10 Must See Europe Christmas Markets

These 10 Must See Europe Christmas markets are a timeless tradition, transforming these magnificent cities, with their historic squares and cobbled streets, into winter wonderlands filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and the aroma of mulled wine and freshly baked treats.

Each year, cities across the continent come alive with holiday cheer, offering unique crafts, seasonal foods, and magical settings that capture the ultimate spirit of the season.

From Vienna’s grand Christmas tree to the medieval charm of Tallinn, these must-see Christmas markets are perfect for celebrating the holidays in true European style.

If you have never thought of going to a Christmas Market or why you should even go to one, check out this article on '10 Reasons to Visit a Christmas Market' and it will surely having you book your trip immediately!

Here’s a list of the Top 10 Europe Christmas Markets you won’t want to miss.

1. Vienna, Austria - Vienna Magic of Advent

• Location: Rathausplatz, Vienna City Hall
• Highlights: A grand Christmas tree, artisan stalls, mulled wine, and traditional Austrian foods. Known for its whimsical lights and ice skating rink, this market offers a nostalgic holiday experience.

2. Strasbourg, France - Christkindelsmärik

• Location: Place Broglie and Place de la Cathédrale
• Highlights: Dating back to 1570, this is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. Strasbourg, known as the "Capital of Christmas," fills its streets with hand-carved ornaments, Alsatian wine, and traditional foods like tarte flambée.

3. Cologne, Germany - Cathedral Christmas Market

• Location: Cologne Cathedral
• Highlights: With over 160 stalls set against the stunning Cologne Cathedral, this market is a vibrant place for gingerbread, mulled wine, and festive decorations. Highlights include a large Christmas tree and outdoor concerts.

4. Prague, Czech Republic - Old Town Square Christmas Market

• Location: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square
• Highlights: Famous for its medieval backdrop, the Prague Christmas market offers beautiful handcrafted ornaments, Czech pastries, and a traditional nativity scene. A giant Christmas tree and performances of carols add to the atmosphere.

5. Budapest, Hungary - Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty Square

• Location: Vörösmarty Square
• Highlights: Known for its cozy atmosphere and affordability, Budapest’s Christmas market is filled with Hungarian specialties like chimney cake, goulash, and local wines. The nearby ice rink and light displays add to the experience.

6. Tallinn, Estonia - Tallinn Christmas Market

• Location: Town Hall Square
• Highlights: Set in a charming medieval square, this Christmas market offers an enchanting blend of old-world ambiance and Nordic traditions. Visitors can enjoy Estonian Christmas food and meet Santa’s reindeer.

7. Brussels, Belgium - Winter Wonders

• Location: Grand Place and Sainte Catherine Square
• Highlights: Featuring a light show, a Ferris wheel, and an ice-skating rink, Brussels’ Winter Wonders is a sensory treat. The market offers international cuisines and festive delicacies like Belgian waffles and chocolate.

8. Nuremberg, Germany - Christkindlesmarkt

• Location: Hauptmarkt Square
• Highlights: Nuremberg’s market is renowned for its authentic holiday atmosphere, with stalls selling traditional “Nuremberg Plum People” figurines, lebkuchen (gingerbread), and mulled wine. The Christkind angel opens the market in a famous ceremony.

9. Copenhagen, Denmark - Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market

• Location: Tivoli Gardens
• Highlights: Tivoli transforms into a winter wonderland with Scandinavian decorations, festive lights, and cozy food stalls. Visitors can explore rides, an ice skating rink, and a grand Christmas tree.

10. Edinburgh, Scotland - Edinburgh Christmas Market

• Location: East Princes Street Gardens
• Highlights: Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, this market offers beautiful views of the city and Edinburgh Castle. Highlights include traditional Scottish food, crafts, and a range of family-friendly rides and attractions.

Visiting Europe’s Christmas markets is more than just a holiday outing; it’s a journey through time-honored traditions, each market adding its own unique charm to the festive season.

Whether you're sipping mulled wine by Vienna’s City Hall, exploring artisan crafts in Strasbourg, or indulging in gingerbread in Nuremberg, these markets offer a blend of old-world magic and cultural richness that make the holidays unforgettable.

Each market brings something special to the table, inviting travelers to experience the warmth, light, and joy that define Christmas in Europe.

Whether traveling these markets alone, or with someone, make sure you take your travel essentials with you! You can see my 13 travel essentials here!

So bundle up, and let the sights, sounds, and flavors of these must-see markets make this holiday season truly enchanting!