Finest Christmas Markets in Europe 2023

That is your final information to the perfect Christmas markets in Europe! I’ve traveled to lots of of Christmas markets to carry you the perfect locations for Christmas Markets in Europe for 2023.

Image this: You’re strolling the traditional cobblestone streets, on both facet heat lights of cafes and retailers beckon you inside, you’ve got a slight chill regardless of your heat winter coat. You see a citadel within the mist on the hill forward of you. Might at this time get any higher? Sure, sure it might.

As you flip the nook you’re first hit with the odor. It’s a mix of true merriment: candied nuts roasting in sugar, mulled wine being poured right into a tall espresso mug, and roasted meats over the open hearth.

Subsequent you’re hit with the noise. Christmas carols sung in German, laughter of all ages, and other people greeting one another on the high of their lungs.

You spherical one other nook and there it’s, shimmering and glittering because the solar units: 1000’s of twinkle lights strewn alongside contemporary reduce pine timber. Hand carved picket stalls promoting meals, drinks, and handmade trinkets line the road, every another adorned than the following.

It’s Christmas Markets in Europe and it’s probably the most joyful place on earth!

I like to consider myself as a Christmas market skilled having lived in Germany, the place Christmas markets actually began, I spent years going time and again to Christmas markets throughout Europe and writing about my discovering.

One issues for positive: it’s value it. I do know that many don’t take into consideration visiting Europe through the vacation season, however I discover it really sensational. It’s such a way of group and pleasure, everybody on the town will get collectively, regardless of the chilly climate to rejoice Christmas and share their handmade wares and scrumptious household recipes of conventional meals.

I am sharing the perfect of the European Christmas markets so you’ll be able to guarantee to benefit from your time.

Finest Christmas Markets in Europe 2023

I’ve tons of guides to Christmas markets in Europe! From itineraries, maps, and particular person guides to every place! I hope to make planning your Christmas market journeys a breeze. For all my posts on Christmas markets in Europe click on right here.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, France positively deserves its nickname because the “Capital of Noel”! This metropolis has top-of-the-line Christmas markets in all Europe and it is an extremely festive place to go to through the vacation season. With fantastically adorned stalls and open day by day from November twenty fourth to December twenty fourth, you will end up surrounded by twinkling lights and decorations galore. The Strasbourg cathedral towers over the market and there is even an actual 30 meter tall tree within the sq.!

The streets are BURSTING with decor, from the teddy bear half-timbered inns, the lit up Notre Dame Cathedral with angels that line the streets, and naturally vin chaud- mulled wine! Plenty of nice meals, drinks, and hand crafted items. Take your time right here, there are markets all through town. There are over 300 stalls so that you’re in for a deal with!

PRO TIP: You probably have time, head into the Vosges mountains, the place the large tree of Strasbourg is grown, and go to some Christmas markets there! The cities of Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim and Riquewihr are completely magical for Christmas! You’ll be able to see my full information to those Alsace villages at Christmas right here.

Starsbourg Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fifth via December twenty sixth, 2023.

See my full information to the perfect Christmas markets in France. Or, my full information to Strasbourg, France at Christmas.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany is among the hottest Christmas markets in Europe and for good purpose! With seven markets, all with completely different themes, all through town, you will discover no scarcity of issues to see and do right here. Massive, lavishly adorned Christmas markets sparkle all through town.

A few of my favorites are the Cologne Cathedral Market, that is the most important and takes place outdoors the spectacular cathedral with dwell music, an enormous tree, and gluhwein (scorching, mulled wine!). I additionally adore the Angels’ Market the place you will discover it in Neumarkt Sq. and is among the unique markets that options ladies wearing angel costumes handing out sweets to kids. There’s additionally a wonderful carousel and lovely mugs which are good to take residence as souvenirs. I like the one within the Outdated City as a result of it is full of what appears like gnomes, but it surely’s a lot extra! The Alter Markt calls itself the House of the Heinzelmännchen (who have been little creatures from a Cologne legend who used to do all of the house responsibilities till they have been aggravated by an inquisitive housewife).

And Nikolausdorf or “NicholasVillage” in Rudolfplatz can also be properly definitely worth the cease! Many half-timbered buildings make this really feel like an actual village. It is all the time wonderful to me that this may come down come January!

Cologne Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty first via December twenty third 2023.

