Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe 2023

That is your final information to the very best Christmas markets in Europe! I’ve traveled to a whole bunch of Christmas markets to convey you the very best locations for Christmas Markets in Europe for 2023.

Image this: You’re strolling the traditional cobblestone streets, on both aspect heat lights of cafes and retailers beckon you inside, you may have a slight chill regardless of your heat winter coat. You see a fort within the mist on the hill forward of you. May at the moment get any higher? Sure, sure it may.

As you flip the nook you’re first hit with the odor. It’s a mix of true merriment: candied nuts roasting in sugar, mulled wine being poured right into a tall espresso mug, and roasted meats over the open hearth.

Subsequent you’re hit with the noise. Christmas carols sung in German, laughter of all ages, and other people greeting one another on the prime of their lungs.

You spherical one other nook and there it’s, shimmering and glittering because the solar units: 1000’s of twinkle lights strewn alongside recent minimize pine timber. Hand carved picket stalls promoting meals, drinks, and handmade trinkets line the road, every yet one more adorned than the subsequent.

It’s Christmas Markets in Europe and it’s essentially the most joyful place on earth!

I like to think about myself as a Christmas market professional having lived in Germany, the place Christmas markets actually began, I spent years going time and again to Christmas markets throughout Europe and writing about my discovering.

One issues for positive: it’s value it. I do know that many don’t take into consideration visiting Europe in the course of the vacation season, however I discover it really sensational. It’s such a way of group and pleasure, everybody on the town will get collectively, regardless of the chilly climate to rejoice Christmas and share their handmade wares and scrumptious household recipes of conventional meals.

I am sharing the very best of the European Christmas markets so you possibly can guarantee to take advantage of your time.

Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe 2023

I’ve tons of guides to Christmas markets in Europe! From itineraries, maps, and particular person guides to every place! I hope to make planning your Christmas market journeys a breeze. For all my posts on Christmas markets in Europe click on right here.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, France undoubtedly deserves its nickname because the “Capital of Noel”! This metropolis has the most effective Christmas markets in all Europe and it is an extremely festive place to go to in the course of the vacation season. With superbly adorned stalls and open every single day from November twenty fourth to December twenty fourth, you may end up surrounded by twinkling lights and decorations galore. The Strasbourg cathedral towers over the market and there is even an actual 30 meter tall tree within the sq.!

The streets are BURSTING with decor, from the teddy bear half-timbered accommodations, the lit up Notre Dame Cathedral with angels that line the streets, and naturally vin chaud- mulled wine! Plenty of nice meals, drinks, and hand crafted items. Take your time right here, there are markets all through town. There are over 300 stalls so that you’re in for a deal with!

PRO TIP: In case you have time, head into the Vosges mountains, the place the large tree of Strasbourg is grown, and go to some Christmas markets there! The cities of Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim and Riquewihr are completely magical for Christmas! You possibly can see my full information to those Alsace villages at Christmas right here.

Starsbourg Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fifth by means of December twenty sixth, 2023.

See my full information to the very best Christmas markets in France. Or, my full information to Strasbourg, France at Christmas.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany is likely one of the hottest Christmas markets in Europe and for good purpose! With seven markets, all with totally different themes, all through town, you may discover no scarcity of issues to see and do right here. Massive, lavishly adorned Christmas markets sparkle all through town.

A few of my favorites are the Cologne Cathedral Market, that is the most important and takes place outdoors the spectacular cathedral with stay music, an enormous tree, and gluhwein (sizzling, mulled wine!). I additionally adore the Angels’ Market the place you may discover it in Neumarkt Sq. and is likely one of the unique markets that options girls wearing angel costumes handing out sweets to youngsters. There’s additionally a lovely carousel and beautiful mugs which might be excellent to take house as souvenirs. I like the one within the Outdated City as a result of it is stuffed with what seems like gnomes, but it surely’s a lot extra! The Alter Markt calls itself the Dwelling of the Heinzelmännchen (who had been little creatures from a Cologne legend who used to do all of the housekeeping till they had been irritated by an inquisitive housewife).

And Nikolausdorf or “NicholasVillage” in Rudolfplatz can be effectively well worth the cease! Many half-timbered buildings make this really feel like an actual village. It is all the time superb to me that this can come down come January!

Cologne Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty first by means of December twenty third 2023.

