Best European Christmas Markets For 2023
Top Christmas Markets Europe
If you’re looking for a unique and festive experience this winter, visiting Europe’s top Christmas markets is a must. These markets, often set in historic town squares, bring the festive spirit to life. They’re filled with twinkling lights, cheerful holiday music, and the scent of seasonal treats. Not only are they a feast for the senses, but they also offer unique shopping opportunities — from handcrafted gifts to local delicacies. So check out our guide to some of the Best European Christmas Markets For 2023 below.
********** Please check all the relevant websites for any updates before making a journey **********
French Christmas Markets
Colmar Christmas Market
Date: 24th November to 29th December 2023
About: Colmar becomes really lively and festive at Christmas time. There are six unique markets spread throughout the city’s old town offering lots to see and taste. There are plenty of handmade crafts along with famous wines from the Alsace region and you can listen to the children’s choirs singing in the “Little Venice” area.
Website: Colmar Christmas Market
Strasbourg Christmas Market
When: 24th November to 24th December 2023
About: Strasbourg really gets into the festive spirit and looks like a scene straight from a Christmas card. Walk around and you’ll find 300 stalls filled with local Alsatian goods and handmade decorations. All of this is surrounded by the delicious smell of kugelhopf, a traditional local cake, in this old and charming city.
Website: Strasbourg Christmas Market
Metz Christmas Market
When: 24th November to 30th December 2023
About: The Metz Christmas Market offers a bright display of holiday lights and a wonderful winter atmosphere. The “Sentiers des Lanternes” or “Path of Lanterns” lights up the area beautifully. You can also go ice-skating and enjoy the smell of the city’s best gingerbread. Plus, there’s a big Ferris wheel right near the cathedral that lights up the sky.
Website: Metz Christmas Market
German Christmas Markets
Berlin Christmas Market
When: 27th November to 30th December 2023
About: Berlin embraces the holiday spirit with a really diverse offering of over 80 markets. Alexanderplatz becomes a modern Christmas hub, while Winter World promises adrenaline-pumping winter sports.
Website: Berlin Christmas Market
Cologne Christmas Market
When: 23rd November to 23rd December 2023
About: Germany’s Christmas charm is epitomized in Cologne’s markets, especially the famous one by the iconic Cathedral. With over 100 festive performances and markets like “Markt der Engel” the city is full of yuletide joy and a variety of Christmas delights.
Website: Cologne Christmas Market
Esslingen Christmas Market
When: 23rd November to 21st December 2023
About: Near Stuttgart, Esslingen’s medieval charm is the perfect setting for its Christmas market, where history comes alive with costumed performers, and the timbered streets are alive with festive joy. It’s a really unique Christmas experience!
Website: Esslingen Christmas Market
Nuremberg Christmas Market
When: 29th November to 24th December 2023
About: Nuremberg’s market is known for its commitment to sustainability, offering an eco-friendly Christmas experience with traditional crafts and local foods in a historic setting.
Website: Nuremburg Christmas Market
Swiss Christmas Markets
Basel Christmas Market
When: 23rd November to 23rd December 2023
About: Basel boasts Switzerland’s largest Christmas market. The enchanting venues of Barfuserplatz and Munsterplatz are home to over 160 stalls, brimming with treats like Basel Lackerli gingerbread and exquisite toys and hand crafted goods. There are also children’s workshops and a magical fairytale forest to make it a sensory celebration for visitors of all ages.
Website: Basel Christmas Market
Czech Republic
Prague Christmas Market
When: 2nd December 2023 to 6th January 2024
About: Prague’s Christmas market sparkles amid a setting of gothic spires and historic squares. Indulge in Czech traditions and a kaleidoscope of crafts and seasonal delights that fill the spaces from the Old Town Square to Wenceslas Square.
Website: Prague Christmas Market
Hungary
Budapest Christmas Market
When: 24th November to 31st December 2023
About: Budapest’s Vorosmarty Square transforms into a festive spectacle, redolent with the aroma of honey cookies and mulled wine. Luxury meets tradition at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, and the Basilica market offers amazing laser shows and an ice rink.
Website: Budapest Christmas Market
Slovakia
Bratislava Christmas Market
When: 23rd November to 23rd December 2023
About: Bratislava’s markets bring a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, traditional wooden toys, and a plethora of foodie treats, reflecting Slovakia’s rich Christmas traditions.
Website: Bratislavia Christmas Market
Belgium
Brussels Christmas Market
Date: 24th November to 31st December 2023
About: Brussels’ Winter Wonders offers a wonderful festive feel with its culinary delights. There are over 200 chalets spread throughout key locations like the Grand-Place and it’s a celebration filled with ice skating, Christmas carols and an iconic Christmas tree.
Website: Brussels Christmas Market
Austrian Christmas Markets
Vienna Christmas Market
Date: 11th November to 26th December 2023
About: The historic Vienna transforms into a magical wonderland during Christmas with its markets spread across the city, offering traditional toys, artisanal crafts, and festive treats like mulled wine and spicy cookies. The Rathauspark’s tree illuminations and the artistically adorned Advent windows at the Rathaus are a must-see.
Website: Vienna Christmas Market
Salzburg Christmas Market
When: 23rd November 2023 to 1st January 2024
About: Salzburg, the city of Mozart, delights with ancient Christmas traditions, quality craft markets, and daily concerts. Embrace the festive spirit with snow-dusted Silent Night renditions and authentic Austrian gifts.
Website: Salzburg Christmas Market
Poland
Gdańsk Christmas Market
When: 23rd November 2023 to 1st January 2024
About: Gdańsk’s Christmas fair, set in the romantic old town, is lauded as Poland’s most beautiful Christmas market. It featuring over 120 stalls of unique gifts and local specialties like “pierogi”, amidst a picturesque winter wonderland.
Website: Gdansk Christmas Market
Krakow Christmas Market
When: 24th November to 26th December 2023
About: Krakow’s Christmas market, set in Europe’s largest medieval square, offers a traditional experience with live camels, skating, and local treats, amid the gothic and renaissance architecture.
Website: Krakow Christmas Market
Denmark
Copenhagen Christmas Market
When: 17th November to 31st December 2023
About: Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens turns into an enchanting holiday destination with festive markets, skating rinks, and Danish delights like “gløgg” and “æbleskiver”. The historic amusement park sparkles with lights, offering a fabulous Christmas experience for long and old alike.
Website: Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market
Sweden
Gothenburg Christmas Market
When: Various dates from 19th November to 30th December 2023
About: Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg boasts a sophisticated Christmas market with smoked reindeer treats, glogg, and impressive free children’s entertainment, all in a chic Scandinavian setting.
Website: Liseberg Christmas Market
Estonia
Tallinn Christmas Market
When: 1st December 2023 to 7th January 2024
About: Tallinn’s Christmas market, set against a medieval backdrop, offers crafts, sweets, and a lively program of musical and dance performances, centered around a historical Christmas tree tradition dating back to 1441.
Website: Tallinn Christmas Market
Scotland
Edinburgh Christmas Market
When: 17th November 2023 to 6th January 2024
About: Edinburgh combines Christmas markets with Hogmanay festivities, featuring unique Scottish gifts, an ice rink, and mesmerizing illuminations. The city’s rich cultural scene shines through its winter celebrations.
Website: Edinburgh Christmas Market
N:B: Before visiting we always recommend that you check exact dates on the respective websites in case of changes.
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