Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe 2023

That is your final information to the perfect Christmas markets in Europe! I’ve traveled to tons of of Christmas markets to deliver you the perfect locations for Christmas Markets in Europe for 2023.

Image this: You’re strolling the traditional cobblestone streets, on both facet heat lights of cafes and outlets beckon you inside, you will have a slight chill regardless of your heat winter coat. You see a citadel within the mist on the hill forward of you. Might at this time get any higher? Sure, sure it might.

As you flip the nook you’re first hit with the odor. It’s a mix of true merriment: candied nuts roasting in sugar, mulled wine being poured right into a tall espresso mug, and roasted meats over the open fireplace.

Subsequent you’re hit with the noise. Christmas carols sung in German, laughter of all ages, and other people greeting one another on the prime of their lungs.

You spherical one other nook and there it’s, shimmering and glittering because the solar units: 1000’s of twinkle lights strewn alongside contemporary minimize pine timber. Hand carved picket stalls promoting meals, drinks, and handmade trinkets line the road, every yet one more adorned than the subsequent.

It’s Christmas Markets in Europe and it’s probably the most joyful place on earth!

I like to consider myself as a Christmas market professional having lived in Germany, the place Christmas markets actually began, I spent years going many times to Christmas markets throughout Europe and writing about my discovering.

One issues for positive: it’s price it. I do know that many don’t take into consideration visiting Europe through the vacation season, however I discover it really sensational. It’s such a way of neighborhood and pleasure, everybody on the town will get collectively, regardless of the chilly climate to have fun Christmas and share their handmade wares and scrumptious household recipes of conventional meals.

I am sharing the perfect of the European Christmas markets so you may guarantee to take advantage of your time.

Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe 2023

I’ve tons of guides to Christmas markets in Europe! From itineraries, maps, and particular person guides to every place! I hope to make planning your Christmas market journeys a breeze. For all my posts on Christmas markets in Europe click on right here.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, France undoubtedly deserves its nickname because the “Capital of Noel”! This metropolis has probably the greatest Christmas markets in all Europe and it is an extremely festive place to go to through the vacation season. With superbly adorned stalls and open day-after-day from November twenty fourth to December twenty fourth, you will end up surrounded by twinkling lights and decorations galore. The Strasbourg cathedral towers over the market and there is even an actual 30 meter tall tree within the sq.!

The streets are BURSTING with decor, from the teddy bear half-timbered inns, the lit up Notre Dame Cathedral with angels that line the streets, and naturally vin chaud- mulled wine! A number of nice meals, drinks, and hand crafted items. Take your time right here, there are markets all through the town. There are over 300 stalls so that you’re in for a deal with!

PRO TIP: In case you have time, head into the Vosges mountains, the place the large tree of Strasbourg is grown, and go to some Christmas markets there! The cities of Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim and Riquewihr are completely magical for Christmas! You may see my full information to those Alsace villages at Christmas right here.

Starsbourg Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fifth by December twenty sixth, 2023.

See my full information to the perfect Christmas markets in France. Or, my full information to Strasbourg, France at Christmas.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany is likely one of the hottest Christmas markets in Europe and for good cause! With seven markets, all with completely different themes, all through the town, you will discover no scarcity of issues to see and do right here. Giant, lavishly adorned Christmas markets sparkle all through the town.

A few of my favorites are the Cologne Cathedral Market, that is the most important and takes place exterior the spectacular cathedral with stay music, an enormous tree, and gluhwein (sizzling, mulled wine!). I additionally adore the Angels’ Market the place you will discover it in Neumarkt Sq. and is likely one of the unique markets that options ladies wearing angel costumes handing out sweets to kids. There’s additionally a stupendous carousel and lovely mugs which can be excellent to take dwelling as souvenirs. I like the one within the Previous City as a result of it is full of what appears like gnomes, but it surely’s a lot extra! The Alter Markt calls itself the Dwelling of the Heinzelmännchen (who had been little creatures from a Cologne legend who used to do all of the housekeeping till they had been aggravated by an inquisitive housewife).

And Nikolausdorf or “NicholasVillage” in Rudolfplatz can be effectively well worth the cease! Many half-timbered buildings make this really feel like an actual village. It is at all times wonderful to me that it will come down come January!

Cologne Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty first by December twenty third 2023.

