12 of the Most Magical Christmas Markets in Europe
One thing of the best experiences to have in winter is visiting some of the amazing Christmas markets in Europe. While most countries have markets of varying sizes, here’s a list of the most amazing ones to see at Christmastime!
Where are Christmas markets located?
Although you may traditionally think of Christmas markets in Germany, there are actually Christmas markets located all over Europe of various sizes. Big and small towns alike may have them, but this list includes some of the most magical Christmas markets in Europe for you to explore.
When do Christmas markets in Europe start?
Typically, you will start to see Christmas markets open mid to end of November and continue until early January. Each market is a bit different though, so double check before committing! When packing for winter in Europe, be sure and dress warm!
What to buy at Christmas markets in Europe
The Christmas markets have a variety of different products for purchase! Some of the most common items you’ll see are Christmas ornaments, scarves, hats, and gloves, as well as the traditional gingerbread cookies in a variety of sizes. Even if you don’t buy anything, you can still go to the Christmas markets to enjoy a mulled wine (hot, red wine with orange flavors and cinnamon) and traditional food.
Germany and Austria Christmas Markets
Berlin, Germany
Schloss Charlottenburg
By Matthias and Kent from Destination The World
Berlin is not only great for historic sights but also for its Christmas Markets. Usually, there are over 80 Christmas markets in Berlin during the Christmas season. One of the most beautiful and popular ones is located at Schloss Charlottenburg. You can easily get there by by public transport (S-Bahn or bus) and the entry is free of charge.
The Christmas market at Schloss Charlottenburg offers a great variety of stall which offer local specialities, hot drinks and Christmas decoration. You definitely need to try Glühwein (mulled wine). It is very traditional to enjoy this hot drink at German Christmas markets. And what is more beautiful than enjoying some Glühwein in front of a castle?
Besides all the drinks and food, there are stalls which sell handicrafts, Christmas gifts or sweets, eg roasted almonds.
The castle is illuminated and Christmas lights are all over the place to make the atmosphere very cozy and romantic. If you’re lucky, there might be even snow.
Where to stay in Berlin
Circus Hostel – This “hostel” is just as fancy as a hotel, with the option of staying in a dorm room or in a private room. Centrally located and easily accessible.
Mainz, Germany
Mainz Christmas Market
Explored by Phil from JOURNICATION Travel Blog
There is no doubting the fact that the Mainz Christmas market remains one of the best among others you will find in Europe. In winter time it’s one of the top things to do in Mainz. For instance, it is a historical market that can create an atmosphere which is considered as magical.
The first thing you will notice is its one hundred stands which are “decorated and illuminated”. If you are looking to visit any of the Christmas markets in Germany, this ticks all the boxes. It is always crowded during such seasons. Apart from Christmas accessories or items, there are foods and meat to purchase.
Also, you will get access to different workshops and concerts to be entertained. For kids, there are plays that can bring that special Christmas feeling. Most importantly, never forget to purchase some of the best German wines and beer. The best part is that this market can be easily located. This is because it can be found at the front of the famous Martin’s cathedral.
Where to stay in Mainz, Germany
The Ibis Main City is a great budget option, while still being in the city center
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt Christmas Market
By Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
Hallstatt, Austria looks like something out of a fairytale all year round, thanks to its gingerbread houses and views of the surrounding massive Alps. Every year, at Christmas, however, Hallstatt takes on a new kind of magic, with plenty of holiday cheer to go around.
One of the most popular things to do in Hallstatt to celebrate the holidays is attending its annual Christmas market, which occurs every December 8th. There’s plenty of stalls, peddling hand-knit mittens, locally crafted toys, and the town’s beloved Christmas cookies, to peruse and a life-sized wooden Nativity scene, hand-carved by a local carpentry school, to marvel at. Grab a mug of steaming gluhwein and mosey around the Old Town, looking at the twinkling lights and icicle-laden rooftops.
If you’re looking for someplace to take the kinder, Hallstatt is renowned as being one of the most family-friendly Christmas markets in all of Europe, with plenty of activities planned for the kiddos.
In fact, if you’d really like to be filled with a sense of child-like wonder, plan your trip to correspond with the first weekend of Advent (usually the first weekend of December), when the children of the neighboring town of Obertraun wait for St. Nicholas on the banks of Lake Hallstatt. He’ll cruise out of the darkness in a wooden boat, pass out small treats to the children, and recite a Christmas poem. As quickly as he came, he’ll slip back into the darkness of the lake, not to return until the next Christmas season!
Even without kids, Hallstatt is one of the most magical Christmas markets in Europe, due to its fantastic location in the mountains and on the lake.
