The Absolute Best Christmas Markets In Europe 2023

Christmas is such a magical time of year and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than visiting one of the best Christmas markets in Europe?

It’s something I have loved to do since I lived in Vienna 25 years ago and we now love to take the children to help them feel the magic of Christmas.

Christmas markets (Christkindlmarkt) originated in Germany. Arguably, you’ll still find the best Christmas markets in Germany although they are now facing stiff competition from markets all around Europe.

There are now so many Christmas markets in Europe that the choice can be mind boggling so we have narrowed it down for you and selected the best Christmas markets in Europe.

**Most of the European Christmas markets 2023 dates have been released but we are still waiting for a couple. Keep checking back for updates. This post contains affiliate links. Should you click on one and book something, we may earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you**

What is a Christmas market?

A Christmas market is a collection of little wooden shacks adorned with twinkling lights and decorations.

They sell Christmas themed goodies such as hand-made arts and crafts, Christmas decorations, Glühwein (a hot mulled wine), traditional gingerbread hearts (Lebkuchenherzen) and sweets galore.

The colder the weather, the more atmospheric the experience is.  They are located in the most beautiful European cities. Think of medieval walled towns with old town squares and you’ll probably find a market there.

We’ve heard that there are also Christmas markets US-style and that Leavenworth Christmas market is a particularly good one.

Where are the best Christmas markets in Europe?

If you like the sound of a Christmas market but aren’t sure where to find them, we have covered the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Our comprehensive guide to the best Christmas markets in Europe includes information on opening dates for 2023 if they have been released, what you can expect from each market and accommodation options for every budget in the vicinity of the markets.

Flights to the best European Christmas markets

Looking for cheap flights to the best Christmas markets in Europe? Check out Easyjet fares as close to their release dates as possible. See here for Easyjet release date information and here to book Easyjet flights.

Vienna Christmas Markets

The Viennese Christmas markets are my favourite (and arguably the best Christmas markets in Europe).

It feels like the whole town transforms into a Christmas wonderland because each main square has its own market. To get the most out of your visit, we suggest taking a tour of the Vienna Christmas markets.

The main one (and also the largest Christmas market in Europe) is in the Rathausplatz outside the Rathaus (city hall).

Other Viennese Christmas markets are located in Maria Theresien Platz, Stephansplatz (by the impressive Stephansdom) and at Schönbrunn Palace.

Schönbrunn is spectacular and well worth a visit, even though it is a little way outside of Vienna town centre. Check out the Strudel Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace.

You can expect ice skating and reindeer rides as well as all of the traditional fare of a Christmas market.

We love the reusable mug system for the mulled wine. You pay a deposit and receive your glühwein (mulled wine) in a mug painted with a Viennese scene. It’s a lovely keepsake and worth foregoing the €2.50/3.00 deposit.

Other Austrian Christmas markets worth visiting are Salzburg, Innsbruck, St. Gallen and Graz.

Looking for other things to do in Vienna? You could try:

• a Vivaldi Four Seasons concert at Karlskirche.
• a Mozart concert at the Golden Hall.
• a Strauss and Mozart Christmas concert.

Before you book any attractions tickets, make sure you check out the Vienna GoCityPass as you can make huge savings on ticket prices.

Vienna Christmas market 2023 dates

Viennese Dream Christmas Market – mid November to the end of December 2023. Exact dates TBC.

Christmas Village Belvedere Palace – mid November to the end of December 2023. Exact dates TBC.

Christmas Village on Maria-Theresien-Platz – mid November to the end of December 2023. Exact dates TBC.

Christmas Market at Schloss Schönbrunn – mid November to the beginning of January 2024. Exact dates TBC.

Christmas Market at St Stephen’s Square – mid November to the end of December 2023. Exact dates TBC.

Accommodation in Vienna

Luxury: Hotel Sacher – for a truly Viennese experience. Make sure to try their famous Sacher Torte.

Boutique : Hotel Konig von Ungarn– Vienna’s oldest hotel, founded in 1746 and very centrally located close to Stephans Platz Christmas market. You can also find some of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Vienna here.

Budget / Mid-range : – KH Apartments Universitaet – modern, clean apartments located very close to the Rathaus Christmas market.

Nothing takes your fancy? Click here for the best deals on all the hotels in Vienna.

Zurich Christmas Markets

The Zurich Christkindlimarkt at the main station in the center of town is somewhat of an institution and a great way to experience Christmas in Switzerland.

It features approximately 140 different stalls right inside the main hall of the station, along with a stunning Christmas tree that is a tourist attraction in its own right. It towers over the end of the market, standing 32-ft-tall, and is generously decorated with Swarovski crystals from top to bottom.

