30 best Christmas markets in Europe, from Antwerp to Zagreb

Surrounded by snow-capped cathedrals and wooden chalets, these Christmas markets in Europe are as festive as it gets

By Caitlin Morton, Jessica Chapel and Connor Sturges

26 October 2025

30 best Christmas markets in Europe from Antwerp to Zagreb

Every year, without fail, we haul on our winter coats for a mooch around a Christmas market – Grinches aside, of course. We’ve got the Germans (or at least German-speaking parts of Europe) to thank for the tradition, although markets that occupied courtyards and town squares in the Late Middle Ages looked quite different from the Christmas markets in Europe we're committed to exploring today. Rich hot chocolates and steaming mulled wine in hand, exploring a market in a new European city is a joy for any travel enthusiast as the temperatures dip – there are those in Spain and southern Italy, if light jackets are preferred. Here, we round up the best Christmas markets in Europe that warrant a weekend away from the festive chaos and preparations back home.

Here are some more of our Christmas round-ups to enjoy:

Antwerp, in the Flemish region of Belgium, is for shopping. In winter, the city’s Christmas Market lights up the charming, medieval Grote Markt (or Grand Place) – and over 100 market stalls extend through various local streets, all within walking distance from the grand and gothic Antwerp Central Train Station. Head to the Central Station's ice rink, where skaters can glide around the Rubens statue in Groenplaats and next to the Antwerp Cathedral. In front of the same Cathedral is the “Magical Winter Forest” offering a stroll through the lights, natural moss, and festive tree sculptures. In Steenplein, next to the River Scheldt, the beloved seasonal Ferris wheel overlooks the Scheldt and Winter Fun Fair along the river below. Stately and historic townhouses, many dating back to the 17th century, are adorned with stepped gable ends and light up the square, where walking through the streets feels like a children’s Christmas tale. Travellers can keep warm by indulging in Belgium’s musts: moules frites with small fried potatoes and bacon, also known as spekpatatjes, and, of course, Belgian chocolates and a spiced mulled wine. Antwerp’s Christmas Market traditions offer various delights from abroad, too – from Vietnamese pho to fish and chips.\nWhere to stay: <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://cna.st/affiliate-link/5qmPfWqunctWGcwdu1WvG5CtVueCWuTexvD9tBXa5iyM6jUvxKM3PmQUyukMJfhUHiEWhAS6vMvSNagL3spY7WhA7aHG4wtgXWRr3B6vTq4asYeMkiB5NpA2Qg1zLA3x9a63GdwNpvp6uSe6TKV4gbzuUHhunNVfq5b2VkR55KpowjVhRV3xbLiLwyjt9qXceebGUZZ1Fp3jgnzYCztcnAR3RuodC7fiTgVSiWFZFGNMfx7dWttPWdHGQazBjZmyR8r3zv76XbMLvXwiEtkwco3E65rzFnHpaJn3shHacpMsMGGL2TktTGpvR9kiuTVFF866oPbfC7H3kTgaotgdFpRmnvikbhaz9Zt9UbYYLZdNnH4e6DqA4Uehq937c74YmnndzibAAPQ8vce3Lf8ZjWtHuaG2bb/" rel=\"sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" isAffiliateLink=\"true\">Sapphire House, Antwerp</a>, for a stay with history within walking distance of all the action.\n<ul>\n<li>Location(s): The Grote Markt (and nearby, Suikerrui, Groenplaats, Hendrik Conscienceplein, Handschoenmarkt and the Operaplein) in Antwerp, Belgium</li>\n<li>Dates: 5 December 2025 - 4 January 2026</li>\n<li>Nearest airport: Antwerp International Airport (you can also take the Eurostar, which takes just over 3 hours)</li>\n</ul>","contentType":"photo","credit":"Poike","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":214,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/673b2980e1b6d9d3ad831f3e/master/w_320,c_limit/1281451068"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/673b2980e1b6d9d3ad831f3e/master/w_640,c_limit/1281451068"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/673b2980e1b6d9d3ad831f3e/master/w_640,c_limit/1281451068"},{"height":854,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/673b2980e1b6d9d3ad831f3e/master/w_1280,c_limit/1281451068"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/673b2980e1b6d9d3ad831f3e/master/w_1024,c_limit/1281451068"},{"height":1367,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/673b2980e1b6d9d3ad831f3e/master/w_2048,c_limit/1281451068"}],"xl":[{"height":854,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/673b2980e1b6d9d3ad831f3e/master/w_1280,c_limit/1281451068"}],"xxl":[{"height":854,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/673b2980e1b6d9d3ad831f3e/master/w_1280,c_limit/1281451068"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Poike
Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp, in the Flemish region of Belgium, is for shopping. In winter, the city’s Christmas Market lights up the charming, medieval Grote Markt (or Grand Place) – and over 100 market stalls extend through various local streets, all within walking distance from the grand and gothic Antwerp Central Train Station. Head to the Central Station's ice rink, where skaters can glide around the Rubens statue in Groenplaats and next to the Antwerp Cathedral. In front of the same Cathedral is the “Magical Winter Forest” offering a stroll through the lights, natural moss, and festive tree sculptures. In Steenplein, next to the River Scheldt, the beloved seasonal Ferris wheel overlooks the Scheldt and Winter Fun Fair along the river below. Stately and historic townhouses, many dating back to the 17th century, are adorned with stepped gable ends and light up the square, where walking through the streets feels like a children’s Christmas tale. Travellers can keep warm by indulging in Belgium’s musts: moules frites with small fried potatoes and bacon, also known as spekpatatjes, and, of course, Belgian chocolates and a spiced mulled wine. Antwerp’s Christmas Market traditions offer various delights from abroad, too – from Vietnamese pho to fish and chips.
Where to stay: Sapphire House, Antwerp, for a stay with history within walking distance of all the action.
Location(s): The Grote Markt (and nearby, Suikerrui, Groenplaats, Hendrik Conscienceplein, Handschoenmarkt and the Operaplein) in Antwerp, Belgium
Dates: 5 December 2025 - 4 January 2026
Nearest airport: Antwerp International Airport (you can also take the Eurostar, which takes just over 3 hours)
Flavio Vallenari
Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow Winterfest is one of the newest Christmas markets in Europe – and it looks like it’s here to stay thanks to successive seasons of high demand and stellar reviews. The season begins with a much-anticipated switch-on of festive lights, signalling the Christmas countdown across George Square and St Enoch Square in the city centre. Alongside countless chalets and food vendors serving traditional Scottish pies and Yorkshire pudding wraps, there are heaps of rides for all ages – really, the main attraction to this Winterfest is the family-friendly, carnivalesque fun. There’s a huge ice rink in George Square, a gargantuan drop tower, a carousel, a wave swinger – and a ride for toddlers called Santa's Runaway train (as well as Grinch train), as well as a separate, mini, kids’ carousel.
Where to stay: Glasgow has seen quite the hospitality boom in recent years. One of the most fashionable options includes Kimpton Blythswood Square, housed in what was once The Royal Scottish Automobile Club and facing the square’s manicured private gardens – fingers crossed for a dusting of frost for a truly festive escape. Dakota Glasgow is another exceptional option in the heart of the city, with fantastically sized rooms thoughtfully designed with plush sofas and beds.
Location(s): George Square; St. Enoch Square in Glasgow, Scotland
Dates: 21 November 2025 - 4 January 2026
Nearest airport: Glasgow International Airport
Karl-Friedrich Hohl
Nuremberg, Germany
The Christkindlesmarkt is all about tradition (with origins tracing back to the 16th century), located in the Old Town of Nuremberg, or “the little city of wood and cloth,” complete with wooden, red, and white coloured booths in front of the steps to the grandiose Church of our Lady, or ‘Frauenkirche.” The booths are adorned with homemade Christmas decorations, many of which sell warm, regionally classic gingerbread and “Spekulatius” almond cookies. There are a handful of self-guided tours recommended by the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt organisers, all showcasing the heart of the souvenirs and products crafted by locals with creative minds, as well as indulging in even more traditional festive delights including "gluhwein" (a hot, spiced red wine) and the city's famous bratwurst sausages. You can also kick it old school and ride through the city on a stagecoach tour with live, nostalgic Christmas music by the coachman on his trumpet. An opening ceremony kicks off the start of the season, to which the “Nuremberg Christkind,” a symbol of the Christmas Market for decades (who is formally elected every two years by a jury from the media, associations, and municipal offices) recites a now famous Christmas speech in a white and golden dress. Nearby, the main market in Hauptmarkt is the Sister Cities Market. Here, 12 of Nuremberg’s “sister cities” (selected cities from around the globe) offer a taste of international traditions, bringing in crafts and goods from their towns. There’s also a separate children’s market, or “Kinderwihnacht” for more fun and games – including a carousel and steam train rides. It’s undoubtedly one of the oldest and the world’s most well-known Christmas Markets for a reason.
