The Best Christmas Markets in Europe - Experience the Magical Christmas Spirit
Discover the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2024! Explore atmospheric markets full of stalls, twinkling Christmas lights, historic buildings and local delicacies. From Budapest's Winter Wonderland to Berlin's iconic Christmas market, plan your Christmas holiday now!
Want to read about a specific Christmas market? Here is an overview of the ones we describe later on
Bedste julemarkeder i Europa
- Budapest, Hungary
- Craiova, Romania
- Metz, France
- Poznan, Poland
- Montbeliard, France
- Riga, Latvia
- Govone & Asti, Italiy
- Birmingham, England
- Madeira, Portugal
- Valkenburg, Holland
Best Christmas markets in the Nordics
Scandinavia
Germany
Where to go to find the best Christmas market in Europe
Christmas markets in Europe have a long and proud tradition dating back centuries. Originally, these atmospheric Christmas markets originated as an opportunity to gather around community and celebrate the Advent season with hot drinks, local delicacies and handmade goods. Famous Christmas markets such as the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg are known for their romantic atmosphere with wooden stalls, delicacies such as Glühwein and Nürnberg Rostbratwurst, and impressive Christmas decorations. The colourful stalls, Christmas lights and festive activities contribute to a special atmosphere that helps spread the Christmas spirit across the continent.
In the list below you can learn about the most popular Christmas markets.
The list is based on the European Best Destinations (EBD) survey of Europe's best Christmas markets, with over 590,000 travellers casting their votes.
The list is organised by ranking, with the top rated Christmas market in first place. Each market is carefully selected based on its unique atmosphere, selection of goods and activities, and the overall experience visitors can expect.
1. Budapest, Hungary
The Advent Feast at the Basilica Christmas market in Budapest is the most popular Christmas market in Europe according to EBD research. This enchanting market attracts travellers from all over the world seeking an authentic and magical Christmas travel experience. Located in front of St Stephen's Basilica, this market offers a beautiful display of lights and stunning views of the Basilica. Visitors can enjoy traditional Hungarian specialities, such as goulash soup and delicious cakes, as well as buy handmade souvenirs and unique Christmas gifts in the cosy little stalls. There is also an ice skating rink where you can glide around and enjoy the Christmas music. For those looking for a complete immersion in Christmas coziness, the Advent Feast market is an experience not to be missed.
2. Craiova, Romania
Craiova's Christmas market is a true gem among European Christmas markets and a must-visit for any Christmas enthusiast. Located in the city's main square, Piata Mihai Viteazul, the market offers an enchanting atmosphere filled with Christmas lights and beautifully decorated trees. Local artisans display their traditional products, giving visitors an authentic taste of Romanian culture and crafts.
3. Metz, France
The Metz Christmas Market is known for its magical atmosphere and impressive light installations that illuminate the historic city centre during the Christmas season. Located at Place Saint-Louis, one of the four key areas for the festivities, the Metz Christmas Market offers an impressive selection of local specialities and delicate pastries to tempt every visitor's taste buds. The many stalls offer unique French handmade products, making this market ideal for those looking for authentic and unusual Christmas gifts. In addition to the culinary experiences and shopping opportunities, visitors can enjoy various activities such as ice skating or take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a spectacular view of the illuminated cityscape.
4. Poznan, Poland
The Christmas market in Poznan, also known as "Betlejem Poznanskie", attracts visitors with its charming atmosphere and historic setting. Located in the central Old Market Square and Plac Wolności, the Poznan Christmas Market offers a great mix of tradition and modern Christmas spirit. The market is known for its extensive selection of local handicrafts and culinary delicacies that tantalise the senses of all visitors. Polish specialities such as pierogi and rybny sos are perfect accompaniments to the many Christmas concerts and cultural events. The festive decorations and illuminated Ferris wheel add a magical Christmas atmosphere to the Christmas market, making it an unforgettable destination for those seeking an authentic Polish Christmas experience.
5. Montbeliard, France
The Christmas market in Montbeliard, also known as 'Les Lumières de Noël', is famous for its twinkling Christmas lights that illuminate the historic town like a fairytale. Located in the charming old town, this market offers a unique experience filled with thousands of Christmas lights that create an enchanting atmosphere. Stalls are harmoniously arranged along the traditional streets, offering a rich selection of crafts and gourmet delicacies to delight both the eye and the palate. In addition to the brilliant Christmas lights, Montbeliard's market offers delicious local specialities and handmade decorations, making it an unforgettable destination during the festive season. Visitors are treated to musical performances and cozy activities that invite them to immerse themselves in the warm Christmas spirit while enjoying the scent of cinnamon and hot drinks filling the air.
