The most magical Christmas markets to eat, drink and be merry
What’s that smell? When the aromas of gingerbread, cinnamon and mulled wine waft into your chilly nostrils, it can only mean one thing… it’s Christmas! And there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit than at a colourful Christmas market. We’ve scoured the continent to bring you an epic list of the 20 best Christmas markets in Europe. From tasty bites to fairy lights, these festive havens are the perfect excuse for a memorable winter city break. Find out where to go, when they open, and how you can seamlessly explore these magical cities.
Germany
Berlin
Now, let’s kick off with one of the big players in the Christmas market–er, market. Berlin is the Christmas market capital of the world! In the jolly German capital, you’ll find not one, not two, but over 80 Berlin Christmas markets! One of the best-known is the Gendarmenmarkt. This twinkling beauty takes place in the 18th-century Gendarmenmarkt square. The grand Deutscher Dom cathedral and the elegant French Cathedral (Französischer Dom) overlook the fun from either end of the square. Lit up at night, it’s quite a sight to behold.
And what can you buy? Well, a better question to ask might be, what can’t you buy? From crazy Christmas ornaments to mammoth-tusk jewellery to beeswax candles, you won’t be short on gift ideas. Presents aside, make sure you arrive with an empty belly! This market offers a scrumptious smorgasbord fit for Santa. You’ll be glugging on Glühwein and binging on bratwurst like a true local.
The sheer size of the city means exploring can be tough, but our Hop-On Hop-Off Berlin bus tour provides the perfect vantage point and easy access to top sights and central areas near many of the city’s markets. Find more about things to do in Berlin and how to purchase your tickets.
Location: Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Opening/Closing: Visit the Berlin Christmas markets from the 27th November to the 7th January.
Hours: Check local listings, typically 11:00 – 22:00.
Cost: There’s a small entry fee (€2) for Gendarmenmarkt; most others are free.
Nuremberg
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of Germany’s most famous and traditional. It is renowned for its strict commitment to authentic local products, meaning only traditionally made goods are allowed to be sold. Located in the beautiful Hauptmarkt, the market is famous for its Nuremberg Rostbratwurst (small sausages) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). The opening ceremony, led by the Christkind (a young girl in a golden robe), is a spectacular event.
- Location: Hauptmarkt, 90403 Nürnberg
- Opening/Closing: Open from 1st December to 24th December.
- Hours: 10:00 – 21:00 (daily).
- Cost: Free entry.
Dresden
Dresden is home to the Striezelmarkt, which is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, dating back to 1434. The market is named after the famous Dresden Christstollen (a German fruit bread). It features a 14-meter-high Christmas pyramid and a festive, historic atmosphere focused on preserving Saxon craft traditions. A true cornerstone of German Christmas culture.
- Location: Altmarkt, 01067 Dresden
- Opening/Closing: Open from 29th November to 24th December.
- Hours: 10:00 – 21:00 (daily).
- Cost: Free entry.
United Kingdom
London
London at Christmas is like stepping into a Charles Dickens novel. One of the jolliest spots to experience festive fun and frolics for the family is Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. It’s all about busy market stalls, exciting rides and cozy Bavarian-style beer halls.
For a slightly more tranquil Christmas market experience, head to the charming Southbank Centre market. Set along the scenic banks of the River Thames, this classy market offers breathtaking views of the city’s major landmarks. Marvel at the London Eye and the Shard as you do your pre-crimbo present shopping.
No snacking beforehand! You’ll want to leave room for warm mince pies, creamy hot chocolate and the ubiquitous spicy mulled wine. The best way to cover all the city’s festive hotspots is via our Hop-On Hop-Off London tour, which also offers an option to add a Thames River Cruise for a different view of the illuminated city. Don’t forget to check out all the amazing London activities on offer during your festive visit.
- Location Winter Wonderland: Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
- Location Southbank: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 8XX
- Opening/Closing: Visit London’s cracking Christmas markets between the 17th November and the 1st January (Winter Wonderland and Southbank dates can vary slightly).
- Hours: Winter Wonderland: 10:00 – 22:00; Southbank: 11:00 – 22:00.
- Cost: Prices vary according to the time and day you want to attend Winter Wonderland; Southbank is generally free.
Edinburgh
Hold on to your (woolly) hats because Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are as chilly as the end of a snowman’s nose. The East Princes Street Gardens market, in the heart of the capital’s historic centre, could not be more atmospheric. It’s surrounded by iconic Edinburgh Castle, the Gothic Scott Monument, and the Big Wheel which is, well, big! Scotland’s largest ferris wheel is a whopping 46 metres tall. The views of Edinburgh’s famous skyline are the next best thing to getting a ride in Santa’s sleigh.
