Where can you go for Christmas Markets?

For premier 2026 Christmas markets, top European destinations include Cologne and Berlin, Germany, Strasbourg, France, Vienna, Austria, and Prague, Czech Republic. UK highlights include Winchester Cathedral, Bath, and London (Southbank, Covent Garden). These locations offer festive food, crafts, and mulled wine in scenic, historic settings.

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 city has the best Christmas market?

The best city for Christmas markets depends on your preference, with top contenders including Strasbourg (oldest, "Capital of Christmas"), Vienna (elegant, iconic settings like Schönbrunn), Cologne (cathedral backdrop), Prague (fairytale Old Town), and Nuremberg (traditional German charm). Germany and Austria dominate, offering diverse experiences from multi-site markets in Düsseldorf to historic ones in Dresden, while cities like Budapest and Edinburgh also offer wonderful festive atmospheres.
 

Where is the prettiest Christmas market?

There's no single "most beautiful," as it depends on preference, but top contenders for beauty often include Gdańsk, Poland (voted best in Europe for its unique charm), Cologne, Germany (iconic cathedral backdrop), Prague (historic Old Town Square), Vienna (Rathausplatz magic), and Bruges, Belgium (fairy-tale canals and light trails). Other favorites feature stunning settings like Winchester, UK (Cathedral close) and Strasbourg, France (oldest market).
 

What is the best small town to spend Christmas?

Christmas Towns at a Glance

• Leavenworth, Washington – Bavarian-style village with a Christmas charm.
• Aspen, Colorado – Snowy mountain luxury with festive activities.
• Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – The “Christmas City” is rich in tradition and markets.
• McAdenville, North Carolina – Famous for massive light displays.

16 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting European Christmas Markets

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 largest one-day Christmas market in the UK?

The UK's largest one-day Christmas market is widely considered to be the Beverley Festival of Christmas in East Yorkshire, which transforms the historic town centre with over 120 Victorian-themed stalls, entertainment, Santa, and reindeer, attracting thousands of visitors for a free, festive event.
 

Is Winter Wonderland London free?

Top tips when visiting Winter Wonderland

Pick the best time: When booking, select a timeslot that suits you – entry at off-peak times is free, standard entry is from £5, and peak time access is from £7.50 per adult ticket. Wrap up warm: Being an outdoor attraction, it can get chilly at times.

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.

Which city is most Christmassy?

The upstate New York city was named the most Christmasy city in the United States by online crypto casino JB. The study, which the company shared with Travel + Leisure, lauded Buffalo for its hundreds of holiday events (up to 800) and typical December snowfall of more than 25 inches.

What is the most magical Christmas town in the world?

Rovaniemi, Finland (Santa Claus Village)

Often called the best Christmas town in the world. Village Inspiration: Snowy rooftops, log cabins, Santa's Workshop.

Are Christmas markets worth it?

You can find really cool stuff there, I once bought a wreath made of dried fruit that smells like Christmas for my Dad. People still go to the markets for some Christmas spirit and whimsy. They are a nice way to get into the Christmas spirit and they make for a nice day out with family or friends.

Where is the most beautiful Christmas market?

There's no single "most beautiful," as it depends on preference, but top contenders for beauty often include Gdańsk, Poland (voted best in Europe for its unique charm), Cologne, Germany (iconic cathedral backdrop), Prague (historic Old Town Square), Vienna (Rathausplatz magic), and Bruges, Belgium (fairy-tale canals and light trails). Other favorites feature stunning settings like Winchester, UK (Cathedral close) and Strasbourg, France (oldest market).
 

Which city is best to visit at Christmas in the UK?

The most Christmassy towns and cities in the UK:

• York.
• Keswick.
• Buxton.
• London.
• Arundel.
• Haworth.
• Glasgow.
• Edinburgh.

Where is the oldest Christmas market in the UK?

The oldest Christmas market is in Lincoln.

Set against the backdrop of Lincoln's stunning cathedral, it feels like stepping back in time. The market was inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and has grown to feature over 200 stalls.

Where to go for Christmas not too expensive?

For cheap Christmas trips, consider budget-friendly European cities like Prague, Budapest, or Krakow for festive markets, warm-weather spots in Turkey, Egypt (Red Sea), or Portugal, or explore incredible value in Southeast Asia with destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, or Malaysia, while popular budget choices include Mexico (Cancun/Riviera Maya) and Spain (Tenerife/Canary Islands) for sun.
 

What is the least Christmassy town in the UK?

Crowned the least Christmassy town in the UK was… Luton. The city scored the lowest on the festive spirit score, making it home to the Grinchiest of souls in the country. Second place went to Bradford, followed by Southampton in third.

What is the prettiest place for Christmas?

Some of the best destinations to visit at Christmas include the twinkling Rockefeller Center in New York, the festive fun of Santa's Village in Chicago, and the historic charm of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. For a warm holiday, you can soak up the winter sun and relax on the white sand beaches of Key West, Florida.

Where to go for a snowy Christmas market?

The European Christmas markets most likely to see snow, according to Omio

• Rovaniemi, Finland.
• Helsinki, Finland.
• Turku, Finland.
• Krawkow, Poland.
• Innsbruck, Austria.
• Graz, Austria.
• Brno, Czech Republic.
• Salzburg, Austria.