It’s that time of year when Europe comes alive with festive cheer and lays on some seriously spectacular Christmas markets. We’re talking about those magical spots where you can sip mulled wine, glide on a dreamy ice rink and soak up the harmonious tunes of carollers, all while being transported to a winter wonderland. So here’s our list of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Visit the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
We’re going to take you on a tour of some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. From 400-year-old French markets to the home of the world’s first Christmas tree, each one has its own special vibe.
Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival, Hungary
Budapest’s most well-known market is held at Vörösmarty Square and has everything you need for a good ‘ol Christmassy time, from fun entertainment and activities to great gifts to buy. You’ll also find a wide range of delicious food, including traditional Hungarian dishes, crispy Kürtőskalács (chimney cakes), spiced mulled wine and a packed schedule of stage performances.
Budapest also has a few other festive fairs: swing by St. Stephen’s Basilica market for some ice skating fun, then stop by Obuda’s Christmas market – it’s a bit smaller and only open on weekends, but don’t let that stop you. They’ve got some entertaining concerts and puppet shows happening on the main stage that make it totally worth a visit.
Vörösmarty Square Christmas market opening dates
Friday 17 November 2023 – Monday 1 January 2024
Times
Monday – Thursday: 11am–9pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am–10pm
Sunday: 11am–9pm
Special opening times
24 December 2023: 10am–2pm
25 – 26 December 2023: 10am–6pm
31 December 2023: 11am–5pm
1 January 2024: 11am–5pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
Gdańsk Christmas Market, Poland
The Gdańsk Christmas Market has got you covered with 155 stalls loaded with festive gifts, decorations and yummy treats. You can munch on local snacks like dumplings and sweet Kürtőskalács cakes, and sip on some warm mulled drinks. And don’t miss out on the virtual sleigh ride on Santa’s magic sleigh simulator – it’s a blast! Plus, there’s a bunch of performances, theatre shows and live music to keep you entertained.
Opening dates
Thursday 18 November 2023 – Thursday 23 December 2023
Times
Sunday – Thursday: 12pm–8pm
Friday – Saturday: 12pm–9pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg, France
The Strasbourg Christmas market is right in the heart of the city at Place Broglie, and it’s a legendary spot. It’s been around for over 400 years, making it France’s oldest Christmas market. You’ve got 300 chalets filled with all sorts of goodies from hundreds of merchants and craftsmen. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the massive thirty-metre-tall Christmas tree in Place Kléber – it’s one of the tallest in Europe!
Opening dates
Friday 24 November 2023 – Sunday 24 December 2023
Times
Monday to Sunday: 11:30am–9pm
Special opening times
24 November 2023: 2pm–9pm
24 December 2023: 11:30pm–6pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, Austria
Located in the heart of Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City, this Christmas market is a real family-friendly affair and one of best Christmas markets in Europe. You can join in on a choir singalong every Tuesday, enjoy children’s readings on Wednesdays and explore more than 100 stalls offering charming Christmas crafts and delicious Austrian festive snacks. It’s a great place to soak up the holiday spirit!
Opening dates
Thursday 23 November 2023 – Monday 1 January 2024
Times
Monday – Thursday: 10am–8:30pm
Friday: 10am–9pm
Saturday: 9am–9 pm
Sunday and holidays: 9am–8:30pm
Special opening times
24 December: 9am–3pm
25 and 26 December: 11am–6pm
27 – 30 December: 10am–8:30pm
31 December: 10am–1am
1 January: 10am–6pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
Berlin City Hall Christmas Market, Germany
Berlin is home to so many festive markets that there is something for absolutely everyone. Berlin’s city hall Christmas Market offers a host of fun activities to get involved in. It’s perfect for a fun winter’s night out, with a giant Ferris wheel, ice rink, carousel and even a mini train. Plus, there’s a bunch of tasty treats to tuck into. Or you can head to the Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market, which boasts a fun fair for both kids and adults, as well as stalls selling festive snacks, all against the magical backdrop of the splendid palace.
