Discover the best Christmas markets in Europe and beyond and find out which are the most magical places to visit during Christmas.
Love twinkling lights, mulled wine, and festive cheer? If you’re hunting the best Christmas markets in Europe, or even Christmas markets near you, this guide is your sleigh ride to the most magical places to visit during Christmas.
Table of Contents
🎅 Best Christmas Markets in Europe & Beyond
From German Christmas markets steeped in tradition to London Christmas markets sparkling with modern flair, these destinations deliver the magic of the season. Expect snow-dusted squares, handmade gifts, and the sweet scent of roasted chestnuts at every turn.
🎠 Nuremberg Christmas Market (Germany)
The Nuremberg Christmas Market (Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt), one of the best European Christmas markets, is where an angelic gift-bringer opens the season in a golden ceremony. Set in Hauptmarkt Square with its medieval charm and festive traditions that define German Christmas markets.
🗓️ Dates: 28 Nov – 24 Dec 2025
- Christkind appearance
- Traditional Lebkuchen & sausages
- Children’s carousel & vintage trains
- Handcrafted ornaments & nutcrackers
- Gothic church backdrop
🎄 Dresden Christmas Market (Germany)
The Dresden Christmas Market (Dresdner Striezelmarkt), Germany’s oldest, dating back to 1434, is a shining jewel among German Christmas markets. Set in Altmarkt Square, it blends centuries of tradition with fairytale charm, while the aroma of roasted almonds and Dresden’s signature Stollen cake draws visitors from around the world.
🗓️ Dates: 26 Nov – 24 Dec 2025
- Historic Striezelmarkt origins
- Dresden Stollen Festival
- Giant Christmas pyramid & candle arch
- Authentic Erzgebirge toys & ornaments
🎄 Cologne Christmas Markets (Germany)
Cologne’s Christmas markets light up the city with festive charm. Enjoy hot Glühwein, Reibekuchen (crispy potato cakes), chocolate-dipped fruits, and Kölsch Christmas beer along the Rhine.
🗓️ Dates: 25 Nov – 23 Dec 2025
- Cathedral Christmas Market – Gothic, iconic, festive
- Heinzels Wintermärchen – Fairy-tale, charming, traditional
- Harbour Christmas Market – Maritime, scenic, cozy
- Stadtgarten Market – Artistic, tucked-away, unique
- Weihnachtsmarkt Nikolausdorf – Family-friendly, festive, playful
- Ehrenfeld Christmas Market – Trendy, local, festive
- Angels Christmas Market – Magical, artisanal, atmospheric
Optional: Visit the magical Wintertraum Phantasialand in Brühl near Cologne if you love theme parks.
🍺 Munich Christmas Markets (Germany)
The Munich Christmas Market (Münchner Christkindlmarkt), established in 1310, is the quintessential German Christmas market experience. Centered around Marienplatz, it fills the Bavarian capital with twinkling lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts, and festive brass bands beneath Munich’s majestic Town Hall.
🗓️ Dates:
- Marienplatz Christmas Market: 24 Nov – 24 Dec 2025
- Residenz Christmas Village: 17 Nov – 22 Dec 2025
- Medieval Market (Wittelsbacher Platz): 24 Nov – 23 Dec 2025
- Sendlinger Tor Christmas Market: 24 Nov – 22 Dec 2025
- Pink Christmas (Stephansplatz): 24 Nov – 22 Dec 2025
- Tollwood Winter Festival (Theresienwiese): 25 Nov – 23 Dec 2025
- Chinesischer Turm Market (English Garden): 20 Nov – 23 Dec 2025
- Märchenbazar (Olympiapark): 27 Nov – 28 Dec 2025
- Viktualienmarkt Winter Market: 21 Nov 2025 – 5 Jan 2026
- Eiszauber Ice Rink: 21 Nov 2025 – 11 Feb 2026
- Munich Airport Christmas Market: 14 Nov – 28 Dec 2025
- Special Event – Krampus Run: 14 Dec 2025
❄️ Berlin Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market (Germany)
Set in one of Berlin’s most beautiful squares, the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market blends timeless elegance with festive charm. Beneath the glowing domes of the French and German Cathedrals, visitors can savor gourmet treats and enjoy festive entertainment.