See the perfect Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Vienna, Austria

Since 1296 Vienna has hosted an incredible Christmas market- one of many first ever! You may see attractive buildings decked out in bows and ribbons. However you additionally get unimaginable Christmas markets! I have been to markets all all through Europe and I can let you know, those in Vienna are a few of the greatest.

There are a number of giant markets positioned across the metropolis, every with their very own distinctive really feel. The preferred might be at Rathausplatz in entrance of the gorgeous City Corridor. With over 150 chalets, this is among the largest in Europe. It is good for selecting up items and grabbing a chew to eat. The Glühwein right here is a few of the greatest I’ve ever had!

If you need a extra conventional really feel, then head to the Spittelberg Weihnachtsmarkt market (Weihnachtsmarkt means Christmas in German). That is positioned in a pedestrian zone within the Spittelberg district and is made up of small, particular person chalets. This market has a extremely cozy really feel and is ideal for a romantic stroll.

And eventually, my favourite market in Vienna is the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at Freyung. This market is positioned in a beautiful park and has a extremely relaxed and charming environment. It is the proper place to seize a cup of scorching chocolate and a slice of Sachertorte (a chocolate cake that could be a Vienna specialty!)

Vienna Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twelfth via December twenty fourth, 2023.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn appears like a snow globe come to life! Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a medieval metropolis with a fairytale really feel. And through Christmastime, it is much more magical! With twinkling lights, snow-dusted rooftops, and Christmas carols within the air, Tallinn looks like one thing out of a storybook.

The principle market is positioned in City Corridor Sq., in entrance of the attractive medieval City Corridor. This is among the largest markets in Tallinn and is ideal for selecting up items and souvenirs. You may discover handmade Estonian crafts, decorations, and loads of locations to seize a chew to eat. The gluwein right here can also be wonderful! It is a good spot to choose up a home made wool sweater and stick round for dwell music and leisure at evening.

When you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit completely different, take a look at the Rotermann Quarter. This market is positioned in an previous salt storage constructing that has been transformed into a shopping mall. It is a actually distinctive setting for a market, and you will find loads of nice items and souvenirs right here.

I extremely advocate taking a strolling tour* to get a really feel of the historical past in Tallinn! We went on a themed strolling tour and it was a spotlight of my time in Tallinn. See my full information to Tallinn at Christmas right here.

Tallinn Christmas Market Dates for 2023: December 1st via January seventh, 2024.

Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland is a captivating metropolis positioned on the river Rhine and is thought for its lovely Outdated City, medieval structure, museums, and naturally Christmas markets! This metropolis has one of many longest working Christmas markets in Europe because it dates again to 1521.

The principle market is positioned in Munsterplatz and is full of lovely handcrafted items, a big number of foods and drinks, and twinkling lights. Remember to strive the scrumptious Basler Läckerli, a spiced gingerbread-like biscuits which are an area specialty. I additionally love the mulled wine right here, it is a few of the greatest I’ve ever had!

There are additionally a number of different markets positioned all through town together with one within the sq. in entrance of Basel’s lovely crimson sandstone cathedral. It is a good spot to do some Christmas purchasing as you will discover the whole lot from jewellery to picket toys.

PRO TIP: When you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit completely different, make sure to take a look at the Creation Calendar Home. It is a home with 25 home windows, every with a distinct shock behind it!

Basel Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fourth via December twenty third, 2023.

Prague, Czech Republic

When you’re on the lookout for a market with a extra medieval really feel, then Prague is the place for you! With its beautiful Gothic structure and cobblestone streets, Prague lends itself completely to a festive environment. The markets listed below are a few of the most unusual in Europe with lovely handmade items on supply.

The principle market is positioned in Outdated City Sq. the place you will discover a beautiful Christmas tree and the spectacular Tyn Church within the background. It is a actually in style spot, so be ready for crowds, which is why I like to recommend weekdays. But it surely’s positively value braving the lots to see the gorgeous decorations and seize some conventional Czech meals.

For one thing a bit extra low-key, take a look at the markets at Wenceslas Sq. and Havel’s Market. These are each positioned in additional trendy areas of town and supply a refreshing change of tempo from the Outdated City.

Prague Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty seventh via December twenty fourth, 2023.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland is a novel Christmas market expertise as a result of it is not solely concerning the market stalls, but additionally the ice skating rink that units up in Senate Sq.. It is so festive and beautiful to skate round with the Helsinki Cathedral within the background.

