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15 Best Christmas markets in Europe in 2025
Experience the magic of Europe’s 15 best Christmas markets, with practical details to plan your trip. From festive lights to local traditions, here’s your guide to the season’s highlights.
It’s that time of the year again—twinkling lights, the smell of roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine that warms you right up! 🎄✨
From glittering stalls packed with handmade goodies to giant Christmas trees that belong in a fairytale, these Christmas markets in Europe are full-blown winter wonderlands.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, a taste of festive treats, or just want to soak up the Christmas season, this list has you covered.
Here are 15 of the best Christmas markets in Europe to add some sparkle to the holiday season! 🌟
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1. Christkindlesmarkt – Nuremberg, Germany
- Dates: November 29 to December. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with a special opening ceremony on November 29th at 5:30 p.m
- Ticket: Free to enter
- Main attractions: Traditional wooden stalls offering handmade crafts and festive treats.
As you stroll through the best Christmas market in Germany, you’ll find yourself surrounded by rows of charming red-and-white wooden stalls.
There’s so much to explore — handmade ornaments, carved wooden toys, and unique gifts that you won’t find anywhere else. And don’t forget to take in the view.
Climb the steps of the Church of Our Lady to see the market glowing below or hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a nostalgic ride through Nuremberg’s decorated streets.
2. Christkindelsmärik – Strasbourg, France
- Dates: November 27 to December 27
- Ticket: Free to enter
- Main attractions: Over 300 festively decorated stalls offering handcrafted gifts, local delicacies, and holiday decorations.
The Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, France, features over 300 wooden chalets spread across various squares, including Place Broglie, Place Kléber, and around the Strasbourg Cathedral.
If you’re venturing through Europe alone, solo travel in Europe offers plenty of tips to help you make the most of every market visit. At the heart of it all is the Great Christmas Tree, soaring over 98 feet (30 meters) high in Place Kléber.
3. Rathausplatz Christmas Market – Vienna, Austria
- Dates: November 15 to December 26
- Ticket: Free to enter
- Main attractions: 99 festive stalls, ice skating, Tree of Hearts, and a variety of activities designed for kids.
The market’s centerpiece is the iconic Christmas tree, which is gifted to the capital from a different Austrian province each year.
Nearby, the “Tree of Hearts” is a stunning maple-leaved plane tree decorated with around 200 glowing heart-shaped lights.
The glowing hearts symbolize love and togetherness, perfectly aligning with the festive spirit. A reliable Europe travel guide can help you plan your visit to this market and nearby attractions with ease.
4. Old Town Square Christmas Market – Prague, Czech Republic
- Dates: November 30 to January 6
- Ticket: Free to enter
- Main attractions: 78 feet (22 meters) tall tree, traditional Czech delicacies, live entertainment and a Gingerbread village.
The showstopper is a 78-foot-tall Christmas tree, which dazzles visitors with hourly light animations synchronized to Bedřich Smetana’s “Vltava” from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm daily.
You can savor trdelníks (chimney cakes), klobása (grilled sausages), langoš (cheesy flatbread), and roasted meat (šunka), paired with mulled wine or Czech beer.
5. Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market – Cologne, Germany
- Dates: November 18 to December 23
- Ticket: Free to enter
- Main attractions: 150 stalls, traditional delicacies, live performances.
As you wander through Roncalliplatz, you’ll be surrounded by more than 150 wooden stalls offering everything from handcrafted gifts to festive decorations.
Over 100 free performances on the Christmas stage bring the market to life, with carol singing and festive music filling the air.
6. Winter Wonders – Brussels, Belgium
- Dates: November 29 to January 5
- Ticket: Free to enter
- Main attractions: 200 wooden chalets, sound and light show, ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, and cultural performances.
Spanning multiple locations, including the iconic Grand-Place, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Rue de la Madeleine, this event is a must-visit for anyone seeking holiday cheer.
With over 200 wooden chalet stalls, sparkling decorations, and interactive activities, Winter Wonders offers a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and entertainment.
At the heart of the festivities, the Grand-Place dazzles you with its towering 60 feet (20 meters) Christmas tree and life-size Nativity scene. And navigating between locations is a breeze with your phone ready for Europe.
7. Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market – Budapest, Hungary
- Dates: November 15 to December 31
- Ticket: Free to enter
- Main attractions: 100+ stalls, Hungarian specialties and delicacies, live entertainment, interactive workshops, and children’s activities.