Although this also happens to be the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe, given the station is mostly open at both ends, it still feels like an outdoor market.

If you want the true outdoor Christmas market feeling instead then you will have to head down to Bellevue where another more recent addition is located. It is similar to the train station market, although more random in its layout and somewhat smaller. It also lacks the mind-blowing Christmas tree but is still worth a visit.

Zurich Christmas market 2023 dates

End of November to the end of December 2023. Exact dates TBC.

Accommodation in Zurich

Luxury: Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich – not as luxurious as some of the Grand Dames in Zurich but you can’t beat the location right next to the main station.

Boutique: Widder Hotel – a carefully renovated luxury townhouse building 300m from the main station.

Budget / Mid Range: Motel One Zurich – modern and budget design hotel near the station.

Nothing takes your fancy? Click here for the all Zurich hotels.

Prague Christmas Markets

I can’t think of a more perfect location than Prague for a Christmas market. The medieval centre of Prague provides the ideal setting and the weather in late November – December is cold enough for some atmospheric snow.

There are two main markets – Prague Old Town and Wenceslas Square. They’re only 5 minutes apart by foot so you can easily visit both.

You’ll find traditional wood-carved toys, hand-cut crystal items and lots of confectionery. Enjoy hearty (i.e. meaty) Czech food and roasted chestnuts washed down with a much-needed warming glass of mulled wine.

Trying the traditional Trdelník (rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick and roasted then topped with sugar) is a definite must too.

Many people believe Prague to be one of the best European Christmas markets, if not the best.

For something a little different, how about trying a medieval dinner in Prague or a classical music Christmas concert? If you have time, you should also check out these lovely hidden gems in Prague.

Prague Christmas market 2024 dates

End of November to the beginning of January 2025. (incl. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day).

Accommodation in Prague

Luxury: The Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa – located in a UNESCO protected building with ornate bedrooms and bathrooms. A short walk across Charles Bridge to the Old Town.

Boutique: MOODs Charles Bridge – very centrally located and great for families with lovely breakfast.

Budget / Mid Range: Old Prague House – centrally located with a fabulous breakfast.

Nothing takes your fancy? Click here for the all Prague hotels.

Nuremberg Christmas Market

The Nürnberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets and dates back to around 1530.

It is held in the Hauptplatz (main square) and it’s most famous for its gingerbread and Nuremberger Bratwurst (finger-sized sausage) which you’ll smell cooking as you wander around.

All the wooden chalets have a distinctive red and white candy cane striped roof.

All handicrafts are locally made and we love that they are doing their bit for the environment by providing reusable cups for the mulled wine (similar system to Vienna). Their electricity comes from a nearby hydro-electric plant.

to make the most of your visit, why not take a guided walking tour through the Old Town?

The nearby Munich market is worth a visit too, particularly if you are flying into or out of Munich. In fact, there are lots of things to see and do on day trips from Munich.

Other German markets worth visiting are Hamburg, Leipzig, Dusseldorf, Berlin, Aachen and Bremen.

Nuremberg Christmas market 2023 dates

End of November to the end of December 2023. Exact dates TBC.

Accommodation in Nuremberg

Luxury: Adina Apartment Hotel – Luxury apartment hotel in the centre of Nuremberg. Great for families.

Boutique: Sorat Hotel Saxx Nurnberg – Close to the Christmas market.

Budget / Mid Range: Centr Apartments Nurnberg – Basic accommodation in the heart of Nuremberg.

Nothing take your fancy? Click here for the best deals on all Nuremberg hotels.

Budapest Christmas Market

The main Christmas market in Budapest can be found on St Stephen’s Square in front of the beautiful St Stephen’s Basilica. Whilst there, you could attend an organ concert in St Stephen’s Basilica to really get into the festive spirit.

The Christmas market in Budapest is relatively new but sells traditional Hungarian crafts. Enjoy hearty Hungarian staple foods such as Goulash, and finish with a slice of Flódni, five sweet layers of cake with 4 different fillings or Chimney cake.

There’s a great community spirit where people can enjoy free concerts, light shows with 3D glasses and ice skating.

Looking for other things to do in Budapest? A visit to the Szechenyi Baths and taking a Danube sightseeing cruise should be top of your list.

Budapest Christmas market 2023 dates

Vörösmarty Square – TBC.

Budapest Basilica Christmas market – TBC.

Accommodation in Budapest

Luxury: Aria Hotel Budapest – stunning hotel with a suite suitable for 4 close to the market.