Where to stay: Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg is the city’s most in-demand luxury hideout, where the super-glitzy Atelier Bar is the perfect place for a post-market nightcap. For a group escape, it’s easy to see why Studio Ludwig is an Airbnb guest favourite.
Location(s): Central square of Hauptmarkt; Sister Cities Market; Hans-Sachs-Platz in Nuremburg, Germany
Dates: 28 November 2025 - 24 December 2025
Nearest airport: Nuremberg Airport
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Cologne, Germany
This market has everything you'd expect of a classic German spread: Glühwein, crafts, and twinkling lights. You'll notice the iconic Christmas tree, standing proudly at the foot of the Cathedral. One thing that stands out, though, is its entertainment – more than 100 stage performances throughout the festival, including Christmas swing music and gospel, puppet shows, and children's performances. Come between Tuesday and Thursday for the special children's programme, which includes Punch and Judy shows, face painting and plays. After you've had your fill of tunes (and food), head toward nearby Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse, two of Cologne's well-known shopping areas, or make your way to Heumarkt for a spot of ice skating.
Where to stay: Legend Hotel Cologne is a cosy hideaway a stone’s throw from the city's hustle and bustle and the grandeur of the cathedral. For a cool and contemporary hotel that won’t break the bank but will ensure a lobby buzz, check into Ruby Ella.
Location: Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany
Dates: 17 November 2025 - 23 December 2025
Nearest airport: Cologne Bonn Airport

Courtesy Tuomaan Markkinat/Jussi Hellsten
Helsinki, Finland
This market scores major points for its mix of contemporary and traditional – as well as its commitment to sustainability. Though visitors can do everything from playing bingo for a vegan ham to watching a holiday outfit contest for dogs, it's not all quirky: Choirs sing Christmas carols on the weekends, and visitors can stroll illuminated market stalls while drinking hot mulled wine. Squeeze in some gifts in your luggage with festive trinkets on sale, and try artisan cheeses or munch on candied nuts and jam-filled pastries. There are also old-fashioned rides sure to thrill little ones.
Where to stay: Hotel Kämp offers one of Helsinki’s most refined stays, just a short walk to the harbour where you can hop regular ferries to the likes of fortress island Suomenlinna – if you feel like splurging, the executive suite has its own sauna. For a little more space (suite aside), settle into the heart of the design district in this chic studio.
Location: Senate Square in Helsinki, Finland
Dates: 28 November 2025 - 22 December 2025
Nearest airport: Helsinki Airport
Juana Mari Moya/Getty
Málaga, Spain
Want to escape the cold and try out a Mediterranean winter? Head to the south of Spain for one of Andalucia’s most famous Christmas market destinations. Stroll from the old port and Santa’s Grotto to Paseo de Parque to buy some local crafts. Nibble on traditional shortbread, nougat, and borrachuelos (wine-flavoured fried pastries) as you make your way to Calle Marques de Larios to see the elaborate light displays. Get nostalgic with a giant cloud of candy floss and watch the sun set beyond the twinkling lights. Best of all? You can even soak up festive cheer after the main holidays end, as the markets run into early January.
Where to stay: You may not get as much use out of the rooftop swimming pool as you would in the sweltering summer months, but Only YOU Málaga is still a fabulous shout for a winter city break. Expect tasteful bedroom interiors designed by studio Proyecto Singular – art deco-inspired furniture, contemporary fittings and on-trend concrete-effect bathrooms with deep tubs await.
Location(s): Muelle Uno, Paseo de Parque, and light displays on Calle Marques de Larios in Málaga, Spain
Dates: 1 December 2025 - 6 January 2026
Nearest airport: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport
Courtesy Brussels Major Events
Brussels, Belgium
Every December, “Plaisirs d’Hiver” takes over the open areas around the Bourse stock exchange, the Place de la Monnaie, the Place Sainte-Catherine, and the Marché aux Poissons, transforming the city into a winter wonderland. With more than 200 wood chalets, a covered ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and a light and sound show projected onto the Grand-Place, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Indulge in crisp fries with mayonnaise, tartiflette (a French potato casserole), Belgian chocolate (obviously) and waffles dotted with pearl sugar before doing a spot of Christmas shopping at the many stalls selling locally-crafted and artisan goods.