Opening dates
Monday 27 November 2023 – Sunday 7 January 2024
Times
Monday – Friday: 12pm–10pm
Saturday – Sunday: 11am–10pm
Special opening times
Christmas Eve: Closed
25 and 26 December:11am–9pm
31 December 2023: 11am–8pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
Prague Wenceslas Square Christmas Market, Czechia
Prague and Christmas go hand in hand, and it’s no wonder the city has several Christmas markets scattered across it. This famous one is just a five-minute stroll from the Old Town Square, right on lively Václavské náměstí boulevard. The area is a hit with both locals and tourists, and the streets are full of shops, cafes and galleries, making it the perfect setting for one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The market itself is packed with handmade products and delicious regional snacks. It’s a family favourite, complete with a children’s petting zoo.
Opening dates
Saturday 2 December 2023 – Saturday 6 January 2024
Times
Monday – Sunday: 10am–10pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
Christmas at Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens is a long-standing gem in Copenhagen, a national treasure that’s been enchanting visitors since the 1800s. But when the festive season rolls around, it turns into a magical Christmas wonderland. You’ll find a fantastic market, a dazzling Christmas Day fireworks display and a show inspired by the Northern Lights.
Now there are entry fees for the Tivoli market as it is part of the Tivoli Gardens attraction. The exact prices depend on what day you’re visiting and what things you want to do there, but prices start at 155 DKK (£18.10) for adults and 70 DKK (£8.20) for kids aged three to eight; children under three get in for free.
Opening dates
Sunday 19 November 2023 – Sunday 31 December 2023
Times
Sunday – Thursday: 11am–10pm (till 11pm throughout December)
Friday – Saturday: 11am–12am
Special opening times
24 December 2023: Closed
31 December 2023: 11am–12am
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia
Tallinn’s Christmas Market takes place in the town centre and is packed with all kinds of festive fun and cultural programs. You can groove to live music, enjoy some singing and even catch some dance performances. Plus, there’s a merry-go-round and plenty of activities for the little ones. Don’t forget to check out the most important tree in the country, which happens to be the first Christmas tree ever displayed in Europe – it’s a must-visit!
Opening dates:
Friday 1 December 2023 – Sunday 7 January 2024
Times:
Monday – Sunday: 10am–8pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
Dresdner Striezelmarkt, Germany
The Dresdner Striezelmarkt, widely considered to be the world’s first Christmas market, boasts an impressive 200+ stalls. This year marks its 589th edition, and it’s bringing the fun with a Ferris wheel giving visitors incredible market views, a gingerbread festival and tons of Christmas treats, from classic German sweets to pastries.
Opening dates
Friday 1 December 2023 – Sunday 7 January 2024
Times
Daily: 10am–9pm
Special opening times
29 November 2023: 4pm–9pm
24 December 2023: 10am–2pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
Bruges Christmas Market, Belgium
Bruges Christmas celebrations go by the name ‘Winter Glow’ and they’ve got two Christmas markets, with the main one happening in Grote Markt; there’s even an ice rink too. It might not have all the fancy fairground rides you’ll find in the bigger market in Brussels, but if you’re into a more local, artisanal set-up, then Bruges Christmas Market is your spot.
Opening dates
Friday 24 November 2023 – Sunday 7 January 2024
Times
Sunday – Thursday:10am–10pm
Friday – Saturday: 10:30am–11pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
York Christmas Market, United Kingdom
The York Christmas Market might not be as famous as some in the UK, but it’s fantastic. Running from mid-November until just before Christmas, this charming market features 75 alpine chalets lining York’s Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, all stocked with delightful goods from local traders. There’s a ton of festive fun to be had here, including carol singing and indulging in all kinds of delicious treats.
Opening dates
Thursday 16 November 2023 – Friday 22 December 2023
Times
Monday – Sunday: 10am–7pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
Map of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2023
Explore the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Now you’re all geared up to dive into some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. These markets are not just places to shop and eat; they’re where centuries-old traditions are shared and continued. So, whether you’re plotting a winter escape or just need a healthy dose of holiday spirit, these European gems are all set to give you a warm and festive welcome.
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