The Best Christmas Markets in Europe
The countdown to Christmas has officially begun: our festive knitwear is back in rotation, the fairy lights are up and, yes, we've already polished off our first batch of mince pies in the office. Naturally, all this seasonal cheer has us scribbling out our winter wish list, with a visit to the Christmas markets in Europe sitting right at the top (and underlined twice for good measure). So, dreaming of a white Christmas? Read on for our Santa-approved shortlist of the best Christmas markets in Europe...
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Budapest, Hungary
- Vienna, Austria
- Krakow, Poland
- Berlin, Germany
- Strasbourg, France
- London, UK
Prague, Czech Republic
We’re kicking things off with a bang – or rather, the pop of a Christmas cracker (sorry) – in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
Gothic at heart, even the city’s moodiest corners embrace the festive spirit come wintertime, as bedazzled ornaments and evergreen garlands lead the way to Christmas markets. Hosted in the Old Town and Wenceslas Square, you can sample eggnog and roasted chestnuts to your heart's content from late November to early January.
For the ultimate advent-ure (see what we did there?), visit on the 5th December and you might even spot St. Nicholas himself roaming the markets with an angel and devil in tow. The trio hands out presents to those on the nice list and coal to those on the naughty one, so we recommend staying on your best behaviour until then...
Image by - Georgijevic / Getty Images
Stockholm, Sweden
Dig out your fuzziest scarf and best novelty jumper, because next on our merry little list is Stockholm, Sweden, where winter temperatures hover around freezing.
Luckily, there’s plenty of seasonal frivolity and mugs of glogg (mulled wine) to warm you up at Stortorget Square, considered one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Admire the nativity scene, then hop from stall to stall, ticking a few stocking fillers off your list. With cosy woollen socks, Swedish sweets and gingerbread-scented candles to choose from, your nearest and dearest are in for a rather lovely Christmas morning this year.
And, as if that wasn’t enough, head to Stockholm’s Storkyrkan Cathedral to listen to the dulcet tones of their Christmas choir. Just around the corner from Stortorget, its candlelit carol services could coax a sing-along from even the grumpiest Scrooge.
Image by - Liliya Krueger / Getty Images
Budapest, Hungary
We suspect Father Christmas has no trouble finding the Hungarian capital on his annual sleigh ride, as its winter markets are lit up like... well, like Christmas trees.
Starting mid-November, Budapest’s Advent Basilica Market glows with star-strung lights, while Xmas-themed projections dance across St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Aside from decorations, Budapest's markets are also known for chimney cakes – cylindrical pastries coated in caramelised sugar. We reckon the famous bearded man in red would approve of a sweet treat named after his favourite rooftop feature.
For more winter fun, enjoy a soul-warming stint at Budapest's Szechenyi Baths, or skate around Europe’s largest outdoor ice rink in Varosliget Park. Just don't expect to be quite as graceful as Rudolph on your first lap...
Image by - Karl Hendon / Getty Images
Vienna, Austria
When it comes to Christmas markets in Europe, Vienna is about as quintessential as they come. We’re talking fairy-lit chalets, storybook carousels and candy canes galore, with Rathausplatz square at the heart of the festivities. With over 100 stalls to browse, who could resist a trinket or two? It’s Christmas time, after all.
Renowned for its arts, Austria’s museums and galleries also join the Christmas celebrations, with their halls decked out for the occasion (you know the song). And, for even more Christmas magic, watch the twirls and pirouettes of The Nutcracker ballet at a local theatre. Vienna also has quite the romantic reputation – best find where that mistletoe is hanging...
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Krakow, Poland
Follow the twinkling lights and jolly ‘ho ho ho’s’ into Krakow’s Main Market Square in Poland, which jingles with Christmas cheer from late November to early January.
If you’re bringing your children along for the festivities, make their little Christmas dreams come true with visits to elf workshops and reindeer pens. Of course, there’s even the chance to meet Father Christmas himself – wish lists at the ready...
With your nice list status confirmed (phew), you can indulge in a glorious shopping spree. Luckily, Krakow is one of the most reasonable Christmas markets in Europe, meaning you can fill a Santa-sized sack of presents without breaking the bank.
Image - Sheviakova kateryna / Getty Images
Berlin, Germany
Germany and Christmas markets go together like stollen cake and icing, so naturally, the capital city deserves a spot on our list. And with over 80 markets across Berlin in the run-up to Christmas, consider your next weekend city break plans all wrapped up (and tied with a bow).
Some of our favourites include the markets at Charlottenburg Palace and Gendarmenmarkt Square, where you can embrace the Christmas spirit with a glass of Feuerzangenbowle (a concoction of spiced wine and sugar). As you browse the traditional stalls, make sure to keep your mittened fingers crossed for a dusting of snow...
Image by - romrodinka / Getty Images
Strasbourg, France
If you're hoping to outdo yourself in the gift-giving department this year, head to the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France. This northwestern city isn’t just a political capital – it’s also earned the title of ‘Capital of Christmas’, thanks to the Christkindelsmarik market, which has been going steady since the 16th century.
Admire the gingerbread-village-esque stalls at Place Broglie, then visit its Christmas craft workshops to make your own cards, decorations and wreaths. Who knew Santa’s workshop had a French branch?
Image by - naumoid / Getty Images
London, UK
As Londoners ourselves, we're firm believers that our capital hosts some of the best Christmas markets, and the proof is in the (figgy) pudding at Hyde Park and Covent Garden. At Winter Wonderland, board the giant Ferris wheel – the perfect vantage point for plotting your next hot chocolate spot – before braving a few of the fairground’s more dizzying rides.
After admiring London’s glittering decorations (along with the iconic red buses and telephone boxes), browse Covent Garden’s stalls, which you might recognise from festive rom-com Last Christmas. On that note, we're rolling the credits on our roundup of Christmas markets in Europe...
Image by - Zhivko Dimitrov / Unsplash.com
Header image by - Alexander Shelegov / Getty Images
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