Where are the best Christmas markets?

The best Christmas markets for 2026 are found across Europe, with top destinations including Strasbourg (France), Vienna (Austria), and Nuremberg (Germany), known for their historic, magical atmospheres, traditional crafts, and mulled wine. Other premier locations include Budapest, Prague, Cologne, and the charming, smaller markets in Colmar and Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

What are the top 5 Christmas markets in Europe?

Europe's top Christmas markets often include Germany's festive staples like Cologne (Cathedral) and Berlin (Gendarmenmarkt), France's enchanting Strasbourg and Colmar, Austria's grand Vienna (Rathausplatz), the fairytale setting of Prague's Old Town, and Belgium's sprawling Brussels (Winter Wonders), each offering unique charm, crafts, lights, and seasonal treats like mulled wine and pastries.
 

What is the Christmas market capital of the world?

"Strasbourg, capital of Christmas" is exceptionally renowned. Every year, close to two million visitors flock to the Alsatian capital to experience its enchanting market. For over a month, Strasbourg is imbued with a festive, spiritual ambiance with few parallels anywhere else in Europe.

What are the top 10 destinations for Christmas?

The 10 best places to spend Christmas in the UK

• Whitby, North Yorkshire. In North Yorkshire, Whitby transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. ...
• Conwy, North Wales. ...
• Edinburgh, Scotland. ...
• Mousehole, Cornwall. ...
• Llandudno, North Wales. ...
• Nottingham. ...
• Scarborough, North Yorkshire. ...
• Swanage, Dorset.

Where is the prettiest Christmas town?

15 Most Enchanting Christmas Towns Around the World

• Rovaniemi, Finland (Santa Claus Village)
• Leavenworth, Washington, USA.
• Colmar, France.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.
• Strasbourg, France.
• Hallstatt, Austria.
• McAdenville, North Carolina, USA ("Christmas Town USA")
• Bruges, Belgium.

Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2024 | The Ultimate Christmas Market Guide!

Which city in Europe is best for Christmas?

You'll see destinations like Vienna, Strasbourg, Hallstatt, Tallinn, and Gdańsk — each with its own way of celebrating the holidays. Whether you love Christmas markets, peaceful old towns, or just that winter atmosphere, these are the towns you'll want to add to your 2025 travel list.

Where are the most beautiful Christmas markets?

Abroad, we recommend the markets in Prague (in the Old Town Square), Berlin (on Potsdamer Platz), Frankfurt, Vienna (with the “Tree of Hearts” on Rathausplatz), Tallinn (with one of the oldest Christmas trees in Europe), and London (the market in Hyde Park combined with Winter Wonderland).

Where is the most magical Christmas market?

• 44 Wildly Magical Christmas Markets to Visit in Europe (Ranked!) Last Updated: October 28, 2025. ...
• London, England. OOH. ...
• Budapest, Hungary* ...
• Düsseldorf, Germany. ...
• Stuttgart, Germany. ...
• Paris, France. ...
• Winchester, England. ...
• Essen, Germany.

What is Europe's largest Christmas market?

EUROPE'S LARGEST CHRISTMAS MARKET CRAIOVA, ROMANIA.

What is the easiest Christmas market to get to from the UK?

Brussels Christmas market

Voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Brussels' Winter Wonders is the perfect choice for a festive family getaway or a weekend shopping trip — and it's just 1 hour 53 minutes from London by Eurostar.

What is the most magical Christmas town in Europe?

The 10 Most Magical Christmas Towns in Europe

1. Strasbourg, France. ...
2. Vienna, Austria. ...
3. Prague, Czech Republic. ...
4. Cologne, Germany. ...
5. Budapest, Hungary. ...
6. Tallinn, Estonia. ...
7. Basel, Switzerland. ...
8. Edinburgh, Scotland.

Which Christmas market is the best in Europe in 2025?

Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2025

• Prague, Czech Republic. Dates: November 29, 2025 to January 6, 2026. ...
• Brussels, Belgium. Dates: November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026. ...
• Budapest, Hungary. ...
• Copenhagen, Denmark. ...
• Cologne, Germany. ...
• Berlin, Germany. ...
• Helsinki, Finland: Nordic Christmas Traditions.

Who won the best Christmas market in Europe?

Best European Christmas markets 2025-2026

According to a 2025 survey, the best European Christmas market was located in the city of Craiova, Romania, with almost 142,700 votes.

What is the #1 best Christmas town?

Solvang has been named the #1 Best Christmas Town in the U.S. in the 2025 TZR (The Zoe Report) Jet-Set Readers' Choice Awards, earning the top spot among festive destinations nationwide. Solvang has been named the #1 Best Christmas To...

What are the top 10 Christmas markets in the UK?

Christmas Markets in Southern England

• Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. Regularly voted one of Europe's best, Winchester's Christmas Market is a must-visit. ...
• Bath Christmas Market. ...
• Southampton Christmas Market. ...
• Oxford Victorian Christmas Market. ...
• Blenheim Palace Christmas Market.

What's the most Christmassy place in the world?

The most famous Christmas village is located in Rovaniemi, Finland. Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland. The village, also known as Santa Claus Village, is situated on the Arctic Circle and is surrounded by snow-covered forests and frozen lakes.

Where is the prettiest Christmas market in Europe?

Berlin is one of the top destinations when it comes to the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. The former Gendarmenmarkt, now at Bebelplatz, is the embodiment of festive elegance. Enjoy the smell of roasted almonds and try specialities such as Berlin currywurst, potato pancakes or hot apple wine.

What is considered the best Christmas market in the world?

The Best Christmas Markets Around the World

• Bath Christmas Market. November 27 – December 14 | Bath, England. ...
• Old Town Christmas Market. November 15 – December 23 | Innsbruck, Austria. ...
• Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. November 28 – December 24 | Nuremberg, Germany. ...
• Christmas Wonderland. ...
• Christkindelsmärik.

Which country in Europe is the best for Christmas?

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in Europe!

• Zagreb, Croatia. A special atmosphere to be experienced! Zurich, Switzerland. ...
• Debrecen, Hungary. One of Europe's Most Charming Christmas Market! Budapest, Hungary. ...
• LISBON, PORTUGAL. Enjoy the Best Christmas Experience in Portugal. RIGa, Latvia.

Which city has the best Christmas vibe?

Which Indian cities have the best Christmas vibes? Goa, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Pondicherry, and Shillong are among the top cities with exciting Christmas vibes, each offering unique cultural flavours and festive experiences.

In what city is the biggest Christmas market in Europe?

Believe it or not, Nuremberg in Germany is home to the biggest Christmas market in Europe, and in fact the WORLD.

Where is hot and cheap at Christmas in Europe?

If you want winter sun in Europe in December, your best bet is either Madeira or the Canary Islands. You can find warm temperatures and sunshine in Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece and Malta, but fine weather isn't guaranteed. Morocco is also an excellent option, only three hours flying time from the UK.