📅 Dates: 21 Nov – 31 Dec 2025
- Elegant white tents with artisan crafts and gifts
- Gourmet food, mulled wine, and roasted almonds
- Live choirs, acrobatic shows, and festive performances
- Iconic backdrop of Berlin’s historic architecture
🎠 Stuttgart Christmas Market (Germany)
One of Germany’s largest and oldest, the Stuttgart Christmas Market (Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt) transforms the city’s old town into a winter dreamscape. Twinkling lights, festive music, and elaborately decorated stalls fill every corner with Christmas cheer.
🗓️ Dates: 26 Nov – 23 Dec 2025
- 280+ stalls in historic old town
- Mulled wine & gingerbread
- Carols, choirs & festive rides
🎡 Frankfurt Christmas Market (Germany)
The Frankfurt Christmas Market (Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt) is set beneath the half-timbered houses of Römerberg, sparkling with festive warmth and charm. A perfect blend of tradition and city glamour, it proves that holiday magic thrives beyond the usual favorites.
🗓️ Dates: 24 Nov 2025 – 23 Dec 2025
- 200+ stalls
- Glühwein & treats
- Skyline ice rink
- St. Nicholas Church
Optional: Take a day trip from Frankfurt to the beautiful baroque old town of Heidelberg & Mannheim Christmas Markets.
🔥 Düsseldorf Christmas Market (Germany)
Düsseldorf’s Christmas Market charms visitors with its elegant old-town setting and festive cheer spread across seven themed squares. The air is filled with the scent of roasted nuts and Feuerzangenbowle – a flaming Glühwein with sugar and rum that’s a must-try winter treat.
📅 Dates: 20 Nov – 30 Dec 2025
- Seven themed markets across the city center
- Beautiful ice rink on Corneliusplatz
- Traditional Feuerzangenbowle and regional specialties
- Perfect base for day trips to Cologne and Bonn
🎄 Strasbourg Christmas Market (France)
Strasbourg, the self-proclaimed Capital of Christmas, hosts the Strasbourg Christmas Market (Marché de Noël de Strasbourg). Established in 1570, fills the cobbled streets of the Grande Île with dazzling lights, festive scents, and joyful songs, blending French charm with German heritage.
🗓️ Dates: 26 Nov – 24 Dec 2025
- Cathedral concerts
- Grande Île market village
- Gigantic Christmas tree & star lights
- Mulled wine, bretzels, and gingerbread hearts
Optional:
- Alsace Christmas Markets Day Tour from Strasbourg: Christmas markets in the fairy tale towns of Colmar, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, and Bergheim.
- Festival du Merveilleux, Musée des Arts Forains in Paris (26 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026). Spectacular winter fairground with illuminated garden, rides, and entertainment.
🏰 Vienna Christmas Market (Austria)
The Vienna Christmas Dream Market, established in 1298, transforms the Austrian capital into a winter postcard of chandeliers, lights, and laughter. Running from late November 2025, it blends imperial elegance with cozy charm and the scent of hot punch.
🗓️ Dates: 14 Nov – 26 Dec 2025
- Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market (6 Nov 2025 – 6 Jan 2026)
- Rathausplatz Market – iconic skating rink and sparkling trees
- Belvedere Palace Market – art meets romance in a Baroque setting
🎄 Innsbruck Christmas Markets (Austria)
Innsbruck’s Christmas Markets transform the city into a winter wonderland framed by snow-dusted Alpine peaks. From the medieval charm of the Old Town to the modern sparkle of Maria-Theresien-Straße, each market glows with festive warmth and Austrian tradition.
🗓️ Dates:
- Old Town Market: 15 Nov to 23 Dec 2025
- Maria-Theresien-Straße Market: 25 Nov 2025 to 6 Jan 2026
- Hungerburg Panorama Market: 21 Nov 2025 to 6 Jan 2026
🎡 Zagreb Christmas Market (Croatia)
Voted one of Europe’s best, Zagreb’s Christmas Market transforms the city into a festive playground of lights, music, and winter cheer. Skaters glide across the huge King Tomislav Square ice rink, while Zrinjevac Park glows with fairy lights, live music, and wooden chalets serving mulled wine and local treats.
