Finest Christmas Markets in Europe 2023

That is your final information to the most effective Christmas markets in Europe! I’ve traveled to a whole bunch of Christmas markets to convey you the most effective 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’ve gotten a slight chill regardless of your heat winter coat. You see a citadel within the mist on the hill forward of you. May in the present day get any higher? Sure, sure it may.

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

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

You spherical one other nook and there it’s, shimmering and glittering because the solar units: hundreds of twinkle lights strewn alongside contemporary reduce pine timber. Hand carved picket stalls promoting meals, drinks, and handmade trinkets line the road, every another 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 knowledgeable 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 value it. I do know that many don’t take into consideration visiting Europe throughout the vacation season, however I discover it actually 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 most effective of the European Christmas markets so you possibly can guarantee to benefit from your time.

Finest 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 top-of-the-line Christmas markets in all Europe and it is an extremely festive place to go to throughout the vacation season. With fantastically adorned stalls and open day by day from November twenty fourth to December twenty fourth, you may 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 resorts, the lit up Notre Dame Cathedral with angels that line the streets, and naturally vin chaud- mulled wine! Numerous nice meals, drinks, and hand crafted presents. Take your time right here, there are markets all through town. There are over 300 stalls so that you’re in for a deal with!

PRO TIP: If in case you have time, head into the Vosges mountains, the place the massive 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 possibly can see my full information to those Alsace villages at Christmas right here.

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

See my full information to the most effective 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 motive! With seven markets, all with completely different themes, all through town, you may discover no scarcity of issues to see and do right here. Massive, lavishly adorned Christmas markets sparkle all through town.

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

And Nikolausdorf or “NicholasVillage” in Rudolfplatz can also be properly definitely worth the cease! Many half-timbered buildings make this really feel like an actual village. It is all the time wonderful to me that this may come down come January!

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

See the most effective Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Vienna, Austria

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

There are a number of massive markets positioned across the metropolis, every with their very own distinctive really feel. The preferred might be at Rathausplatz in entrance of the gorgeous City Corridor. With over 150 chalets, this is likely one of the largest in Europe. It is good for choosing up presents and grabbing a chew to eat. The Glühwein right here is a number of the greatest 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 positioned 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 eventually, my favourite market in Vienna is the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at Freyung. This market is positioned 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 may be a Vienna specialty!)

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

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn appears to be like 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 seems like one thing out of a storybook.

The principle market is positioned in City Corridor Sq., in entrance of the attractive medieval City Corridor. This is likely one of the largest markets in Tallinn and is ideal for choosing up presents and souvenirs. You may discover handmade Estonian crafts, decorations, and loads of locations to seize a chew to eat. The gluwein right here can also be glorious! This can be a great spot to select up a hand-crafted wool sweater, and stick round for stay music and leisure at evening.

When you’re on the lookout for one thing a little bit completely different, try the Rotermann Quarter. This market is positioned in an previous 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 presents and souvenirs right here.

I extremely advocate 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 way of January seventh, 2024.

Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland is a captivating metropolis positioned on the river Rhine and is thought for its stunning Outdated City, medieval structure, museums, and naturally Christmas markets! This metropolis has one of many longest operating Christmas markets in Europe because it dates again to 1521.

The principle market is positioned in Munsterplatz and is crammed with stunning handcrafted items, a big number of foods and drinks, and twinkling lights. Be sure you attempt the scrumptious Basler Läckerli, a spiced gingerbread-like biscuits which can be an area specialty. I additionally love the mulled wine right here, it is a number of the greatest I’ve ever had!

There are additionally a number of different markets positioned all through town together with one within the sq. in entrance of Basel’s stunning crimson sandstone cathedral. This can be a great spot to do some Christmas purchasing as you may discover every little thing from jewellery to picket toys.

PRO TIP: When you’re on the lookout for one thing a little bit completely different, remember to try the Introduction Calendar Home. This can be a home with 25 home windows, every with a unique shock behind it!

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

Prague, Czech Republic

When you’re on the lookout 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 original in Europe with stunning handmade items on supply.