See the very best Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Vienna, Austria

Since 1296 Vienna has hosted a tremendous Christmas market- one of many first ever! You may see beautiful buildings decked out in bows and ribbons. However you additionally get unbelievable Christmas markets! I have been to markets all all through Europe and I can inform you, those in Vienna are a few of the finest.

There are a number of massive markets situated across the metropolis, every with their very own distinctive really feel. The most well-liked might be at Rathausplatz in entrance of the gorgeous City Corridor. With over 150 chalets, this is likely one of the largest in Europe. It is excellent for selecting up items and grabbing a chew to eat. The Glühwein right here is a few of the finest I’ve ever had!

If you would like a extra conventional really feel, then head to the Spittelberg Weihnachtsmarkt market (Weihnachtsmarkt means Christmas in German). That is situated in a pedestrian zone within the Spittelberg district and is made up of small, particular person chalets. This market has a very cozy really feel and is ideal for a romantic stroll.

And eventually, my favourite market in Vienna is the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at Freyung. This market is situated in a stunning park and has a very relaxed and charming ambiance. It is the proper place to seize a cup of sizzling chocolate and a slice of Sachertorte (a chocolate cake that could be a Vienna specialty!)

Vienna Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twelfth by means of December twenty fourth, 2023.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn seems like a snow globe come to life! Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a medieval metropolis with a fairytale really feel. And through Christmastime, it is much more magical! With twinkling lights, snow-dusted rooftops, and Christmas carols within the air, Tallinn looks like one thing out of a storybook.

The principle market is situated in City Corridor Sq., in entrance of the beautiful medieval City Corridor. This is likely one of the largest markets in Tallinn and is ideal for selecting up items and souvenirs. You may discover handmade Estonian crafts, decorations, and loads of locations to seize a chew to eat. The gluwein right here can be glorious! This can be a good spot to select up a hand-crafted wool sweater and stick round for stay music and leisure at evening.

If you happen to’re in search of one thing a little bit totally different, take a look at the Rotermann Quarter. This market is situated in an previous salt storage constructing that has been transformed into a shopping mall. It is a actually distinctive setting for a market, and you will find loads of nice items and souvenirs right here.

I extremely advocate taking a strolling tour* to get a really feel of the historical past in Tallinn! We went on a themed strolling tour and it was a spotlight of my time in Tallinn. See my full information to Tallinn at Christmas right here.

Tallinn Christmas Market Dates for 2023: December 1st by means of January seventh, 2024.

Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland is a captivating metropolis situated on the river Rhine and is understood for its stunning Outdated City, medieval structure, museums, and naturally Christmas markets! This metropolis has one of many longest operating Christmas markets in Europe because it dates again to 1521.

The principle market is situated in Munsterplatz and is stuffed with stunning handcrafted items, a big number of foods and drinks, and twinkling lights. Make sure you attempt the scrumptious Basler Läckerli, a spiced gingerbread-like biscuits which might be an area specialty. I additionally love the mulled wine right here, it is a few of the finest I’ve ever had!

There are additionally a number of different markets situated all through town together with one within the sq. in entrance of Basel’s stunning crimson sandstone cathedral. This can be a good spot to do some Christmas buying as you may discover every little thing from jewellery to picket toys.

PRO TIP: If you happen to’re in search of one thing a little bit totally different, you should definitely take a look at the Creation Calendar Home. This can be a home with 25 home windows, every with a unique shock behind it!

Basel Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fourth by means of December twenty third, 2023.

Prague, Czech Republic

If you happen to’re in search of a market with a extra medieval really feel, then Prague is the place for you! With its pretty Gothic structure and cobblestone streets, Prague lends itself completely to a festive ambiance. The markets listed below are a few of the most original in Europe with stunning handmade items on provide.

The principle market is situated in Outdated City Sq. the place you may discover a gorgeous Christmas tree and the spectacular Tyn Church within the background. This can be a actually well-liked spot, so be ready for crowds, which is why I like to recommend weekdays. However it’s undoubtedly value braving the lots to see the gorgeous decorations and seize some conventional Czech meals.

For one thing a bit extra low-key, take a look at the markets at Wenceslas Sq. and Havel’s Market. These are each situated in additional fashionable areas of town and provide a refreshing change of tempo from the Outdated City.

Prague Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty seventh by means of December twenty fourth, 2023.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland is a singular Christmas market expertise as a result of it is not solely in regards to the market stalls, but additionally the ice skating rink that units up in Senate Sq.. It is so festive and wonderful to skate round with the Helsinki Cathedral within the background.