📅 Dates: 29 Nov 2025 – 7 Jan 2026
- King Tomislav Square – Massive open-air ice rink
- Zrinjevac Park – live music, crafts, and festive food
- Advent in the Tunnel – a light-filled underground display
⛸️ Luxembourg Christmas Market (Luxembourg City)
During the Winterlights festival, Luxembourg City turns into a glowing wonderland of lights, music, and festive cheer. The main squares – Place d’Armes, Place de la Constitution, and Place de Paris – overflow with cozy chalets, local delicacies, and joyful entertainment.
📅 Dates: 22 Nov 2025 – 5 Jan 2026
- Ferris wheel, ice rink, and live performances
- Artisanal gifts and traditional food stalls
- Gromperekichelcher (crispy potato pancakes)
🕯️ Prague Christmas Market (Czech Republic)
Few Christmas markets in Europe can rival the fairy-tale feel of Prague’s Christmas Market. Snow-dusted rooftops, Gothic spires, and a massive Christmas tree create the perfect festive stage. Known for affordability and charm, Prague is a must-see European Christmas market for first-time travelers.
🗓️ Dates: 29 Nov 2025 – 6 Jan 2026
- Old Town Square Market
- Wenceslas Square Market
- Trdelník (sweet pastry) and svařák (mulled wine)
- Bohemian glass & jewelry
🌟 Budapest Christmas Market (Hungary)
The Budapest Christmas Market, centered at Vörösmarty Square, is a Central European gem, filled with Hungarian crafts, festive lights, chimney cake (kürtőskalács), and mulled wine. Carolers and performers bring old-world charm and holiday magic to the heart of the city.
🗓️ Dates: Approx 17 Nov – 31 Dec 2025
- Handmade Hungarian crafts
- Traditional foods & drinks
- Light shows & nativity scenes
- Ice skating & family activities
🏰 Tallinn Christmas Market (Estonia)
Tallinn’s Christmas Market, set in the UNESCO-listed Town Hall Square, radiates storybook charm beneath one of Europe’s oldest Christmas trees, a tradition since 1441. Intimate and historic, it captures the essence of holiday magic in a beautifully snow-covered setting.
🗓️ Dates: 21 Nov – 27 Dec 2025
- Fairy-tale setting with charming wooden stalls
- Estonian delicacies, folk music & dance
🧇 Brussels Christmas Market (Belgium)
The Brussels Christmas Market, known as Winter Wonders, transforms the Belgian capital into a dazzling winter wonderland. Spanning Grand Place, Bourse, and Sainte-Catherine, it delights with waffles, chocolate, mulled wine, and twinkling lights – festive perfection among Europe’s best Christmas markets.
🗓️ Dates: 28 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
- Over 200 chalets
- Authentic Belgian treats
- Giant Ferris wheel & ice rink
- Light shows at Grand Place
🎠 Tivoli Christmas Market (Copenhagen)
The Tivoli Christmas Market in Copenhagen, in the world-renowned Tivoli Gardens, brings fairytale magic to life with twinkling lights, festive rides, and a cozy Nordic charm. As snow dusts the rooftops and carousels spin, it captures the spirit of European Christmas markets with a distinctly Danish touch.
🗓️ Dates: 15 Nov 2025 – early Jan 2026
- Enchanting Tivoli Gardens setting
- Scandinavian crafts & gifts
- Nordic gløgg (mulled wine), roasted almonds, and Danish pastries
- Rides, reindeer, and glowing Christmas trees
🕯️ Basel Christmas Market (Switzerland)
The Basel Christmas Market, set along Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, is one of Switzerland’s finest and most picturesque. It offers the cozy charm of German markets with a Swiss twist, as over 100,000 lights turn the city into a glowing snow globe.
