnificent tree lighting up the Grand Place, ice and curling rinks, a merry-go-round on Place de Brouckère, and a 200-stall market extending out from Pl Sainte-Catherine, where you can buy stocking fillers, scoff waffles, Belgian beer, and chocolate, Winter Wonders sprinkles the city with fairy dust.


26. Seville, Spain

Dates: November 29 to December 23, 2024


Seville may be more closely linked to sunburn and flamenco than to Father Christmas and snow. However, the lively city of Andalucía boasts warm temperatures, the first oranges ripening on trees in December, and an abundance of festive sparkle. The Feria del Belén, located on Avenida de la Constitución beneath the Gothic, gold-stone Catedral, is the most charming of all the Christmas markets. It specializes in the belén, or nativity scene, and features beautiful and extraordinarily elaborate hand-carved sceneries, figures, and decorations. Convent-made polvorones (almond shortbread biscuits), campanilleros (musical choirs), and lights abound throughout the streets.


27. Gegenbach, Germany

Dates: To be confirmed


Few communities in Germany's Black Forest have a more festive appearance than Gengenbach. When the fairy lights are turned on, the half-timbered old town is truly a snow wonderland, with timber chalets glowing and carollers singing in front of the pink-and-cream Rathaus (Town Hall) from the 18th century. Reserve a place here at 6 p.m. to witness one of 24 windows open, revealing an Advent calendar scenario created by well-known illustrators and painters.


28. Milan, Italy

Dates: To be confirmed  


Milan, the fashion capital of northern Italy, has its own glitzy take on Christmas. Oh Bej is the market leader! Oh Bej! (How lovely! How Beautiful!), which begins at Renaissance Castello Sforzesco, a red-brick fortress, on December 7, 2023 (the Feast of St. Ambrogio). With vendors offering handcrafted toys, flowers, books, artisan-made iron, copper, and brass items, panettone, and firunatt (chestnut strings that resemble necklaces), the Christmas fair has been going strong since 1510. More? You can go snow tubing and skating at the central station, or you can visit the Christmas market that is sparkling beneath the Duomo.

0 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page