The market itself has Finnish crafts and design, together with conventional meals like reindeer meatballs, which yow will discover on the Outdated Market Corridor. This is among the few markets the place yow will discover meals indoors, so it is good should you’re visiting in colder climate or should you simply want a break from the chilly. You may additionally discover handcrafted Christmas decorations, glassware, and textiles.

I beloved the saunas positioned proper by the Christmas market glog stalls (glog is their model of mulled wine.) So that you would possibly see somebody hop out of a sauna in only a towel, grabbing a mulled mug of steaming wine!

Helsinki Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty seventh via December twenty second, 2023.

Ribeauvillé, France

This market is small and solely supplied for a pair brief weekends however SO WORTH IT. It is one of the uncommon markets I’ve ever been to in probably the most charming manner. The complete city attire up and participates. There are folks dressed up, on stilts, smart males with actual camels, fires in the course of the streets to heat up and medieval traditions.

This space is well-known for its charming half-timbered homes however the Christmas market makes it really feel such as you’ve entered a very completely different, medieval world.

You may discover all the standard Christmas market fare right here like mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. However Ribeauvillé can also be identified for its wonderful native wines, so make sure to decide up a bottle or two to take residence with you. You may additionally discover loads of handmade items on supply

Ribeauvillé Christmas Market Dates for 2023: December third, 4th, tenth, and eleventh – as you’ll be able to see it is a tremendous brief season however so value it!

Heidelberg, Germany

The Heidelberg Christmas market is among the oldest markets in Germany, relationship again to 1398! The principle market is positioned in Heidelberg’s previous city, all through the Hauptstrasse. It is a bit completely different than a few of the different markets, and I discover it a pleasure! You’ll be able to stroll almost a mile and revel in completely different Christmas festivities alongside the way in which. I am biased since I lived in Heidelberg, however with a wonderful sixteenth century buildings, the citadel towering over the skating rink, it is simply magical.

It is a really charming place with round 100 fantastically adorned stalls. You may discover loads of mulled wine and conventional German meals like bratwurst and pretzels. The views of the citadel lit up at evening are merely beautiful.

There’s additionally a market in close by Mannheim which I additionally advocate trying out you probably have time. It is a brief drive or practice trip away!

Heidelberg Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty first via December twenty second, 2023.

See my full information to Heidelberg’s Christmas markets right here.

Colmar, France

Nestled within the Alsace area of France, Colmar is actually a fairytale city and its Christmas market doesn’t disappoint. With over 300 stalls, this is among the largest markets in France. The setting could not be extra good both, because the market is positioned within the lovely previous city, which is stuffed with half-timbered homes, canals, and cobbled streets.

The market itself is extremely festive, with an enormous Christmas tree, a life-sized nativity scene, and a formidable mild show. You may discover all the standard French Christmas Market favorites right here, from vin chaud (mulled wine) to ache d’epices (gingerbread), to baeckeoffe (a scrumptious Alsatian stew). There’s additionally all kinds of handmade items and decorations on supply.

When in Colmar, one in all my favourite French eating places can’t be beat! Winstub de la Petite Venise. This Michelin star restaurant gives a 35 euro plat du jour that makes my mouth water simply occupied with it!

Try my Christmas market street journey itinerary right here.

Colmar Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fourth via December twenty ninth 2023.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest’s Christmas Market is among the most lovely in Europe and takes place in Vörösmarty Sq. in entrance of the magnificent Nineteenth-century Gerbeaud Home. With over 100 fantastically adorned stalls, a large ferris wheel, an ice rink, and a nativity scene, it is simple to spend just a few hours right here.

There’s additionally a wonderful mild present each night at 7 pm on the facade of the Gerbeaud Home that is positively value sticking round for. The market is open from November eleventh to January 1st, so you’ve got loads of time to go to. And remember to strive some conventional Hungarian dishes like lángos (a deep-fried flatbread) or kürtőskalács (a chimney cake)!

Budapest Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 4th via December thirty first 2023.

Munich, Germany

Munich is famend for its wonderful Oktoberfest celebration, however do you know that it additionally has a few of the greatest Christmas markets in Europe? The markets listed below are giant and vigorous with an awesome environment.

The principle market is positioned at Marienplatz within the coronary heart of town. It is a actually in style spot, so be ready for crowds. But it surely’s positively value braving the lots to see the gorgeous Glockenspiel present that takes place day by day at 11 am and midday. There are additionally various different markets positioned all through town, so that you’re positive to search out one which fits your fancy.