Boutique: Art Deco Basilica Residence – located right next to the Christmas market, suitable for families.

Budget / Mid Range: Luxury Central Apartment – 2 bedroom apartment close to the market.

Nothing takes your fancy? Click here for the best deals on all Budapest hotels.

Colmar Christmas Market

Colmar, Alsace is one of Europe’s fairy-tale towns. The narrow cobbled streets in the old town are lined with brightly coloured houses and it has a real-life Disney feel to it.

Over Christmas in Colmar, the old town is taken over by 180 stalls. You will find the traditional Christmas market fare, but being France, you will also find gourmet food stalls.

We love it because of the fairy-tale feel of the town. The houses are like gingerbread houses, making them the perfect backdrop for the market.

We also love the fact that the old town is so small and easy to navigate with mostly pedestrianised streets. Or if you fancy taking in the town from the water, Colmar is a stop on the Tauck Christmas market river cruise.

The nearby Strasbourg Christmas market is also worth visiting as are neighbouring Eguisheim and Riquewihr, two of the most beautiful villages in France. You can do a lovely half day tour of the Alsace Villages from Colmar.

Colmar Christmas market 2023 dates

End of November to the end of December 2023. Exact dates TBC.

Accommodation in Colmar

Luxury: Hotel Le Colombier  – very centrally located in the Old Town.

Boutique: Hotel Quatorze – lovely hotel in the centre of Colmar with family suites.

Budget / Mid Range: Pierre & Vacances Petit Venise – just 10 minutes walk from Little Venice and the Old Town. Good standard apartment hotel with a pool.

Nothing takes your fancy? Click here for all Colmar hotels.

Stockholm Christmas Markets

As with most other cities, Stockholm has a few Christmas markets. The main (and best) one to visit after Skansen (for which there is quite a hefty admission fee) is the one in Gamla Stan.

Gamla Stan is the oldest and most traditional Christmas market in Stockholm, dating back to 1837. You’ll find handicrafts, Glögg (Swedish mulled wine) and other Swedish gastronomic delights.

Remember to grab your Stockholm City Pass if you are going to be doing a lot of sightseeing. It includes over 45 attractions and can save you  money.

Stockholm Christmas market 2023 dates

End of November to the end of December 2023. Exact dates TBC.

Accommodation in Stockholm

Luxury: Nobis Hotel –  in the heart of the shopping district and close to the Old Town.

Boutique: Lady Hamilton Apartments – located by the Old town and very close to the Christmas market. Good for families with the option of a 2 bedroom apartment.

Budget / Mid Range: Old Town Lodge – very centrally located near the Christmas market area of Gamla Stan. Quadruple rooms with shared bathroom for families available with breakfast included.

Nothing takes your fancy? Click here for all Stockholm hotels.

Tallinn Christmas Market

The Tallinn Christmas market has become increasingly popular and is, without a doubt, a beautiful spot for a European Christmas market.

Tallinn is the oldest capital city in Northern Europe and has one of the best-preserved medieval town centres in the world.

The Christmas market is held in the town square and in the middle of the market is a huge Christmas tree which was first erected in 1441.

You’ll find Christmas decorations and Christmas lights to help get you into the Christmas spirit. Local merchants will offer traditional Estonian food, from black pudding and sour cabbage to gingerbread and mulled wine, as well as various handicrafts. Children will be able to enjoy merry-go-round rides.

If you can’t find anything you like to eat in the market, there are plenty of other great places to eat in Tallinn.

Being this far north, expect very cold weather and make sure to dress accordingly.

Tallinn is beautiful and best explored on foot. we recommend taking a tour of Tallinn with a local to really experience the best parts.

Tallinn Christmas market 2023 dates

End of November to the beginning of January 2024. Exact dates TBC.

Accommodation in Tallinn

Luxury: Schlössel Hotel – a beautiful luxury hotel in the Old Town.

Boutique: Savoy Boutique Hotel – best boutique hotel in Estonia three years in a row. Effortlessly stylish.

Budget / Mid Range: Cozy Apartment – very centrally located 2 bedroom apartment.

Nothing take your fancy? Click here for all Tallinn hotels.

Brussels Christmas Market

The main Christmas market in Brussels (Winter Wonders) takes place in the Grand Place in the centre of town. There’s a huge Christmas tree, magical lights and a skating rink, all overlooked by the majestic town hall.

You’ll find all the usual Christmas gifts and decorations in the wooden chalets, and being Belgium, you have the added bonus of sampling one of the many Belgian beers in the surrounding bars.

