When to go to Christmas markets in Europe?

Most Christmas markets open up around mid- to late November. (With no Thanksgiving or "Black Friday" to kick off the holiday season, the start date can vary from place to place.) They carry on until around Christmas, with some continuing all the way into early January (no later than Epiphany, January 6).

When to visit Christmas markets in Europe?

The Best Time for Visiting the Christmas Markets

Most do not open until mid-November, with the peak of the crowds coming in the second or third week of December. If I could book an ideal week, it would be that very first week in December, when you know everything will be open and not entirely crowded.

Where is the best Christmas market to go in Europe?

Where is the earliest Christmas market in Europe?

Dresden's Striezelmarkt was first held in 1434 and one of the first true Christmas markets; earlier markets of the season were "December markets". Early mentions of these "December markets" can be found in Vienna (1296), Munich (1310), Bautzen (1384), and Frankfurt (1393).

Where is the most magical Christmas town?

16 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting European Christmas Markets

Which city is known for having one of Europe's best Christmas markets?

Strasbourg's Christmas Market is one of the oldest in the world and one of the largest in Europe, and the city is known as “the Capital of Christmas”. Since 1570, Strasbourg has embodied the very spirit of the holiday season.

What is the Christmas market Capital of Europe?

"Strasbourg, capital of Christmas" is exceptionally renowned. Every year, close to two million visitors flock to the Alsatian capital to experience its enchanting market.

Are European Christmas markets worth it?

Winter in Europe is pure magic. Especially when you're wandering through candlelit markets, sipping hot mulled wine, and watching kids ride carousels in the snow. After traveling to over 20 Christmas markets across four countries, I've put together a list of 7 favorites that I think are absolutely worth the trip.

How early do Christmas markets start in Germany?

When do Christmas markets start in Germany? Most markets run in the four weeks leading up to Christmas, from late November to late December. Some even continue up until New Year. The most common starting date is the Monday after “Totensonntag” which, in 2025, is the 23rd of November.

Where is the most magical place to spend Christmas in Europe?

What is Prague like at Christmas?

Even though Prague is quite beautiful all year round, it looks a bit more appealing covered in a blanket of snow during Christmas. Christmas markets selling a variety of traditional delicacies and handcrafted goods are set up all across Prague. The Christmas tree in Old Town Square is lit up.

Which country has the most Christmas markets in Europe?

Germany has the most... but other countries have some interesting sites to see in the winter as well as their own take on the markets. I have visited many Christmas Markets in the past few years. All are great. I really enjoyed the Markets in Poland.

Where is the most beautiful Christmas market?

Does Austria or Germany have better Christmas markets?

Each market has it's own traditions, decorations, and food. Germany's markets tend to be more traditional while Austria's tend to be a bit more elaborate. Most markets end just before Christmas, but in towns such as Speyer, Germany they prolong the celebration.

What is Vienna like at Christmas?

Vienna at Christmas feels like stepping into a fairytale, and there's so much more to enjoy than just the markets. Booking a classical concert at St. Stephen's Cathedral is such a lovely way to soak up the festive atmosphere. If it's fully booked, don't worry—there are plenty of other options, like concerts at St.

Where are the earliest Christmas markets in Europe?

However, it was Dresden's Striezelmarkt, first held in 1434, which is widely considered to be the first genuine Christmas Market.

What city has the best Christmas markets in the UK?

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Bath Christmas Market is one of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe and the Best Christmas Market in the UK, set in the heart of Bath's UNESCO World Heritage city. Nestled among the cobbled streets and historic landmarks like Bath Abbey, it provides a magical, romantic atmosphere.

Where is the Christmas Village in Europe?

Santa Claus Village is located in Rovaniemi, Finland, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Santa Claus has made Lapland in Northern Finland his home for centuries, and the Arctic Circle is close to his heart because many Christmas secrets are rooted in this magical place.

What is the most Christmassy village in the world?

The most famous Christmas village is widely believed to be the town of Rovaniemi, located in the Arctic Circle in Finland.

Which is the best Christmas village to visit in the world?

Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Claus, Rovaniemi is a place of pilgrimage for Christmas enthusiasts of all ages. Meet the man himself at the SantaPark Arctic World or Santa Claus Village or just borrow his reindeer for sleigh rides around snowy Lapland.

What is the best Christmas market to go to in Europe?

Brussels Christmas market is voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe and is a great market for a family break or weekend shopping trip at only 1 hour 53 minutes from London or 1 hour 22 minutes from Paris. The Brussels Christmas market 2025 runs from 28 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.

Where is the UK's largest Christmas market?

Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester is home to a jolly gigantic Christmas market, perhaps the biggest in Britain, boasting over 300 traders. The city centre has multiple streets packed with stalls offering a multitude of tantalising food and drink, as well as an extensive range of gifts to buy for loved ones.

What is the Christmas market capital of the world?

Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas.