Top Christmas Markets Across Europe
Published Monday, December 11th 2023 - Updated Tuesday, April 9th 2024
Christmas markets have their roots in almost every European country during the festive season. They blend tradition with culinary flair. Cathedral squares and historic lanes become giant light displays with decorated fir trees and canopies of fairy lights. Picture wooden chalets in medieval squares, carolers singing, log fires, twinkly lights on trees, and perhaps most importantly, seasonal sweet and savory treats with hot mulled wine.
Here, in no particular order, are seven of the top Christmas markets in Europe.
GERMANY
As far as scholars can tell, Christmas markets started in Germany, which might be why they set the standard across the continent. The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is the oldest example at almost 600 years old. In comparison, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is practically a newcomer, only dating from 1628. New or old, they offer lively temporary villages of small open-air pavilions selling ornaments, small toys, mulled wine, gingerbread, and hearty food.
The best German city for Christmas markets: Nuremberg
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous in the world. You will find traditional, often handmade, Christmas decorations and sweet treats. The moment you arrive, the smell of warm mulled wine, fresh gingerbread, and their well-known sausages take over your senses.
FRANCE
Christkindelsmärik, market of the Infant Jesus, was the first Christmas market in France, dating from 1570. It’s still going strong in Strasbourg, with a distinct vintage feel.
The best French city for Christmas markets: Strasbourg
Branding itself the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg is a fairytale town in the Alsace region of France that becomes even more magical during the holiday season, This market has been a yearly fixture of the Alsatian capital for centuries thanks to its charming wooden chalets, ice-skating rink, and nightly concerts.
BELGIUM
Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Liège, Ghent, and Oostende. Christmas markets are a staple of the Belgian winter scene. Each one bustles with craft stalls, festive decorations, waffles, and Belgian beer, of course. The markets are usually paired with entertainment and sound and light shows.
The best Belgian city for Christmas markets: Bruges
Overlooked by a medieval bell tower, the Market Square and Simon Stevinplein are the main draws for wintertime festivities. Stroll among the pretty wooden stalls selling hot chocolate, local beers, cheeses, and handmade gifts. An ice rink, choral concerts, and horse-drawn carriage rides lend themselves to what Bruges calls its ‘Winter Glow.’
SWITZERLAND
With snow-capped mountains and lakes as backdrops, Christmas markets in Switzerland take on a storybook air. The one at Montreux along the shores of Lake Geneva is the best known. Zürich, meanwhile, is all glitz — one of Europe’s largest indoor Christmas markets, its 50 ft tree sparkles with thousands of Swarovski crystals.
The best Swiss city for Christmas markets: Basel
Basel hosts the oldest and largest Christmas market, with almost 200 stalls selling handmade toys and local treats like Swiss raclette and traditional Swiss gingerbread from their wooden stands. Be sure to write your Christmas wish in the Basel Wish Book and don’t miss the view of the festive market from St. Martin’s tower.
NORWAY
Norway loves gingerbread cities at Christmas. The original was in Bergen, but now you’ll find them in towns and cities across the country. At the same time, many markets appear, each with their own character. Oslo, for example, has ice skating and a Ferris wheel, while Trondheim has fireside troubadours and a theater.
The best Norwegian city for Christmas markets: Bergen
In Bergen, the piazza next to the lake and park fills with stalls selling homemade, edible gifts in the month up to Christmas. Nibble on them in a heated lounge while sipping apple cider or mulled wine. Don’t miss the world’s largest gingerbread city, Pepperkakebyen, on display nearby for extra sugar and spice. Mini houses, landmarks, trains, and ships are all based on the city and made entirely from gingerbread.
SWEDEN
A Scandinavian Christmas isn’t complete without a market for holiday shopping and traditional food and drinks. Delicacies include fried herring, smoked reindeer, and warm cinnamon rolls. The longest-standing market is in Stockholm, and the largest is now at Liseberg Amusement Park in Gothenburg.
The best Swedish city for Christmas markets: Stockholm
The city has so many excellent markets. The oldest, ongoing since 1837, is in the historic Old Town, with traders setting up wooden stalls. Other must-visits include the fair at the royal stables and Schysst Jul, where only fair trade and organic goods are sold. Another is the traditional Skansen Christmas market on the grounds of Stockholm’s open-air museum, where all the historic homes and farmsteads are decorated.
DENMARK
Copenhagen is home to the most popular Christmas markets in the country. Egeskov Castle is one of the largest castle-based markets in the country, offering stalls selling arts and crafts and soul-warming treats.
The best Danish city for Christmas markets: Copenhagen
With more than 1,000 light-covered Christmas trees and around 60 stalls selling food and drinks, historic Tivoli Gardens has the city’s largest market. The amusement park rides and family-friendly stage shows are a bonus. Don’t miss the delicious Danish treats like, aebleskiver, small pancake puffs dusted with powdered sugar.
For a vacation visiting the Christmas markets, plan for the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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