🗓️ Dates: 27 Nov – 23 Dec 2025
- Barfüsserplatz for shopping
- Münsterplatz for views and lights
- Swiss raclette, fondue, and Basel Läckerli (gingerbread)
- Choirs, storytelling, and festive exhibitions
Optional:
- Montreux Christmas Markets with Flying Santa Show: 20 Nov to 24 Dec 2025
- Zurich Christmas Markets: 20 Nov – 23 December 2025
- Lucerne Christmas Markets: 4 Dec – 21 Dec 2025
- Bern Christmas Markets: 20 Nov – 28 December 2025
- Geneva Winter Wonderland
- Matterhorn Christmas Tour in Zermatt
🎄 Bratislava Christmas Market (Slovakia)
Bratislava Christmas Market is ranked as one of Europe’s cheapest Christmas markets! Wander Old Town’s twinkling markets and climb Old Town Hall for city views. Don’t miss the Main Square and castle markets – holiday magic with a Slovak twist!
🗓️ Dates: 27 Nov 2025 – 6 January 2026
- Old Town Hall viewpoint
- Potato pancakes, cabbage soup, chimney cakes, pressburger rolls
- Holiday tram to the Main Square market
- Mead, handmade gifts, and historical reenactments
🎄 Christmas World at Villa Borghese (Rome, Italy)
The Villa Borghese Gardens go full festive this year as Rome’s beloved park transforms into Europe’s largest Christmas village. It’s Rome like you’ve never seen it – snowy, sparkly, and stuffed with holiday cheer.
🗓️ Dates: 29 Nov 2025 – 11 Jan 2026
- Ice rink & frosty fun
- Drop by Santa’s house and his merry workshop.
- Panettone, hot chocolate, and global treats.
- Carousels, light tunnels, and themed worlds.
🎄 Wrocław Christmas Market (Poland)
Set in Wrocław’s Rynek, this beloved Polish Christmas market dazzles with lights, wooden chalets, and the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread, drawing 1.6 million visitors last year and offering flavors from Italy, Georgia, Korea, Portugal, and beyond.
🗓️ Dates: 21 Nov 2025 – 7 Jan 2026 (Closed on 24-25 Dec & 1 Jan)
- Over 250 wooden chalets
- New Christmas tree carousel
- Iconic Christmas Mill
🎠 Romania’s Christmas Markets
Romania’s Christmas Markets turn into a winter fairytale of twinkling lights, carols, and vin fiert. From Transylvania’s cobbled streets to Bucharest’s grand boulevards, each market mixes medieval charm with festive cheer.
🗓️ Dates:
- Bucharest Christmas Market (Piața Constituției): 29 Nov – 28 Dec 2025
- Sibiu Christmas Market (Piața Mare): 14 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
- Craiova Christmas Market: 14 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
- Timișoara Christmas Market: 23 Nov 2025 – 7 Jan 2026
- Oradea Christmas Market (Piața Unirii): 28 Nov – 26 Dec 2025
- Cluj-Napoca Christmas Market (Piața Unirii): 22 Nov 2025 – 1 Jan 2026
🎄 Vigo Christmas Markets (Spain)
Vigo in Spain becomes one of Europe’s brightest holiday destinations, glowing with millions of lights, towering decorations, and festive attractions across the city. Its 40.5-metre tree, fairground rides, themed portals, and churro-filled markets draw visitors from across the country.
🗓️ Dates: 20 Dec 2025 – 5 Jan 2026
- 12 million Christmas lights across the city
- Giant tree, Ferris wheel & festive rides
- Christmas markets with local treats
🏙️ London Christmas Markets (England)
The London Christmas markets light up the city with quintessential British sparkle. Each corner has its own festive identity, from grand spectacles to cozy craft markets. Perfect for travelers seeking Christmas markets in England.
- The Buckingham Palace Christmas Pop-Up: 14 Nov 2025 – 5 Jan 2026
- Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park: 14 Nov 2025 – 1 Jan 2026
- Southbank Centre Winter Market: 31 Oct – 26 Dec 2025
- Covent Garden Market: 12 Nov 2025 – 3 Jan 2026
- Greenwich Christmas Market: 19 Nov 2025 – 23 Jan 2026
- Bath Christmas Walk: 27 Nov – 14 Dec 2025
- Leicester Square: 5 Nov 2025 – 5 Jan 2026
- Borough Market: 1 Dec 2025 – 6 Jan 2026
- London Bridge: 14 Nov 2025 – 5 Jan 2026
🏰 Edinburgh Christmas Market (Scotland)
The Edinburgh Christmas Market, set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, captures old-world magic with a Scottish twist. With wooden stalls in East Princes Street Gardens, a glimmering Big Wheel, and festive rides, it’s a storybook scene come to life.