See the perfect Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Vienna, Austria

Since 1296 Vienna has hosted a tremendous Christmas market- one of many first ever! You will see beautiful buildings decked out in bows and ribbons. However you additionally get unimaginable Christmas markets! I have been to markets all all through Europe and I can inform you, those in Vienna are a number of the finest.

There are a number of giant markets situated across the metropolis, every with their very own distinctive really feel. The preferred might be at Rathausplatz in entrance of the attractive City Corridor. With over 150 chalets, this is likely one of the largest in Europe. It is excellent for choosing up items and grabbing a chew to eat. The Glühwein right here is a number of the finest I’ve ever had!

If you’d like a extra conventional really feel, then head to the Spittelberg Weihnachtsmarkt market (Weihnachtsmarkt means Christmas in German). That is situated in a pedestrian zone within the Spittelberg district and is made up of small, particular person chalets. This market has a extremely cozy really feel and is ideal for a romantic stroll.

And at last, my favourite market in Vienna is the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at Freyung. This market is situated in a stunning park and has a extremely relaxed and charming ambiance. It is the right place to seize a cup of sizzling chocolate and a slice of Sachertorte (a chocolate cake that could be a Vienna specialty!)

Vienna Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twelfth by December twenty fourth, 2023.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn appears like a snow globe come to life! Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a medieval metropolis with a fairytale really feel. And through Christmastime, it is much more magical! With twinkling lights, snow-dusted rooftops, and Christmas carols within the air, Tallinn looks like one thing out of a storybook.

The principle market is situated in City Corridor Sq., in entrance of the beautiful medieval City Corridor. This is likely one of the largest markets in Tallinn and is ideal for choosing up items and souvenirs. You will discover handmade Estonian crafts, decorations, and loads of locations to seize a chew to eat. The gluwein right here can be wonderful! This can be a good spot to choose up a hand-crafted wool sweater, and stick round for stay music and leisure at night time.

In the event you’re searching for one thing a bit completely different, try the Rotermann Quarter. This market is situated in an outdated salt storage constructing that has been transformed into a shopping mall. It is a actually distinctive setting for a market, and you will find loads of nice items and souvenirs right here.

I extremely suggest taking a strolling tour* to get a really feel of the historical past in Tallinn! We went on a themed strolling tour and it was a spotlight of my time in Tallinn. See my full information to Tallinn at Christmas right here.

Tallinn Christmas Market Dates for 2023: December 1st by January seventh, 2024.

Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland is an enthralling metropolis situated on the river Rhine and is understood for its stunning Previous City, medieval structure, museums, and naturally Christmas markets! This metropolis has one of many longest working Christmas markets in Europe because it dates again to 1521.

The principle market is situated in Munsterplatz and is full of stunning handcrafted items, a big number of food and drinks, and twinkling lights. You’ll want to strive the scrumptious Basler Läckerli, a spiced gingerbread-like biscuits which can be a neighborhood specialty. I additionally love the mulled wine right here, it is a number of the finest I’ve ever had!

There are additionally a number of different markets situated all through the town together with one within the sq. in entrance of Basel’s stunning crimson sandstone cathedral. This can be a good spot to do some Christmas procuring as you will discover all the things from jewellery to picket toys.

PRO TIP: In the event you’re searching for one thing a bit completely different, make sure to try the Introduction Calendar Home. This can be a home with 25 home windows, every with a distinct shock behind it!

Basel Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fourth by December twenty third, 2023.

Prague, Czech Republic

In the event you’re searching for a market with a extra medieval really feel, then Prague is the place for you! With its pretty Gothic structure and cobblestone streets, Prague lends itself completely to a festive ambiance. The markets listed here are a number of the most unusual in Europe with stunning handmade items on provide.

The principle market is situated in Previous City Sq. the place you will discover a beautiful Christmas tree and the spectacular Tyn Church within the background. This can be a actually standard spot, so be ready for crowds, which is why I like to recommend weekdays. But it surely’s undoubtedly price braving the lots to see the attractive decorations and seize some conventional Czech meals.

For one thing a bit extra low-key, try the markets at Wenceslas Sq. and Havel’s Market. These are each situated in additional fashionable areas of the town and provide a refreshing change of tempo from the Previous City.

Prague Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty seventh by December twenty fourth, 2023.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland is a novel Christmas market expertise as a result of it is not solely concerning the market stalls, but additionally the ice skating rink that units up in Senate Sq.. It is so festive and beautiful to skate round with the Helsinki Cathedral within the background.