Where to stay: Look past the slightly harsh facade of The Hoxton Brussels and discover a cosy sanctuary with restaurants that warrant heading back after a good leg stretch around the Christmas market.
Location: Grand-Place in Brussels, Belgium
Dates: 28 November 2025 - 4 January 2026
Nearest airport: Brussels Airport
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Prague, Czech Republic
Just five minutes apart by foot, Prague’s Old Town and Wenceslas markets are the best in a city that already tops our list of places to spend Christmas. (Chalk it up to the Gothic architecture and mulled wine stalls.) Fill up on traditional fish soup cooked in steaming vats, langoš (flatbreads) topped with cheese, and smoked meat dumplings. Don’t miss the roast ham and trdelník, otherwise known as chimney cake – a hot, rolled pastry rolled in cinnamon and sugar and cooked over a grill. Also, pack your hat and gloves: It gets cold here in December.
Where to stay: For a city that’s received a (somewhat unfair) reputation as a party destination, there’s no shortage of incredibly opulent hotels. The Mandarin Oriental Prague is a prime example, a wonderfully labyrinthine hotel painstakingly formed from a Dominican monastery that houses one of the city’s most relaxing wellness centres. For something a little less formal but no less stylish, look to The Julius, which enjoys putting on quite the sing and dance around Christmas.
Location: Old Town and Wenceslas Square, with smaller markets at nearby Havel’s Market and Republic Square, in Prague, Czech Republic
Dates: 29 November 2025 - 6 January 2026
Nearest airport: Václav Havel Airport Prague

Courtesy Tivoli
Copenhagen, Denmark
The real-life inspiration for Disneyland, this twinkling theme park is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world and beloved by tourists and locals alike. Come winter, it gets decked out in more than 500,000 fairy lights for the festive season. Enjoy music by the Tivoli Youth Guard while you warm up by a log fire. Kids can enjoy the rollercoasters before heading inside for family-friendly stage shows at the Glass Hall Theatre and Tivoli Concert Hall. And don't miss delicious Danish treats like aebleskiver, small pancake puffs topped with powdered sugar, or honninghjerter. Similar to German gingerbread, this dense honey cake is sometimes filled with jam and buttercream and topped with a chocolate glaze. Hygge, indeed.
Where to stay: Hotel Ottilia claims a section of the red-brick former Carlsberg brewery site, pairing the original architecture and listed features of this heritage structure with modern Scandi design. Feast on Italian dishes in the hotel’s restaurant while taking in 360-degree views. Alternatively, spread out in this charming flat set within a historic building close to all the fashionable action.
Location: Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark
Dates: 14 November 2025 - 4 January 2026
Nearest airport: Copenhagen Airport
sborisov/Getty
Frankfurt, Germany
Spread over the old city centre and dating back to a winter market first held in the 14th century, Frankfurt’s Christmas market is one of Germany’s largest and oldest. Pick up Lebkuchen (Germany’s traditional gingerbread), roasted chestnuts and smoked salmon while browsing handicrafts to find the right gift for everyone on your list. From Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, you can find the city’s LGBTQ+ “Pink Christmas” market, where all the stalls are decorated in – you guessed it – pink. Be sure not to catch the chiming of the church bells or the Advent concerts that take place every December weekend until Christmas. Grab a bratwurst and a locally-produced Apfelwein (apple wine) as you take in the huge scale of this Weihnachtsmarkt.
Where to stay: Ruby Louise is where the cool kids stay – and generally hang out. A stay needn’t break the bank, but you’ll have to return between Easter and October to make use of the sleek rooftop space.
Location: Römerberg, Paulsplatz, Mainkai, Hauptwache, Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, and Roßmarkt in Frankfurt, Germany
Dates: 24 November 2025 - 22 December 2025
Nearest airport: Frankfurt Airport
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Wrocław, Poland
While recent years and soaring energy prices have seen the range of light displays scaled back somewhat, the Christmas market in Wrocław's main city square remains a destination for visitors from all over Central Europe. This classic Christmas market officially comes to life around December 6, when Santa Claus greets visitors and the tree lights get switched on. But you don't have to wait until December to start sampling treats from the wooden stalls: we're talking potato pancakes, bigos (hunter’s stew), sausages, pierogi, chocolate gingerbread, waffles (in various flavours), and all the mulled wine you can handle.