If you want to take in even more festive sights around the city, hop on an Edinburgh bus tour for panoramic views and a warm seat up top. Your wee ones will be excited to have Santa read them a story. Lace up your skates and show off your moves on the ice rink! Or just wander around, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the Christmas lights. Alongside the traditional Christmas fare, you’ll find some more unusual local offerings. If you’ve never tried the Scottish delicacy haggis, now’s your chance! Yule love it! Explore all Edinburgh experiences while you’re there.
- Location: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2EJ
- Opening/Closing: The Christmas market is open from the 17th November until the 6th January.
- Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (Check peak times, as waiting lines can form).
- Cost: There is no charge to enter!
Spain
Barcelona
Barcelona also has its own take on Christmas, and this one will appeal to the toilet humour of every young child. Tio Caga (the pooping log) is a hilarious Catalunyan Christmas character. He’s a small, smiley wooden log wrapped in a blanket. Children beat him with a stick and he poos out presents.
The best Barcelona Christmas market to pick up your own personal poo log is Fira de Santa Llúcia. This is the oldest, biggest and most impressive of Barcelona’s Christmas markets, located right in front of the spectacular Gothic Cathedral. 192 stands sell anything and everything from trinkets to tambourines and Christmas crafts to candles. You’ll find the full complement of Christmas trimmings here. And with live music performances and bustling crowds, the Fira de Santa Llúcia market brims with energy and excitement.
Don’t miss out on seeing all the incredible architecture the city has to offer by taking a Hop-On Hop-Off Barcelona tour, which is a fantastic way to reach the main festive zones while staying warm. Browse all the other exciting Barcelona tours and attractions we offer.
- Location: Avinguda de la Catedral, 08002 Barcelona
Opening/Closing: Barcelona’s Christmas markets start on the 24th November and continue until the 6th January.
Hours: 10:00 – 21:00.
Cost: Entry is free!
Madrid
For a truly traditional Spanish Christmas market experience, Madrid is the place to be. The Plaza Mayor Christmas Market is the city’s most famous and historic market, dating back to the 17th century. While you won’t find Glühwein, you will find turrón, nativities, jokes, and prank items (a Spanish tradition around Día de los Inocentes). This market is less about crafts and more about festive decorations, nativity scene figurines (belenes), and hilarious costume elements. The atmosphere is vibrant, with the stunning Baroque architecture of the Plaza Mayor creating an unforgettable backdrop. It’s the perfect place to feel the local Christmas spirit.
Make sure to combine your market visit with a comprehensive Madrid Panoramic Tour to see the city’s festive lights and most beautiful sights. You can also discover more about festive events in our dedicated post on Madrid in December. Explore all Madrid sightseeing options on our main city page.
- Location: Plaza Mayor, 28012 Madrid, Spain
- Opening/Closing: Typically open from 24th November to 31st December.
- Hours: 10:00 – 21:00 (weekdays); 10:00 – 22:00 (weekends and holidays).
- Cost: Free entry.
Denmark
Copenhagen
More Christmas merriment awaits at the hygge-filled wonderland of Copenhagen’s Christmas markets. There aren’t many cities more Christmassy than the delightful Danish capital. Fittingly, their range of markets is wide. There are plenty of free Christmas markets, but if you’re willing to pay the entry fee, you’ll get access to the crown jewel of Christmas markets: Tivoli Gardens.
And it’s worth it to see the cute gingerbread houses, snow-covered trees and more than 70,000 Christmas baubles lighting up the night sky. Choose from around 60 stalls bursting with any Christmas decoration, snack, sweet or hot drink your heart could desire. Indulge in some hot cocoa, dig into a flaky æbleskiver (a traditional Danish pastry), and then work it all off with a skating session on the ice-skating rink.
To get to Tivoli and other central areas, our Hop-On Hop-Off Copenhagen bus tour is the perfect choice for convenience and comfort. Check all your Copenhagen tour options here.
- Location: Tivoli Gardens, Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København
- Opening/Closing: It’s open every day from the 19th November to the 31st December.
- Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11:00 – 23:00; Fri-Sat: 11:00 – 24:00.
- Cost: Get a ticket to Tivoli Gardens to enter their Christmas markets!
Hungary
Budapest
You’ might not bump into Father Christmas at the Budapest Christmas market. But if you play your (Christmas) cards right, you could find yourself accompanied by the heavenly sounds of a Hungarian choir.
If you decide to travel to the vibrant capital to pick up some festive goodies and last-minute presents, you’ll be glad you did. The Budapest Christmas markets have been voted some of the most affordable in Europe!
