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December wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a Christmas market. But which are the best European Christmas Markets to visit? As a massive lover of Christmas and all things festive, I have visited many Christmas destinations over the years to really capture the festive spirit, and so I am sharing recommendations for the best European Christmas markets, no matter what your criteria are!
I hope this inspires you to find your ideal Christmas getaway.
Best European Christmas Markets at a Glance
- Best European Christmas markets for tradition: Vienna, Austria
- Best European Christmas markets for a short trip: Bruges, Belgium
- Best European Christmas markets for budget: Bratislava, Slovakia
- Best European Christmas markets for UK Countryside: Peak District
- Best European Christmas Markets for Fairy Tale Charm: Colmar, France
Best European Christmas Markets in Detail
Some more details on the best European Christmas markets, to help you find the perfect destination for your trip!
Vienna Christmas Markets, Austria – Best European Christmas Markets for Tradition
Home to one of the largest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe, Vienna is a classic place to visit at Christmas.
Why Visit Vienna Christmas Market
Vienna is a city of grandeur, and at Christmas this is no exception. The city sparkles with light and festivity, and you can smell the Glühwein and roasted chestnuts in the air. Vienna Christmas markets are one of the largest in Europe, and it also kicks off earlier than most. Making it a very popular destination. The main Christmas market, Christkindlmarkt, is located underneath the stunning City Hall, and it really is iconic. If if you are looking for a classic Christmas market, you can’t go wrong with Vienna!
Want the full guide on Vienna’s Christmas Markets? Click HERE!
What to See and Do
Vienna is home to 12 Christmas markets across the city, so one of the main things to do is to take your time and visit all 12! However, you will find that while each market has its own vibe and wares, they also sell a lot of the same products. There are plenty of other things to do in Vienna, aside from the Christmas markets, including St Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg and you could even take a day trip to Bratislava (see below), to visit a second of the best European Christmas Markets in one trip.
Top Tip: If you want to get your bearings of all the markets before diving into them, I would suggest booking a tour, such as this one: Vienna Christmas Markets Tour
Where to Stay
With the Christmas Markets in Vienna blowing up over the past few years, hotels book up incredibly quickly and are increasingly expensive. If you want to stay close to the markets, you could be looking at around €565 – €790 for three nights.
Luckily, Vienna has an excellent transport system, so look for hotels along Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station) or along the U-Bahn (subway) lines that lead directly to the market squares (like the U2 or U3).
HOTELS JUST OUTSIDE VIENNA CENTRE:
Budget: Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt – Great location to access the markets.
Mid-range: Austria Trend Parkhotel Schonbrunn – Elegant, former guest house of Emperor Franz Joseph, perfect for that market.
Luxury: Hotel Sacher Wien – For iconic and traditional luxury, home of the famous Sacher Torte.
Tips
Some top tips when visiting the Vienna Christmas Markets:
- Wrap up warm. While it might not be snowy, it can get very chilly in winter in Vienna. Particularly when you’re outside all day. So bring layers!
- Don’t overpack! You will want to come home with plenty of mugs and souvenirs, so pack light. Especially as you will most likely be wearing a coat each day, so different outfits won’t matter.
- At the Vienna Christmas market stalls, you can pay with a card, so you won’t need any cash.
- Choose your Glühwein mugs carefully! You pay a deposit for each mug, and if you want to keep it, simply don’t return it. However, you can end up with one too many mugs for souvenirs. Each of the markets has different styles, so shop around before deciding which ones to keep. Somehow, I managed to come home with only three! This Father Christmas one was my favourite 🎅🏻
Bruges Christmas Market, Belgium – Best for A Short Trip
Bruges is a short train journey from Brussels, and only just over a 4-hour drive from London (obviously plus the Channel crossing), which makes it IDEAL for a short Christmassy break away. I visited with my friend in early December, and we had the best few days in this charming little city.
Why Visit Bruges Christmas Market
Put simply, Bruges at Christmas is magical! From the cobblestone streets, the medieval architecture, the famous swans, and the cutest shops it is packed full of more charm than you can imagine. It is beyond adorable, and the entire city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This means the buildings and layout have remained the same for centuries, with many buildings hundreds of years old. The city centre isn’t huge, making it very walkable and easy to navigate. Perfect for a quick, historic, charming and Christmassy mini break.
Want the full guide to Bruges at Christmas? Click HERE!
What to See and Do
There are two Christmas markets in Bruges. The first is the Markt Christmas market, which is right in the centre of the city. The second is the Simon Stevinplein Christmas Market. This is the smaller of the two markets and has some great food options. Beyond this, enjoy all the festive sights, including the huge Christmas tree in Burg Square, the trail of light, all the Christmas shops and, of course, stock up on Belgian chocolate from the specialist shops.