🗓️ Dates: 15 Nov 2025 – 04 Jan 2026
- Stunning castle views
- Tartan scarves, whisky sets, and handmade ornaments
- Mulled cider, haggis bites, and mince pies
- Ice skating & Ferris wheel
🎡 Chicago Christmas Market (Illinois)
You don’t need to cross the Atlantic for German Christmas markets – just head to Chicago’s Christkindlmarket! This Christmas market in Chicago brings authentic European flair to the Windy City with imported ornaments, delicious bratwurst, and steaming glühwein mugs.
🗓️ Dates: 20 Nov – 24 Dec, 2025
- Daley Plaza Christkindlmarket
- Authentic Bavarian food & drink
- German, Polish, and Ukrainian artisans
- Christmas under the Chicago skyline
❄️ Silverton Christmas Market (Oregon)
Nestled in the Oregon Garden Resort, the Silverton Christmas Market delivers alpine ambiance with small-town warmth. It’s the perfect Christmas market experience for Pacific Northwest locals craving a European vibe without the airfare.
🗓️ Dates: 21 Nov – 31 Dec, 2025
- Glowing tunnels and illuminated gardens
- German-style food & glühwein
- Santa visits & music nights
- Fire pits & cocoa bars
🎁 Cambria Christmas Market (California)
Set along California’s Central Coast, the Cambria Christmas Market brings seaside magic to holiday traditions. A favorite among travelers seeking Christmas markets with a European flair, it’s where German Christmas market inspiration meets West Coast creativity.
🗓️ Dates: 28 Nov – 31 Dec, 2025
- Over two million LED lights
- German-inspired food & beer gardens
- Local wines & baked treats
🎀 Aurora Christmas Market (Illinois)
The Aurora Christmas Market brings the European Christmas market atmosphere to suburban Illinois. Close to Chicago, it’s an ideal weekend escape for families seeking authentic German Christmas market vibes with small-town hospitality.
🗓️ Dates: 21 Nov – 24 Dec, 2025
- Downtown parades & tree lighting
- Hot cocoa, cider & cookies
- Santa’s workshop and holiday photo spots
🎡 Denver Christmas Market (Colorado)
At the Denver Christmas Market (Christkindlmarket Denver), Bavarian tradition meets Rocky Mountain charm. It’s a cultural celebration that brings the German Christmas markets’ authenticity to American soil.
🗓️ Dates: 21 Nov – 23 Dec, 2025
- Authentic German chalets
- Bratwurst & glühwein galore
- Keepsakes from Germany, Poland, and Austria
- Storytelling, crafts, and light shows
⛸️ Bryant Park Christmas Market (New York City)
The Bank of America Winter Village or Bryant Park Christmas Market, part of NYC’s Winter Village, transforms Midtown into a snow-globe dream. This European Christmas market-style event combines New York flair with festive nostalgia, attracting locals and tourists alike.
🗓️ Dates: 24 Oct, 2025 – 1 Mar, 2026
- Over 100 artisan kiosks
- Free ice-skating rink
- Mulled wine & chocolate stalls
- Minutes from Times Square and Fifth Avenue
🎄 Christmas Village in Philadelphia (USA)
The Christmas Village in Philadelphia brings a festive German flair to the city. Visitors can enjoy German gingerbread, Swiss raclette cheese, and children’s activities amid charming holiday decorations.
🗓️ Dates: 22 Nov – 24 Dec 2025
- German gingerbread & raclette
- 30-foot German Christmas pyramid
- Children’s activities & rides
🍁 Vancouver Christmas Market (Canada)
The Vancouver Christmas Market brings European holiday magic to the Pacific Northwest, blending old-world charm with West Coast warmth. Inspired by traditional German markets, it transforms downtown Vancouver into a festive wonderland of lights, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal treats.