One of the best is the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square, heaving with handmade toys and homemade handicrafts. Festive fare is plentiful and wide-ranging. From goulash served in a hollowed-out bread roll to Hungarian honey cookies to stuffed cabbage rolls, you won’t be left “hungary”!
Don’t miss the second major market at St. Stephen’s Basilica, with its spectacular light show and ice rink. Discover all the historic sights and stunning architecture of the Hungarian capital with our comfortable Hop-On Hop-Off Budapest tour, perfect for a cold winter’s day. Find out more about Budapest tours and activities here.
- Location Vörösmarty: Vörösmarty tér, 1051 Budapest Location St. Stephen’s: Szent István tér 1, 1051 Budapest
- Opening/Closing: The Vörösmarty Christmas market opens on the 17th November and closes on the 1st January.
- Hours: Sun-Thurs: 10:00 – 21:00; Fri-Sat: 10:00 – 22:00.
- Cost: Entry to the Christmas markets is free.
Iceland
Reykjavik
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, you might well get one in Reykjavik. With an average snowfall of 17.8 centimetres during December, the chances are pretty high! The Christmas Village in Ingólfstorg Square is where you’ll find stalls offering local crafts and lipsmacking Icelandic delicacies. These include smoked lamb and kleina (traditional twisted doughnuts). Iceland has a unique twist on the holiday season festivities, celebrating a group of thirteen mischievous trolls known as the Yule Lads. Keep your eyes peeled for these merry troublemakers as you explore the markets!
Want to explore beyond the market? A Reykjavik bus tour is a great way to take in the festive sights of the city and reach places like Hallgrímskirkja or the Perlan dome without braving the icy uphill walks. You can check routes and buy tickets for all Reykjavik tours here.
- Location: Ingólfstorg Square, 101 Reykjavík
- Opening/Closing: The Christmas Village is open every day from the 1st December until the 23rd December.
- Hours: 12:00 – 22:00.
- Cost: Entry to the Christmas markets is FREE!
Czech Republic
Prague
Prague simply oozes Christmas spirit. And its Christmas markets exude a fairytale charm that is second to none. The Old Town Square Christmas Market is picture perfect. It has a stunning backdrop of Gothic architecture and the scent of freshly baked gingerbread floating through the crisp winter air. Explore the wooden huts selling handmade crafts, gaze at the enormous Christmas tree and pick up some delicate glass ornaments. As for culinary delights, the star of the show is the traditional Christmas fish soup. You’ll be looking for a cup of Christmas cheer, which in Prague is svařák, a traditional mulled wine, or hot honey wine. You can also indulge in Czech festive treats like trdelnik, a sweet pastry.
Don’t forget to check out the equally beautiful market in Wenceslas Square, easily accessible via the Hop-On Hop-Off Prague route, which connects you to all the city’s key points of interest. Discover all your Prague activity options today.
- Location Old Town Square: Staroměstské náměstí, 110 00 Praha
- Opening/Closing: The old town square market is open every day from the 25th November to the 30th December.
- Hours: 10:00 to 22:00.
- Cost: Entry is free!
Sweden
Stockholm
Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan) hosts the most famous market, the Stortorgets Julmarknad. This small, charming market is nestled in the main square of the Old Town, surrounded by beautiful, colourful merchant houses. It’s perfect for sampling traditional Swedish Christmas treats like pepparkakor (ginger snaps) and glögg (mulled wine). The historic setting and snow-covered cobblestones make it a truly enchanting Nordic experience.
To make sure you see all the festive sights across the islands of the Swedish capital, consider using our Hop-On Hop-Off Stockholm tour. Explore all our amazing City Sightseeing destinations for your next adventure.
- Location: Stortorget, Gamla Stan, 111 29 Stockholm
- Opening/Closing: Open from 25th November to 23rd December.
- Hours: 11:00 – 18:00 (daily).
- Cost: Free entry.
Poland
Warsaw
Warsaw might be the ultimate Christmas city. Its Christmas market in the Old Town Square is straight out of a winter fairy tale. As you stroll through its cobblestone streets, admire the Royal Castle and the medieval city walls. Its incredibly picturesque round ice rink encircles the mermaid statue. Polish cuisine, naturally, takes centre stage. Munch on mouthwatering pierogi, steaming bowls of bigos and delectable oscypek (smoked sheep’s cheese).
The best way to cover the historic Old Town and the modern city sights is with our Hop-On Hop-Off Warsaw tour, which stops near the main square and allows you to enjoy the festive atmosphere without the worry of navigating on foot. Plan your Warsaw city break easily.