There are lots of markets in Munich, however make sure to begin on the iconic Christkindlmarkt positioned in Marienplatz. From there, you’ll be able to select from the basic Neuhausen Christmas market or go for one thing completely different just like the Wintertollwood Competition held on Oktoberfest grounds.

And should you’re on the lookout for an genuine Bavarian eating expertise, make sure to take a look at Hofbräuhaus, one in all Munich’s most well-known beer halls. It is an awesome place to strive some conventional German dishes like Weißwurst (veal sausage) and Leberkäse (a kind of meatloaf).

Munich Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty first via December twenty fourth, 2023.

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is a captivating metropolis positioned within the Austrian Alps and its Christmas market is nothing wanting magical. With over 80 stalls, it is one of many smaller markets on this checklist, but it surely greater than makes up for it with its beautiful setting. The market takes place within the previous city sq. towards the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

What I really like most about this market is that it has an actual conventional really feel to it. You may discover all the standard Austrian Christmas Market staples like Glühwein (mulled wine), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Maroni (roasted chestnuts). However you will additionally discover some extra uncommon objects like Krapfen (fried dough balls full of jam) and Kernöl (pumpkin seed oil).

Innsbruck Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November fifteenth via December twenty third, 2023.

London, England

I really like London for Christmas as all of the shops are decked out and there is a feeling of pleasure in every single place! Whereas London may not be the standard spot, Christmas market is unquestionably value a go to. Positioned in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is among the largest markets in Europe and it is utterly free to enter!

When you’re inside, you will discover an array of points of interest like an ice rink, a large ferris wheel, and a German-style market with over 200 stalls. And should you’re feeling actually festive, you’ll be able to even go to Santa’s Grotto!

Winter Wonderland is open from late November till early January, so you’ve got loads of time to take pleasure in all of the enjoyable. And if you’re prepared for a break from the chilly, head to one in all Hyde Park’s many cafes for a cup of tea or some conventional English fare.

You probably have further time, head to Tub,a quintessential city in the UK that is additionally obtained an exquisite Christmas market!

London Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 18th via January 2nd, 2024.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is a wonderful medieval metropolis positioned within the German state of Bavaria – since 1313. It is best identified for its conventional Christkindlesmarkt, which is among the oldest and largest markets in Germany.

The market is unfold out throughout town middle with over 180 stalls, so there’s lots to see and do. You may discover all the standard German Christmas Market staples like Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and Maroni. However you will additionally discover some extra uncommon objects like Nürnberger Christstollen (a kind of fruitcake) and Nürnberger Rostbratwurst (a grilled sausage).

When you go to Nuremberg Christmas Market on the primary Friday earlier than Creation there’s an incredible opening ceremony with performances and dwell music.

Nuremberg Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fifth via December twenty fourth, 2023.

Metz, France

Metz is a wonderful metropolis positioned within the northeast of France, near the border with Germany. It is best identified for its giant Christmas market, which is among the largest in Europe.

The market is unfold out throughout town middle with over 200 stalls, so there’s lots to see and do. You may discover all the standard French Christmas Market staples like vin chaud, ache d’épices (gingerbread), and sweets. However you will additionally discover some extra gormet meals like foie gras, tarte flambée (a kind of pizza), and quiche Lorraine.

Cathedral Saint-Étienne de Metz dates again to the eleventh century has a beautiful Christmas market simply outdoors the doorways full with a ferris wheel. Inside are lovely stained glass home windows that have been constructed by well-known artists like Marc Chagall and Jean Cocteau. Metz has loads of different locations value visiting as properly – Notre Dame d’Auschwitz, the fashionable artwork middle Centre Pompidou-Metz, and Le Temple Neuf is a wonderful church that appears extra like a citadel.

Metz Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November Nineteenth via December thirtieth, 2023.

Trier, Germany

Trier is a wonderful metropolis positioned within the southwest of Germany, near the border with Luxembourg. Trier is thought for it is romantic setting and with the Christmas market’s backdrop of the attractive cathedral, it is a beautiful spot.

This system on the Trier Christmas Market adjustments every day, providing quite a lot of leisure for the entire household. From historic puppet theater to star tenor and songsmiths, there’s something for everybody to take pleasure in. With scrumptious foods and drinks on supply, plus arts and crafts from all over the world, the Trier Christmas Market attracts guests from far and vast.