Where to stay: AC Hotel by Marriott Wroclaw is well-located for a festive weekend break, with a spa, indoor swimming pool fitness centre, should a winter refresh be on the agenda. For a rental, this apartment in a historic house in the heart of the city is perfect for up to six guests, should everyone wish to get involved in the festive action.
Location: Market Square and Plac Solny in Wrocław, Poland
Dates: 21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
Nearest airport: Aéroport Nicolas Copernic de Wrocław
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Trento, Italy
Each year, the cobblestoned streets of Trento, in the mountainous northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige, are filled with Christmas-light-covered trees and 90 wooden huts, combining to form what Italians call Città del Natale, or “Christmas Town.” Vendors sell sheep’s cheeses and dried orange slices below the 13th-century Buonconsiglio Castle, and the Alps in the distance provide an incredible backdrop to the whole scene. Don’t miss the city’s fountains decorated with nativity displays by local craftspeople and be sure to fill up on tortel di patate (potato cake) and jam-filled treccia mochèna before the evening ends.
Where to stay: This chic two-bedroom apartment offers everything you’ll need for a weekend exploring the charm of this Italian region.
Location: Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti in Trento, Italy
Dates: Mid-November - 7 January 2026
Nearest airport: Trento-Mattarello Airport (G.Caproni Airport)

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Vienna, Austria
Some cities just look better covered in snow, and Vienna is one of them. Add some white lights against the backdrop of the city’s imposing City Hall, and you’ll see why this market is called the Viennese Dream. It has everything from reindeer rides to an ice rink for skating and curling, plus a ferris wheel and an old-fashioned merry-go-round. Fill up on sausages stuffed with cheese, vanillekipferl (vanilla crescent cookies) and mulled wine. This is about as classic as it gets, folks.
Where to stay: Hotel Zur Wiener Staatsoper opened rather quietly in spring 2024, hidden in plain sight near the opera house. Wrought-iron doors open onto a lobby lit by a halo-like chandelier, above which a dozen or so bedrooms are named after some of the greatest classical composers.
Location: City Hall (on Rathausplatz) in Vienna, Austria
Dates: Mid-November - 23 December 2025
Nearest airport: Vienna International Airport
Courtesy Advent Bazilika
Budapest, Hungary
St. Stephen’s Basilica is Hungary's largest church, dedicated to the country's first king (Stephen, of course). It's fitting, then, that this festival takes place around the landmark in Szent István Square with 160 vendors, a skating rink, and weekend folk dance shows. Most of the action is in full swing before Christmas, but if you're there on January 1, stop by the fair for some lencseleves, or lentil soup – it's traditionally made in Hungary on New Year's Day as a symbol of prosperity for the coming year.
Where to stay: Matild Palace, set within a UNESCO-protected building, is the glitterati hangout – expect shopping bags from design houses alongside Christmas market trinkets. For a unique experience, book the opulent three-storey tower suite, with 360-degree views of Budapest and the Danube that will stay with you long after you check out.
Location: St. Stephen's Square in Budapest, Hungary
Dates: 14 November 2025 - 1 January 2026
Nearest airport: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport
martin-dm/Getty
Gdańsk, Poland
This port city on the Baltic Sea boasts an unexpected claim to fame: Its Christmas market recently beat out hundreds of others to become Europe’s second best (see Budapest, above, for the top spot). The whole centre of town transforms into a festive fair with over 150 stalls. You’ll find everything from nutcrackers to wool hats and handmade candles. After tasting Polish classics like pierogi and smoked cheese, you can indulge in everything from crispy tofu to fresh churros at its international food stalls. Kids can enjoy the Christmas storytelling sessions or even nature talks from the region’s forest rangers.
Where to stay: This light and airy Airbnb in the centre of the city – a guest favourite and superhost-run – is great for a group break that won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Location: Targ Węglowy in Gdańsk, Poland
Dates: 21 November 2025 - 22 December 2025
Nearest airport: Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport
Courtesy Colmar Tourisme
Colmar, France
With its timbered houses and canal-lined streets, Colmar is basically a fairytale come to life year-round. But tack on some twinkle lights, an ice skating rink, and an early 1900s carousel, and you have yourself one of the most charming Christmas destinations in all of Europe. Each market offers its own version of holiday cheer, from nativity scenes to children’s choirs, so be prepared for some serious stall-hopping. And foodies needn’t worry: The gourmet market will have you satisfied with oysters and Alsatian wines.