6. Riga, Latvia
The Riga Christmas Market is a particularly charming experience that takes place in the Old Town of Riga. This historic part of Riga is an enchanting setting for Christmas activities, where the cobbled streets and medieval buildings create an authentic and cozy atmosphere. The market is known for its extensive decorations, and it is said that the idea of decorating Christmas trees actually originated here in Riga, adding a special historical significance to Christmas traditions. Visitors can explore the many stalls offering traditional Latvian delicacies and handicrafts while the smell of pancakes and mulled wine fills the air.
7. Govone & Asti, Italy
"The market of the Magical Christmas Village (Asti-Govone) is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets to be experienced in Europe. Located in the picturesque region of Piedmont, this spectacular market stretches across the cities of Asti and Govone and offers a fairytale Christmas atmosphere that is hard to match. The market is known for its unique decorations and charming set-up that brings the magic of Christmas to life for children and adults alike. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of local delicacies and handmade artwork from the many stalls that adorn the cobbled streets.
8. Birmingham, England
The Birmingham Christmas Market, also known as the Frankfurt Christmas Market, is the largest of traditional German Christmas markets outside of Germany and Austria. This German Christmas market stretches through the heart of the city, from Victoria Square to Centenary Square, and oozes authentic festive charm. With over 100 cozy stalls, there are plenty of opportunities to explore a wide range of traditional goods, from handmade crafts to typical German delicacies such as Bratwurst, Glühwein and Lebkuchen. The market offers a unique mix of festive music and cultural performances, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.
9. Madeira, Portugal
The Madeira Christmas Market, located in the capital Funchal, offers a unique Christmas experience surrounded by the island's lush green landscape and mild climate. In December, the average temperature in Madeira is a pleasant 19°C, making it possible to enjoy the festive season under a warm and cozy sky. The market stretches through the charming streets of Funchal, filled with stalls offering a rich variety of local specialities such as Madeira wine, gingerbread and tropical fruits. Festive lights and colourful decorations adorn the historic streets, while traditional musical performances and cultural events add to the lively atmosphere.
10. Valkenburg, Holland
Valkenburg Christmas Market is considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe and creates a true 'winter wonderland' experience for visitors. Located in the picturesque province of Limburg, this unique market extends underground in the famous marl caves. Valkenburg's Christmas market is famous for its magical atmosphere, where magnificent decorations and cozy stalls fill the historic caves with light and fragrant aromas. The cozy stalls offer a wide range of handmade crafts and local specialties, while visitors can immerse themselves in the numerous activities and events that create a festive Christmas atmosphere. From Santa's Village to exciting theatre performances, Valkenburg Christmas Market is an impressive combination of tradition and creativity that attracts Christmas travelers from all over the world. Valkenburg Christmas Market is one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe, known for its unique underground setting and magical atmosphere.
The best Christmas markets in the Nordics
The Nordics are home to some of the coziest Christmas markets in Europe. If you don't want to travel far for the Christmas markets, we suggest you check out our following list of the best Christmas markets in the Nordics:
The Best Christmas Markets in Scandinavia - Cozy, Snowy Streets and Christmas Spirit
Stockholm - one of the largest Christmas markets in Scandinavia
Stockholm is home to one of the largest Christmas markets in Scandinavia. Here you'll find many stalls selling local produce and traditional Christmas treats, as well as an outdoor ice rink and a cozy winter bar. The market, which is in Gamla Stan, the city's old town, is known for its authentic atmosphere and historic charm. Visitors can enjoy Swedish specialties such as pepparkakor and lussekatter while exploring the many stalls filled with handmade gifts and crafts.
Copenhagen - a cozy Christmas market at Nyhavn
Copenhagen is home to one of the best Christmas markets in Scandinavia. Nyhavn is one of the most popular places to visit, where you can find many stalls selling local goods and traditional Christmas treats. The colourful houses along the canal create a picturesque backdrop for the festive stalls offering everything from handmade Christmas decorations to delicious Danish delicacies like æbleskiver and mulled wine.
Oslo - Christmas in Winterland
"Christmas in Winterland" is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Oslo, offering a mix of Norwegian traditions and international flavours. Located on Rådhusplassen in the city centre, visitors can explore over 30 stalls filled with local specialties and handmade gifts. The large Christmas tree in the centre of the square creates the perfect backdrop for a cozy stroll around the festive stalls.
