The 22 best Christmas markets in Europe

Often referred to as one of Germany's best markets — if not the best — save Cologne for the end of your itinerary. Many people say it ruins them for other destinations because it’s that good. Like many larger cities, there are actually a few different markets in Cologne, with the main ones of interest to visitors in the Old Town, Neumarkt Square, and in front of the famous cathedral. These are typically open between the second half of November until a day or two before Christmas.

Strasbourg is called the “Christmas Capital of France” for good reason: it has some of the best holiday markets in the country. That, mixed with its location in Alsace, historically a very festive region, means that come December, this is one of the jolliest destinations you could visit. The markets are sprinkled throughout the Old Town, which is very walkable and easy to get around. Markets here are open from the last week of November until Christmas Eve.

Strasbourg’s little brother, you can’t miss the Colmar markets in Alsace! It's an easy day trip, located just a 30-minute train ride away from the larger city. And while Colmar is much smaller, it has an adorable cartoon-like quality to it that is perfect during the holiday season. Colmar Christmas markets are open annually from late November until mid-to-late December.

Vienna has some of the more diverse array of markets in terms of products and themes. There are also numerous pop-up holiday bars sprinkled throughout, and unlike many cities across the continent, the mulled wine comes in numerous flavors. Vienna markets open in mid-November, with many staying open throughout the holidays.

Budapest has four different markets (a more off-beat but increasingly popular holiday market destination). The main one is in Vörösmarty Square, with others in Szentendre, Obuda, and in front of St Stephen’s Basilica. The dates vary from year to year and between markets, but you’ll find something open from mid-November all the way until New Year’s!

Strasbourg might be the most famous Christmas market destination in France, but Metz is a close second. Those in Metz are also among some of the largest in the country, but since it isn’t as famous of a destination, there are fewer crowds. It’s a compact city, so you’ll be able to peruse the five different markets. These run between late November and Christmas Eve. 

Home to one of the largest and oldest Christmas markets in the world, Nuremberg is a must if planning a holiday trip to Germany. The Bavarian town is full of gingerbread-esque buildings that really set the stage for festive cheer. Markets here date back as far as the 17th century. Make sure to visit in December to catch the famous market!

Basel is a lesser-visited city, but come holiday time, it explodes in visitors wanting to soak up its wonderful markets. The location along the Rhine River is perfect for strolling after a mug (or two) of mulled wine! Open annually from late November until a day or two before Christmas.

Belgium isn’t as famous for holiday cheer as, say, France or Germany, but Brussels is home to a wonderful Christmas market. And with hundreds of stalls, you won’t become bored! Open annually from late November until late December, with some through the holidays.

Located in the French Alps, you couldn’t ask for a more magical backdrop for a holiday destination. This adorable (and, to be honest, bougie) ski town is great for those who want to combine time on the slopes with festive markets. Open from mid-December through early January.

Tallinn has become quite a popular Christmas market trip in recent years. Held right in the town square with a large Christmas tree as a backdrop and snow falling most years, it’s a scene out of a snow globe. The Tallinn market is open from the first of December through early January every year.

In the far north of Europe, Helsinki is a great place to enjoy holiday cheer. The market here sells local fish, produce, and crafts and has over a hundred stalls to wander. Open annually from early December until a few days before Christmas.

Sweden’s capital city makes for a terrific stop along any Christmas market trip. It’s a bit out of the way, but it's worth it! Especially if you love a white Christmas, as snow is a frequent visitor in December! Open every year from late November to just before Christmas.

Travelers usually think of Greece as a summer destination and definitely not a place to go to for the holidays. However, Athens has some seriously underrated markets that sell many unique Greek treats! Open from mid-December until New Year’s Day.

Just across the border from Strasbourg, this 17th-century city is the heart of German holiday festivities. With hundreds of stalls and a skating rink beneath the castle, few places beat Heidelberg at Christmas. Markets here are open annually from late November until just before Christmas. 

Zurich has an unfortunate reputation for being a boring city among travelers. However, it has some great Christmas markets set against a breathtaking backdrop of the mountains and lake. You can enjoy markets here between late November and late December.

If bougie ski towns are your thing, or even if you just love a mountain village during the holidays, Annecy is one of the best. Set along the shores of the lake of the same name and the French Alps, stalls here have one of the most beautiful backdrops in all the Christmas Markets. Open from late November until New Year’s.

This smaller Roman city along the Moselle River is unassuming, but Christmastime turns it into a magical holiday destination. Open from late November until just before Christmas. 

Right in the old town center, Krakow markets are food-heavy. Roam from stall to stall, serving up grilled and smoked meats, warming winter soups, and sweet holiday treats. Open every year from late November until New Year’s.

Another underrated holiday destination, you don’t want to miss the markets in Prague. The main ones are in the Old Town Square and the Wenceslas Square. The city is very walkable, and jumping from one market to the next is easy. Open from early December until early January.

Just a short train ride from Brussels is the medieval city of Bruges. The gothic buildings make a moody location for stalls selling local crafts, sweet treats, and, of course, Belgian beer and fries. Bruges Christmas markets are open from late November until early January.

Another location typically thought of for trips during the warmer months, Zagreb actually has some amazing markets. The area where the markets are is largely pedestrian, making a stroll with mulled wine very enjoyable. Open from early December to early January every year.