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Top 10 European Christmas Markets
There’s nothing quite like a European Christmas market to get you in the festive spirit. Picture wooden chalets glowing with fairy lights, the scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts in the air, mugs of mulled wine warming your hands, and carol singers adding to the magic. Whether you’re looking for a romantic winter escape, a family trip full of festive fun, or simply an excuse to browse beautiful gifts with a hot chocolate in hand – a Christmas market break could be just what you need.
Here are 10 of the best Christmas markets in Europe to visit in 2025, each offering something unique and unforgettable.
Top 10 European Christmas Markets
Kraków, Poland
Main Market Square (Rynek Główny): late November – 26 December
Kraków’s Christmas market takes place in the historic Rynek Główny, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Surrounded by grand architecture and lit with festive lights, this market has a fairy-tale atmosphere. Traditional Polish folk art, wooden toys, embroidered goods, and hand-painted baubles fill the wooden stalls. There’s also a strong food focus – think smoked cheeses, grilled sausages, and sweet pastries.
Top Tip: Don’t miss trying Grzaniec Galicyjski, a spiced Polish mulled wine, best enjoyed with a grilled Oscypek (smoked sheep’s cheese) topped with cranberry jam.
Vienna, Austria
Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz: mid-November – 24 December
Vienna transforms into a grand winter wonderland during the festive season. The main market outside the beautiful City Hall (Rathaus) features over 150 stalls selling handcrafted gifts, candles, and gourmet treats. But it’s not just one market – the whole city lights up with smaller themed markets in its palaces and parks. It’s elegant, atmospheric, and oozes classic European charm.
Top Tip: Arrive late afternoon and stay through dusk so you can see the Rathausplatz lit up in all its festive glory – it’s truly magical.
Prague, Czech Republic
Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square: late November – 6 January
Few cities do Christmas quite like Prague. Its gothic towers, baroque buildings, and cobbled streets provide the perfect setting for festive fun. The main markets in Old Town Square and nearby Wenceslas Square are known for their warm atmosphere, live music, and traditional Czech crafts. Expect hearty local food, beautiful decorations, and even a nativity scene with live animals.
Top Tip: Try a fresh Trdelník – a sweet dough pastry baked over open flames and rolled in cinnamon sugar. It’s especially good with Nutella or soft-serve ice cream.
Riga, Latvia
Dome Square Market: late November – early January
Riga claims to have hosted the very first Christmas tree back in 1510 – and it still goes big on festive tradition. Its market in Dome Square is cosy and packed with charm, featuring Latvian folk dancing, warm drinks, and artisan crafts. You’ll find woollen scarves, beeswax candles, wooden toys and lots of local delicacies.
Top Tip: Look out for Rupjmaizes kārtojums, a dessert made from rye bread crumbs, jam, and whipped cream. Sounds odd, tastes amazing.
Berlin, Germany
Gendarmenmarkt & Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church: late November – early January
With more than 60 markets dotted around the city, Berlin is a festive playground. The Gendarmenmarkt offers a more upmarket experience with live classical music, gourmet food, and traditional crafts, while the market at Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is ideal for families. There's also a dedicated LGBTQ+ Christmas Avenue and eco-friendly markets.
Top Tip: Each market has a different flavour, so visit a few. Start with a sizzling Bratwurst, then head to a quieter market for something truly unique like glass-blowing demos or hand-carved decorations.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market: mid-November – 31 December 2025
Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, and it becomes even more magical at Christmas. Thousands of fairy lights decorate the gardens, and the Christmas market inside feels like something from a Hans Christian Andersen story. Expect Danish pastries, carousels, cosy cafés, and Scandinavian-style crafts.
Top Tip: Try a steaming mug of gløgg – Danish mulled wine with raisins and almonds – while admiring the festive lights reflected on Tivoli Lake.
Budapest, Hungary
Vörösmarty Square & Basilica Market: mid-November – early January
Budapest offers two standout Christmas markets: one in Vörösmarty Square, and the other in front of the stunning St Stephen’s Basilica. You’ll find locally made leather goods, felt hats, pottery, and gourmet Hungarian food like goulash and chimney cake. It’s a festive feast for all the senses, with live music, folk dancing, and a giant Advent calendar projected onto the Basilica.
Top Tip: Time your visit for the evening 3D light show on the Basilica’s façade – it’s a visual spectacle and totally free.
Strasbourg, France
Christkindelsmärik: late November – 31 December
Strasbourg proudly calls itself the "Capital of Christmas", and it lives up to the name. Its Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it one of Europe’s oldest markets. The entire city centre is transformed with lights, 300+ chalets, nativity scenes, and festive concerts. The half-timbered houses and canals add an extra layer of charm.
Top Tip: Pick up a bag of Bredele, traditional Alsatian Christmas biscuits baked in dozens of different shapes and flavours – perfect for gifts (or for yourself!).
Cologne, Germany
Cathedral Christmas Market: late November – 23 December
Cologne’s market outside its iconic twin-spired cathedral is one of Germany’s most famous. A towering Christmas tree stands centre stage, surrounded by dozens of red-roofed stalls. Expect traditional German food, Christmas gifts, and plenty of local Kölsch beer. There are also smaller themed markets scattered around the city including a medieval-style market and a harbour-themed one.
Top Tip: Sample a Reibekuchen (potato fritter) with apple sauce – a deliciously crisp and warming treat.
Gdańsk, Poland
Targ Węglowy (Coal Market Square): late November – 23 December
Often overlooked in favour of Kraków, Gdańsk is a hidden gem when it comes to festive escapes. Its beautifully restored old town, with colourful facades and cobbled streets, provides a charming backdrop for one of Poland’s most atmospheric Christmas markets. Set in the heart of the city on Targ Węglowy (Coal Market Square), the market features rows of twinkling wooden stalls selling local crafts, winter woollens, and seasonal treats. You’ll also find a life-sized nativity scene, a Venetian-style carousel, and even a festive post office to send letters to Santa.
Top Tip: Try piernik – Polish gingerbread, often intricately decorated and sold in festive shapes – and wash it down with a mug of hot Grzaniec from a boot-shaped cup you can keep as a souvenir.
Plan Your Perfect Festive Break with Your Co-op Travel
Europe’s Christmas markets are more than just places to shop – they’re about tradition, food, culture and magical memories. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or adding festive cheer to a winter holiday, we can help create the perfect getaway.