Where to stay: Relais & Châteaux’s La Maison Des Têtes, of course, set within a 17th-century Colmar building.
Location: Place des Dominicains, Place Jeanne d’Arc, Place de l’Ancienne Douane, Koïfhus, Petite Venise, and Gourmet Market Place de la Cathédrale (all six markets are in and around Old Town) in Colmar, France
Dates: Mid-November - late December
Nearest airport: Zurich Airport or Frankfurt Airport

REDA&CO/Getty
Alberobello, Italy
Alberobello is famous for its mid-14th century “trulli,” conical white houses typical of southern Italy – and they take centre stage at the Christmas Market Under the Trulli. Throughout December, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is alight with bright stars, moons, and snowflakes, all projected on the historic limestone walls. Wander the cobbled streets of the tiny town, admire the glimmering display, munch on cod fritters and pettole (sweet fried doughnuts), and wash it all down with a glug of vincotto. Don’t miss the “living nativity” scene in the days after Christmas – booking recommended!
Where to stay: Le Alcove, in the heart of the Valle d'Itria, makes for one of the most unique and unforgettable Italian stays imaginable.
Location: Piazza del Popolo, Largo Martellotta, Largo Trevisani and Largo Pietra Ficcata in Alberobello, Puglia, Italy
Dates: Mid-November - late December
Nearest airport: Bari Airport
Courtesy Zagreb Tourist Board/Julien Duval
Zagreb, Croatia
Advent in Zagreb is pure holiday magic, mixed with a healthy dose of spectacle. Instead of being confined to one city block, Zagreb's festival spreads across the entire city: find traditional stalls in Trg Bana Jelačića (the main city square), ice skating in Tomislavac, concerts in European Square, and a live nativity scene in front of Zagreb Cathedral. Indulge in pork sausage sandwiches, cabbage rolls, and strudla – the Croatian take on apple strudel – washed down with a glass of rakija, a popular spirit.
Where to stay: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is arguably the most iconic and indulgent hotel in Zagreb. It’s well-placed for guests to explore the festivities that flow across the city and, perhaps best of all, houses a tranquil health club where calming therapists get to work on tired muscles during well-earned massages after long days touring the markets.
Location: Pretty much the entire city of Zagreb, Croatia
Dates: Mid-November - early January
Nearest airport: Zagreb Airport
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Dresden, Germany
Founded as a one-day market in 1434, the Dresden Striezelmarkt is widely considered Germany's oldest – though Frankfurt and Munich have also tried for the title. Age aside, Dresden’s market is undoubtedly the most traditional: think handmade wooden toys, a festive train for the kids, and boughs of fragrant pine decorating every wooden stall. The annual focal points here are typically the gargantuan Christmas pyramid and the stollen, buttery fruitcake dusted with powdered sugar and packaged with a special seal depicting the city's famous former king, August the Strong. Don’t miss the market’s annual gingerbread fest around mid-December.
Where to stay: Some of the chicest spots in town include Hyperion Hotel Dresden am Schloss and Relais & Châteaux Hotel Bülow Palais.
Location: Altmarkt Square in Dresden, Germany
Dates: 27 November 2025 - 23 December 2025
Nearest airport: Dresden Airport
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Stockholm, Sweden
If you're looking to get really traditional, visit this open-air museum on the island of Djurgarden in the centre of Stockholm, where all of the historic homes and farmsteads are decorated accordingly. Tuck into smoked turkey and sugared almonds at the market, or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, participate in traditional dances around the festive tree at Bollnäs Square and make your own Christmas decorations in the workshop. And if that hasn’t gotten you in the festive mood yet, there are Christmas concerts in the Seglora church each weekend.
Where to stay: Nestled among the trees and surrounded by water, this architect’s sanctuary lies just a stone’s throw from the buzz of the Swedish capital – and all the festivities that come during the long winter nights.
