Fairytale-like and festive, the best Christmas markets in Europe deliver in spades when it comes joyful weekend breaks in the winter. From Budapest's cottage huts wafting the inviting scents of traditional honey cookies to Germany's many historic markets lining the country's picturesque squares, and Copenhagen's famous Tivoli Gardens doling out cinnamon-infused glogg.
Now might be the best time to get organised, with flights and packages abound – like British Airways' Christmas Markets holiday deals which currently include Vienna flights and a two-nights stay for £199.
Below, find our favourite festive markets that are well worth a weekend break.
The best Christmas markets in Europe for 2024/2025
Colmar, France
- When: 29 November to 22 December 2024
- Website: christmas.alsace
Just over two hours from Paris by train, Colmar has made a name for itself as a fairy-tale worthy town that goes all out when it comes to Christmas. You'll find no less than six Christmas markets right in the Medieval town centre, strolling past stalls and wooden chalets selling artisan crafts, gourmet food and of course the area's famous Alsatian wine. Each Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, listen out for the children's choirs singing traditional carols on illuminated boats on the canal in the “Petite Venise” district.
Prague, Czech Republic
- When: 30 November 2024 to 6 January 2025
- Where: The Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square
- Website: pragueexperience.com
Prague's fairy-tale backdrop of cobbled streets and elaborate architecture makes it a magical Christmas setting. Easy to reach from London (the flight takes less than two hours), the capital of the Czech Republic is home to the country's most impressive Christmas market, selling local crafts, wooden toys and traditional food, while simultaneously lighting up the sky and towering buildings of the Old Town Square.
Montreux, Switzerland
- When: 21 November to 24 December 2024
- Where: Montreux Noël, Grand-Rue 24, 1820 Montreux - CH
- Website: montreuxnoel.com
The Swiss Alps are known for indulgence and luxury when it comes to all things apres-ski, and it's the same for this Swiss town's Christmas market. By the famous lake, flanked by the grand mountains, Montreux welcomes more than 170 merchants, craftsmen and restaurant owners to its lake shores. Food here is well worth travelling for alone – including the memorable 'fondue-dog’ – a hollowed out crispy baguette filled with melted fondue cheese. Another enchanting reason to come here, especially for kids, is to catch Santa Claus flying through the sky in his sleigh (every day at 5, 6 and 7 pm, as well as at 4 pm on Saturdays).
Berlin, Germany
- When: Dates TBC (last year they were 27th November to 30th December)
- Where: Alexanderplatz, Gendarmenmarkt
- Website: berlin.de
Berlin doesn't take Christmas festivities lightly, with over 100 Christmas markets taking place across the German city each year. The Christmas market on Alexanderplatz is particularly popular, with the scents of Bratwurst, gingerbread and mulled wine wafting through the popular square. The market in Gendarmenmarkt, arguably Berlin's most beautiful square, is also a must-visit, although due to construction work over the last few years, the market has been held at nearby Bebelplatz instead.
Where to stay
Budapest, Hungary
- When: Dates TBC (last year it ran from 24 November to 31 December)
- Where: Vorosmarty Square
- Website: budapestikaracsony.hu
The Vorosmarty Square, a plaza in the heart of Budapest, turns into a festive marketplace with the scent of traditional honey cookies, mulled wine, cinnamon and fir wafting from cottage-style huts, while two outdoor stages host live shows and music. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, an art nouveau beacon on the banks of the Danube situated at the foot of the famous Chain Bridge, is a comfortable base from which to explore the city and its seasonal treats. Many of the generously sized rooms have balconies and vaulted ceilings, while the restaurant serves up Hungarian specialities such as lángos flatbread and goulash soup alongside its signature burger with beef confit and remoulade.
Vienna, Austria
- When: Dates TBC (last year's ran from 11 November to 26 December)
- Where: On the square in front of the City Hall
- Website: austria.info
Vienna comes alive with festivity and lights in the winter. Snow often blankets the city, four different Christmas markets spring up on its cobbled streets and locals are out and about enjoying glühwein, chestnuts and spicy Christmas cookies. Don't miss the Advent windows of the Rathaus (town hall), which are decorated by local artists, and the enchanting tree illuminations in the Rathauspark.
MAY WE SUGGEST: A love letter to Vienna and its culture-steeped way of life
Gdańsk, Poland
- When: 22 November to 23 December 2024
- Where: The city’s main square, Targ Węglowy, as well as on Tkacka and Bogusławskiego streets
- Website: bozonarodzeniowy.pl
While Krakow and Wroclaw's markets may be bigger, the romantic city of Gdańsk's Yuletide fair is considered to be the most beautiful Christmas market in Poland. Find over 120 stalls with unique gifts, decorations and treats, including regional foods like pierogi filling up the historical town square as it transforms into a winter wonderland.
Copenhagen, Denmark
- When: 15 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
- Where: Tivoli Gardens
- Website: tivoli.dk
Winter is one of the best times to visit Copenhagen, especially for the city's most famous attraction, Tivoli Gardens. At Christmas, the historic amusement park in the centre of the Danish capital transforms into an illuminated wonderland. There's everything you'd want from a festive day out, from ice skating rinks to Santa sleighs, markets and the Cinnamon infused mulled wine, called gløgg in Danish and æbleskiver as a sweet treat. For those staying around a few days, you can easily cross the bridge to Malmö for a taste of Swedish Christmas too.
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Cologne, Germany
- When: 18 November to 23 December 2024
- Where: Roncalliplatz by the Cologne Cathedral
- Website: koelnerweihnachtsmarkt.com
No place does Christmas quite like Germany, with lebkuchen and glühwein and twinkling lights taking up the fairy-tale like medieval town squares each winter. Cologne is no different, with four big markets popping up each Christmas. The biggest is the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, in front of the landmark cathedral which dates back to the 13th century. There are more than 100 stage performances throughout the festival, including Christmas swing music, sing-along concerts, and gospel.
Frankfurt, Germany
- When: 25 November to 22 December 2024
- Where: Römerberg, St Paul's Square, Main Quay, Hauptwache, Friedrich Stoltze Square
- Website: frankfurt-tourismus.de
Frankfurt's festive market can be traced back to 1393, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany – and it's certainly one of the most popular too with approximately three million visitors each year. People come here for the fairytale-like backdrop of Römerberg, the beautiful cobbled town square, and St Paul's Church, hot apple wine, historic carousel and a 30-metre-high Christmas tree.
Where to stay:
Gekko House, a 128-room hotel in the heart of Frankfurt’s up-and-coming Gallus district.