The market itself has Finnish crafts and design, together with conventional meals like reindeer meatballs, which you’ll find on the Outdated Market Corridor. This is likely one of the few markets the place you’ll find meals indoors, so it is excellent should you’re visiting in colder climate or should you simply want a break from the chilly. You may additionally discover handcrafted Christmas decorations, glassware, and textiles.

I liked the saunas situated proper by the Christmas market glog stalls (glog is their model of mulled wine.) So that you may see somebody hop out of a sauna in only a towel, grabbing a mulled mug of steaming wine!

Helsinki Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty seventh by means of December twenty second, 2023.

Ribeauvillé, France

This market is small and solely supplied for a pair brief weekends however SO WORTH IT. It is one of the uncommon markets I’ve ever been to in essentially the most charming means. The whole city attire up and participates. There are folks dressed up, on stilts, sensible males with actual camels, fires in the course of the streets to heat up and medieval traditions.

This space is well-known for its charming half-timbered homes however the Christmas market makes it really feel such as you’ve entered a very totally different, medieval world.

You may discover all the same old Christmas market fare right here like mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. However Ribeauvillé can be identified for its glorious native wines, so you should definitely choose up a bottle or two to take house with you. You may additionally discover loads of handmade items on provide

Ribeauvillé Christmas Market Dates for 2023: December third, 4th, tenth, and eleventh – as you possibly can see it is a tremendous brief season however so value it!

Heidelberg, Germany

The Heidelberg Christmas market is likely one of the oldest markets in Germany, courting again to 1398! The principle market is situated in Heidelberg’s previous city, all through the Hauptstrasse. This can be a bit totally different than a few of the different markets, and I discover it a pleasure! You possibly can stroll almost a mile and luxuriate in totally different Christmas festivities alongside the best way. I am biased since I lived in Heidelberg, however with a lovely sixteenth century buildings, the fort towering over the skating rink, it is simply magical.

It is a really charming place with round 100 superbly adorned stalls. You may discover loads of mulled wine and conventional German meals like bratwurst and pretzels. The views of the fort lit up at evening are merely gorgeous.

There’s additionally a market in close by Mannheim which I additionally advocate testing in case you have time. It is a brief drive or prepare experience away!

Heidelberg Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty first by means of December twenty second, 2023.

See my full information to Heidelberg’s Christmas markets right here.

Colmar, France

Nestled within the Alsace area of France, Colmar is really a fairytale city and its Christmas market doesn’t disappoint. With over 300 stalls, this is likely one of the largest markets in France. The setting could not be extra excellent both, because the market is situated within the stunning previous city, which is stuffed with half-timbered homes, canals, and cobbled streets.

The market itself is extremely festive, with an enormous Christmas tree, a life-sized nativity scene, and a powerful mild show. You may discover all the standard French Christmas Market favorites right here, from vin chaud (mulled wine) to ache d’epices (gingerbread), to baeckeoffe (a scrumptious Alsatian stew). There’s additionally all kinds of handmade items and decorations on provide.

When in Colmar, considered one of my favourite French eating places can’t be beat! Winstub de la Petite Venise. This Michelin star restaurant presents a 35 euro plat du jour that makes my mouth water simply excited about it!

Try my Christmas market street journey itinerary right here.

Colmar Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fourth by means of December twenty ninth 2023.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest’s Christmas Market is likely one of the most stunning in Europe and takes place in Vörösmarty Sq. in entrance of the magnificent Nineteenth-century Gerbeaud Home. With over 100 superbly adorned stalls, an enormous ferris wheel, an ice rink, and a nativity scene, it is simple to spend a number of hours right here.

There’s additionally a lovely mild present each night at 7 pm on the facade of the Gerbeaud Home that is undoubtedly value sticking round for. The market is open from November eleventh to January 1st, so you may have loads of time to go to. And do not forget to attempt some conventional Hungarian dishes like lángos (a deep-fried flatbread) or kürtőskalács (a chimney cake)!

Budapest Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 4th by means of December thirty first 2023.

Munich, Germany

Munich is famend for its superb Oktoberfest celebration, however do you know that it additionally has a few of the finest Christmas markets in Europe? The markets listed below are massive and full of life with an excellent ambiance.