Location: Skansen Open-Air Museum in Stockholm, Sweden
Dates: 28 November 2025 - 21 December 2025
Nearest airport: Stockholm Arlanda Airport

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Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, a fairytale-like town in the Alsace region of France, becomes even more magical during the holiday season, branding itself the “capital of Christmas.” Its Christkindelsmärik (the oldest Christmas market in France) attracts several million visitors each year, thanks to its charming wooden chalets, nightly concerts, and ice skating rink – not to mention all that foie gras and hot white wine. Make sure to try some bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies) and don't forget about the city's other seasonal claim to fame: the Great Christmas Tree illuminated in the central square of Place Kléber.
Where to stay: Get the whole gang together and check into Splendid duplex Hypercentre Cathedral, moments from the Christmas markets.
Location: Place de la Cathédrale, Place Kléber, Place Gutenberg, Place Broglie, Place du Château (all near the city centre) in Strasbourg, France
Dates: 26 November 2025 - 24 December 2025
Nearest airport: Strasbourg Airport
Education Images/Getty
Winchester, England
From mid-November to the week before Christmas, Winchester’s Gothic cathedral plays host to a carefully curated festive market. After checking out the region’s stunningly green South Downs National Park, you can head to the market to warm up. Fancy posh macaroni and cheese, a hog roast, or a rich Scotch egg? You’ll be able to indulge as you browse sustainable crafts, stationery, wooden toys, and garden decor. Sip a mulled wine and pick up some chutney and local cheese for your Christmas feast before heading into the cathedral for one of the renowned choral performances.
Where to stay: Make the most of a wintery weekend in the countryside and check into Lainston House, a 10-minute drive from the heart of the city.
Location: Winchester Cathedral in Winchester, England
Dates: 21 November 2025 - 22 December 2025
Nearest airport: Southampton Airport (or Heathrow and get a train)
Courtesy Basel Tourismus
Basel, Switzerland
We all know Switzerland is a winter wonderland, but it also happens to host some of the best Christmas markets in Europe – including Basler Weihnachtsmarkt in the Rhine-side town of Basel. The market features more than 150 vendors selling handmade toys and local treats like Swiss raclette and läckerli (traditional Swiss gingerbread) from their wooden stands, plus enough twinkle lights and trees to fill a million Instagram feeds. Don’t miss the view of the festive scene from St. Martin’s tower, open for admission throughout the Advent period, and be sure to write your Christmas wishes in the Basel Wish Book.
Where to stay: A stay at the glitzy Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is worth every penny.
Location: Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz in Basel, Switzerland
Dates: 27 November 2025 - 23 December 2025
Nearest airport: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
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Tallinn, Estonia
In addition to Estonian Christmas dishes like black pudding and sour cabbage (it's better than it sounds, promise), Tallinn's market – a quaint fairy-tale village of stalls dusted with snow and twinkling with lights – also has a Santa who arrives by reindeer-pulled sleigh. The highlight, though, is its Christmas tree, which the city has been displaying in front of its town hall since 1441 – making it the first Christmas tree to ever be displayed in Europe. Enjoy some gingerbread and mulled wine after taking a spin on the merry-go-round.
Where to stay: Go boutique with a stay at Schlössle Hotel, a charming hideout in the heart of the Old Town and a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Location: Town Hall Square in Tallinn, Estonia
Dates: 21 November 2025 - 28 December 2025
Nearest airport: Tallinn Airport

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Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg's famed Christkindlmarkt in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City isn't just mulled wine and market stands: There are daily choral performances, sing-alongs and traditional wind music performed above the square on select nights. You can even try your hand at baking gingerbread or head out on a Salzburg Christmas tour to learn all about the market’s history – while indulging in goodies like roast pork sandwiches and roasted almonds along the way. We're not mad about the bauernkrapfen (fried pastries), either.
Where to stay: Hotel Sacher Salzburg for a historic stay close to the action.
Location: Residenzplatz and Salzburg Cathedral in Salzburg, Austria
Dates: 20 November 2025 - 1 January 2026
Nearest airport: Salzburg Airport
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Sibiu, Romania
Romania might get a lot of hype around Halloween, but the country embraces Santa Claus just as much as Dracula. See: Sibiu Christmas Market, a glittery sprawl of stalls and fairy lights located in the Sibiu city centre. Here you'll find more than 100 merchants, Santa’s workshop, and an ice rink, plus a new 72-foot-tall Ferris wheel, a new addition to last year's market. Be sure to enjoy some mămăligă (polenta), cabbage rolls, and mulled wine – and don’t miss out on meeting Moș Crăciun – that’s Romanian for Santa Claus.
