The Best Christmas Markets To Visit in Europe in 2025

When the holidays are knocking around the corner, Europe dresses up for the occasion, becoming a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and gluhwein-soaked markets. Every December, dozens of city Christmas markets sprout up throughout Europe, ranging from cozy wooden stalls to handmade ornaments, carol singers, and every possible seasonal treat. Europeans' markets and their offerings - whether traditional gifts, local treats, or simply a piece of holiday magic - are second to none. 

If you're planning your 2025 holiday getaway, visiting a Christmas market in Vienna, exploring the festive streets of Prague, or Strasbourg could be the highlight of your year. However, before you head off, make a stop at the top ten best Christmas markets in Europe - a combination of variety, tradition, culture, and pure magic.

European Christmas Markets

Vienna, Austria - Classic Winter Fairytale

The Austrian capital is home to some of the world's most famous Christmas markets, with small markets spread across squares among grand architecture.

Rathausplatz's Christkindlmarkt is especially enchanting, with an ice-skating path through the city hall park that is fun for catching decorations, as well as stands serving freshly roasted chestnuts, gingerbread hearts, and high-end homemade presents.

The hot punch/other traditional drinks and the sound of choirs that come alive in the cold are other good reasons to go to a Christmas market.

Strasbourg, France - Oldest and Most Authentic

Strasbourg, France's "Capital of Christmas," boasts one of the continent's oldest and most renowned Christmas markets, dating back to 1570.

The orderly jungle of timber-framed homes that surrounds the Strasbourg Cathedral, combined with thousands of decorations twinkling in the evening, transports you back centuries.

Nearly 300 booths sell Alsatian art, wine grown in the area's vineyards, and Alsace-specific cakes such as kugelhopf from nearly 300 stalls at the market, which covers the cathedral's surroundings. It will not fail to take your breath away.

Prague, Czech Republic - Gothic Winter Dream

Prague's Old Town Square is transformed into a winter wonderland in the glow of December, with a gargantuan Christmas tree illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. There are hundreds of market stalls where sellers trade handmade ornaments and glass, and gag gifts.

Czech goods, including sausage vendors, gingerbread dealers, and trdelník vendors. There are also fewer markets to explore, such as the one in Wenceslas Square and the Castle courtyard. Thus, if you are planning to visit the Czech Republic during Christmastime, it is one of the best locations in Europe.

Nuremberg, Germany - Christkind's Playground

Germany is proud to host the most famous Christmas markets in the world, and one of them is the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg. Established in the 16th century around the white-and-red-striped stalls, it welcomes Christkind, a local Blonde, every year to open the market.

Nuremberg sausages, a cup of mulled wine known as Glühwein, and shopping for toys and wooden decorations - these customs have spanned centuries, making the Nuremberg experience truly enchanting.

Budapest, Hungary - Tradition and Modernity in One

Budapest is an exceptional city that seamlessly unites old and new, and its Eastern European holiday celebrations are truly unique. The primary Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square tempts people with Hungarian street food, for which the country is well-known, such as goulash and kürt?skalács, a type of chimney cake.

At the same time, St. Stephen's Basilica offers a more modern experience - a light show projected on the compound's facade. Come back in the summer to enjoy one of Budapest's thermal baths - a favorite pastime of the locals to warm up on a cold December day.

Cologne, Germany - Cathedral magic on the Rhine

Cologne's Christmas market, situated beneath the stunning Gothic cathedral, is unlike anything you would expect. Spread across 100+ wooden stalls, it offers beautifully handmade gifts, wooden toys, and festive sweets.

The smell of cinnamon and roasted almonds flows through the air, and choirs sing under the starry sky. However, Cologne has other smaller, decorated markets to explore, such as the Angels' Market or the Harbour Market along the Rhine.

Bruges, Belgium - Medieval Charm with Belgian Chocolate 

In December, Bruges turns into a real snow globe. The Market Square is surrounded by fragile medieval facades and an ice rink, and about 60 wooden merry-go-rounds selling all kinds of homemade products, from chocolates to lace.

The city's sparkling canals reflected the Christmas trees and lights. The smells of hot Belgian waffles and chocolate wafted into the castle. All of this takes place in a very small and idyllic environment that will not suit everyone, but will be perfect for couples.

Copenhagen, Denmark - Nordic Touch at Tivoli Gardens 

Experience a truly Nordic Christmas at one of the world's oldest amusement parks, Tivoli Festival, in Copenhagen. In winter, when the world's oldest garden comes alive with lights, the park transforms into a dreamland, complete with merry-go-rounds and delicious delicacies.

Sip on gløgg - a warm Danish mulled wine - munch on roasted almonds, and search for honey-inspired Nordic gifts. The blend of fun and culture has made the Danish destination the most magical place to observe the festival in Europe, year after year. 

Kraków, Poland - The Christmas Spirit in Culture 

In the ancient Main Square, shop for everything at Kraków's Christmas festival amidst Polish folk traditions and cheer this season. Stalls brim with elaborate handcrafted glass baubles, traditional wooden Nativity scenes, and international pierogi and kielbasa for foodies.

The carols and folk dancing, though, give the spot its remarkable buzz. The festive sense of open-hearted unity, paired with displays of centuries-old traditions, is what the Christmas season should be.

For a more historical flavor, visit the adjacent Wawel Castle or explore the cobblestone streets of the snow-covered city. 

Basel, Switzerland - Refined Festival by the Rhine 

Basel is home to Switzerland's largest and most culturally rich Christmas market display. The centuries of Switzerland are illuminated by the city's luminous lights, rich fragrances, and never-ending craftsmanship.

Warm your body with raclette or fondue and take in the view of Saint John's from the cathedral. The upscale Bern offers sophisticated surroundings and a setting for those eager to indulge.

Why Europe's Christmas Markets Are Timeless

Europe's Christmas markets are both old and new. But in the end, it is precisely this blend of local culture, craftsmanship, and holiday cheer that truly makes them like nothing else.

While in each market you'll discover no shortage of the nation's unique legacy - be it German toys, Austrian pastries, French wines, or Czech sweets - beneath the shopping and sightseeing, you will find a community gathering and a deeply memorable moment of just what makes Christmas magic.

Whether you're ready for your first holiday adventure or returning for a tried-and-true classic, the Christmas markets of Europe in 2025 have all the warmth, comfort, and timelessness you'll ever need.

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This story is published in partnership with ZenHotels.