The principle market is situated at Marienplatz within the coronary heart of town. This can be a actually well-liked spot, so be ready for crowds. However it’s undoubtedly value braving the lots to see the gorgeous Glockenspiel present that takes place every single day at 11 am and midday. There are additionally a variety of different markets situated all through town, so that you’re positive to seek out one which fits your fancy.

There are lots of markets in Munich, however you should definitely begin on the iconic Christkindlmarkt situated in Marienplatz. From there, you possibly can select from the traditional Neuhausen Christmas market or go for one thing totally different just like the Wintertollwood Competition held on Oktoberfest grounds.

And should you’re in search of an genuine Bavarian eating expertise, you should definitely take a look at Hofbräuhaus, considered one of Munich’s most well-known beer halls. It is an excellent place to attempt some conventional German dishes like Weißwurst (veal sausage) and Leberkäse (a kind of meatloaf).

Munich Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty first by means of December twenty fourth, 2023.

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is a captivating metropolis situated within the Austrian Alps and its Christmas market is nothing in need of magical. With over 80 stalls, it is one of many smaller markets on this checklist, but it surely greater than makes up for it with its gorgeous setting. The market takes place within the previous city sq. in opposition to the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

What I like most about this market is that it has an actual conventional really feel to it. You may discover all the same old Austrian Christmas Market staples like Glühwein (mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Maroni (roasted chestnuts). However you may additionally discover some extra uncommon objects like Krapfen (fried dough balls stuffed with jam) and Kernöl (pumpkin seed oil).

Innsbruck Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November fifteenth by means of December twenty third, 2023.

London, England

I like London for Christmas as all of the shops are decked out and there is a feeling of pleasure in every single place! Whereas London may not be the standard spot, Christmas market is unquestionably value a go to. Situated in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is likely one of the largest markets in Europe and it is utterly free to enter!

When you’re inside, you may discover an array of points of interest like an ice rink, an enormous ferris wheel, and a German-style market with over 200 stalls. And should you’re feeling actually festive, you possibly can even go to Santa’s Grotto!

Winter Wonderland is open from late November till early January, so you may have loads of time to get pleasure from all of the enjoyable. And if you’re prepared for a break from the chilly, head to considered one of Hyde Park’s many cafes for a cup of tea or some conventional English fare.

In case you have additional time, head to Bathtub,a quintessential city in the UK that is additionally acquired an exquisite Christmas market!

London Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 18th by means of January 2nd, 2024.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is a lovely medieval metropolis situated within the German state of Bavaria – since 1313. It is best identified for its conventional Christkindlesmarkt, which is likely one of the oldest and largest markets in Germany.

The market is unfold out throughout town heart with over 180 stalls, so there’s lots to see and do. You may discover all the same old German Christmas Market staples like Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and Maroni. However you may additionally discover some extra uncommon objects like Nürnberger Christstollen (a kind of fruitcake) and Nürnberger Rostbratwurst (a grilled sausage).

If you happen to go to Nuremberg Christmas Market on the primary Friday earlier than Creation there’s a tremendous opening ceremony with performances and stay music.

Nuremberg Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fifth by means of December twenty fourth, 2023.

Metz, France

Metz is a lovely metropolis situated within the northeast of France, near the border with Germany. It is best identified for its massive Christmas market, which is likely one of the largest in Europe.

The market is unfold out throughout town heart with over 200 stalls, so there’s lots to see and do. You may discover all the same old French Christmas Market staples like vin chaud, ache d’épices (gingerbread), and candies. However you may additionally discover some extra gormet meals like foie gras, tarte flambée (a kind of pizza), and quiche Lorraine.

Cathedral Saint-Étienne de Metz dates again to the eleventh century has a stunning Christmas market simply outdoors the doorways full with a ferris wheel. Inside are stunning stained glass home windows that had been constructed by well-known artists like Marc Chagall and Jean Cocteau. Metz has loads of different locations value visiting as effectively – Notre Dame d’Auschwitz, the trendy artwork heart Centre Pompidou-Metz, and Le Temple Neuf is a lovely church that appears extra like a fort.

Metz Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November Nineteenth by means of December thirtieth, 2023.

Trier, Germany

Trier is a lovely metropolis situated within the southwest of Germany, near the border with Luxembourg. Trier is understood for it is romantic setting and with the Christmas market’s backdrop of the beautiful cathedral, it is a pretty spot.

This system on the Trier Christmas Market adjustments day by day, providing quite a lot of leisure for the entire household. From historic puppet theater to star tenor and songsmiths, there’s something for everybody to get pleasure from. With scrumptious foods and drinks on provide, plus arts and crafts from around the globe, the Trier Christmas Market attracts guests from far and broad.