Where to Stay
If you are only spending a day or two in Bruges, I would recommend staying in the city centre. We were only a 5-minute walk from the Markt Christmas market, and it was perfect.
HOTELS IN BRUGES
Budget – Hotel Aragorn: It is simple and clean, and walkable to Markt. Frequently recommended as being good value for money considering the location.
Mid-range – Martin’s Brugge: Only 200m from Markt, and it is comfortable and well located. A good mid-range option that won’t break the bank.
Luxury – Hotel Dukes’ Palace Brugge: The only 5* hotel in Bruges, and it is tucked away in a quiet spot close to Markt. It does get very booked up, so make sure to book in advance for December.
Tips
A few tips for visiting Bruges at Christmas!
- The markets get busy in the afternoon, so visit as soon as they open (10 am) for the quietest experience.
- Some of the smaller stalls are cash-only, or they have a minimum spend on card, so it is worth carrying some euros with you.
- The whole old town is compact and very walkable. So there is no need for taxis or trams between the main sights, particularly if you are staying close to the Old Town.
- Belgium in December is known for being damp, so bring waterproofs!
- Bruges is an easy day trip from Brussels, so perfect if you want to combine two destinations.
Bratislava Christmas Market, Slovakia – Best for Budget
Visiting the best European Christmas Markets in December can be expensive; the cost of accommodation is steep, as are food and drink when you are there. But if you are looking for some of that festive magic on a budget, Bratislava is the answer!
Why Visit Bratislava Christmas Market
Bratislava Christmas market is much smaller than some of its nearby neighbours. And, as such, the main thing I found is that it doesn’t feel too touristy. It feels very authentically local, and that it is for the locals to enjoy, not just to attract tourists. The stallholders all speak Slovak, and the wares are locally made.
It is also a great, budget-friendly option. Flights, accommodation and the cost of the items for sale are much cheaper than some of the more well-known Christmas markets.
Want the full guide to Bratislava Christmas Markets? Click HERE!
What to See and Do
Start by wandering through both of the Christmas markets. The main one is Hlavné Námestie, which is located in the main square. The second is Hviezdoslavovo Námestie, which is just a five-minute walk from the Main Square. The main market has approximately 70 stalls, and 45 of these serve food. The smaller market is exclusively food. Food and drink are one of the main appeals of the Bratislava Christmas markets. There is endless choice; it is delicious and it is cheap. It is well worth taking the time to explore all the local food. After this, be amazed at the selection of festive drinbnks and mulled wine on offer.
After your fill of Christmas, explore the rest of the city. From Bratislava Castle, the UFO Observation Deck, St. Martin’s Cathedral and Michael’s Gate. Bratislava is also conveniently located for a day trip to other festive locations, such as Vienna, Budapest or Brno.
Where to Stay
When it comes to staying in Bratislava, you are spoilt for choice! Many people choose to only visit as a day trip, which means you can find good availability for 4* or 5* hotels at a very reasonable price. You can pick a hotel that is close to the markets, and it is a very walkable city, so you might not even need to use public transport.
HOTELS IN BRATISLAVA:
BUDGET: Capsule & NFT Boutique Hostel – A stylish take on a hostel, with a sleek, futuristic boutique aesthetic. It has private rooms and high-end capsule options. It is only a short walk to the Christmas markets.
MID-RANGE: Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel – A grand, historic landmark hotel that combines traditional old-world charm with modern comforts. It has classic rooms and refined regional dining. The perfect location for the Christmas markets as it is right on Hviezdoslav Square.
LUXURY: Marrol’s Boutique Hotel – A highly-rated 5-star boutique hotel that is known for its exceptional hospitality, sophisticated interior design, and an intimate, upscale atmosphere. It is a pretty 5-10 minute walk to the markets and the Old Town.
Tips
Some tips to help you get the most out of your time in Bratislava.
- You can easily take day trips to Vienna, Brno (in Czechia) and even Budapest from Bratislava. Making this a perfect base for visiting multiple markets in one trip, all while saving on accommodation prices compared to some of the more well known destinations.
- A day is more than enough time to spend in the Christmas markets in Bratislava. The market is right in the Old Town, so it’s easy to browse the market and then take a walk around Bratislava Castle or the historic streets nearby.
- Make sure your trip coincides with a weekend, so that you can also visit the third Christmas market in the courtyard at the Castle. This is transformed into a Medieval Christmas market.
