Europe is the true home of Christmas. From its emergence as a celebration point of the deeds of Saint Nicholas, in the deep depths of winter, Christmas is now a season-long festivity that involves local communities embracing one of the continent's oldest traditions – the Christmas marketplace.
From the frozen north to the biggest cities, Europe has an arsenal of Christmas markets to visit and take in both the individual and shared traditions of many countries. Below we uncover some of the very best Christmas markets in Europe that truly encapsulate the magic of the world’s most famous holiday.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s Christmas markets are legendary, with over 60 scattered across the city but, the Gendarmenmarkt, is a standout. Here, handcrafted ornaments, artisanal chocolates, and mulled wine blend with live performances that create a magical atmosphere. Families will appreciate the carousel rides, while food lovers can indulge in traditional German treats like succulent bratwurst sausages and roasted almonds, whilst enjoying a sip of delicious German beer or mulled wine.
Avery special mention must be made for the incredibly enchanting market at Charlottenburg Palace. Wooden stalls set up in the gardens cater to more gourmet food lovers, with mouth-watering options like raclette and truffle-infused dishes. Whether you visit for the merry Christmas atmosphere or, the high-quality market stalls, Berlin’s Christmas markets promise to deliver.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is one of Europe's most beautiful cities and a particularly pretty place to visit during the winter. Its Christmas markets at the Domplatz and Residenzplatz are notably enchanting. Located in the shadow of Salzburg Cathedral, the Domplatz market dates back to the 15th century, making it one of Europe’s oldest continuing Christmas markets.
Visitors can explore a mix of traditional gifts, from hand-painted ornaments to fragrant herbal sachets, all while savouring local delicacies like schnitzel or steaming cups of spiced punch. Adding to the market’s allure is the backdrop of the snow-cropped Austrian Alps and the sound of choirs performing compositions of Salzburg’s most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The hills are indeed alive with the sound of music during winter in Salzburg.
Trondheim, Norway
In the far north of Europe, deep in the wintry heart of Norway, Trondheim’s Christmas market offers a spectacular setting that feels straight out of Disney’s Frozen. Located at Torvet Square, this market features traditional Norwegian wooden stalls brimming with locally made products, including woollen mittens, reindeer hides, and handcrafted candles. The scent of gløgg (Norwegian mulled wine) and freshly baked saffron buns fills the air, cutting through the frost and snow to warm the spirit with Christmas cheer.
Unique to Trondheim’s market is its Viking heritage, which is seen in some of the crafts and culinary offerings that the locals have been producing here for over a thousand years. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through the snow, live folk music, and even storytelling sessions from Norse mythology. The snow-covered streets combined with the city’s historic wooden buildings, provide the kind of fairy-tale atmosphere that makes Trondheim a must-visit destination during the festive season.
Kraków, Poland
Kraków’s Rynek Główny (the main market square) transforms into a winter wonderland every December, hosting one of the world’s most beloved Christmas markets. The market stalls are a feast for the senses, with the aroma of pierogi and kielbasa mingling with the sweetness of gingerbread and spiced nuts, with dozens of stalls offering handcrafted goods to take away afterwards.
What sets Kraków apart from other Christmas markets is its focus on cultural performances, including traditional carols and folk dances taking place in the square throughout the day, and well into the evening. Visitors can also enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snowy streets of the old town or, warm up with a cup of mead under the glow of twinkling fairy lights for a festive experience steeped in traditions both old and new.
Prague, Czech Republic
Visiting Prague’s Christmas markets is a fantastic excuse to take a trip to this incredible city during winter. With snow capping the towers of its many Gothic buildings, the main market, held in the Old Town Square, is a spectacle of twinkling lights, a towering Christmas tree, and charming, rustic stalls. Visitors can browse an array of traditional Bohemian crafts such as hand-blown glass, and wooden puppets, and indulge in traditional Czech pastries like trdelník to snack on as they wander through the frosty marketplace.
Live nativity scenes and carol concerts bring the festive spirit to life throughout the city. A short walk away from the Christmas market, Wenceslas Square has a market of its own that offers a quieter atmosphere, perfect for sampling Czech beers and hearty goulash. Prague is a city whose appeal is supercharged by its historic spires and cobblestone streets, creating an unforgettable Christmas experience to immerse oneself in over the winter.
Strasbourg, France
Widely known in France as the "Capital of Christmas," Strasbourg boasts one of Europe’s oldest and most iconic Christmas markets, in a city that truly captures the romance of Christmas. The main market spreads across the city centre, adjacent to the jaw-droppingly beautiful, Gothic-style Strasbourg Cathedral. Visitors can explore over 300 stalls offering everything from local Alsatian wines to handmade ceramics, at what is very much a traditional German Christmas Market in France.
Strasbourg is an incredibly picturesque city without the magic of Christmas, but during the winter, its medieval streets and gingerbread house-style buildings take on a new level of charm. The city’s Grande Île transforms into a festive wonderland, with light displays and themed trails leading around the market. Blending two countries’ traditions ensures a unique experience at Christmas time in Strasbourg which is not to be missed.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens are always a delightful sight when visiting the capital of Denmark. For every holiday of the year, the Danes go all out on their decorations, whether it be for Halloween or Easter, but seeing the park come alive at Christmas will look like the stuff of dreams for many. This iconic amusement park transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with thousands of fairy lights, snow-covered trees, and themed market stalls to accompany its signature rides.
Visitors can enjoy typical Danish treats like æbleskiv and gløgg, while they take breaks from the attractions. Beyond Tivoli, the Christmas market at Nyhavn offers a more intimate setting by the canal, with picturesque wooden boats bobbing along the frosty shore. The “hygge” (cosiness) factor is high in this part of town, with warm blankets, fire pits, and candlelit corners throughout the markets, contributing to making Copenhagen, an attractive destination for a festive getaway.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s Christmas market, set in the medieval Town Hall Square, offers a magical step back in time. Surrounded by historic buildings, the market feels like a scene from a storybook, with a towering Christmas tree at the centre, marking a tradition that dates back to 1441 and making it one of the first Christmas trees ever displayed in Europe.
Visitors can enjoy local delicacies, such as black pudding, pickled herring, and sauerkraut, or, warm up with a glass of hand-squeezed spiced berry juice. Browse market stalls for local crafts including classic Baltic-style knitted wool sweaters and handmade jewellery. With its charming quiet streets and snow-capped rooftops, Tallinn is another essential destination for Christmas market travel.
Europe’s Christmas markets are a celebration of timeless traditions, many of which form a part of a beautiful shared culture across the continent, and embrace the festive spirit. From the bustling streets of Berlin to the Frozen-esq charm of Trondheim, whether you’re seeking quaint gifts, mouth-watering treats, or simply an unforgettable winter break, these destinations deliver the true traditional Christmas market experience.