🗓️ Dates: 13 Nov – 24 Dec 2025
- Authentic German-style stalls
- Bratwurst, pretzels, mulled wine, and hot chocolate
- Carousel, games, and photo ops with Santa
✨ Best Small Christmas Markets in Europe
Beyond the famous city squares and grand cathedral backdrops, Europe’s smaller Christmas markets offer intimate charm, local traditions, and a touch of old-world magic. Here are some of the best small Christmas markets in Europe:
🎡 Monaco Christmas Village (Monaco) – Set along Port Hercule, it blends Riviera glamour with festive charm, featuring waterfront chalets, a Ferris wheel, and an ice rink by the sea.
✨ Madrid Christmas Lights (Spain) – From 24 Nov to 31 Dec 2025, Madrid’s Plaza Mayor, Plaza de España, and Madrid Río shimmer with festive lights, traditional markets, and joyful holiday spirit.
🌴 Marbella Christmas Market (Spain) – From 1 Dec 2025 to 6 Jan 2026, Marbella celebrates Christmas with a Mediterranean twist – palm trees wrapped in lights, festive markets, and coastal holiday cheer.
🛍️ Christmas World at Intratuin Duiven (Netherlands) – At Intratuin Duiven’s “Christmas World” in the Netherlands, visitors ride the glowing Christmas escalator through dazzling lights and decorations into one of Europe’s largest indoor holiday markets.
🕳️ Valkenburg Cave Christmas Market (Netherlands) – From 14 Nov to 4 Jan, Valkenburg transforms into Europe’s most magical underground Christmas market, set inside caves glowing with festive lights and stalls.
❄️ Aarhus Christmas Market (Denmark): A charming Nordic market filled with cosy lights, traditional Danish treats, and a warm hygge-filled atmosphere.
🏰 Riga Christmas Market (Latvia) – From 29 Nov 2025 to 1 Jan 2026, Riga’s effortlessly charming Old Town transforms into a cozy winter escape.
🎄 Christmas in Winterland (Oslo, Norway): Sparkling lights, festive décor, and cozy music, create a warm and joyful holiday atmosphere.
🏰 Gdańsk Christmas Market (Poland) – From 21 Nov to 23 Dec 2025, set in the historic Old Town, it fills Targ Węglowy and nearby streets with twinkling stalls, festive flavors, and the warm glow of holiday cheer.
🎠 Tuileries Christmas Market (Paris) – From 15 Nov 2025 to 5 Jan 2026, the Tuileries Garden transforms into a festive Parisian wonderland with sparkling lights and gourmet French treats set against views of the Louvre and Eiffel Tower.
🎄 Lille Christmas Market (France) – From 20 Nov 2025 to 29 Jan 2026, it fills Place Rihour with over 80 chalets, a giant Ferris wheel, and the scent of waffles and mulled wine lingering in the winter air.
🏘️ Colmar, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, & Bergheim (France) – Take an Alsace Christmas Markets day tour from Strasbourg and visit these fairy tale towns.
🏔️ Salzburg Christmas Market (Austria) – One of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Europe, Salzburg transforms into a snowy fairytale framed by baroque squares and Alpine peaks.
🏰 Burgruine Aggstein Medieval Advent Market (Austria): A magical cliffside market in Aggstein Castle ruins with atmospheric Advent celebrations.
🎁 “So schmeckt Niederösterreich” Advent Market (Austria) – Held at the beautiful Palais Niederösterreich, this elegant market celebrates the flavors of Lower Austria with gourmet delights, regional specialties, and artisan products.
🎄Saarbrücken Christmas Market (Germany): A cosy festive market known for its twinkling lights, wooden stalls, and a charming blend of French–German holiday flavours.
🧺 Neustadt Christmas Market (Germany): A traditional German market filled with handcrafted gifts, warm treats, and a welcoming local atmosphere.
🏛️ Baroque Christmas Market in Ludwigsburg (Germany) – Elegant and atmospheric, this market glows with angel lights and Baroque beauty, offering handcrafted gifts and sweet holiday treats.
🎄 Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market (Germany) – From 21 Nov to 23 Dec 2025, Rothenburg’s medieval Old Town transforms into a festive wonderland with charming stalls, traditional crafts, and seasonal treats set against its iconic half-timbered buildings.