The principle market is positioned in Outdated City Sq. the place you may discover a gorgeous Christmas tree and the spectacular Tyn Church within the background. This can be a actually in style spot, so be ready for crowds, which is why I like to recommend weekdays. Nevertheless it’s undoubtedly value braving the plenty to see the gorgeous 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 positioned in additional fashionable areas of town and supply a refreshing change of tempo from the Outdated City.

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

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland is a novel Christmas market expertise as a result of it isn’t 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 Outdated Market Corridor. This is likely one of the few markets the place you’ll find meals indoors, so it is good if you happen to’re visiting in colder climate or if you happen to simply want a break from the chilly. You may additionally discover handcrafted Christmas decorations, glassware, and textiles.

I beloved the saunas positioned proper by the Christmas market glog stalls (glog is their model of mulled wine.) So that you may 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 way of December twenty second, 2023.

Ribeauvillé, France

This market is small and solely provided for a pair quick weekends however SO WORTH IT. It is probably the most uncommon markets I’ve ever been to in probably the most charming approach. The whole city clothes up and participates. There are folks dressed up, on stilts, sensible 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 very completely different, medieval world.

You may discover all the standard Christmas market fare right here like mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. However Ribeauvillé can also be recognized for its glorious native wines, so remember to decide up a bottle or two to take dwelling with you. You may additionally discover loads of handmade items on supply

Ribeauvillé Christmas Market Dates for 2023: December third, 4th, tenth, and eleventh – as you possibly can see it is a tremendous quick season however so value it!

Heidelberg, Germany

The Heidelberg Christmas market is likely one of the oldest markets in Germany, courting again to 1398! The principle market is positioned in Heidelberg’s previous 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 possibly can stroll almost a mile and revel in completely different Christmas festivities alongside the best way. I am biased since I lived in Heidelberg, however with an exquisite sixteenth century buildings, the citadel towering over the skating rink, it is simply magical.

It is a actually charming place with round 100 fantastically adorned stalls. You may discover loads of mulled wine and conventional German meals like bratwurst and pretzels. The views of the citadel lit up at evening are merely gorgeous.

There’s additionally a market in close by Mannheim which I additionally advocate testing when you’ve got time. It is a quick drive or prepare trip away!

Heidelberg Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty first by way of 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 actually 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 good both, because the market is positioned within the stunning previous city, which is filled 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 may discover all the normal 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 presents and decorations on supply.

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

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

Colmar Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fourth by way of 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 fantastically adorned stalls, a large ferris wheel, an ice rink, and a nativity scene, it is easy to spend just a few hours right here.

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

Budapest Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 4th by way of 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 greatest Christmas markets in Europe? The markets listed here are massive and energetic with an excellent ambiance.

The principle market is positioned at Marienplatz within the coronary heart of town. This can be a actually in style spot, so be ready for crowds. Nevertheless it’s undoubtedly value braving the plenty to see the gorgeous Glockenspiel present that takes place day by day at 11 am and midday. There are additionally a lot of different markets positioned all through town, so that you’re positive to seek out one which fits your fancy.

There are numerous markets in Munich, however remember to begin on the iconic Christkindlmarkt positioned in Marienplatz. From there, you possibly can select from the traditional Neuhausen Christmas market or go for one thing completely different just like the Wintertollwood Pageant held on Oktoberfest grounds.

And if you happen to’re on the lookout for an genuine Bavarian eating expertise, remember to try Hofbräuhaus, one in every of Munich’s most well-known beer halls. It is an excellent place to attempt some conventional German dishes like Weißwurst (veal sausage) and Leberkäse (a kind of meatloaf).

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

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is a captivating metropolis positioned within the Austrian Alps and its Christmas market is nothing wanting magical. With over 80 stalls, it is one of many smaller markets on this checklist, but it surely greater than makes up for it with its gorgeous setting. The market takes place within the previous city sq. in opposition to 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 may discover all the standard Austrian Christmas Market staples like Glühwein (mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Maroni (roasted chestnuts). However you may additionally discover some extra uncommon gadgets like Krapfen (fried dough balls crammed with jam) and Kernöl (pumpkin seed oil).