- Mulled wine isn’t served in cute cups, but in reusable plastic ones. There is a €2 deposit for them.
- The currency in Slovakia is Euros; however, most stalls accept contactless payments and cards, so you don’t really need cash. There are a few stalls which might ask, and, as above, it is helpful to have a couple of Euros for the deposit for the plastic mulled wine cups.
Nuremberg Christmas Market, Germany – Best for German Traditions
One of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets, Nuremberg deserves it’s reputation as one of the best European Christmas markets.
Why Visit Nuremberg Christmas Market
Given that it is one of the oldest Christmas Markets in Germany, it is the one that feels incredibly traditional. The main Christmas market, Christkindlesmarkt, is confirmed to date back to the second half of the 17th Century. It was first mentioned on an inscribed box from 1678 (now in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum), which has the first written mention of the Nuremberg Christmas market. And it is possible it is even older than that! While the origins of these claims are unclear, some suggest that informal roots trace back to a weekly market as early as 1530. That is a whole lot of history!
Traditions at the Nuremberg Christmas market include the Christkind, a local young woman aged 16 to 19 who is chosen every two years to be the market’s angelic ambassador and ceremonial host, opening it each year with a prologue. The Kinderweihnacht, a children’s market on Hans-Sachs-Platz, has a vintage two-tiered carousel, a mini Ferris wheel, a steam railway and workshops for baking and candle-making, making it an ideal stop with kids. For the grown-ups, head down by the river to the Feuerzangenbowle, a giant cauldron billed as the world’s largest, serving a spiced red wine punch topped with a flaming, rum-soaked sugar loaf.
What to See and Do
Of course, the best thing to do is start with the famous Hauptmarkt. This has 180 red-and-white striped stalls, selling traditional crafts. Look out for the Rauschgoldengel, golden foil angels, and the Zwetschgenmännle, little figures made from dried prunes. Make sure to also try the local food. Nuremberg has two specialities that are EU-protected: Lebkuchen, which i ssoft gingerbread, and the tiny, marjoram-spiced Nürnberger Rostbratwurst.
Visit the Sister Cities Market, which is a smaller market found on Rathausplatz and has stalls from Nuremberg’s twin towns, including Verona, Nice and Glasgow. Here you can find food from these cities. Between the churches of St James and St Elisabeth is the Winter Village,e which has a Ferris wheel and feels quieter than the main square.
Other spots include turning the golden ring on the Schöner Brunnen, climbing up to the Imperial Castle and, when it gets too cold, heading to the Toy Museum, the Albrecht Dürer House, and the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, where you can see the 1678 box.
Where to Stay
The best place to stay in Nuremberg for the Christmas market is the Altstadt (Old Town), specifically around the Hauptmarkt or the Lorenzer/Sebalder Altstadt districts, which puts you within walking distance of the festive stalls, historic sites, and restaurants. Rooms here are in high demand in December, so book early. If you’re on a budget, the area around the Hauptbahnhof on the edge of the Altstadt is cheaper and still only a short walk from the market.
BUDGET: Five Reasons Hotel & Hostel – Choose from either a dorm or a private room, and is a short walk from the markets.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Drei Raben– A boutique hotel in the Altstadt (St. Lorenz) with themed rooms, near the Lorenzkirche and a short walk from the Hauptmarkt.
LUXURY: Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nürnberg – A historic 5-star hotel opposite the main station, on the edge of the Altstadt, with a short walk to the market. It’s a great polished option if you want to treat yourself.
Tips
A few tips to help with planning your visit to the Nuremberg Christmas markets.
- The market is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, and it gets very busy in the evenings and at weekends, so go on a weekday morning for the quietest experience.
- Avoid the opening night if you don’t like crowds. The market opens on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent with a ceremony at 5.30 pm, and the square fills up long before.
- Many stalls take cards these days, but some of the smaller ones are cash-only, so carry a few euros with you.
- Your Glühwein comes in a collectable mug, and you pay a small deposit that you get back when you return it. Keep the mug as a souvenir if you like it, as many people do.
- The Old Town is compact and walkable, so there’s no need for taxis between the main sights. Wear sturdy shoes, as the streets are cobbled and the castle is uphill.
- Bavaria in December is cold and can be below freezing, so wrap up warm with thermals, gloves and a hat.
Peak District Christmas Market, England – Best for UK Countryside
You might think that all of the best European Christmas markets must involve a flight from the UK; however, this isn’t the case! Here in the UK, we have some great options, and these also extend beyond Manchester and London. I have visited both and enjoyed them (particularly Manchester!), but for me the most special place is the Peak District at Christmas.