Brussels Christmas market 2023 dates

Brussels Christmas market 2023 dates TBC.

Accommodation in Brussels

Luxury: Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo – located on the corner of the Grand Place with great views of the market.

Boutique: The Dominican – centrally located.

Budget / Mid Range: Appartement Grand Place – lovely 2 bedroom apartment centrally located.

Nothing takes your fancy? Click here for all Brussels hotels.

Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester was the first city in the UK to hold a Christmas market. It was set up in 1999 and has been growing ever since. There are 10 locations throughout the city with over 300 stalls and a mind-blowing 9 million visitors each year. It is the biggest Christmas market in the UK.

You’ll find traditional Christmas gifts, street performers and a whole range of international foods, including Bratwurst and Goulash and mulled wine. You’ll almost think you’re in Germany!

Manchester Christmas market 2023 dates

Albert Square – 8th November to 22nd December, 10am to 9pm.
Cathedral Gardens – 8th November to 5th January, 10am to 9pm.
Piccadilly Gardens – 8th November to 22nd December, 10am to 9pm.
Market Street – 8th November to 21st December, 10am to 9pm.
Exchange Square – 8th November to 21st December, 10am to 9pm.
New Cathedral Street – 8th November to 21st December, 10am to 9pm.
King Street – 8th November to 21st December, 10am to 9pm.
St Ann’s Square – 8th November to 21st December, 10am to 9pm.

Accommodation in Manchester

Luxury: The Midland – most centrally located luxury hotel. Suites with 2 double beds.

Boutique: Native Manchester – beautifully converted warehouse in a central location with 2 bedroom apartments.

Budget / Mid Range: Dreamhouse Apartments – 2 bedroom apartments in the heart of Manchester.

Nothing takes your fancy? Click here for all Manchester hotels.

Cologne Christmas Market

We had to put another German market in here seeing as they originated in Germany. The Cologne Christmas markets offer something for everyone and they are found all over town.

The more traditional Alter Markt by the town hall is great for children. Here you’ll find a traditional children’s roundabout, puppet theatre, Santa Claus grotto and many toy stands.

In all of the Christmas markets, there will be Christmas music, arts and crafts, toys, Christmas decorations and the scent of mulled wine, hot chestnuts and gingerbread.

Cologne Christmas market 2023 dates

End of November to the end of December 2023. Exact dates TBC.

Accommodation in Cologne

Luxury: Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom – directly opposite the Cologne cathedral.

Boutique: Stern am Rathaus – located centrally by the town hall and with family suites.

Budget / Mid Range: Hotel und Restaurant Lowenbrau Koln – centrally located, family room with bathroom.

Nothing takes your fancy? Click here for all Cologne hotels.

London Winter Wonderland

There is so much to do at the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. The Christmas market (with over 200 stalls) is just a small part of it.

There is the largest ice skating rink in London, fairground rides, Santa Land, and shows. We go there mainly for the Christmas market, mulled wine and Bavarian food. It is so big, you can spend a whole day there (but be sure to save some time for all other wonderful Christmas in London activities!).

Entrance is free but most of the rides are payable and it is advisable to book some things in advance. London is one of the best UK cities to visit at Christmas with kids and Winter Wonderland is a must see during your trip.

It has one of the best Santa’s Grottos in London.

There are lots of other London Christmas Markets which you can read about in our post.

Winter Wonderland 2023 dates

mid November to the beginning of January 2024. Exact dates TBC.

Accommodation in London

There is no shortage of accommodation in London to suit every budget, but we’ve picked the closest to Hyde Park in each category.

Luxury: The Berkeley – Luxury hotel in Knightsbridge only a few minutes walk from Hyde Park. It has interconnecting rooms if you are travelling with a family.

Boutique: The Capital – located very close to Hyde Park with 2 bedroom apartments.

Budget / Mid Range: YHA London St Pancras – There’s really not a lot of budget accommodation around the Hyde Park / Knightsbridge area so why not stay somewhere with easy access to the Piccadilly line. Kings Cross is only 15 minutes on the tube to Hyde Park Corner.

We also have a post on Premier Inn hotels for families in London, London hotels with pools and best London accommodation for families for all budgets.

Nothing takes your fancy? Click here for all London hotels or see our recommendations for the best family hotels in London.

We hope this has put you in the mood for Christmas and that you’ll enjoy these Christmas markets in Europe as much as we do. It’s great fun for all the family.

If you have a favourite Christmas market in Europe that we haven’t mentioned, we’d love to hear about it.

If you found this post helpful, why not bookmark it, share it with friends or pin it for later?