Where are the best Christmas markets to enjoy some festive fun this December?
Whether you want to ice-skate, enjoy a Christmas carol recital, indulge in some mulled wine or simply just browse some amazing crafts and gifts, a trip to the Christmas markets are high on any travellers wish list.
From Rome to Cologne and everywhere in-between, where are the best places to enjoy Europe’s finest Christmas markets that are straight out of a fairytale storybook.
Basel
Basel is a delight for all, but especially if you are a foodie!
Located at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz in the heart of the festively decorated Old Town, Basel’s Christmas market is considered to be one of the prettiest and largest in Switzerland.
Meander around 160 intricately decorated market stalls selling delicious food, decorations and more.
Intriguingly, Basel’s Christmas Markets are split into two different sections at Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz.
The first is where you go for the most exquisite jewellery and handicrafts as well as handmade wooden toys and Munsterplatz is where you can take your children to enjoy some fun and festive activities such as making baubles and cards and decorating gingerbread houses.
Foodies will adore the delicacies on offer which includes raclette, the gooiest fondue you could imagine, mulled wine, hot punch and more.
For some of the best views in Basel, head over to Munsterplatz and visit the Pfalz viewing terrace where you can enjoy your mulled wine with the most spectacular views of the Old Town and the Rhine.
Leipzig
As one of Germany’s oldest and largest Christmas markets, the Leipzig Christmas market is certainly one to visit.
It’s open between November 22nd and December 23rd and has been delighting visitors to its Christmas markets since 1458.
More than 250 colourful stools are nestled around a massive and resplendent Saxon spruce Christmas tree which is one of the highlights of this traditional medieval market.
You can even enjoy some traditional performances on the market square stage and of course the city of Leipzig is synonymous with music.
Wagner was born in this majestic German city and JS Bach composed several pieces of music there, so you are sure to find a music performance that you like.
Tallinn
Widely considered one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, the beautiful town of Tallinn’s festive offering certainly demonstrates why this is the case.
Picture the stunning medieval town dusted with snow as you wander around the cobbled streets that surround the Town Hall square where the Christmas market takes place.
With over 60 stalls to choose from where you can try and purchase both Christmas crafts as well as locally-made chocolates, sweets, honey and more, you will undoubtedly be in the Christmas spirit thanks to the brass bands performing all your favourite Christmas tunes.
There are also performances from local dance troupes and bell ringers that will help elevate your Christmas markets experience ten fold!
It’s here that you will find Estonia’s biggest Christmas tree which is located in front of the town hall and has been displayed there since 1441, making it one of the very first to be displayed anywhere in Europe.
Copenhagen
Think the Danish city of Copenhagen is too cool for all things festive?
Think again, the Christmas markets of Denmark are certainly ones that should be added to your Christmas markets hit list.
After all, the land of Hygge is just crying out for donning a cosy knit and schlepping around the city to enjoy the festivities.
The city centre is home to several Christmas markets, but we can’t help but think that the Christmas market at the famous Tivoli Gardens is THE one to go and see.
From the skating rink to the festive ferris wheel which will give you the most spectacular views of the swirling twinkling Christmas lights, you will have the loveliest evening here.
Grab a cup of the fantastically-named ‘glogg’ which is the very fragrant cinnamon-infused mulled wine and peruse the market stalls where you can buy everything from wooden toys, decorations, hygge-inspired chunky knitwear and ceramics.
For skating with the best views in town, head over to Broen’s Ice Rink on the harbour front where you can skate to your heart’s content.
Or why not do what the Danish do and enjoy an invigorating swim in the icy waters of the harbour, it might not be for everyone, but it certainly makes for a memorable experience.
Cologne
Full of Yuletide cheer, the German city of Cologne has one of the best Christmas markets not just in Germany, but the whole of Europe.
It also starts in late November and continues throughout December and visitors can be treated to a fantastic selection of Christmas markets that will leave you with memories that you will never forget.