Local artisans showcase their craftsmanship at over 100 wooden stalls, offering handmade ceramics, jewelry, wooden toys, and festive decorations.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, live performances are held regularly, featuring folk music, seasonal concerts, and children’s programs.
The market’s central location also makes it a gateway to explore other nearby holiday attractions, like the Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Basilica, which features light shows and an ice rink.
8. Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market – Copenhagen, Denmark
- Dates: November 15th to January 5th
- Tickets: 180–200 DKK (Danish Kroner) ($25 USD –$30 USD) for adults and 90–100 DKK ($12–$15) for children aged 3–7, with free entry for kids under 3.
- Main attractions: 1,000 illuminated Christmas trees, 60 stalls, Tivoli’s classic amusement rides, and Danish holiday treats.
The park is adorned with over 70,000 sparkling ornaments and more than 1,000 illuminated Christmas trees, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Tivoli’s classic amusement rides are transformed for the holiday season. From the historic wooden roller coaster to family-friendly carousels, the rides bring an extra layer of joy to the season.
The ice skating rink invites visitors to glide under twinkling lights, while live performances and concerts throughout the park provide nonstop entertainment.
Children will love exploring the whimsical decorations, meeting Santa Claus, and enjoying the magical atmosphere.
Adults can soak in the stunning views, sample culinary delights, and enjoy the park’s famous fireworks displays, which light up the skies on select evenings.
9. East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market – Edinburgh, Scotland
- Dates: November 15 to January 4
- Ticket: Entry to the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market is free, but attractions like the George Street ice rink (£14.50 or ~$18), Santa’s Stories (£6 or ~$7.50), and the Christmas Tree Maze (£5 or ~$6.25) require tickets.
- Main attractions: 80 stalls, festive rides like Big Wheel and the Star Flyer, and live entertainment.
With around 80 beautifully decorated stalls, there’s plenty to explore. You’ll find handcrafted gifts, bespoke Scottish products, and festive decorations. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique holiday souvenirs or treats.
Families will find smaller attractions and kid-friendly activities to keep little ones entertained. Live music and performances by local artists add to the joyful atmosphere, filling the air with holiday tunes.
10. Town Hall Square Christmas Market – Tallinn, Estonia
- Dates: November 22 to December 27
- Ticket: Free entry to the market
- Main attractions: Handicraft stalls, festive food and drink, live entertainment, and visit Santa’s house.
The Town Hall Square Christmas Market in Tallinn, Estonia, is a magical celebration set in the heart of the city’s medieval Old Town.
At the center of the square stands a towering Christmas tree, a tradition that dates back more than 580 years, making it one of the oldest documented Christmas tree displays in Europe.
Food and drink are a central part of the experience. You’ll find local delicacies like sausages, sauerkraut, gingerbread, and mulled wine (known locally as glögi). Entertainment is constant throughout the market’s duration.
Choirs, dance troupes, and local musicians perform regularly, adding a lively soundtrack to your visit. For children, Santa’s House is a highlight, where they can meet Santa Claus.
11. Salzburg Christkindlmarkt – Salzburg, Austria
- Dates: November 21 to January 1
- Tickets: Free to enter
- Main attractions: 90+ stalls, cultural performances, special programs, and events for children.
The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is a magical celebration of the holiday season, set in the heart of Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town.
Located in the charming Domplatz (Cathedral Square) and Residenzplatz, this market is steeped in tradition, dating back to the late 15th century.
Over 90 beautifully decorated stalls line the square, offering an array of handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and festive decorations.
From intricately carved wooden toys to delicate glass baubles, every item reflects the craftsmanship and tradition of the region.
12. Marienplatz Christmas Market – Munich, Germany
- Dates: November 25 to December 24
- Ticket: Free to enter
- Main attractions: 130+ stalls, costumed parade, workshop offering activities for children.
The scent of roasted almonds, mulled wine, and fresh gingerbread invites you to savor Bavaria’s favorite holiday treats. From warm drinks to hearty snacks, the market is a feast for your senses.
Live music from the New Town Hall balcony fills the square with festive cheer, while the Krampuslauf (Krampus Run) adds a playful nod to Bavarian folklore.
Families can head to the “Himmelswerkstatt,” a workshop for kids to create crafts and enjoy festive activities.