- Location: Old Town Square, plac Zamkowy, 00-262 Warszawa
- Opening/Closing: Warsaw’s Old Town Square Christmas market opens on the 26th November and closes on the 7th January 2024.
- Hours: 11:00 – 21:00 (daily).
- Cost: It’s free to enter!
Netherlands
Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s Christmas markets offer a unique, vibrant atmosphere different from the traditional German style, often tied in with the city’s famous Light Festival. The Ice Village at Museumplein is one of the city’s most charming markets, complete with a large ice rink and stalls set against the backdrop of the Rijksmuseum. Here, you can find unique Dutch Christmas gifts, warm up with oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) and poffertjes (mini pancakes), and enjoy a festive beverage.
For a comprehensive way to see the city’s dazzling winter displays and easily navigate between the market and attractions like Dam Square and the Anne Frank House, consider our Hop-On Hop-Off Amsterdam bus and boat combination tour. Explore all available Amsterdam excursions for your visit.
- Location: Museumplein, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
- Opening/Closing: The Ice Village is usually open from mid-December until late December (exact dates vary).
- Hours: 11:00 – 20:00 (daily).
- Cost: Free entry to the market.
France
Strasbourg
Often crowned the “Capital of Christmas”, Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik is one of the oldest and most famous in Europe, dating back to 1570. The market is spread across several areas in the city centre, with the most magnificent display centred around the Place de la Cathédrale and the gigantic Christmas tree in Place Kléber. Stroll through the charming wooden chalets to find Alsatian crafts, traditional decorations, and mouthwatering local treats like bredele (Christmas cookies) and vin chaud (mulled wine). Its historic significance and sheer size make it a quintessential European Christmas experience.
- Location: Place de la Cathédrale and Place Kléber, 67000 Strasbourg
- Opening/Closing: Open from 24th November to 24th December.
- Hours: 11:30 – 21:00 (daily).
- Cost: Free entry.
Colmar
Nestled in the heart of the Alsace wine region, Colmar looks like it was plucked straight from a fairytale, making its Christmas markets exceptionally magical. Actually, there are six separate markets tucked into the small town’s picturesque squares, each with its own special atmosphere. The blend of half-timbered houses, canals, and stunning lights creates a breathtaking visual experience. Look for regional specialties, artisan toys, and beautifully crafted ceramics. Colmar is a destination that truly captures the magic and tradition of a European Christmas.
- Location: Six markets, including Place Jeanne d’Arc and Place de l’Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar
- Opening/Closing: Open from 23rd November to 29th December.
- Hours: Mon-Thurs: 10:00 – 19:00; Fri-Sun: 10:00 – 20:00.
- Cost: Free entry.
Austria
Vienna
Vienna, the land of waltzes and Baroque splendor, hosts over 20 different official Christmas markets. The largest and most spectacular is the Vienna Christmas Dream at City Hall Square (Rathausplatz). The square is transformed into a sparkling wonderland with a huge ice rink, a carousel, and hundreds of stalls selling unique gifts and culinary delights. Don’t forget to try the Punsch (a stronger version of mulled wine) and the roasted chestnuts. The elegant architecture of the city hall provides a stunning backdrop for this essential festive experience.
- Location: Rathausplatz, 1010 Wien
- Opening/Closing: Open from 10th November to 26th December.
- Hours: 10:00 – 21:30 (daily).
- Cost: Free entry.
Salzburg
Known as the home of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt on Cathedral and Residenz Square is one of the oldest in the world. The stunning cathedral, the medieval fortress, and the sounds of traditional choirs make this market incredibly atmospheric. It is the perfect place to shop for authentic crafts, blown glass, and local delicacies like Lebkuchen (gingerbread). The proximity to the Alps adds a beautiful, snowy touch to the whole experience.
- Location: Domplatz and Residenzplatz, 5020 Salzburg
- Opening/Closing: Open from 23rd November to 1st January.
- Hours: Mon-Thurs: 10:00 – 20:30; Fri: 10:00 – 22:00; Sat: 9:00 – 22:00; Sun: 9:00 – 20:30.
- Cost: Free entry.
Belgium
Brussels
The Plaisirs d’Hiver (Winter Wonders) in Brussels is one of the largest and most exciting markets in Belgium. Spanning nearly 2km, the market stretches from the Grand-Place (with its spectacular light show) to the Place Sainte-Catherine. It features over 200 chalets, an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and a spectacular sound-and-light show. Warm up with a Belgian beer or a glass of Glühwein and indulge in world-famous Belgian waffles and fries. This market is a feast for the senses and a true European capital experience.
