The most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe: Colmar, Strasbourg, Cologne, Dresden, Nuremberg, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Brussels, Basel, Krakow, Tallinn, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Stockholm, Edinburgh and Birmingham. The dates below are for the 2024 edition; check the official websites for the current year.
This list may seem a little early, but accommodation and flight prices are rising. It wouldn't hurt to plan your Christmas market getaway now.
I'll start the list with the Christmas Market in Colmar , France. For me, Colmar was and will remain a special place where I didn't feel the business behind the experience at all. Colmar is not cheap, especially now that it's on the lips of tourists from all over the world. But the community adorns the small city, and the French cuisine mixes with the German. The city becomes a fairy tale place.
The Colmar Christmas Market took place between November 26 and December 29, 2024.
Christmas Market in Strasbourg, France
Let's stay in France! If you're going to Colmar, it would be a shame not to take the train or drive to Strasbourg, considered the Capital of Christmas. The magnificent fair is located in the heart of the city, near the Notre-Dame Cathedral and ran from November 23 to December 24, 2024.
Christmas Markets in Europe: Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Belgium, Switzerland
Christmas Market in Cologne, Germany
Period (2024 edition): November 25 – December 23, 2024
The Cologne Fair is famous for its festive atmosphere, being spectacularly decorated with tens of thousands of lights.
Christmas Market in Dresden, Germany
Period (2024 edition): November 27 – December 24, 2024
Dresden is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, the Dresdner Striezelmarkt, with traditional decorations and the historic atmosphere of the city
Christmas Market in Nuremberg, Germany
Period (2024 edition): November 29 – December 24, 2024
Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, with a mix of tradition, stunning decorations and handmade gifts
Christmas Market in Vienna, Austria
Period (2024 edition): November 16, 2024 – December 24, 2024
The center of Vienna transforms into a fairytale place with lights, gift stalls and local delicacies, all under the gaze of grand historic buildings
Christmas Market in Budapest, Hungary
Period (2024 edition): November 17, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Vörösmarty Square in Budapest hosts a traditional market where you can enjoy mulled wine and local food in front of an impressive light projection on the facade of the Basilica
Christmas Market in Prague, Czech Republic
Period (2024 edition): December 2, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Prague gets festive with a Christmas market set in Old Town Square, with the famous Týn Church in the background and a huge Nativity scene
Christmas Market in Brussels, Belgium
Period (2024 edition): November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Brussels' Christmas market, known as "Plaisirs d'Hiver", features light shows, stalls with Belgian delicacies and a giant ice rink
Christmas Market in Basel, Switzerland
Period (2024 edition): November 23 – December 23, 2024
The Basel fair is one of the largest and most famous in Switzerland, taking place in the historic city center with many Swiss handicrafts and sweets
Christmas markets in Europe: Poland, Estonia, Slovenia, Croatia, Sweden, Great Britain
Christmas Market in Kraków, Poland
Period (2024 edition): November 24 – December 26, 2024
Krakow Central Market is one of the largest and most beautiful in Poland, with traditional decorations and local dishes such as pierogi and oscypek
Christmas Market in Tallinn, Estonia
Period (2024 edition): November 24, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Tallinn Christmas Market is a fairytale place with stalls full of Estonian handicrafts and children's activities
Christmas Market in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Period (2024 edition): November 29, 2024 – January 2, 2025
Ljubljana's old town becomes a fairytale land with lights, organic stalls and amazing views of the city from the castle.
Christmas Market in Zagreb, Croatia
Period (2024 edition): November 24, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Zagreb has become one of the most attractive Christmas destinations, gaining popularity thanks to its fair that spans several locations in the city
Christmas Market in Stockholm, Sweden
Period (2024 edition): November 23 – December 23, 2024
Stortorget Christmas Market in the heart of Gamla Stan is the oldest in Sweden, offering a traditional Scandinavian atmosphere and many seasonal products
Edinburgh Christmas Market, Scotland
Period (2024 edition): November 16, 2024 – January 3, 2025
Edinburgh Christmas Market attracts millions of visitors with its performances and traditional Scottish atmosphere, even having a New Year's festival, Hogmanay
Birmingham Christmas Market, UK
Period (2024 edition): November 2 – December 24, 2024
Birmingham hosts the largest German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria, offering a wide range of culinary delights and artisanal goods
I haven't mentioned London when it comes to Christmas markets. Those who have been know that it's more of a holiday village or a fair.
The tradition of these markets comes from the German area; more about their history can be found on Wikipedia.