The market itself has Finnish crafts and design, together with conventional meals like reindeer meatballs, which you’ll find on the Previous Market Corridor. This is likely one of the few markets the place you’ll find meals indoors, so it is excellent in case you’re visiting in colder climate or in case you simply want a break from the chilly. You will additionally discover handcrafted Christmas decorations, glassware, and textiles.

I cherished the saunas situated proper by the Christmas market glog stalls (glog is their model of mulled wine.) So that you would possibly see somebody hop out of a sauna in only a towel, grabbing a mulled mug of steaming wine!

Helsinki Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty seventh by December twenty second, 2023.

Ribeauvillé, France

This market is small and solely provided for a pair brief weekends however SO WORTH IT. It is probably the most uncommon markets I’ve ever been to in probably the most charming manner. All the city clothes up and participates. There are individuals dressed up, on stilts, clever males with actual camels, fires in the midst of the streets to heat up and medieval traditions.

This space is well-known for its charming half-timbered homes however the Christmas market makes it really feel such as you’ve entered a totally completely different, medieval world.

You will discover all the standard Christmas market fare right here like mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. However Ribeauvillé can be recognized for its wonderful native wines, so make sure to choose up a bottle or two to take dwelling with you. You will additionally discover loads of handmade items on provide

Ribeauvillé Christmas Market Dates for 2023: December third, 4th, tenth, and eleventh – as you may see it is a tremendous brief season however so price it!

Heidelberg, Germany

The Heidelberg Christmas market is likely one of the oldest markets in Germany, courting again to 1398! The principle market is situated in Heidelberg’s outdated city, all through the Hauptstrasse. This can be a bit completely different than a number of the different markets, and I discover it a pleasure! You may stroll almost a mile and luxuriate in completely different Christmas festivities alongside the best way. I am biased since I lived in Heidelberg, however with a stupendous sixteenth century buildings, the citadel towering over the skating rink, it is simply magical.

It is a really charming place with round 100 superbly adorned stalls. You will discover loads of mulled wine and conventional German meals like bratwurst and pretzels. The views of the citadel lit up at night time are merely beautiful.

There’s additionally a market in close by Mannheim which I additionally suggest testing if in case you have time. It is a brief drive or practice experience away!

Heidelberg Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty first by December twenty second, 2023.

See my full information to Heidelberg’s Christmas markets right here.

Colmar, France

Nestled within the Alsace area of France, Colmar is really a fairytale city and its Christmas market doesn’t disappoint. With over 300 stalls, this is likely one of the largest markets in France. The setting could not be extra excellent both, because the market is situated within the stunning outdated city, which is stuffed with half-timbered homes, canals, and cobbled streets.

The market itself is extremely festive, with an enormous Christmas tree, a life-sized nativity scene, and a powerful mild show. You will discover all the standard French Christmas Market favorites right here, from vin chaud (mulled wine) to ache d’epices (gingerbread), to baeckeoffe (a scrumptious Alsatian stew). There’s additionally all kinds of handmade items and decorations on provide.

When in Colmar, one in all my favourite French eating places can’t be beat! Winstub de la Petite Venise. This Michelin star restaurant presents a 35 euro plat du jour that makes my mouth water simply fascinated with it!

Take a look at my Christmas market street journey itinerary right here.

Colmar Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fourth by December twenty ninth 2023.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest’s Christmas Market is likely one of the most stunning in Europe and takes place in Vörösmarty Sq. in entrance of the magnificent Nineteenth-century Gerbeaud Home. With over 100 superbly adorned stalls, a large ferris wheel, an ice rink, and a nativity scene, it is simple to spend just a few hours right here.

There’s additionally a stupendous mild present each night at 7 pm on the facade of the Gerbeaud Home that is undoubtedly price sticking round for. The market is open from November eleventh to January 1st, so you will have loads of time to go to. And remember to strive some conventional Hungarian dishes like lángos (a deep-fried flatbread) or kürtőskalács (a chimney cake)!

Budapest Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 4th by December thirty first 2023.

Munich, Germany

Munich is famend for its wonderful Oktoberfest celebration, however do you know that it additionally has a number of the finest Christmas markets in Europe? The markets listed here are giant and energetic with an amazing ambiance.