Helsinki - Market Square Christmas Market
Helsinki offers a magical winter celebration in the heart of the city, known as the "Stortorgets Julmarknad". This popular market takes place in the main square, the central square surrounded by beautiful old buildings. The market offers a wide range of traditional Finnish Christmas products such as handmade decorations and local delicacies. Visitors can also enjoy entertainment such as concerts, theatre performances and an ice rink in the middle of the market. The Market Square Christmas Market is one of the best places to experience the Finnish Christmas tradition and is visited by thousands of people from all over the world every year.
The Best German Christmas Markets - Tradition, Glühwein and Fairytale Christmas Atmosphere
Germany, despite not being mentioned in the previous list, is known for having some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Among these are:
Rostock - Northern Europe's largest Christmas market
The spectacular Christmas market in Rostock is not only the largest Christmas market in Germany, but also in Northern Europe. Every year in the historic Hanseatic city, the charming streets are transformed into a colourful landscape of thousands of sweeping lights and festive decorations that fill the air with a very special atmosphere. The market stretches across several squares, with over 300 stalls offering an impressive array of unique crafts, treats such as candied apples and hot Glühwein, as well as traditional delicacies from the region. Children and adults alike can enjoy a wealth of activities, from fairground rides to entertaining performances.
Nuremberg - Christkindlmarkt
Nuremberg is home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany, known as Christkindlmarkt. The market takes place on the beautiful Hauptmarkt, surrounded by historic buildings and towers from the 14th century. With more than 200 stalls, the market is filled with traditional Christmas goods such as handmade decorations, toys and wooden figures. Visiting the Nuremberg Christmas market also means sampling some of the region's culinary specialties such as Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Glühwein. The annual opening of the market is a big event in the city, with the Kristkind (Christkind), a local Christmas character, officially inaugurating the market with his arrival on a golden carriage.
Berlin - The market at Berlin's Red Town Hall
Berlin is home to one of the largest and most breathtaking Christmas markets, offering an unforgettable experience. The market at Berlin's Red Town Hall is known for its hundreds of stalls lining the festively lit streets. Here you can find everything from traditional German crafts to exquisite local delicacies. A large Ferris wheel stands as a striking landmark, giving visitors a magnificent view of the Christmas-decorated city. The market exudes the classic charm that only a German Christmas market can deliver, with the scent of warm mulled wine and bright lights creating a magical atmosphere. Berlin's Christmas market is a destination that encapsulates both tradition and grand festivity, inviting visitors from near and far to join in the city's lavish Christmas celebrations.
Conclusion
Europe is the perfect place to experience the magic of Christmas. The culture and traditions of different countries create unique and memorable Christmas market experiences that will enchant you with festive decorations, hot drinks and delicious local specialties. So pack your warmest winter jacket and set off on a journey through Europe's best Christmas markets to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year! There are always new markets to discover, so keep an eye out for the small towns and villages - you never know what hidden gems you might find.
We hope this overview of some of Europe's best Christmas markets has given you inspiration for your next trip this festive season!
Tips for your journey
It can make sense to fly to several of the above-mentioned destinations to experience their popular Christmas markets. Below we'll provide some tips for your trip so you can get the most out of your travelling experience.
How to find cheap flights to a Christmas market destination
- Plan well in advance: The sooner you start looking for flights, the more likely you are to find great deals.
- Be flexible with dates and destinations: By being open to different travel dates and destinations, you can increase your chances of finding cheap tickets.
- Visit the Christmas markets already in November: Generally speaking, travelling by plane in November can be cheaper than in December. November is usually off-peak, which means less demand and often lower airfares.
- Check multiple websites: Search different travel websites to compare prices and find the best deal.
- Consider buying tickets directly from the airline: airlines often offer their best prices on their own websites. Plus, by buying direct you can get additional benefits such as free changes or cancellations and loyalty programmes that can save you money on future travel.
In case your flight is delayed or cancelled
he unpredictable nature of winter weather can often lead to cancellations and delays as ice, snow and fog can seriously affect flight safety and operational procedures.
When it comes to flight cancellations and delays, EU-regulation 261/2004sets out rules that protect passenger rights in the EU. According to this regulation, passengers are entitled to compensation, alternative transport or reimbursement if their flight is significantly changed or cancelled without prior notice.
However, getting your eligible compensation from airlines can often be a challenge, even when you're entitled to it. But don't worry, we're here to help. You can apply for compensation here and let us take over so you can have a worry-free experience.
Are you ready to experience the Christmas spirit at Europe's most beautiful Christmas markets? Book your flights now and discover the magic!
