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Europe's Christmas Markets Are Legendary

Christmas transforms Europe's cities into storybook wonderlands. It's the perfect time to book a plane ticket, dig out your favourite Christmas jumper and make space for glühwein and bratwurst.

But with so many markets, it's hard to know which is the best fit for your trip. To help you navigate the overwhelm, I've put together this guide to the best European Christmas markets in 2025.

You'll find them ordered by family-friendliness, food, festive beauty and affordability.

Pick your ideal Christmas market and confidently plan your perfect winter escape - let's go.

Note: All flight times are approximate and based on flying from London.

Jump to: 

🎄  The most beautiful Christmas markets 

🎄  Family-friendly European Christmas markets 

🎄  Best Christmas markets for food and drink 

🎄  Top affordable European Christmas markets

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe 2025

Vienna, Austria

Vienna's Rathaus provides a grand backdrop to the city's Christmas market at Rathausplatz. / Adobe Free Stock / Iraklis Milas

2025 dates: 14 November - 26 December.

Flight time: 2 hours 15 minutes.

Fly from: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin.

Vienna's Rathausplatz Christmas Market is pure winter theatre. The neo-Gothic City Hall provides a stunning backdrop while over 150 wooden stalls create a festive village beneath twinkling fairy lights.

The market's centrepiece is a towering Christmas tree that dominates the square, complete with an ice rink. Nearby Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is also well worth a visit.

Don't miss: Take home some proper, high-quality Austrian crafts, from beautiful glass baubles to wooden toys and candles.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg’s iconic Capitale de Noël arch welcomes visitors to one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets. / Adobe Free Stock / Alfredo

2025 dates: 26 November - 24 December.

Flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Fly from: London Gatwick, Manchester, Dublin, Cork.

Known as France's 'Capital of Christmas', Strasbourg has hosted Christmas markets since 1570.

With medieval surroundings enhancing the atmosphere, Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik spreads across 11 different squares throughout the old town.

Stock up on some authentic local gifts and local specialities, against a backdrop of Gothic spires and Alsatian half-timbered houses. 

Don't miss: Strasbourg Christmas market's star attraction, the towering 30-metre Christmas tree in Place Kléber.

Tallinn, Estonia

Festive lights and decorations add to the cosy atmosphere of Tallinn's Old Town Christmas market. / Unsplash / Mariana Mishina

2025 dates: 21 November - 27 December.

Flight time: 2 hours 45 minutes.

Fly from: London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin.

Tallinn's Christmas Market sits in one of Europe's best-preserved medieval old towns. It's also home to Europe's first public Christmas tree, which dates back to 1441. 

Old Town Tallinn's cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture, and fortress walls create an authentic Christmassy setting, while snow often blankets the square. 

Smaller than Vienna or Prague, it feels intimate and special. Seasonal singing and traditional music add to the authentic, old-world feel.

And when it comes to local food, black pudding, sauerkraut, roast meats, and rye bread are a must-try.

Don't miss: Try glögi made with berries and spices, which is slightly different from Central European versions of mulled wine.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague's Old Town Square Christmas market sits beneath the iconic Gothic towers of the Church of Our Lady before Týn. / Adobe Free Stock / Kavalenkava

2025 dates: 29 November - 6 January 2026.

Flight time: 2 hours.

Fly from: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin.

Prague's Christmas Market hits the city's Old Town Square, sitting beneath its world-famous astronomical clock and Gothic churches.

The setting is idyllic; baroque buildings create an intimate courtyard atmosphere amid wooden chalets selling Czech crystal, traditional toys and local delicacies.

Its location in the heart of Prague means visitors can combine Christmas shopping with sightseeing.

Get stuck into Czech food and sample the local mulled wine and trdelník pastries.

For a little extra Christmas magic, the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle are close by and open year-round.

Don't miss: Strong and warming svařák, Czech mulled wine. Or, for something a little different, try medovina, a local hot mead.

Family-Friendly Christmas Markets in Europe 2025

Basel, Switzerland

Festive decorations at Basel's Christmas market create a cosy holiday atmosphere. / Unsplash / Ryan Lee

2025 dates: 27 November - 23 December.

Flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes.

Fly from: Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Dublin, Cork.

Basel Christmas Market on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is ideal for families and children. Its compact size makes it easy for families to explore.

Home to a dedicated fairytale forest decorated with festive fir trees, it hosts an impressive schedule of children's workshops. Take the kids for a spin on the children's carousel before treating them to storytelling sessions, which are held in multiple languages.

Let the little ones loose to create their own Christmas decorations, dip candles, and decorate gingerbread, among many other activities.

Don't miss: Dig into the Swiss chocolate stalls for extra winter energy during the cold December days.

Cologne, Germany

Festive lights and a Christmas tree frame Cologne Cathedral during the city's Christmas market season. / Adobe Free Stock / hespasoft

2025 dates: 17 November - 23 December.

Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes.

Fly from: Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin.

Cologne hosts multiple Christmas markets, but the Heinzels Winter Märchen market is particularly great for families.

It's set around the theme of Heinzel's Winter Fairy Tale, an 18th-century Cologne story about house elves.

Get ready for fairytale ice shows, puppet theatres and special workshops for children. They can also watch craftsmen at work and visit the Christmas Post Office in Toys Alley.

The main Cathedral market features carousels and ice-skating rinks, perfect for families with small children.

Cologne has seven Christmas markets, so families can explore different themes and activities to keep everyone happy.

Don't miss: Try the local beer, Kölsch, which comes in tall, thin glasses and has its own unique etiquette.

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark

Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen transforms into a Christmas wonderland with festive lights, rides, and seasonal decorations. / Adobe Free Stock / StellaSalander

2025 dates: 14 November - 4 January 2026.

Flight time: 1 hour 50 minutes.

Fly from: Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Dublin.

Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens basically looks like a Christmas card during December. And this isn't just a Christmas market; it's a whole theme park designed especially for winter visitors.

Featuring a giant Ferris wheel and Santaland, children can meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes.

Its unique combination of amusement park rides, Christmas stalls and seasonal decorations makes Tivoli unlike any other Christmas market in Europe.

Don't miss: Hit the fair; with over ten different rides and rollercoasters, there's plenty to keep the family occupied for hours.

Cork, Ireland

A festive Christmas ornament capturing the magic of Cork's Christmas market. / Unsplash /  Osman Rana

2025 dates: 22 November - 23 December.

Flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Fly from: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh.

Cork's brand-new immersive Christmas experience transforms Marina Market into a Scandinavian-inspired winter wonderland.

'Santa's Magical Market; The Big Freeze at Marina Market' features icy forests, twinkling lights and festive magic for the whole family.

It's fully accessible, dog-friendly and even includes designated sensory-friendly hours.

Don't miss: The frozen forest, illuminated ice cave, a snow valley with an animatronic polar bear, and a visit to Santa in his cosy log cabin.

Montreux, Switzerland

Festive Christmas decorations on display at the Montreux Christmas market./ Unsplash / Eleonora Albasi

2025 dates: 20 November - 24 December.

Flight time: 1 hour 40 minutes.

Fly from: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin, Cork.

Montreux Christmas Market stretches along Lake Geneva's shores with the Alps providing a spectacular backdrop. Its lakeside location and mountain setting make Montreux one of Europe's most scenic Christmas markets.

The market's most famous attraction is a flying Santa, who soars over the lake each evening, creating unforgettable moments for children and adults alike.

Children can meet Father Christmas in an authentic mountain setting while parents enjoy mulled wine with lake views.

Don't miss: Santa's House, accessible via Santa's very own cogwheel train, offers a unique alpine Christmas experience.

Best Christmas Markets in Europe for Food

Lyon, France

Bûche de Noël is one of the many traditional French treats you may come across at Lyon's Christmas market. / Adobe Free Stock / Haris

2025 dates: 26 November - 24 December.

Flight time: 1 hour 40 minutes.

Fly from: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Cork.

Lyon's reputation as France's culinary capital extends to its Christmas market. So if you like your Christmas markets with a side of fine food, this is the city to hit.

Place Carnot and Place de la République host stalls selling local specialities alongside traditional Christmas fare.

The market reflects Lyon's UNESCO World Heritage status, with food stalls occupying Renaissance buildings.

The city's famous bouchons (traditional restaurants) extend their menus into the market streets.

Lyon also hosts its world-renowned Festival of Lights between 5 and 8 December; the perfect Christmas markets pairing.

Don't miss: Local chefs holding cooking demos, and sampling everything from Lyonnaise sausages to regional cheeses and Rhône Valley wines.

Budapest, Hungary

Freshly baked chimney cake at Budapest's Christmas market; warm, sweet, and impossible to resist. / Unsplash / Dreamer Dude

2025 dates: 15 November - 1 January.

Flight time: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Fly from: Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin, Shannon.

Budapest's Christmas markets on Vörösmarty Square and by St. Stephen's Basilica offer authentic Central European flavours.

Lángos (fried flatbread with sour cream and cheese), and kürtőskalács (chimney cake) topped with cinnamon and sugar, were made for cold evenings.

Don't leave without trying pálinka, the fiesty local fruit brandy, as a warming mulled wine alternative.

Don't miss: Combine the Christmas markets with a dip in one of the city's famous thermal baths for a uniquely Budapest winter experience.

Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg's Rathaus glows at Christmas as the market tree lights up the square in front of the city's grand town hall. / Unsplash / Moritz Lüdtke

2025 dates: 24 November - 23 December.

Flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Fly from: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Belfast, Dublin.

Hamburg loves Christmas - so much so that there are Christmas markets all over the city centre and beyond.

You'll find the main action at City Hall Market in the city's beautiful town hall square.

Dig into the incredible bratwurst, mulled cider, and traditional German Lebkuchenherzen, or gingerbread hearts.

Nearby in the harbour city area, the Fleet Christmas Market fuses Hamburg's seafaring background with festive food.

Maritime-themed decorations adorn stalls selling everything from smoked fish to rum-laced hot chocolate.

This Christmas/seafood mash-up is very unique, very Hamburg and a surefire win for food connoisseurs.

Don't miss: Three times a day (4 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM), Santa flies over the market in a sleigh as the crowds cheer below.

Nuremberg, Germany

Gingerbread hearts sway above the stalls at Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, filling the air with spice, and Christmas cheer. / Adobe Free Stock / pusteflower9024

2025 dates: 28 November - 24 December.

Flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes.

Fly from: Stansted, Heathrow.

Nuremberg Christkindlmärkte declares itself as Germany's most famous Christmas market.

The local rostbratwurst is a serious business that food lovers shouldn't miss. Protected by EU law, to be officially recognised as rostbratwurst, they must follow a set of strict rules.

These include that they must be made in the city from pork using traditional recipes, 7 - 9 cm long, 25 grams each, and served three to a roll.

Once you've tracked one down, these distinctive small sausages pair perfectly with a local beer and sauerkraut. Worth the visit alone.

Don't miss: The city's gingerbread tradition dates back to medieval times when Nuremberg bakers created elaborate lebkuchen. These aren't ordinary biscuits - they're works of art crafted with intricate icing and decorations.

Affordable Christmas Markets in Europe 2025

Gdańsk, Poland

Twinkling lights, spiced mulled wine, and medieval streets; Gdańsk's Christmas market is pure Baltic magic. / Adobe Free Stock / Patryk Kosmider

2025 dates: 21 November - 23 December.

Flight time: 2 hours 15 minutes.

Fly from: Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin.

Gdańsk Christmas market offers exceptional value for British and Irish holidaymakers. Hotel prices remain reasonable, even during peak season, while market food costs a fraction of Western European equivalents.

The old town's reconstructed medieval buildings create an impressive backdrop without the premium pricing.

One of the more bizarre, but playful, parts of the Christmas market is Lucek, the talking moose. Lucek hangs above one of the stalls, nodding his head and spreading Christmas joy to passersby.

Gdańsk's Baltic seaside location means fewer crowds than traditional German markets, offering visitors a more relaxed experience.

Don't miss: go for some Polish pierogi, kielbasa and oscypek cheese for a warming, affordable meal.

Riga, Latvia

Riga's Christmas market is in Dome Square, which is surrounded by medieval buildings, adding to the atmosphere and magic. / Unsplash / Daniels Joffe

2025 dates: 28 November - 4 January 2026.

Flight time: 2 hours 35 minutes.

Fly from: Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Nottingham, Leeds, Dublin.

Riga's Christmas market in Dome Square has a medieval atmosphere without tourist-trap pricing.

The UNESCO World Heritage old town provides an impressive setting, while Latvian hospitality ensures warm welcomes despite cold temperatures.

Food stalls serve filling meals for under €5 (£4.35), while accommodation costs are also relatively low for Christmas travellers.

Don't miss: Visiting Riga at Christmas time is the perfect opportunity to buy some beautifully hand-made Latvian gifts, such as woollen goods and amber jewellery.

Zagreb, Croatia

Your tree at home will thank you for stocking up on colourful traditional decorations from Zagreb's Christmas market. / Adobe Free Stock / zatletic

2025 dates: 29 November - 7 January 2026.

Flight time: 2 hours 15 minutes.

Fly from: Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Nottingham, Leeds, Dublin.

Zagreb's Advent festival has won awards as one of Europe's best Christmas destinations. The city transforms multiple squares into festive markets with different themes and specialities.

Croatian food stalls serve tempting Balkan cuisine at budget-friendly prices, while local craft stalls reflect Croatia's rich cultural heritage at affordable prices. The extended season until early January means visitors can enjoy post-Christmas bargains while still experiencing a full festive atmosphere.

The combination of mild winter weather, affordable accommodation and excellent value for money makes Zagreb an ideal choice for budget-conscious Christmas market enthusiasts.

Don't miss: Trying the mini doughnuts, fritule, and the local mulled wine, kuhano vino, is practically mandatory.

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Download your eSIM instantly, activate it before you travel, and enjoy seamless data coverage wherever you choose to celebrate Christmas in 2025.

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