Where to stay: Make yourself at home in this bright and airy studio flat, a guest favourite among Airbnb users.
Location: Piața Mare in Sibiu, Romania
Dates: Mid-November - early January 2025
Nearest airport: Sibiu International Airport
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Oslo, Norway
Jul i Vinterland, located in Oslo's city centre, has all the elements you'd expect from a classic European Christmas market, from decorated stalls to a tree-lined ice skating rink. But what makes this particular festival stand apart is the food. Be prepared for coconut cupcakes and caramel apples, gløgg and warm porridge, currywurst and smoked salmon from the Lofoten Islands – as well as a chocolate wheel to spin if you’re feeling lucky. As if the culinary delights aren’t adventurous enough, there’s a ferris wheel and carnival rides to boot.
Where to stay: The stately Grand Hotel Oslo remains the fanciest, most flamboyant stay in the city despite some pretty fierce competition in recent years. Expect to experience an era of long, silver-service lunches and eccentric characters lingering in the lobby once again, along with spacious, ornate suites.
Location: Spikersuppa in Oslo, Norway
Dates: 8 November 2025 - 4 January 2026
Nearest airport: Oslo International Airport
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Berlin, Germany
While Berlin has more Christmas markets than we can count, this small Scandi-themed market in an old brewery courtyard is a real neighbourhood favourite. Blend in among the locals meeting for after-work Glühwein as you enjoy a piping hot Flammkuchen (German flatbread) topped with potatoes, bacon, and cheese. Test out Finnish Glögi and Icelandic Jolagløgg (or any of the other mulled wine varieties featured) before diving into raclette or Mutzenmandeln (tiny cone-shaped fritters). Kids can enjoy a hot chocolate in a yurt before taking a ride on the swing carousel, while adults warm their hands by the many wood fires dotted around the site.
Where to stay: Hotel de Rome, A Rocco Forte Hotel, is housed in a magnificent 19th-century neoclassical bank building in the heart of East Berlin. Take time to admire the lobby, full of historical details, before making a beeline for the roof terrace for views across cobblestoned Bebelplatz and the copper dome of next-door St Hedwig’s Cathedral. For more inspiration, see our guide to the best hotels in Berlin right now.
Location: KulturBrauerei in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
Dates: 24 November 2025 - 22 December 2026
Nearest airport: Berlin International Airport

Andrea Pasquini
Lucca, Italy
Where better to enjoy a festive mug of mulled wine (or vin brulé) than in one of the world’s most renowned wine regions? Tuscany’s Lucca – which dates back to the 2nd century BC – becomes a magnet for Christmas lovers from early December, its Piazza Napoleano town square and the streets off it brimming with stalls selling Italian delicacies, crafts, clothes, toys, jewellery and occasionally antiques, as well as an ice-skating rink and carousel, with live music breaking out all over the place. For something a little more intimate, hotel and actual vineyard Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, up in the Tuscan hills, has its own more boutique Christmas market, set in a mediaeval hamlet from Monday 8 December. Try the local goods such as the truffle, ricciarelli soft almond pastry and Pienza cheese, and browse the handmade artisanal goods and traditional artistic nativity scenes. Of course – grab a bottle of its signature Castiglion del Bosco Brunello wine from the dedicated stall, too.
Where to stay: Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection, offers a quintessentially opulent Italian escape.
Location: Piazza Napoleone in Lucca, Italy; Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Montalcino (Siena), Italy
Dates: 23 November 2025 - 6 January 2026
Nearest airport: Pisa Airport
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Scottish capital knows how to embrace the Yuletide spirit, nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's cobbled-stoned old town with views of Edinburgh Castle. The market on East Princes Street is free to enter and is known for its stalls that house renowned crafters and artists selling handmade gifts. Kiddies can be guided to Santa's Stories in St Andrew's Square, where the little ones can meet the one and only Santa Claus. Visitors can also expect to ride Scotland's largest ferris wheel, which offers unmatched views of this beautiful city. Amber Port
Where to stay: There’s something for everyone in our guide to the best hotels in Edinburgh, from recent additions such as the cool-as-a-cucumber Virgin Hotels Edinburgh to the historic Witchery by the Castle.
Location: East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market
Dates: 15 November 2025 - 4 January 2026
Nearest airport: Edinburgh Airport