Where to stay in Hallstatt
Consider booking a room at the cozy Seehotel Gruener Baum, overlooking Lake Hallstatt. You may even get to catch one last glimpse of Saint Nicholas himself!
Salzburg, Austria
Christkindlmarkt
By Jenn of Those Johnson Boys
While wandering through the quaint streets of Salzburg, Austria, you will come across one of the oldest Advent markets in the world. Dating back to the 15th century, the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt you will experience today has over one hundred vendors, Christmas lights draped over the walkways, and a huge Christmas tree. Add in a chance of snow during your visit, and you will feel like you are in a winter wonderland!
While Salzburg has its own airport, it is also easy to get there by train if you are already visiting surrounding areas, such as Munich, Germany. Once in Salzburg, the distance between attractions is close, making it a very walkable city. The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is located in Old Town at the Domplatz and Residenzplatz.
Where to stay in Salzburg
When looking for accommodations, consider IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER Salzburg. Its central location makes it a short walk from the main train station, as well as all the sights you will want to see during your time in Salzburg
Other Christmas Markets in Western Europe
Colmar, France
Marché de Noël
Jacqueline from Your Travel Flamingo
Colmar is home to one of the most visually impressive Christmas markets in Europe. The market is set in the picturesque and historic old town of Colmar, which is known for the colorful, timbered buildings that line its streets. The cobbled alleyways are decorated extravagantly, and you better believe that they are pulling all the stops to create the ultimate fairy tale Christmas experience.
You’ll find a vast number of wooden chalet stalls sellings Alsacian delicacies, french sweets, regional Christmas goodies, and of course hot wine. While here, you can do as the locals do, and take the Christmas bus to the nearby fairytale villages of Eguisheim and Riquewihr, both adorable and with their own respective Christmas markets as well.
Where to stay in Colmar
You’ll want to stay close to Colmar Station or the Colmar Old Town to be near the action. The Colmar Ibis Budget Hotel makes a great budget friendly option.
Valkenburg, The Netherlands
Christmas Markets in Caves
Contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels
Valkenburg is a small town in the South of the Netherlands. Something unique is that the Christmas markets in Valkenburg are held in caves. The caves came to be through marl removal in the area.
Here are 4 caves with Christmas events. Gemeente grot hosts a Christmas market, which is the oldest underground Christmas market in Europe. Fluweelengrot has the largest indoor Christmas market in the Netherlands. It’s really special to walk through decorated caves. Both caves have lots of stalls lined up in the corridors that sell food and Christmas trinkets.
Mergelrijk has a 25-meters long Christmas story in miniature on display. Which makes the cave really magical. Winter Wonderland is a mountain with a small Christmas market on top and other fun activities. There’s one Christmas market above ground, namely Santa’s Village, which is on a square.
If coming by car follow the A2 towards Maastricht and take exit Valkenburg. With public transport it’s 15 minutes by train from Maastricht.
Where to stay in Valkenburg
Fletcher Hotel De Burghoeve is a good place to stay for easy access to the Christmas markets
Christmas Markets in Central Europe
Prague, Czechia
Prague Castle Market
By Veronika from Travel Geekery
Prague has its fair share of beautiful Christmas markets. The whole city turns especially pretty once the markets are put up at the end of November.
While the main market at the Old Town Square cannot be left out, there are other ones often more charming. One such market is at Prague Castle.
Once you’ll see it you won’t believe your eyes. Prague Castle grounds provide just the most magical setting for a market. A tall Christmas tree, cute Christmas stalls with delicious food… all that hugged by historical buildings that have stood there for centuries.
There are several ways to get to Prague Castle, with the easiest being just hopping aboard tram no. 22 and getting off at a stop called Pražský hrad (= Prague Castle). Turn left and walk for a few minutes to the entrance.
Where to stay in Prague
You can stay at the boutique hostel Czech Inn, which offers a variety of different room options, from large dorms to private rooms. It’s conveniently located right by tram no. 22’s stop on the edge of Prague’s Vinohrady district.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest Christmas Markets
By Lowri from Many Other Roads
Budapest is a city of contrasts. It has a rich history and culture, and it also offers vibrant nightlife. There are many things to do in Budapest, but one of the best things to do is visit Budapest Christmas Markets.
Budapest’s Christmas markets are not like any other markets you can find in Europe. They offer an authentic Hungarian experience with traditional food, crafts and gifts. And if you want to experience the real Hungarian culture, then these markets are your best bet.
December is a fantastic time to visit Budapest Markets but it does get cold, so make sure you dress well for winter in Europe.
It is worth noting that there are many different Christmas markets around Budapest that all have their own unique atmosphere so you can choose which one suits your needs best. The most popular one to visit is the one at Vörösmarty Square.