Innsbruck Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November fifteenth by way of 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 every single place! Whereas London may not be the everyday spot, Christmas market is unquestionably value a go to. Positioned 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 may 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 if you happen to’re feeling actually festive, you possibly can even go to Santa’s Grotto!

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

If in case you have further time, head to Tub,a quintessential city in the UK that is additionally obtained a beautiful Christmas market!

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

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is an exquisite medieval metropolis positioned 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 town heart with over 180 stalls, so there’s lots to see and do. You may discover all the standard German Christmas Market staples like Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and Maroni. However you may additionally discover some extra uncommon gadgets like Nürnberger Christstollen (a kind of fruitcake) and Nürnberger Rostbratwurst (a grilled sausage).

When you go to Nuremberg Christmas Market on the primary Friday earlier than Introduction there’s an incredible opening ceremony with performances and stay music.

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

Metz, France

Metz is an exquisite metropolis positioned within the northeast of France, near the border with Germany. It is best recognized for its massive Christmas market, which is likely one of the largest in Europe.

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

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

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

Trier, Germany

Trier is an exquisite metropolis positioned within the southwest of Germany, near the border with Luxembourg. Trier is thought for it is romantic setting and with the Christmas market’s backdrop of the attractive cathedral, it is a pretty spot.

This system on the Trier Christmas Market modifications every day, providing a wide range 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 foods and drinks on supply, plus arts and crafts from world wide, 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 way of December twenty second, 2023.

See the most effective Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Bruges, Belgium

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

You may discover all the standard Belgian Christmas Market staples like Belgian chocolate, waffles, and beer. However you may additionally discover gadgets like gingerbread homes, candles, and handmade picket toys. Yearly Grote Sq. is reworked to Bruges’ largest Christmas market and within the heart you may 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 way of January eighth 2024.

Aachen, Germany

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

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

However what I beloved most concerning the market have been all the Aachener Printen on supply. Printen are a kind of gingerbread that originates from Aachen. They arrive in all kinds of sizes and styles and are completely scrumptious!

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

Copenhagen, Denmark

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

You may discover all the normal Danish Christmas Market staples like æbleskiver (a kind of pancake), Gløgg (mulled wine), and Danish Christmas beer. There are additionally loads of stalls promoting handmade Christmas decorations, toys, and presents.

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

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

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is positioned within the northwest of the nation. Town is filled with tradition and historical past with an exquisite previous city that is good for exploring. The Christmas market is positioned in Tomislav Sq. within the heart of town.

On the Zagreb Christmas Market, you may discover all the normal Croatian Christmas Market staples like mulled wine, sausages, and pancakes. You too can discover handicrafts, jewellery, and pottery. Be sure you attempt the strukli which is a kind of pastry that is in style in Zagreb.

And if you wish to get a birds eye view of the market, make sure that to move to the Zagreb Eye which is a huge Ferris wheel positioned within the coronary heart of town.

Zagreb Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty sixth by way of 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 Ideas

As your resident knowledgeable on Christmas in Europe, listed here are a few of my high ideas for taking advantage of your Christmas market journey!

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

Which nation has the most effective decorations for Christmas? France! France goes all out for decorations. It does not harm that the Alsace area already appears to be like like an ideal gingerbread village!

What’s the most effective time to go for Christmas markets in Europe? I believe December is your greatest wager to make sure you see the Christmas markets however many begin in late November. Some markets do go till January as properly.

Listed here are some extra useful guides:

What to Eat and Drink at a Christmas Market

Europe Christmas Market Itinerary and Information

Finest Christmas Markets in Germany

Finest Christmas Market in France

Finest Christmas Markets in Switzerland

So there you’ve gotten it, my checklist of the most effective Christmas markets in Europe for 2023! Which one are you most excited about- when you’ve got any questions, be at liberty to achieve out to me on Instagram @heleneinbetween – I reply all my DMs!