The Best European Christmas Markets You Should Visit!

There’s something truly special about Christmas markets. The air is filled with the sounds of festive music, the warm scent of mulled wine and sweet treats wafts through the crowd, and you’re bundled up in cozy layers, feeling the winter chill while soaking in the magic all around you. It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just enjoy the moment.

If you’re dreaming of a proper holiday experience, nothing beats visiting a traditional Christmas market in Europe. These markets are only around for a few weeks each year, but they’ve become a beloved part of the season’s charm. Whether you’re shopping for handmade gifts, sampling delicious local treats, or simply taking in the twinkling lights and festive displays, there’s something about being at a Christmas market that makes the holiday season feel truly special.

Here are some of our favorite European Christmas markets, perfect for immersing yourself in the magic of the season:

Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland 24^th November 2024 – 23^rd December 2024

Basel – The Basel Christmas market

At Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, Basel offers what is probably the most famous Christmas market in Switzerland. With arts and crafts stalls, twinkling lights and culinary delights, it is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. pic.twitter.com/XOiDOfGWfx

— Gabriel Gray (@unfilteredGray) November 28, 2024

The Advent Basilica, Budapest, Hungary
15^th November 2024 – 1^st January 2025

🥇🏆Renowned culture and travel portal @ebdestinations has named the 🇭🇺#Budapest Advent Basilica Christmas Market the Best European🎄 #Christmas Market of All Time.👏👇https://t.co/MzjUyKaSXZ

— Hungarian Conservative (@hu_conservative) December 3, 2024

Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, France
16^th November 2024 – 5^th January 2025

Christmas market in Paris… Tuileries Garden 💜💜💜 pic.twitter.com/73nHqXN2Rr

— Lady Dominion (@LadyDominion5) November 28, 2022

Weihnachtsmarkt, Hamburg City Hall, Germany
21^st November 2024 – 23^rd December 2024

Hamburg Christmas Market 2022 pic.twitter.com/1MjEzy9mJb

— Ely Guimarães (@Ely_Guimaraes) December 2, 2022

Old Town Square Christmas Market Prague, Czech Republic
30^th November 2024 – 6^th January 2025

Of course, it would be churlish not to visit the Old Town Square Christmas market in #Prague – but there are lots of other fun festive spots in the Czech capital.

Here are my updated insider tips: https://t.co/ZIreiUunx3 pic.twitter.com/aFdAQASMhP

— Jenny Elliott | Travel and Culture Writer (@thelittleadven) December 1, 2022

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, Austria
15^th November 2024 – 23^rd December 2024

Vienna is one of my favourite European cities and Vienna's Christmas markets will certainly get you in the festive mood. The Christmas Village Belvedere Palace sits beside the beautiful baroque palace, which provides a magical backdrop to the festive fun. pic.twitter.com/qO1hdDdg4N

— Katrina Smith (@katrina_Travel) November 27, 2019

Brussels Winter Wonders, Belgium
22^nd November 2024 – 1^stJanuary 2025

Enjoy a festive tour of the Winter Wonders in Brussels. See the city's biggest Christmas market and enjoy the lights around the city.#instatravel #travelgram #christmas #virtualtravel #accesibletravel #brussels #corporateculture #employeeperks #holidayevents #christmasmarket pic.twitter.com/LsE9qzG3wJ

— Beeyonder Virtual Travel (@BeeyonderTravel) November 30, 2022

Helsinki Christmas Market, Finland
1^st December 2024 – 22^ndDecember 2024

Vogue knows what’s ❄️ cool ❄️ and names #Helsinki Christmas Market as one of the Best European Christmas Markets to Visit This Winter! What are you waiting for? #visithelsinki #finland #christmas @voguemagazine https://t.co/r8MgC1RUky

— Visit Helsinki (@VisitHelsinki) December 2, 2022

Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market, Copenhagen, Denmark
18^th November 2024 – 31^stJanuary 2025

*New Travel Blog Post*

Tivoli Gardens at Christmas 🎄

Visiting one of Copenhagen’s top attractions as it transforms into a Winter Wonderland ❄️ https://t.co/dKTmBxN6hB

— Hannah – Zeshlife (@zeshlife) December 2, 2022

Christkindlmarkt, Salzburg, Austria
21^st November 2024 – 1^stJanuary 2025

#Christmas #Markets in #Europe 🧵

🇦🇹#Salzburg #Austria
🗓17 Nov – 1 Jan 2023
📍Hellbrunner Adventzauber & Salzburger Christkindlmarkt

The hometown of Mozart comes alive with stalls that look same like they did in the 15th century.

2/n#DakuKaGyaan pic.twitter.com/jY3ZC7GdGM

— Backpacking Daku (@outofofficedaku) October 21, 2022