Where to go for xmas market?

Top Christmas market destinations for 2026 include traditional, romantic, and festive spots across Europe, with highlights in Germany (Cologne, Berlin), Austria (Vienna), and France (Strasbourg, Colmar). For 2025/2026, top choices are Brussels (Nov 28 - Jan 4), Budapest (Advent Feast), and Strasbourg (Nov 28 - Dec 24), offering, cozy, and, in some cases, budget-friendly options.

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.
 

Which city has the largest Christmas market?

The largest Christmas market and one of the most well known is the Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz, near the Rathaus, Vienna's historic city hall.

What European cities are 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.

Which country is famous for Christmas markets?

Germany takes its Christmas markets seriously, and the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt takes the cake for sheer size, quality and atmosphere.

16 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting European Christmas Markets

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.

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 is the cheapest city in Europe for Christmas?

Krakow, Poland

The main market square transforms into a fairytale wonderland with twinkling lights and a traditional Christmas market that offers handmade crafts and delicious local treats. Beyond the festive cheer, Kraków boasts incredibly affordable accommodation, food, and public transport.

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.

What's the best Christmas market in Europe?

Cologne, Germany

You'll be spoilt for choice visiting Cologne as it has some of the best European Christmas markets, with the largest next to the Gothic cathedral in the middle of the city.

What's the most Christmassy place in the world?

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.

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.

Where to go in December for Christmas markets?

Europe's top Christmas markets in December include the traditional German ones in Nuremberg and Cologne, Austria's elegant markets in Vienna and Salzburg, France's fairytale setting in Strasbourg, and UK favorites like Birmingham (German-style) and Winchester (cathedral backdrop), offering festive food, crafts, and magical atmospheres throughout the month.
 

Where is the best country to go to for Christmas?

Best Christmas holiday destinations in Europe for 2025

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

Is Vienna Christmas market worth it?

Yes, Vienna's Christmas markets are generally considered absolutely worth it, offering a magical, festive atmosphere with dazzling lights, delicious food (like sausages, chestnuts, and Glühwein), unique crafts, and attractions like ice skating, but be prepared for significant crowds, especially at popular spots like the Rathausplatz, with weekends being particularly busy. The sheer variety, beauty, and historic settings make them a top European holiday destination, though managing crowds by visiting on weekdays or earlier in the day helps.
 

Which is the oldest Christmas market in the world?

The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is one of the first genuine Christmas markets in the world. Founded as a one-day market in 1434, it celebrated its 590th anniversary in 2024. Its 240 stands attract about 3 million visitors from all over the world.

Which European city is best to visit during Christmas?

Where To Celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve in Europe—For Every Type of Traveler

• For Christmas market lovers: Berlin, Germany. ...
• For families: Copenhagen, Denmark. ...
• For party animals: Edinburgh, Scotland. ...
• For solo travelers: Dublin, Ireland. ...
• For holiday lights fans: London, England. ...
• For couples: Paris, France.

Which city has the most beautiful Christmas?

The 10 Best Christmas Decorations Around the World

1. New York City, USA. New York turns into a Christmas wonderland every December. ...
2. London, United Kingdom. London's Christmas streets are world-famous for their elegant decorations. ...
3. Vienna, Austria. ...
4. Tokyo, Japan. ...
5. Paris, France. ...
6. Munich, Germany. ...
7. Singapore. ...
8. Sydney, Australia.

Where is 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.

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.
 

Where to go for 3 days in Europe?

20 of the Best City Breaks in Europe

• Seville, Spain. Sevilla is one of my favourite Spanish cities and it really makes for the perfect weekend break. ...
• Florence, Italy. ...
• Lisbon, Portugal. ...
• Bath, England. ...
• Tallinn, Estonia. ...
• Prague, Czech Republic. ...
• Budapest, Hungary. ...
• Milan, Italy.

Where is a good destination to spend Christmas?

For a magical Christmas, choose between snowy wonderlands like Lapland, Finland, or Iceland, festive European cities with markets like Prague, Vienna, or Edinburgh, or warm-weather escapes in the Caribbean, Cape Town, or Goa, offering sunshine and unique celebrations, while cities like Tokyo provide dazzling lights and different traditions for a non-traditional Christmas.
 

Are there any real Hallmark Christmas towns?

Dahlonega, Georgia — The Real-Life Hallmark Christmas Town 🎄 //follow @the. travel. ksu for more holiday getaways// ✨ Just about an hour north of Atlanta, Dahlonega turns into a real-life Christmas movie set every winter.

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.