Highlights of the Christmas markets include Nicholas Village or Nikolausdorf as it’s more commonly known which is close to the hipster the Belgian Quarter.
Chock-full of charming houses, picturesque streets adorned with colourful lights, make sure you try one of the delicious drinks that are served in cups shaped like Santa’s boots which are made for a classic boomerang on instagram!
The biggest of the Christmas markets is held at the Cathedral which evokes a real sense of history and is located around a large Christmas tree which dazzles.
Another fantastic option is the House Elves’ Winter Fairytale Christmas Market otherwise known as the Heinzels Wintermärchen which just personifies Christmas magic.
It’s located in Cologne’s Old Town and is spread out over two of its historic squares – Heumarkt and Alter Markt where you can buy all kinds of food, drinks and gifts.
Don your skates and glide away on the spectacular ice-skating rink on the Heumarkt which will definitely get you in the mood for the holiday season.
Budapest
Absolutely stunning at the best of times without doubt, but there’s something truly special about the Hungarian capital at Christmas time.
The Christmas markets will certainly up the ante when it comes to feeling the festive vibes.
Starting in mid November, Budapest serves up two main contenders for your Christmas markets must-visit list.
Both are spectacular, but if you only have time to visit one, let us help you break it down for that all-important decision.
For a more traditional Christmas market experience, pay a visit to Vorosmarty Square (which is Budapest’s oldest Christmas market) where you can enjoy all the typical festive fares such as handicrafts, food and gifts and more.
If you love music, you can go and watch some of the free live music performances that are on offer.
Another option is Basilica which effortlessly balances heritage with a contemporary twist.
You can still take advantage of the traditional handicrafts and food stalls, but you can also enjoy ice skating around a giant Christmas tree and enjoying the Christmas laser projections too.
Gothenburg
One of the coolest cities in Sweden, Gothenburg is a must-visit at any time, but especially so during the festive season.
When it comes to Scandi-fun for all the family, head on over to the amusement park Liseberg which has one of the most fabulous Christmas markets in Sweden where you can enjoy delicious food, Scandinavian mulled wine, rides and lots of free entertainment.
Children can even visit Father Christmas in his fairytale workshop, as well as enjoying a vibrant ice show surrounded by thousands of Christmas lights and warming fire pits.
Or why not head to the traditional Christmas market at the Gunnebo House and Gardens which is located in Mölndal just outside of Gothenburg.
This beautiful 1700th century estate hosts a traditional Christmas market with festive activities for the whole family.
Brussels
There’s absolutely no doubt that you will fall in love with the Christmas markets in Brussels.
Our favourite? It has to be Winter Wonders which can be found throughout various areas of the city including Grand-Place, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons.
Infinitely Christmassy, the Christmas markets have over 200 wooden chalets selling gifts and food which includes the obligatory Belgian waffle, beer, chocolates and more.
What could be more festive than wandering around the Christmas markets, gliding across the ice skating rink or enjoying an intoxicating light show?
Gdansk
The Christmas markets in Gdansk are truly a magical winter wonderland.
Based in the historical city centre, the Gdansk Christmas market is fantastic for everyone, but is especially suited to couples.
There’s even a spot that’s been set up for couples who can enjoy a romantic kiss under the mistletoe.
Foodies will love the range of delicious treats on offer which includes both traditional and international cuisine such as pierogi, a traditional Polish dish, pancakes, Spanish churros and more.
It can get a tad cold in Poland, so make sure you keep the cold at bay with a mug of hot chocolate, mulled wine or even a mulled beer or two!
The city of Gdansk takes their festivities very seriously and you can fully expect to see a variety of parades including an elf parade, there’s also carol services and there’s even a fairytale carousel to enjoy!
Zagreb
Croatia’s capital Zagreb is home to some of the best Christmas markets in the world.
There are several dotted around the city, but one of the most popular Christmas markets is the Zagreb Advent which is just made for foodies.
There’s a huge focus on food and drink, but you can also buy crafts there too.