🎄 Trier Christmas Market (Germany) – From 21 Nov to 22 Dec 2025, Germany’s oldest city comes alive at Hauptmarkt and Domfreihof with wooden stalls, local crafts, and Moselle Valley mulled wine beneath the historic cathedral.
🎄 Augsburg Christmas Market (Germany) – From 24 Nov to 24 Dec 2025, Augsburg, one of Germany’s oldest cities with historic Renaissance architecture, hosts over 140 stalls with crafts, food, and holiday entertainment.
🏔️ Ravennaschlucht Christmas Market (Germany) – Hidden deep in the Black Forest, this market unfolds beneath a towering viaduct – a fairytale scene of glowing lights, wooden stalls, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted nuts.
🎄 Monschau Christmas Market (Germany) – From 28 Nov to 21 Dec 2025 on weekends, the romantic town of Monschau enchants visitors with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and festive stalls offering crafts, local treats, and mulled wine.
🎄 Aachen Christmas Market (Germany) – From 21 Nov to 23 Dec 2025, historic Aachen’s market surrounds the cathedral with artisan stalls, seasonal delicacies, and traditional holiday decorations.
🏰 Hohenzollern Castle Winter Magic (from 5 Dec 2025): A beautifully illuminated castle filled with festive stalls, seasonal treats, and enchanting winter décor.
🎄 Hamburg Christmas Market (Germany) – From 24 Nov to 23 Dec 2025, Hamburg’s historic city center, including Rathausmarkt and Jungfernstieg, sparkles with festive lights, wooden stalls, traditional crafts, and seasonal treats.
🎄 Erfurt Christmas Market (Germany) – From 25 Nov to 22 Dec 2025, Erfurt’s medieval town center around Domplatz and Krämerbrücke comes alive with traditional crafts, local treats, and festive holiday decorations.
🏰 Heidelberg & Mannheim Christmas Markets (Germany) – Explore Heidelberg’s romantic castle, beautiful baroque old town, and Mannheim’s romantic Christmas market around the famous water tower and Belle Époque ensembles.
🏰 Bernkastel-Kues Christmas Market (Germany) – Set in the Moselle Valley, this fairytale market glows with half-timbered charm and a magical Advent calendar tradition.
🌲 Weihnachtsmarkt WaldWipfelWeg (Germany) – Set amid the forest in Sankt Englmar, it offers a magical Christmas experience with treetop walks, tower views, and a cozy woodland atmosphere from 21 November to 30 December 2025.
🎄 Würzburg Christmas Market (Germany) – From 28 Nov to 23 Dec 2025, Würzburg’s historic city center around the Main River comes alive with festive stalls, traditional crafts, seasonal treats, and holiday decorations.
🎠 Duisburg Christmas Market (Germany): A lively Ruhr-region market featuring themed huts, glowing décor, and plenty of festive food and drink.
🎭 Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market (Germany) – From 25 Nov to 22 Dec 2025, these cobblestone streets come alive with fire jugglers, craftsmen, and the aroma of roasted almonds.
🏞️ Bolzano Christmas Market (Italy) – A true hidden gem in the Dolomites, Bolzano’s Christmas market combines Italian flair with cozy Alpine traditions for an authentic festive experience.
🎄Trento Christmas Market (Italy) – Set against the Dolomites, it turns the city into an alpine fairytale of lights, local delicacies, handmade crafts, and festive cheer from 21 Nov 2025 to 6 January 2026.
🎄 Milan Christmas Market (Italy) – From 18 Nov 2025 to 7 Jan 2026, festive elegance comes to Milan with artisan stalls, dazzling lights, and the iconic tree at Piazza Duomo.
💖 Bruges Christmas Market (Belgium) – One of Europe’s most romantic Christmas markets, Bruges enchants visitors with twinkling canals, cobblestone streets, and an irresistible fairytale glow.
🦌 Ghent Winter Wonderland (Belgium) – From 28 Nov 2025 to 11 January 2026, Ghent transforms into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights, a festive market, an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, a magical castle, and fireworks to ring in the New Year.
🏰 Gravensteen Castle Christmas Market (Ghent, Belgium) – Step into a secret 12th-century winter wonderland inside the fairytale Gravensteen Castle, just under two hours from Aachen, where twinkling lights, festive stalls, and medieval magic await.