Why Visit the Peak District at Christmas
The Peak District is one of the most stunning parts of the UK, full of stately homes, stunning walks and beautiful, cosy villages. But at Christmas, this magnifies into some very unique festive offerings. Aside from all the Christmas markets, you can also find some of the most festive villages, carols in a cave and even a festive steam train.
The Peak District is also conveniently located in the middle of the UK, and its proximity to some of the UK’s major cities, such as Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Nottingham and Derby, it is perfectly possible to visit for a weekend getaway, or even a day trip. A good opportunity to combine the city Christmas markets of Manchester, with the more rural ones of the Peak District.
Want the full guide to the Peak District at Christmas? Click HERE!
What to See and Do
There are a total of NINE Christmas markets, fairs and shopping villages in the Peak District, so there is something for everyone. These include the Bakewell Christmas Market, the Victorian Matlock Christmas Market, and my personal favourites: Haddon Hall’s Mercatum Winter Artisan Market and Chatsworth Christmas Market. Both of these provide the opportunity to combine Christmas markets with a wander around stately homes. And let me tell you, Chatsworth at Christmas is STUNNING. Seriously, it was one of the most festive things I have ever done.
Where to Stay
Planning your festive trip to the Peak District? The following are some good places to base yourself to be able to explore all that Christmas in the Peak District has to offer!
Bakewell: Ideally located for all the festive activies. Right in the middle of the Peak District. Plus, it is walkable, full of tearooms and pubs.
Castleton: The picture-perfect Peak District village, and my personal favourite! What can be more Christmassy than staying in the most festive village in the Peak District?
Ashbourne: If you are coming from the south of the UK, this is an excellent entry town. It isn’t too deep into the Peak District, but still within easy driving distance of all the sights.
Ashford-in-the-Water: If you are after a really rural, quintessential Peak District village, this is the place. It is close to Buxton, so not far from the action but feels like a real hidden gem.
Tips
A few tips to help you plan your trip to the Peak District Christmas markets:
- Book as early as you can for the Haddon Hall Christmas Market. It is a tickted market, and it sells out quickly, particularly at weekends.
- Entry to Chatsworth Christmas market is free, but the car parking isn’t and is expensive. Instead, park in, or get the bus to, nearby Baslow and take the beautiful 20-minute walk to the market. If you want to visit Chatsworth at Christmas, you need to book tickets well in advance. But the price of this does include parking, making it a perfect way to combine the house with the market.
Colmar Christmas Market, France – Best for Fairy Tale Charm
Colmar sits in the Alsace region of eastern France, close to the German border, and is a short journey from Strasbourg or Basel, so it works well as a Christmas getaway. During the festive period, this historic town is transformed into a storybook setting.
Why Visit Colmar Christmas Market
Colmar literally looks like something out of a storybook. It is home to pastel half-timbered houses, which lean over cobbled streets; wreaths and lights hang from every window, and the canals are lit up each evening. It is often said to look like something out of Beauty and the Beast, and is renowned for looking exactly like a fairy tale. Colmar is home to six small Christmas markets, and they are all free to enter and within walking distance of each other. The perfect Christmas destination!
What to See and Do
Start in Petite Venise, which is the most photographed part of town, where the canal is lined with colourful houses and the children’s market. Head to Place de l’Ancienne Douane, which is the biggest market and has around 50 stalls with handmade gifts and decorations on both sides of the River Lauch. Next door to this is the Koïfhus , which has an indoor market of artisans. Place Jeanne d’Arc feels like a traditional Alsatian village, with gingerbread, local cheeses and wine, and Place des Dominicains is in front of a Gothic church that is lit up after dark. Finally, don’t miss the Ferris wheel and gourmet market on Place Rapp.
Where to Stay
For a short trip, stay in or close to the old town so you can walk to all six markets. I’d recommend staying near Petite Venise or between the station and the old town.
BUDGET: ibis Colmar Centre – A reliable chain option near the station, with a well-reviewed rating and only a short walk to Place des Dominicains. Good value for the location.
MID-RANGE: Hôtel Le Colombier – A boutique-style hotel in the Little Venice district, close to the canal and the markets. A pretty and well-placed choice that won’t break the bank.
LUXURY: Hôtel Le Maréchal – A well-regarded hotel right on the Little Venice canals, so you can step out into the prettiest part of town. It books up for December, so reserve well ahead.
Tips
A few tips for visiting Colmar at Christmas!
- The markets are busiest in the evenings and at weekends, so go in the morning or on a weekday for the quietest experience.