As you navigate around the city’s Christmas markets, you will see a fantastic selection of stalls where you can buy tasty treats like plum brandy, spicy sausage stuffed cabbage rolls, local wines and chocolates.
Basel
Basel is a delight for all, but especially if you are a foodie! Located at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz in the heart of the festively decorated Old Town, Basel’s Christmas market is considered to be one of the prettiest and largest in Switzerland.
Meander around 160 intricately decorated market stalls selling delicious food, decorations and more.
Intriguingly, Basel’s Christmas Markets are split into two different sections at Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz.
The first is where you go for the most exquisite jewellery and handicrafts as well as handmade wooden toys and Munsterplatz is where you can take your children to enjoy some fun and festive activities such as making baubles and cards and decorating gingerbread houses.
Foodies will adore the delicacies on offer which includes raclette, the gooiest fondue you could imagine, mulled wine, hot punch and more.
For some of the best views in Basel, head over to Munsterplatz and visit the Pfalz viewing terrace where you can enjoy your mulled wine with the most spectacular views of the Old Town and the Rhine.
Leipzig
As one of Germany’s oldest and largest Christmas markets, the Leipzig Christmas market is certainly one to visit.
It’s open between November 22nd and December 23rd and has been delighting visitors to its Christmas markets since 1458.
More than 250 colourful stools are nestled around a massive and resplendent Saxon spruce Christmas tree which is one of the highlights of this traditional medieval market.
You can even enjoy some traditional performances on the market square stage and of course the city of Leipzig is synonymous with music.
Wagner was born in this majestic German city and JS Bach composed several pieces of music there, so you are sure to find a music performance that you like.
Tallinn
Widely considered one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, the beautiful town of Tallinn’s festive offering certainly demonstrates why this is the case.
Picture the stunning medieval town dusted with snow as you wander around the cobbled streets that surround the Town Hall square where the Christmas market takes place.
With over 60 stalls to choose from where you can try and purchase both Christmas crafts as well as locally-made chocolates, sweets, honey and more, you will undoubtedly be in the Christmas spirit thanks to the brass bands performing all your favourite Christmas tunes.
There are also performances from local dance troupes and bell ringers that will help elevate your Christmas markets experience ten fold!
It’s here that you will find Estonia’s biggest Christmas tree which is located in front of the town hall and has been displayed there since 1441, making it one of the very first to be displayed anywhere in Europe.
Copenhagen
Think the Danish city of Copenhagen is too cool for all things festive?
Think again, the Christmas markets of Denmark are certainly ones that should be added to your Christmas markets hit list.
After all, the land of Hygge is just crying out for donning a cosy knit and schlepping around the city to enjoy the festivities.
The city centre is home to several Christmas markets, but we can’t help but think that the Christmas market at the famous Tivoli Gardens is THE one to go and see.
From the skating rink to the festive ferris wheel which will give you the most spectacular views of the swirling twinkling Christmas lights, you will have the loveliest evening here.
Grab a cup of the fantastically-named ‘glogg’ which is the very fragrant cinnamon-infused mulled wine and peruse the market stalls where you can buy everything from wooden toys, decorations, hygge-inspired chunky knitwear and ceramics.
For skating with the best views in town, head over to Broen’s Ice Rink on the harbour front where you can skate to your heart’s content or why not do what the Danish do and enjoy an invigorating swim in the icy waters of the harbour, it might not be for everyone, but it certainly makes for a memorable experience.
Cologne
Full of Yuletide cheer, the German city of Cologne has one of the best Christmas markets not just in Germany, but the whole of Europe.
It also starts in late November and continues throughout December and visitors can be treated to a fantastic selection of Christmas markets that will leave you with memories that you will never forget.
Highlights of the Christmas markets include Nicholas Village or Nikolausdorf as it’s more commonly known which is close to the hipster the Belgian Quarter.