13. Advent in Zagreb – Zagreb, Croatia
- Dates: November 30 to January 7
- Tickets: Events are free, but attractions like the Ice Park (€7 or ~$8) and Merry Christmas Tram (€3 or ~$3.50) require tickets.
- Main attractions: Ban Jelačić Square, Zrinjevac Park, and Grič Tunnel.
Advent in Zagreb, also known as the Zagreb Christmas Market, transforms Croatia’s capital into a festive wonderland. Start your visit at Ban Jelačić Square, where a towering Christmas tree sets the scene.
Feeling adventurous? Glide across the Ice Park at King Tomislav Square, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Watch classical concerts at St. Mark’s Church or catch DJ performances and live shows at Ban Jelačić Square. The Merry Christmas Tram — yes, driven by Santa himself — is a hit with kids! First appearing in 2024, the Festival of Lights will dazzle you with creative displays across the city.
14. Main Market Square Christmas Market – Krakow, Poland
- Dates: November 29 to January 1
- Tickets: Free to enter
- Main attractions: Horse-drawn carriage rides around the square, ice skating, and festive workshops.
Ready to dive into some Polish holiday magic? At Krakow’s Main Market Square, you’ll find rows of stalls packed with handcrafted ornaments, intricate pottery, and embroidered textiles that make for perfect gifts or keepsakes.
Grab a plate of pierogi, savor grilled oscypek cheese with cranberry sauce, or warm up with hearty soup served in a bread bowl. And don’t forget a steaming cup of mulled wine or hot mead—it’s a holiday hug in a cup.
15. Helsinki Christmas Market – Helsinki, Finland
- Dates: November 29 to December 22
- Tickets: Free to enter
- Main attractions: 140+ stalls, seasonal delights, restored merry-go-round, Santa Claus visits, and live performances.
The Helsinki Christmas Market, or Tuomaan Markkinat to the locals, is Finland’s oldest and largest outdoor Christmas market.
Performances by a cappella groups, brass bands, and local musicians fill the air with festive tunes. Sustainability is a key focus here. The market is powered by renewable energy, uses biodegradable tableware, and emphasizes local and organic products.
Tips for visiting the best Christmas markets in Europe
Visiting the best European Christmas markets is a magical experience, but a few smart tips can make your trip even better.
- Visit at the right time: Weekdays or mornings are ideal to avoid crowds. You’ll have more space to browse the stalls and take your time enjoying the festive vibes. Early evenings are perfect for seeing the twinkling lights, but weekends can get packed — especially at popular markets like Nuremberg or Strasbourg.
- Dress warmly and comfortably: Outdoor markets in Europe can be chilly, so layer up! Bring a hat, gloves, and scarf, and wear warm, sturdy shoes for walking on cobblestone streets. For more tips on what to pack for your European adventure, check out this Europe backpacking list.
- Bring essentials: Pack a reusable bag for your purchases — it’s better for the environment and easier to carry gifts. A portable phone charger is a must, especially if you’re using maps, sharing photos, or booking activities online.
- Carry cash and cards: While most stalls accept cards, some traditional vendors still prefer cash. Having both options ensures you won’t miss out on unique finds or tasty treats.
- Stay connected with an eSIM: Reliable internet is a must for finding your way around, checking market details, or sharing your holiday fun. A Holafly Europe eSIM gets you connected across 40 destinations in Europe and 200+ destinations worldwide without needing to swap SIM cards or buy new plans every time you cross a border.
Deck the stalls at Europe’s Christmas markets
Europe’s Christmas markets are the perfect way to dive into the festive spirit, offering something for everyone.
Beyond the gifts and treats, they’re an opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of each destination — whether it’s enjoying local delicacies in Krakow, skating under the stars in Zagreb, or browsing artisan crafts in Helsinki.
To truly immerse yourself in the experience, staying connected is essential. With a Holafly Europe eSIM, you can navigate markets with ease, check schedules, or share your festive moments online — all without relying on patchy public WiFi.
You can tailor your plan based on your travel duration, from 1 to 90 days. Prices start at $6.90 for a single day, and the cost drops to just $1.55 per day for 90 days.
Plus, with 24/7 customer service, Holafly ensures you’re supported every step of the way.
So, snap, share, and sleigh the season with Holafly by your side! 🎄
Don’t let bad WiFi be the Grinch
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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.
