Several Christmas markets in gravid cities will make for about a sense of admiration this holiday season . However , if you ’re in the mood to maltreat into a true wintertime wonderland , perhaps plan to natter one of the many smaller markets in Europe for a quieter , peaceful slice of joy .
These off - the - outwit - path jewel have been offer some of thebest Christmas markets in Europeto light up even the drab winters since the Middle Ages .
This historical custom mixed with hometown charm will make you feel like you woke up in a snow earth where you could find the magic in every sip of hot chocolate .
Which Country Has the Most European Christmas Markets?
Germany is doubtless the world capital of magical Christmas markets . This country ’s seasonal traditions have been celebrated for centuries , and it ’s the perfect place to visit if you ’re face for an unforgettable holiday experience .
Many of the most pop Christmas markets begin in mid - November and maintain the festivities deep into the first few weeks of January following the New Year .
The Best Christmas Market Destinations in Germany
Whether you ’re in hunting of an old Ithiel Town satisfying Christmas tree to sing Christmas Christmas carol like the fictitious folks from Whoville or a dazzling Ferris cycle to take in the action from above , these quaint German Christmas mart have you covered .
Dresden
Time to kick off our wishlist with the oldest Christmas market in the man : Dresden , Germany . Citizens have been braving the component in the name of merry spirit since the first market stall arrive in 1434 .
fit out with a romantic Ferris wheel and miles of lights , the small square of Striezelmarkt feels like a Greenwich Village work up by passkey elf from the North Pole .
Cologne
prize - desirable Christmas tree surrounding the Cathedral at Roncalliplatz may be the master hook for most visitors , but you should don your fine wintertime garment to stay cozy for a saunter through this picturesque town , where near every building is broider with stunning Christmas decorations .
Nuremberg
The market square of Nuremberg should be a top terminus for any traveller looking to revel in German holiday cheer this Christmas season . The Christkindlesmarmarkt , known by locals as the " small city of wood and fabric , " is the gross place to buy traditional wooden toys and enjoy sweet treats .
Honorable Mentions
The Best Christmas Market Destinations in Austria
This humanity - famous Christmas tree uppercase is a rarified place to revel in festive cheerfulness this wintertime .
Salzburg
The traditional Christmas market kiosk in Salzburg offer something for everyone , with 2024 being particularly festive since it marks its 50th day of remembrance . festivity set about the last week of November and proceed into other January .
Innsbruck
This idyllic postcard town , tucked away in the snowcapped valley of the Alps , is the stark place to pass the vacation time of year . Decorated grocery stalls put up authentic Christmas gifts , warm food and ponder wine-colored to enjoy while you watch rattling patrons ice skating on the picturesque frosting skating rink .
Vienna
The city center of Vienna lights up the darkest nights with a massive Ferris rack neglect unnumbered food stalling serve hot chocolate , sausages and a smorgasbord of holiday goodies .
This historic market place is another wonderful destination to snag some traditional toy and ornaments for souvenir to remember your journey .
The Best Christmas Market Destinations in Switzerland
Any townsfolk in Switzerland feel like a twelvemonth - round Christmas village , but throw some nose candy and Christmas brightness level into the mixing , and you have yourself some of the jolliest wintertime destination on Earth .
Zurich
This capital metropolis is buzzing with scintillate light and Christmas spirit around the holiday . There are a few undecomposed piazza to see dazzling Christmas decoration than at the erstwhile town hall square , which is considered the more romantic option over the bustling Wienachtsdorf or Christmas village at Zurich Main Station .
Basel
This minuscule urban center on the Rhine is home to some of the dear food trafficker and several stalls selling one - of - a - tolerant hand-crafted wooden toy . Peruse the many wonders in the Barfüsserplatz or meet up with Quaker at the iconic Christmaspyramidfor some contemplate wine and other grownup drinkable .
Bern
The city hall of Bern metamorphose into a winter wonderland bazaar every December with wooden stalls adorned with twinkle fairy Christ Within .
Although they do n’t have any Coca - Cola animated cartoon animals on script , you’re able to still take a short walk of life outside the city center to visit bear ( for which the town was named ) at an out-of-door menagerie .
The Best Christmas Market Destinations in Western Europe
The Metz merry - go - round of drinks , live nativity scenes and loom cathedrals are just a few of the top sites for Christmas marketplace enthusiasts in some of these other holiday gems in Western Europe .
Bruges, Belgium
The mediaeval sometime township square in City of Bridges has little to offer aside from a few shops and an deoxyephedrine rink , but the entire town becomes one big Christmas Greenwich Village with its many narrow houses sandwiched together , all decorate with twinkle lights and unique holiday elan .
Edinburgh, Scotland
Step out of your hotel and into a literal - liveliness Christmas fantasy with Edinburgh ’s Christmas market . This adorable setting offer all the bells and whistle , include a Christmas tree diagram tangle , stall betray Harry Potter - theme gifts and a magnificent methamphetamine hydrochloride rink .
Strasbourg, France
With its chivalric computer architecture and poove - narrative atmosphere , France ’s oldest and most beautiful Christmas market in Strasbourg is a delicious treat for the eyes . Even Elsa and Olaf would concord that there are few wintertime wonderland options that can surpass this favored holiday terminus .
The Best Scandinavian Christmas Markets
Why not spend Christmas Eve in the birthplace of the mythicalSanta Claus , the concept of cosiness ( hygge ) and other favorite holiday traditions ?
Copenhagen, Denmark
The street garden of Copenhagen are a must - see for any tourists looking to get twine up in the festive aura , but the Danish city is also known for another unique wintertime excursion : Coldplungesand saunas are a Scandinavian export , so there are several spot where you may dim your toes into this tradition .
Oslo, Norway
Oslo ’s many Christmas marketplace create a festive scene with their many Christmas concerts and restaurants , with unique cuisine and seasonal menu .
Helsinki, Finland
The chapiter city of Finland ( in the main considered part of Northern Europe but sometimes consider part of Western Europe ) is a wonderful lieu to wager in the Baron Snow of Leicester and warm up up near the flaming afterward .
Several Christmas marketplace stalls also sell handmade natural endowment and homemade craftiness you ca n’t find anywhere else . It gets considerably insensate up North , though , so verify you pack heavy jackets and order some red-hot mulled wine to keep Jack Frost at bay .
The Best Christmas Markets In Central Europe
No wintertime mart world tour would be thoroughgoing without a visit to see how these central European towns keep the festive season of lights .
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is known year - round for romantic sites such as Charles Bridge and theAstronomical Clockin Old Town Square . However , just a brusk walk between these two landmarks in the wintertime months will reveal a ten thousand of vacation cheer : free concert , baked goods and gallons of Pilsner beer . Can it get any good ?
Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb already has heaps of old - earth good luck charm , but its annual medieval Christmas market will make you sense like you stepped back in time . Lean into this pre - screen era by living in the moment and enjoying one of the many theatre performances , dance shows or other cultural event .
Bratislava, Slovakia
You might not have enough fourth dimension to confabulate all the stalls at the Christmas market in Bratislava , but make time to indulge in some local treats . A bowl of Hungarian goulash with a side of crispy potato griddlecake might be just what the doctor order to keep your life up as the temperatures go down .