🚂 European Christmas Market Itinerary
Embark on a magical rail journey through Europe’s most festive cities.
- Route: Brussels → Cologne → Strasbourg → Stuttgart → Munich → Nuremberg → Dresden → Prague → Vienna
- Duration: ~14–16 days (flexible pace)
Each city offers unique Christmas treats – try Bratwurst in Nuremberg, Stollen in Dresden, Trdelník in Prague, Sachertorte in Vienna, Choucroute in Strasbourg, and Belgian waffles in Brussels.
- Visit Winter Wonders Market at Grand Place.
- Take a day trip to the fairy tale cities of Bruges and Ghent.
➡️ 2h 🚆 Brussels to Cologne train with Deutsche Bahn
- See the Cologne Cathedral Market and others along the Rhine.
- Tour the Chocolate Museum or visit Drachenburg Castle and Linz.
➡️ 3h 🚆 Cologne to Strasbourg train with Deutsche Bahn
- Experience the “Capital of Christmas” – the Christkindelsmärik is magical at night.
- Tour Petite France and take a Rhine River Christmas afternoon cruise.
➡️ 1.5h 🚆 Strasbourg to Stuttgart train with Deutsche Bahn
- Visit the historic Stuttgart Christmas Market.
- Drive 20 mins to Esslingen Medieval Market.
➡️ 2.5h 🚆 Stuttgart to Munich train with Deutsche Bahn
- Explore the Munich Christmas Market and the Tollwood Winter Festival.
- Day trip to Christmas Markets in Innsbruck & Tyrol.
- Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle or Salzburg.
➡️ 1h 🚆 Munich to Nuremberg train with Deutsche Bahn
- Visit the Christkindlesmarkt for Nürnberger sausages and gingerbread.
- Tour Nuremberg with the Bimmelbahn (little train).
➡️ 3h 🚆 Nuremberg to Dresden train with Deutsche Bahn
- Explore the Dresdner Striezelmarkt and Frauenkirche.
- Take a day tour (3h) to the Berlin Christmas Markets.
➡️ 2h 🚆 Dresden to Prague train with Deutsche Bahn
- Visit Prague Castle and tour Prague’s Christmas markets.
- Tour Cesky Krumlov or Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland.
➡️ 5h 🚆 Prague to Vienna train with Regiojet
- Explore Vienna’s Christmas Markets.
- Explore the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market.
- Wrap up your trip with a Christmas concert at Schönbrunn Palace.
- Optional: Take a Christmas Day Trip to Hallstatt.
- Optional: Take a 2-day trip to the Budapest Christmas Markets.
Travel tips:
- Book hotels close to city centers to easily access Christmas markets and festive events.
- Bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly in December.
- Don’t forget gloves, scarves, and comfortable walking shoes.
For a multi-country Christmas Market itinerary by rail, download the Omio app. It makes booking trains, buses, and flights across Europe effortless – compare routes, prices, and travel times all in one place. Perfect for planning seamless connections between Brussels, Cologne, Strasbourg, and beyond.
📅 When do Christmas Markets Start in Germany?
Most Christmas markets in Germany start in late November, typically between November 22 and 29, just before the First Sunday of Advent (November 30 in 2025). Major markets like Nuremberg, Munich, and Berlin open around this time, filling city squares with lights, music, and glühwein.
Smaller towns may open a bit later or only on weekends. Most markets run until December 23–24, although a few in major cities stay open through New Year’s, making late November to mid-December the ideal time to experience the festive magic.
From grand Vienna and Nuremberg to cozy Cambria and Aurora, the most magical places for Christmas come alive with warmth, joy, and timeless craftsmanship. Every market stall tells a story, every festive bite feels like home, and every twinkling light and carol captures the true spirit of the season.
And if you can’t travel to these Christmas markets, why not open a Christmas market food stall at home and try these Christmas market recipes to serve delicious Christmas treats to your family and community?
Whether you’re exploring a German Christmas market or searching for “Christmas markets near me,” the feeling is the same – laughter, togetherness, and wonder. So bundle up, sip your glühwein, and follow the glow – because wherever there’s music, mulled wine, and cheer, Christmas truly begins.
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