Take your Christmas spirit to the next level this year with one of Europe’s most loved traditions – the Christmas Market. There’s something for everyone at Christmas Markets in Europe – great local food, traditional gifts, hot drinks, ice skating, musical performances, and more! So, put on your Christmas hats and get ready for the ride!
#1 📍 Budapest, Hungary 🇭🇺
St. Stephen’s Basilica Square Christmas Markets in Europe, Budapest, Hungary
The organizers and vendors of the Christmas markets in Budapest really try to focus on preserving Hungarian handicrafts and art. So come to the markets here to get away from a commercialized Christmas, and enjoy handmade gifts and traditional Hungarian street foods. You definitely won’t leave here hungary! (Yep, I said it)
Where & when: Vorosmarty Square: November 9, 2018 – January 1, 2019.
#2 📍 Brussels, Belgium 🇧🇪
Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium, Christmas Markets in Europe
There is a lot going in the center of Brussels at Christmas time! Head to over 200 market stalls at the Christmas market, and enjoy the Ferris wheel and ice rink! Don’t forget to try some Belgian chocolate… and Belgian beer!
Where & when: The Grand Place: November 30, 2018 – January 6, 2019.
#3 📍 Kiev, Ukraine 🇺🇦
Sophia Square, Christmas Markets in Europe, Kiev, Ukraine
The Christmas market in Kiev traditionally begins on St Nicholas Day with the lighting of the main Christmas tree. If you aren’t here in December, don’t worry! Because many people in Ukraine celebrate Orthodox Christmas, the markets are open until halfway through January! Double Christmas? Yes, please!
Where & when: Volodymyrsky Passage, December 19, 2018 – January 13, 2019.
#4 📍 Munich, Germany 🇩🇪
Marienplatz, Munich, Germany, Christmas Markets in Europe
Germany is the place where Christmas markets first began, as early as 1310 in Munich. The central Christmas tree is an eye-catching sight and each year averages around 30 meters tall with 2,500-3,000 candles! Is it getting hot in here?
Where & when: Marienplatz: November 27 – December 24, 2018.
#5 📍 Nuremberg, Germany 🇩🇪
Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany, Christmas Markets in Europe
The beautiful medieval old town of Nuremberg is the perfect setting for a Christmas market! While you are here, make sure to try the Nuremberg’s famous gingerbread. Known as Lebkuchen, this gingerbread has been baked in Nuremberg for more than 600 years. (We don’t recommend eating 600-year old food).
Where & when: Nuremberg Hauptmarkt: November 30 – December 24, 2018.
#6 📍 Prague, the Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Stare Mesto Square, Prague, Czech Republic, Christmas Markets in Europe
The atmosphere at the Christmas markets in Prague is amazing. Plus, there is a huge range of Czech sweets, street food, and beverages. Try a Czech Trdelník – a sweet pastry wrapped on a stick and grilled.
Where & when: Old Town Square: December 1, 2018 – January 6, 2019.
#7 📍 Riga, Latvia 🇱🇻
Dome Square, Riga, Christmas Markets in Europe – Riga, Latvia
Enjoy a traditional Latvian Christmas with handmade arts and crafts at the Old Town Christmas markets. Get yourself a pair of mittens or a scarf in the traditional Latvian pattern and warm up with some karstvīns (hot wine!).
Where & when: Dome Square: December 1, 2018 – January 6, 2018.
#8 📍 Stockholm, Sweden 🇸🇪
Stortorget Square, Stockholm, Sweden, Christmas Markets in Europe
Find Stockholm’s Christmas Market in the center of the Old Town. Get your fill of Swedish sweets, reindeer+elk meat, and glögg (mulled wine).
Where & when: Stortorget Square: November 24 – December 23, 2018.
#9 📍 Strasbourg, France 🇫🇷
Strasbourg City Center, France, Christmas Markets in Europe
Christmas markets have been held in Strasbourg since 1570 (the oldest in France)! This market has over 300 stalls in the city center which is covered in cheerful Christmas decorations. You have to try the exquisite Christmas cuisine of the Alsatian region!
Where & when: Place Broglie: November 23 – December 30, 2018 (closed Dec 24 & 25).
#10 📍 Tallinn, Estonia 🇪🇪
Town Hall Square, Tallinn, Estonia – Christmas Markets in Europe
The city of Tallinn claims to have displayed the very first Christmas tree in 1441 – though hotly contested by Latvians. The Christmas markets here feel extra magical due to the surroundings – Tallinn’s medieval old town.
Where & when: Town Hall Square: November 15, 2018 – January 7, 2019.
#11 📍 Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹
Rathausplatz, Vienna, Austria, Christmas Markets in Europe
Enjoy ‘Christmas World’ in Vienna with Austrian sweets and handicrafts. Live your life in the fast lane and have a skate on the 32,291ft2 (3,000m2) ice rink.
Where & when: City Hall Square: November 17 – December 26th, 2018.
#12 📍 Zagreb, Croatia 🇭🇷
City Center, Zagreb, Croatia, Christmas Markets in Croatia
Zagreb has been voted as the Best Christmas Market in Europe two years in a row! The Christmas markets here are spread out across the city center, so you’ll get to do even more sightseeing on your way. Is it the best Christmas market in Europe? Come check it out and decide for yourself!
Where & when: Zagreb Main Square: December 1, 2018 – January 6, 2019.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to Europe for Christmas and you won’t regret it! Do you think we’ve missed a great Christmas market in our list? Tell us about it in the comments!
While you are in Europe, why not try some of Europe’s Best Pancakes?
Travel safe and stay tuned for more travel tips from ASAP Tickets team.
Post Updated: November 2018
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This is a wonderful idea…is it possible to do ALL PLACES
in that order for 12 days…except for Munich, Germany where i would like to tarry longer for 2 or 3 days to see my niece in Berlin…Please arrange a comfortable itinerary, complete with price for quaint, not too pricey, but very clean hotels near these Christmas markets, for two senior citizens ( however, 1 would be needing a wheelchair at airports, tho she can still walk)..coming from MNL NAIA, PHIL.; and 1 is a US citizen and my sister, is a Filipino citizen. Would love to hear from you via email…
Hello Yolanda,
Thanks for your question!
I think more than 12 days would be best to truly enjoy the destinations without being in too much of rush.
This list is not ordered by the best travel route, but a travel agent will be able to design a good itinerary for you. I have forwarded your request to our travel agents and they will be in touch with you to discuss your plans.