The principle market is situated at Marienplatz within the coronary heart of the town. This can be a actually standard spot, so be ready for crowds. But it surely’s undoubtedly price braving the lots to see the attractive Glockenspiel present that takes place day-after-day at 11 am and midday. There are additionally plenty of different markets situated all through the town, so that you’re positive to seek out one which fits your fancy.

There are various markets in Munich, however make sure to begin on the iconic Christkindlmarkt situated in Marienplatz. From there, you may select from the basic Neuhausen Christmas market or go for one thing completely different just like the Wintertollwood Pageant held on Oktoberfest grounds.

And in case you’re searching for an genuine Bavarian eating expertise, make sure to try Hofbräuhaus, one in all Munich’s most well-known beer halls. It is an amazing place to strive some conventional German dishes like Weißwurst (veal sausage) and Leberkäse (a sort of meatloaf).

Munich Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty first by December twenty fourth, 2023.

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is an enthralling metropolis situated within the Austrian Alps and its Christmas market is nothing in need of magical. With over 80 stalls, it is one of many smaller markets on this listing, but it surely greater than makes up for it with its beautiful setting. The market takes place within the outdated city sq. towards the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

What I like most about this market is that it has an actual conventional really feel to it. You will discover all the standard Austrian Christmas Market staples like Glühwein (mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Maroni (roasted chestnuts). However you will additionally discover some extra uncommon objects like Krapfen (fried dough balls full of jam) and Kernöl (pumpkin seed oil).

Innsbruck Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November fifteenth by December twenty third, 2023.

London, England

I like London for Christmas as all of the shops are decked out and there is a feeling of pleasure in all places! Whereas London may not be the standard spot, Christmas market is certainly price a go to. Situated in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is likely one of the largest markets in Europe and it is utterly free to enter!

When you’re inside, you will discover an array of points of interest like an ice rink, a large ferris wheel, and a German-style market with over 200 stalls. And in case you’re feeling actually festive, you may even go to Santa’s Grotto!

Winter Wonderland is open from late November till early January, so you will have loads of time to get pleasure from all of the enjoyable. And once you’re prepared for a break from the chilly, head to one in all Hyde Park’s many cafes for a cup of tea or some conventional English fare.

In case you have additional time, head to Tub,a quintessential city in the UK that is additionally obtained an exquisite Christmas market!

London Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 18th by January 2nd, 2024.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is a stupendous medieval metropolis situated within the German state of Bavaria – since 1313. It is best recognized for its conventional Christkindlesmarkt, which is likely one of the oldest and largest markets in Germany.

The market is unfold out throughout the town middle with over 180 stalls, so there’s lots to see and do. You will discover all the standard German Christmas Market staples like Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and Maroni. However you will additionally discover some extra uncommon objects like Nürnberger Christstollen (a sort of fruitcake) and Nürnberger Rostbratwurst (a grilled sausage).

In the event you go to Nuremberg Christmas Market on the primary Friday earlier than Introduction there’s a tremendous opening ceremony with performances and stay music.

Nuremberg Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fifth by December twenty fourth, 2023.

Metz, France

Metz is a stupendous metropolis situated within the northeast of France, near the border with Germany. It is best recognized for its giant Christmas market, which is likely one of the largest in Europe.

The market is unfold out throughout the town middle with over 200 stalls, so there’s lots to see and do. You will discover all the standard French Christmas Market staples like vin chaud, ache d’épices (gingerbread), and candies. However you will additionally discover some extra gormet meals like foie gras, tarte flambée (a sort of pizza), and quiche Lorraine.

Cathedral Saint-Étienne de Metz dates again to the eleventh century has a stunning Christmas market simply exterior the doorways full with a ferris wheel. Inside are stunning stained glass home windows that had been constructed by well-known artists like Marc Chagall and Jean Cocteau. Metz has loads of different locations price visiting as effectively – Notre Dame d’Auschwitz, the fashionable artwork middle Centre Pompidou-Metz, and Le Temple Neuf is a stupendous church that appears extra like a citadel.

Metz Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November Nineteenth by December thirtieth, 2023.

Trier, Germany

Trier is a stupendous metropolis situated within the southwest of Germany, near the border with Luxembourg. Trier is understood for it is romantic setting and with the Christmas market’s backdrop of the beautiful cathedral, it is a pretty spot.

This system on the Trier Christmas Market modifications day by day, providing quite a lot of leisure for the entire household. From historic puppet theater to star tenor and songsmiths, there’s something for everybody to get pleasure from. With scrumptious food and drinks on provide, plus arts and crafts from around the globe, the Trier Christmas Market attracts guests from far and huge.