Chock-full of charming houses, picturesque streets adorned with colourful lights, make sure you try one of the delicious drinks that are served in cups shaped like Santa’s boots which are made for a classic boomerang on instagram!
The biggest of the Christmas markets is held at the Cathedral which evokes a real sense of history and is located around a large Christmas tree which dazzles.
Another fantastic option is the House Elves’ Winter Fairytale Christmas Market otherwise known as the Heinzels Wintermärchen which just personifies Christmas magic.
It’s located in Cologne’s Old Town and is spread out over two of its historic squares – Heumarkt and Alter Markt where you can buy all kinds of food, drinks and gifts.
Don your skates and glide away on the spectacular ice-skating rink on the Heumarkt which will definitely get you in the mood for the holiday season.
Budapest
Absolutely stunning at the best of times without doubt, but there’s something truly special about the Hungarian capital at Christmas time.
The Christmas markets will certainly up the ante when it comes to feeling the festive vibes.
Starting in mid November, Budapest serves up two main contenders for your Christmas markets must-visit list.
Both are spectacular, but if you only have time to visit one, let us help you break it down for that all-important decision.
For a more traditional Christmas market experience, pay a visit to Vorosmarty Square (which is Budapest’s oldest Christmas market) where you can enjoy all the typical festive fares such as handicrafts, food and gifts and more.
If you love music, you can go and watch some of the free live music performances that are on offer.
Another option is Basilica which effortlessly balances heritage with a contemporary twist.
You can still take advantage of the traditional handicrafts and food stalls, but you can also enjoy ice skating around a giant Christmas tree and enjoying the Christmas laser projections too.
Gothenburg
One of the coolest cities in Sweden, Gothenburg is a must-visit at any time, but especially so during the festive season.
When it comes to Scandi-fun for all the family, head on over to the amusement park – Liseberg which has one of the most fabulous Christmas markets in Sweden where you can enjoy delicious food, Scandinavian mulled wine, rides and lots of free entertainment.
Children can even visit Father Christmas in his fairytale workshop, as well as enjoying a vibrant ice show surrounded by thousands of Christmas lights and warming fire pits.
Or why not head to the traditional Christmas market at the Gunnebo House and Gardens which is located in Mölndal just outside of Gothenburg.
This beautiful 1700th century estate hosts a traditional Christmas market with festive activities for the whole family.
Brussels
There’s absolutely no doubt that you will fall in love with the Christmas markets in Brussels.
Our favourite? It has to be Winter Wonders which can be found throughout various areas of the city including Grand-Place, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons. Infinitely Christmassy, the Christmas markets have over 200 wooden chalets selling gifts and food which includes the obligatory Belgian waffle, beer, chocolates and more.
What could be more festive than wandering around the Christmas markets, gliding across the ice skating rink or enjoying an intoxicating light show?
Gdansk
The Christmas markets in Gdansk are truly a magical winter wonderland.
Based in the historical city centre, the Gdansk Christmas market is fantastic for everyone, but is especially suited to couples.
There’s even a spot that’s been set up for couples who can enjoy a romantic kiss under the mistletoe.
Foodies will love the range of delicious treats on offer which includes both traditional and international cuisine such as pierogi, a traditional Polish dish, pancakes, Spanish churros and more.
It can get a tad cold in Poland, so make sure you keep the cold at bay with a mug of hot chocolate, mulled wine or even a mulled beer or two!
The city of Gdansk takes their festivities very seriously and you can fully expect to see a variety of parades including an elf parade, there’s also carol services and there’s even a fairytale carousel to enjoy!
Zagreb
Croatia’s capital Zagreb is home to some of the best Christmas markets in the world.
There are several dotted around the city, but one of the most popular Christmas markets is the Zagreb Advent which is just made for foodies.
There’s a huge focus on food and drink, but you can also buy crafts there too.
As you navigate around the city’s Christmas markets, you will see a fantastic selection of stalls where you can buy tasty treats like plum brandy, spicy sausage stuffed cabbage rolls, local wines and chocolates.