- Opening hours are shorter than in many German markets, roughly 11 am to 7 pm Monday to Thursday and 10 am to 8 pm Friday to Sunday, so plan your day around them.
- It gets dark early, so visit Petite Venise and the lit-up churches in the early evening, when the crowds start to thin.
- Alsace in December is cold, so wrap up warm and wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles.
- Colmar is only about 30 minutes by train from Strasbourg, so it’s easy to combine the two cities.
Essential Tips for Visiting the Best European Christmas Markets
A few helpful tips to help you prepare for visiting the best European Christmas markets. Of course, this does vary depending on the destination and country, so do check the individual guides as well!
- Bratislava Christmas Market: All You Need To Know
- Christmas Markets in Vienna: The Ultimate Perfect Festive City Break
- The Ultimate Guide to Bruges at Christmas: 12 Things to Do
- Christmas in the Peak District: Amazing Festive Things to Do
Best Time to Go To The Best European Christmas Markets
Most Christmas markets open in late November, so this is a great time to plan your trip to the best European Christmas markets. Some do open earlier (such as Haddon Hall in the Peak District). The best time to visit does depend on what you want. Go in the last week of November or the first week of December, and on a weekday rather than a weekend, for a slightly quieter visit. For the full festive atmosphere, go in early to mid-December, when every stall, light and decoration is in place.
Timings for the Best European Christmas Markets
This does vary for each country and city, so do check individual destinations before you visit. However, most markets start in late November and finish on or just before Christmas, but a few run into late December or even early January. For example, Nuremberg closes on Christmas Eve, while Colmar carries on until 29 December.
Usually the markets run from around 10 or 11 am until early evening, and some stay open later at weekends, so check the times before you go.
Expect shorter hours or closures on 24, 25 and 26 December. Many markets close early on Christmas Eve, and some do not open at all on Christmas Day, so don’t leave a visit to the last minute. UK ones also close by mid-December.
What to Bring
- Plenty of warm layers. Thermals, a hat, gloves and a scarf are a must, as you will spend most of your time outside. Layers are best, because it can feel warm in a crowded stall but cold standing still.
- Waterproofs. December weather in Europe can be damp, particularly in Belgium and the UK, so bring a waterproof coat and a small umbrella.
- Comfortable, waterproof shoes. Many old towns have cobbled streets and uneven ground, and you’ll be walking a lot, so leave the heels at home.
- A small bag or cross-body bag. Useful for carrying your purchases and keeping your hands free for your Glühwein or hot chocolate. Keep an eye on valuables in busy crowds.
- A portable charger. Cold weather drains phone batteries quickly, and you’ll be taking lots of photos.
Money and Cash Tips
Nearly all stalls take cards now, so you will be fine if you visit the best European Christmas markets without cash. There are a few smaller stalls and food and drink stands that are cash-only or have a minimum spend, so if you want to take the risk out, have a few coins or small notes on you. Don’t forget to set a budget for snacks and gifts. It is easy to spend more than you expect, as markets sell lots of tempting food, drinks and handmade gifts, so decide on a rough daily budget beforehand.
Final Thoughts on the Best European Christmas Markets
With any of these destinations, you can have the most festive experience. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down which ones are right for you. My advice is to weigh up your budget with the experience you want to get out of it. If your priority is food and a local feel, then Bratislava is a great destination. If you want tradition, head to Vienna or Nuremberg, and for charm and romance, you can’t go wrong with Bruges or Colmar. The Peak District is a fantastic festive UK option!
Useful travel tools and links
To help you plan your trip, here are some of my favourite useful travel tools and links I use on a daily basis to travel:
- Hostelworld: The place to book hostels and cheaper accommodation. Perfect for backpacking trips. With 24 hour cancellation options, and easy to manage from your account.
- Booking.com: One of the largest places to search for hotels around the world. Often with free cancellation options.
- Hotels.com: Also a fantastic place to source hotels, and they offer a loyalty programme.
- Expedia: Another option for hotels as well as a great place to search for flights, car hire and more.
- Skyscanner: The best place to search for flights to find the best rates.
- GetYourGuide: Easy access to book a wide range of curated tours, activities, and experiences around the world.
- Viator: A great place to search for group tours and day trips. Part of the TripAdvisor brand.
- KnowRoaming: eSIMs are a game changer for travel. Purchase before you go and be connected as soon as you land. KnowRoaming eSIM plans keep you and your devices seamlessly connected in 200+ international destinations.
- G Adventures: The ‘go to’ for all group travel tour adventures. Perfect for solo travellers.
- Amazon: Link to my storefront with ALL the useful gadgets and items I couldn’t travel without.
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