Where to stay in Budapest
There are also many amazing places to stay in Budapest for you to explore the markets, but the best budget-friendly option is Smart Hotel Budapest.
Christmas Markets in the UK and Ireland
London, England
Apple Market
By Paulina from the UK Every Day
There are several incredible Christmas markets in London to choose from. Visiting to Apple Market in Covent Garden, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland or Leicester Square are only a few things to do in London in winter.
A wonderful way to celebrate Christmas in the UK is tasting traditional German food in Winter Wonderland or visiting the authentic British restaurant Rules in the heart of Covent Garden. All Christmas markets in London are packed not only with delicious food, but also unique handmade decorations that you can buy for yourself.
If you want to experience some of the best performances in the 1920s style, theatre shows in Leicester Square are must-see. Make sure to also visit Santa’s Grotto before getting back to your hotel.
Where to stay in London
If you want to stay in a central location that is not incredibly too expensive, Premier Inn London Blackfriars is one of the best choices in a 3-star hotel by the river Thames.
Dublin, Ireland
Winterfest
By Adam from Where in Dublin
Dublin isn’t exactly known for having huge Christmas markets like the other cities on the list. However, since the introduction of Winterfest, Dubliners have something festive to look forward to and offer tourists visiting during the most wonderful time of the year.
For five weeks, starting before Christmas and kicking on through to the beginning of January, the Guinness Storehouse is transformed into Dublin’s very own little winter wonderland. It has everything to get people into the festive spirit, from a huge Christmas tree decorated with ice-white lights to stalls selling magical ornaments to place on the tree. To top it all off, get your photo in front of the Guinness Storehouse’s world-renowned St. James Gate whilst the snow falls.
Getting there isn’t difficult. It’s only a 35-minute walk from O’Connell Street in Dublin’s city centre. Alternatively, you can take a tram.
Dates for this year’s festival are still to be confirmed, but last year’s Christmas event in Dublin went on from November 27th, 2021–January 2nd, 2022, so hopefully there won’t be any changes.
Where to stay in Dublin
Hotels around this time of year in Dublin are pricey, but thankfully, the stunning Camden Court Hotel offers some affordable winter deals.
Christmas Markets in Scandinavia
Gothenburg, Sweden
Liseberg Christmas Market
By Roshni from The Wanderlust Within
As the country’s second largest city, Gothenburg is easily accessible by plane, train or bus from other nearby cities.
Gothenburg is home to 3 of the most popular Christmas markets in the country, all catering to different needs and tastes. If food is more your thing, visit Haga. There are rows of freshly baked sweet treats and warm drinks to get you in the festive food. If you’re looking for more traditional gifts and decorations, then the oldest Christmas market Kronhuset, will suit you.
But if you want an all round experience, then Liseberg theme park is the place to go. During November and December, it is transformed into a winter wonderland and decorated with over 5 million Christmas lights (all sustainably powered by the theme parks own wind turbine!). Christmas at Liseberg involves rollercoasters, carousels, Santa’s workshop, festive ice skating shows, and over 80 market stalls.
You can choose from home decor, gifts and plenty of Swedish festive foods, such as glogg, a sweet mulled wine, and Pepparkaka, a thin and crispy gingerbread biscuit.
Where to stay in Gothenburg
A good hotel choice for the Christmas Markets is Hotel Bellora, it is centrally located and only a short tram ride from each of the markets.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Yule Town
By Victoria of Iceland Trippers
If you’re looking for one of the best Christmas markets in Europe 2022 then look no further than Reykjavik, Iceland.
Because what you may not know is that this incredible city is home to three different Christmas markets that truly have something for everyone to enjoy.
So, start off December in Iceland right with a visit to Yule Town at Ingólfstorg. It’s known for its incredible decor and a giant ice skating rink that sits right at the center of the market. Don’t leave without visiting local vendors that sell everything from food to local crafts to holiday gifts.
However, if you’re all about food and want to try some traditional local cuisine, then be sure to visit Hlemmur Mathöll Food Hall anf. They feature food from Brauð & Co bakery, Micro Roast Te & Kaffi café, SKÁL! Restaurant, etc. Plus, when the holidays roll around, this vibrant market starts serving holiday delights, like mulled wine, that you can’t find anywhere else.
And for a more authentic experience, drive 15-minutes to Hafnarfjörður. Once here you’ll find The Christmas Village. It’s open every weekend in December and is a very traditional market where you’ll see cozy chalets selling local food as you listen to traditional music and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride.”
Where to stay in Reykjavik
Reykjavik and Iceland in general can be pretty pricey. Luckily, Kex Hostel has some great options both in dorms and private rooms.
