The Best Christmas Markets in Europe

In the lead-up to the holiday season, there's nowhere quite like a bustling winter market to get you in the Christmas spirit, and Europe is home to the cream of the crop. We tend to associate European trips with sun-soaked getaways to Mediterranean destinations, but planning your visit for the chiller months of the year affords you a totally different experience. When wintertime rolls around, you'll likely find yourself swapping Spain and Greece for the likes of Germany and Belgium. We've created this fool-proof guide ahead of your festive retreat to give you a taste of where you can expect to find the brightest and best Christmas markets in Europe.

Cologne, Germany

Once Advent comes along, the charming German city of Cologne lights up for the Christmas season with its exciting market, incredible circus show, and fabulous China Lights at the Zoo experience. Running since 1820, the Cologne Christmas market has several locations across the city, including the Cathedral and Heinzelmännchen. Don't forget to take a ride on the sparkling Ferris wheel and watch the Nativity scene play out right in front of your eyes. Of course, no trip to a traditional German market is complete without tucking into some savory bratwurst sausage or reibekuchen, a crispy potato pancake.

Prague, Czechia

The Czech capital of Prague is one of the most magical cities on earth during December. As you walk out into the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), you'll be met by vendors selling festive gifts in wooden huts, beautifully lit Christmas trees, and groups of children singing their favorite carols. Some of the best Christmas markets are around Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. However, you can find some lesser-known hidden gems with more of a local vibe around Na Kampě Square and Peace Square. Before you head home, you have to sample some Trdelník, a traditional Czech snack made with rolled dough and sugar, which is cooked on an open fireplace.

Vienna, Austria

When temperatures plummet and the winter sets in, there are few places more enchanting than Vienna. Hopping between the quaint souvenir shops and the expansive ice rink with a soothing cup of mulled wine in hand will be a simply magical moment that will stay with you forever. There are a bunch of fantastic markets to pick from, so ensure you set aside some time to explore a few of them while you're in town. The Viennese Dream Christmas Market at City Hall is a must, but both the Belvedere Palace and Schönbrunn Palace are other great options, set in the most stunning of surroundings.

Brussels, Belgium

Serving all of the Belgian favorites like fresh waffles, rich chocolates, and world-class beer, there are few Christmas markets that offer festive fare as tasty as that in Brussels. Imagine enjoying all of these culinary delights surrounded by cozy cabins and towering Christmas trees, with yuletide tunes playing in the background, and you'll get a pretty clear picture of Christmas in Brussels! Better yet, the Brussels Christmas Market, known as Winter Wonders, takes place throughout the city, with everything from art installations and chalet-lined walkways in spots like the Grand Place and Mont des Arts.

Budapest, Hungary

The culture-packed capital of Hungary usually endures sub-zero, snow-filled winters, which turn the entire city into a winter wonderland. What makes Budapest even more alluring are the adorable Christmas markets that seem to only get bigger and better with each passing year. The most popular of these is the city's oldest market at Vorosmarty Square, which boasts quirky handicraft stalls, dozens of food vendors serving up mouthwatering treats, and lively outdoor concerts and performances. If you're keen to flex your ice skating skills or check out some of the light displays, you might prefer Basilica Markets. Set alongside the iconic St. Stephen's Basilica, these markets play host to a Christmas tree-clad rink and dazzling illuminations outside the church facade.

Krakow, Poland

From one snowy city to another, Poland's bewitching historical city of Krakow becomes even more picturesque and fairytale-like as Christmas approaches. With horse-drawn carriage rides, nourishing local fare, and trinket-filled lodges adorning the city's huge Medieval square, Krakow offers a quintessential festive experience like no other. Those eager to stop by some smaller markets should schedule in some time to check out the super-cute set-up at Galeria Krakowska. Another lovely spot to soak up the Christmas atmosphere is Rynek Podgórski, with the spectacular St. Joseph's Church as your backdrop.

Manchester, England

If you're in the UK around the holiday season, you have to make sure you visit Manchester's Christmas market. Manchester's Christmas market is relatively new compared to some of the others on this list, only beginning in 1998. However, Mancunians and tourists alike have been flocking in their droves for the festive fix ever since. Offering nine locations across the city and 225 stalls, Manchester takes winter celebrations to a whole new level. Popular areas like Piccadilly Gardens receive a total makeover with Scandinavian-like tipis and log fires, while Exchange Square becomes a foodie heaven with vendors offering the famous Manchester Yorkshire pudding wrap.

Strasbourg, France

The Christmas markets in the northeastern French city of Strasbourg are enough to rival those in Paris. They're the oldest in the country, dating back over four centuries. Visitors will be treated to a wonderful spectacle with buildings decked out in warm golden lights and craftsmen showcasing their handmade ornaments. Not to forget the humongous 30-meter-high tree scraping the sky over Place Kléber. As you meander through the 300 chalets dotted around Strasbourg, be sure to pick up some bredle biscuits with a cup of hot chocolate; a truly local tradition!

Get Ready to Hit the Best European Christmas Markets

Thanks to the delightful line-up of Christmas markets peppered all over Europe, you'll never be too far from the twinkling fairy lights and cabin-covered streets of a festive marketplace. Europe is packed with so many vibrant cities located just a short train or bus journey from one another, you can easily hit up a handful of markets into one trip!