To get a view from above like I did right here, head to the DE retailer proper earlier than you enter the market.

Trier Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 18th by December twenty second, 2023.

See the perfect Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a stupendous metropolis situated within the northwest of Belgium. It is best recognized for its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval structure. The Christmas market is situated within the historic metropolis middle and is likely one of the most atmospheric markets in Europe.

You will discover all the standard Belgian Christmas Market staples like Belgian chocolate, waffles, and beer. However you will additionally discover objects like gingerbread homes, candles, and handmade picket toys. Yearly Grote Sq. is reworked to Bruges’ largest Christmas market and within the middle you will discover a skating rink. You too can head to Stevin Sq. for much more Christmas festivities.

Bruges Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fifth by January eighth 2024.

Aachen, Germany

I simply went to Aachen final yr for my first time and completely cherished it! Not solely is Aachen filled with essential historical past, it is obtained an unimaginable Christmas market that is been named one of many prime Christmas Markets in Europe through the years.

Aachen Christmas Market is situated within the historic metropolis middle and is likely one of the oldest markets in Germany. It dates again to 1434 making it even older than Nuremberg! You will discover all the standard German Christmas Market staples like Glühwein, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Bratwurst.

However what I cherished most concerning the market had been all the Aachener Printen on provide. Printen are a sort of gingerbread that originates from Aachen. They arrive in all kinds of styles and sizes and are completely scrumptious!

Aachen Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 18th by December twenty third 2023.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is situated on the jap coast of the nation. The town is stuffed with appeal with its canals, cobbled streets, and historic buildings. The Christmas market is situated within the coronary heart of the town at Metropolis Corridor Sq..

You will discover all the standard Danish Christmas Market staples like æbleskiver (a sort of pancake), Gløgg (mulled wine), and Danish Christmas beer. There are additionally loads of stalls promoting handmade Christmas decorations, toys, and items.

Tivoli Gardens is a well-known park and it is a should for Christmas because it’s arrange like Santa’s village- you may even experience the Polar Categorical! Additionally, Kongens Nytorv is likely one of the most stunning squares in Copenhagen and it actually comes alive throughout Christmas time. And remember to go to iconic Nyhavn the place you will additionally discover a market.

Copenhagen Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 4th by December twenty first, 2023.

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is situated within the northwest of the nation. The town is stuffed with tradition and historical past with a stupendous outdated city that is excellent for exploring. The Christmas market is situated in Tomislav Sq. within the middle of the town.

On the Zagreb Christmas Market, you will discover all the standard Croatian Christmas Market staples like mulled wine, sausages, and pancakes. You too can discover handicrafts, jewellery, and pottery. You’ll want to strive the strukli which is a sort of pastry that is standard in Zagreb.

And if you wish to get a birds eye view of the market, make certain to go to the Zagreb Eye which is a huge Ferris wheel situated within the coronary heart of the town.

Zagreb Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty sixth by January seventh, 2024.

Christmas Markets in Europe Map

Here is a map of all my favourite Christmas Markets in Europe. I’ve mapped out not solely the highest 10 Christmas Markets in Europe from this information, however a few of my favorites everywhere in the continent!

Christmas Market High Suggestions

As your resident professional on Christmas in Europe, listed here are a few of my prime suggestions for taking advantage of your Christmas market journey!

Which nation has the perfect Christmas Markets? That is clearly up for debate, however the award has to go to Germany! Germany has a number of the oldest and finest markets round. The custom runs deep and even small cities and villages take part. See the perfect Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Which nation has the perfect decorations for Christmas? France! France goes all out for decorations. It would not harm that the Alsace area already appears like an ideal gingerbread village!

What’s the perfect time to go for Christmas markets in Europe? I feel December is your finest guess to make sure you see the Christmas markets however many begin in late November. Some markets do go till January as effectively.

Listed here are some extra useful guides:

What to Eat and Drink at a Christmas Market

Europe Christmas Market Itinerary and Information

Greatest Christmas Markets in Germany

Greatest Christmas Market in France

Greatest Christmas Markets in Switzerland

So there you will have it, my listing of the perfect Christmas markets in Europe for 2023! Which one are you most excited about- if in case you have any questions, be happy to succeed in out to me on Instagram @heleneinbetween – I reply all my DMs!