To get a view from above like I did right here, head to the DE retailer proper earlier than you enter the market.

Trier Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 18th via December twenty second, 2023.

See the perfect Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a wonderful metropolis positioned within the northwest of Belgium. It is best identified for its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval structure. The Christmas market is positioned within the historic metropolis middle and is among the most atmospheric markets in Europe.

You may discover all the standard Belgian Christmas Market staples like Belgian chocolate, waffles, and beer. However you will additionally discover objects like gingerbread homes, candles, and handmade picket toys. Yearly Grote Sq. is remodeled to Bruges’ largest Christmas market and within the middle you will discover a skating rink. It’s also possible to head to Stevin Sq. for much more Christmas festivities.

Bruges Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty fifth via January eighth 2024.

Aachen, Germany

I simply went to Aachen final 12 months for my first time and completely beloved it! Not solely is Aachen stuffed with necessary historical past, it is obtained an unimaginable Christmas market that is been named one of many high Christmas Markets in Europe over time.

Aachen Christmas Market is positioned within the historic metropolis middle and is among the oldest markets in Germany. It dates again to 1434 making it even older than Nuremberg! You may discover all the standard German Christmas Market staples like Glühwein, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Bratwurst.

However what I beloved most concerning the market have been all the Aachener Printen on supply. Printen are a kind of gingerbread that originates from Aachen. They arrive in all kinds of styles and sizes and are completely scrumptious!

Aachen Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 18th via December twenty third 2023.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is positioned on the jap coast of the nation. Town is stuffed with appeal with its canals, cobbled streets, and historic buildings. The Christmas market is positioned within the coronary heart of town at Metropolis Corridor Sq..

You may discover all the standard Danish Christmas Market staples like æbleskiver (a kind of pancake), Gløgg (mulled wine), and Danish Christmas beer. There are additionally loads of stalls promoting handmade Christmas decorations, toys, and items.

Tivoli Gardens is a well-known park and it is a should for Christmas because it’s arrange like Santa’s village- you’ll be able to even trip the Polar Specific! Additionally, Kongens Nytorv is among the most lovely squares in Copenhagen and it actually comes alive throughout Christmas time. And remember to move to iconic Nyhavn the place you will additionally discover a market.

Copenhagen Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November 4th via December twenty first, 2023.

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is positioned within the northwest of the nation. Town is stuffed with tradition and historical past with a wonderful previous city that is good for exploring. The Christmas market is positioned in Tomislav Sq. within the middle of town.

On the Zagreb Christmas Market, you will discover all the standard Croatian Christmas Market staples like mulled wine, sausages, and pancakes. It’s also possible to discover handicrafts, jewellery, and pottery. Remember to strive the strukli which is a kind of pastry that is in style in Zagreb.

And if you wish to get a birds eye view of the market, be certain to move to the Zagreb Eye which is a huge Ferris wheel positioned within the coronary heart of town.

Zagreb Christmas Market Dates for 2023: November twenty sixth via January seventh, 2024.

Christmas Markets in Europe Map

Here is a map of all my favourite Christmas Markets in Europe. I’ve mapped out not solely the highest 10 Christmas Markets in Europe from this information, however a few of my favorites all around the continent!

Christmas Market High Ideas

As your resident skilled on Christmas in Europe, listed below are a few of my high suggestions for taking advantage of your Christmas market journey!

Which nation has the perfect Christmas Markets? That is clearly up for debate, however the award has to go to Germany! Germany has a few of the oldest and greatest markets round. The custom runs deep and even small cities and villages take part. See the perfect Christmas markets in Germany right here.

Which nation has the perfect decorations for Christmas? France! France goes all out for decorations. It would not harm that the Alsace area already appears like an ideal gingerbread village!

What’s the perfect time to go for Christmas markets in Europe? I believe December is your greatest wager to make sure you see the Christmas markets however many begin in late November. Some markets do go till January as properly.

Listed below are some extra useful guides:

What to Eat and Drink at a Christmas Market

Europe Christmas Market Itinerary and Information

Finest Christmas Markets in Germany

Finest Christmas Market in France

Finest Christmas Markets in Switzerland

So there you’ve got it, my checklist of the perfect Christmas markets in Europe for 2023! Which one are you most excited about- you probably have any questions, be at liberty to succeed in out to me on Instagram @heleneinbetween – I reply all my DMs!