To get a view from above like I did right here, head to the DE retailer proper earlier than you enter the market.

Trier Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 18th by means of December twenty second, 2023.

See the very best Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a lovely metropolis situated within the northwest of Belgium. It is best identified for its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval structure. The Christmas market is situated within the historic metropolis heart and is likely one of the most atmospheric markets in Europe.

You may discover all the same old Belgian Christmas Market staples like Belgian chocolate, waffles, and beer. However you may additionally discover objects like gingerbread homes, candles, and handmade picket toys. Yearly Grote Sq. is reworked to Bruges’ largest Christmas market and within the heart you may discover a skating rink. It’s also possible to head to Stevin Sq. for much more Christmas festivities.

Bruges Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fifth by means of January eighth 2024.

Aachen, Germany

I simply went to Aachen final yr for my first time and completely liked it! Not solely is Aachen filled with essential historical past, it is acquired an unbelievable Christmas market that is been named one of many prime Christmas Markets in Europe through the years.

Aachen Christmas Market is situated within the historic metropolis heart and is likely one of the oldest markets in Germany. It dates again to 1434 making it even older than Nuremberg! You may discover all the standard German Christmas Market staples like Glühwein, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Bratwurst.

However what I liked most in regards to the market had been all the Aachener Printen on provide. Printen are a kind of gingerbread that originates from Aachen. They arrive in all types of styles and sizes and are completely scrumptious!

Aachen Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 18th by means of December twenty third 2023.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is situated on the japanese coast of the nation. Town is stuffed with appeal with its canals, cobbled streets, and historic buildings. The Christmas market is situated within the coronary heart of town at Metropolis Corridor Sq..

You may discover all the standard Danish Christmas Market staples like æbleskiver (a kind of pancake), Gløgg (mulled wine), and Danish Christmas beer. There are additionally loads of stalls promoting handmade Christmas decorations, toys, and items.

Tivoli Gardens is a well-known park and it is a should for Christmas because it’s arrange like Santa’s village- you possibly can even experience the Polar Categorical! Additionally, Kongens Nytorv is likely one of the most stunning squares in Copenhagen and it actually comes alive throughout Christmas time. And do not forget to go to iconic Nyhavn the place you may additionally discover a market.

Copenhagen Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 4th by means of December twenty first, 2023.

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is situated within the northwest of the nation. Town is stuffed with tradition and historical past with a lovely previous city that is excellent for exploring. The Christmas market is situated in Tomislav Sq. within the heart of town.

On the Zagreb Christmas Market, you may discover all the standard Croatian Christmas Market staples like mulled wine, sausages, and pancakes. It’s also possible to discover handicrafts, jewellery, and pottery. Make sure you attempt the strukli which is a kind of pastry that is well-liked in Zagreb.

And if you wish to get a birds eye view of the market, ensure to go to the Zagreb Eye which is a huge Ferris wheel situated within the coronary heart of town.

Zagreb Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty sixth by means of January seventh, 2024.

Christmas Markets in Europe Map

This is a map of all my favourite Christmas Markets in Europe. I’ve mapped out not solely the highest 10 Christmas Markets in Europe from this information, however a few of my favorites everywhere in the continent!

Christmas Market Prime Suggestions

As your resident professional on Christmas in Europe, listed below are a few of my prime suggestions for profiting from your Christmas market journey!

Which nation has the very best Christmas Markets? That is clearly up for debate, however the award has to go to Germany! Germany has a few of the oldest and finest markets round. The custom runs deep and even small cities and villages take part. See the very best Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Which nation has the very best decorations for Christmas? France! France goes all out for decorations. It does not damage that the Alsace area already seems like an ideal gingerbread village!

What’s the very best time to go for Christmas markets in Europe? I feel December is your finest guess to make sure you see the Christmas markets however many begin in late November. Some markets do go till January as effectively.

Listed below are some extra useful guides:

What to Eat and Drink at a Christmas Market

Europe Christmas Market Itinerary and Information

Greatest Christmas Markets in Germany

Greatest Christmas Market in France

Greatest Christmas Markets in Switzerland

So there you may have it, my checklist of the very best Christmas markets in Europe for 2023! Which one are you most excited about- in case you have any questions, be at liberty to achieve out to me on Instagram @heleneinbetween – I reply all my DMs!