Location: Grand-Place to Place Sainte-Catherine, 1000 Brussels
Opening/Closing: Open from 24th November to 31st December.
Hours: 12:00 – 22:00 (daily).
Cost: Free entry.
Bruges
Bruges’ Christmas market, or Winter Glow, is famous for its stunning medieval setting. The main market is held in the historic Grote Markt (Main Square), surrounded by beautifully preserved guild halls. The market’s charm is undeniable, with traditional wooden stalls, a large ice-skating rink, and festive lights reflecting off the canals. It offers a more intimate and romantic setting than the larger capital city markets, focusing on artisan crafts and local specialties.
- Location: Grote Markt, 8000 Brugge
- Opening/Closing: Open from 24th November to 7th January.
- Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11:00 – 20:00; Fri-Sat: 11:00 – 22:00.
- Cost: Free entry.
Italy
South Tyrol - Bolzano
Experience the unique blend of Italian flair and Tyrolean tradition in the South Tyrol region. The Bolzano Christkindlmarkt is the largest and oldest in Italy, taking place in the beautiful Piazza Walther. The market reflects the region’s dual Austrian/Italian heritage, offering high-quality handicrafts, local wines, and South Tyrolean delicacies like Zelten (fruit bread) and various types of strudel. Its stunning alpine setting makes it a breathtakingly beautiful place to celebrate the festive season.
- Location: Piazza Walther, 39100 Bolzano (Bozen)
- Opening/Closing: Open from 24th November to 6th January.
- Hours: 10:00 – 19:00 (daily).
- Cost: Free entry.
Croatia
Zagreb
Recently voted the “Best Christmas Market in Europe” multiple times, Zagreb’s Advent market is a must-see. The festive atmosphere is spread across various squares, with the main attractions being the ice rink in King Tomislav Square and the live music and food stalls in Ban Jelačić Square. Zagreb offers a more contemporary and highly curated experience than some of the older markets, with a huge focus on excellent food, creative lighting, and a joyous street-party vibe.
Location: Ban Jelačić Square and King Tomislav Square, 10000 Zagreb
Opening/Closing: Open from 2nd December to 7th January.
Hours: 10:00 – 23:00 (daily).
Cost: Free entry.
Jingle all the way to a Christmas market
So, we’ve come to the end of our comprehensive list of the 20 best Christmas markets in Europe! And it’s pretty clear that, if you’re looking to get in the Christmas mood, nowhere will you feel merrier than at one of these markets, basking under twinkling lights, sipping on a mulled wine and perusing local goodies. The markets are the perfect excuse to have a winter city break in one of these fantastic destinations! Planning your route and navigating the city to see all the festive sights couldn’t be easier by combining your visit with one of our City Sightseeing [Hop-On Hop-Off tours]([Enlace a página general de HOHO si existe o a la home]). So, don your woolliest hat, bundle up and start planning your perfect European Christmas Market trip today! See all City Sightseeing destinations here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It’s hard to pick just one country as the best for Christmas markets, as many European countries are renowned for their spectacular offerings. Germany is famous for its large, traditional markets like Nuremberg and Dresden. Austria (Vienna, Salzburg) offers Baroque elegance. For sheer magic, France’s Alsatian markets (Strasbourg, Colmar) are unbeatable. And, for a contemporary buzz, Croatia’s Zagreb has been a recent favourite. The best country depends entirely on the atmosphere and specific traditions you are looking for!
Most markets feature live music, traditional choirs, ice skating rinks, and visits from Santa (or local equivalents like the Yule Lads in Iceland or the Christkind in Germany). You’ll also find craft demonstrations, large festive trees, and spectacular lighting displays.
Absolutely. Most markets are incredibly family-friendly, offering carousels, Ferris wheels (like the one in Edinburgh), and dedicated children’s sections. Many, such as Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, offer specific activities and attractions aimed at younger visitors.
Many of the best Christmas markets, especially in major capitals like London, Berlin, or Prague, are located near key landmarks or in central squares. Using a Hop-On Hop-Off tour is often the easiest and warmest way to travel between these festive locations, as the bus routes connect the main points of interest, allowing you to alight right near the markets and hop back on when you are ready to move on.
While all European markets offer excellent festive fare, Germany remains the gold standard for traditional Christmas market gastronomy. Look for Glühwein (mulled wine) and Bratwurst in Germany (Nuremberg, Dresden, Berlin), or try the distinctive Trdelník (sweet pastry) in Prague. For a unique experience, don’t miss the Oliebollen (doughnuts) in Amsterdam or the hearty Goulash in Budapest.