30 Top Christmas Markets in Europe for 2023

Indulge in chestnuts roasted over an open flame, generous servings of mulled wine, and some of the finest hot chocolate you'll ever taste.

Christmas magic is unfolding across Europe, with hundreds of festive markets shining brightly as the first Advent door swings open. While Germany truly embodies the fairy-tale experience, Christmas markets sparkle all over the continent, whether it's snowing or sunny, featuring crafts, choirs, stunning light displays, and local delicacies.

From towering Alpine peaks to charming island towns, we present 30 European favorites that each showcase their unique Christmas traditions, from must-see classics to hidden treasures.

1. Dresden, Germany

Dates: November 29–December 24, 2023

Renowned as the grandest of Germany's Christmas markets, Dresden's Striezelmarkt has captivated visitors since 1434. This massive market features 240 stalls and attracts nearly three million visitors each year. Yet, it offers more than just tourist appeal. The enchanting setting boasts thousands of twinkling lights and, in the Altmarkt, the world’s largest Christmas pyramid adorned with life-sized figures. The festive atmosphere in this Elbe city buzzes with carousels, carolers, ice skating, and stalls bustling with beautifully crafted nutcrackers, Räuchermännchen (smoking men), Erzgebirge crib figures, and the finest Christstollen—a rich fruitcake dusted with icing sugar.

2. Innsbruck, Austria

Dates: November 15–December 23, 2023

Nestled in the snowy Austrian Alps, Innsbruck features a delightful array of Christmas markets. In the medieval old town, a grand tree sparkles in front of the Golden Roof, while folk bands play and chalets offer decorations, candles, gingerbread, and mulled wine. Children adore the traditional fairground rides and puppet shows at riverside Marktplatz, or they can explore the fairy-tale-themed Kiebachgasse. Market stalls and trees adorned with twinkling lights illuminate Maria-Theresien-Strasse.

3. Nuremberg, Germany

Dates: December 1–24, 2023

You can’t mention Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) without bringing up Nuremberg. Does it truly deserve its reputation? Absolutely. Expect to navigate through crowds, as two million visitors arrive annually, but the experience is magical, with a golden-robed Christkind kicking off the festivities. The heart of the market is Hauptmarkt, featuring candy-striped chalets offering delights from Zwetschgenmännle (figures crafted from prunes, figs, and nuts) to Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and shiny Rauschgold angels. The festive spirit is palpable, filled with carols, concerts, fairground rides, and a stunning nativity scene in front of the Gothic church.

4. Barcelona, Spain

Dates: November 24–December 23, 2023

Who needs Santa when you can have a joyful log named Caga Tió that dispenses gifts? This whimsical Catalan tradition is available in miniatures alongside mistletoe, turrón nougat, and an enchanting array of nativity figures at Barcelona's Fira de Santa Llúcia, situated in front of the Gothic cathedral on Plaça de la Seu. And if Caga Tió seems peculiar, just wait until you meet the cheeky Caganer, a defecating figure cleverly placed in the nativity scene to bring good luck and bountiful harvests.

5. Ravenna Gorge, Germany

Dates: November 24–December 17, 2023

Nestled beneath a brilliantly lit 40-meter-high viaduct in the lush, steep-sided Höllental (‘Hell Valley’) of Germany's Black Forest, this enchanting market in Ravenna Gorge seems to have leaped from a Grimm fairy tale. A sprinkle of snow completes this winter wonderland scene. Primarily frequented by locals, it enhances its charm. Keep an eye out for intricate Black Forest paper-cut art, cozy lambswool rugs, and delicious local smoked ham and venison sausages. You can catch a train to Hinterzarten or Himmelreich, then take a free shuttle or enjoy a scenic walk.

6. Mt Pilatus‏, Switzerland

Dates: November 17–19, 2023

For a unique experience and breathtaking Alpine views, take a ride to Europe's highest Christmas market aboard the world's steepest cogwheel railway, which has been ascending to 6,995 feet (2,132 meters) at Mt Pilatus since 1889. Situated above Lake Lucerne, the mountaintop Christkindlimärt features festive music and over 40 beautifully decorated stalls offering beeswax candles, nativity scenes, gingerbread, and other delightful holiday treats.

7. Zagreb, Croatia

Dates: December 2, 2023–January 7, 2024

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, may not be the first place you think of for Christmas markets, but it ranks among Europe’s best. With chilly weather, shimmering trees, and thousands of twinkling lights, the city’s parks, squares, and historic areas take on a magical holiday charm, dominated by the impressive twin-spired Gothic cathedral. Visit the Fuliranje (“Fooling Around”) market for festive carols, concerts, crafts, and DJ performances, or head over to Ban Jelačić Square for warm chestnuts, licitars (decorated gingerbread hearts), and handcrafted wooden toys from the Hrvatsko Zagorje region.

8. Schloss Hellbrunn‏, Austria

Dates: November 23–December 24, 2023

As Advent approaches, Christmas markets sparkle throughout Austria, but few are as enchanting as the Hellbrunn Advent Magic at Salzburg's Schloss Hellbrunn. This festive gathering features carolers, artisanal stalls, a delightful Christmas train ride, and a petting zoo for children. The baroque palace's 24 windows are transformed into a massive Advent calendar, while a Christmas parade, brass bands, Alphorn players, nativity displays, and a stunning array of 400 twinkling trees create a truly special holiday atmosphere.

9. Zürich, Switzerland

Dates: November 23–December 23, 2023

Think all Christmas markets are the same? Not in Zürich! Nestled along its namesake lake and the Limmat River, Switzerland’s most elegant city showcases a stunning array of festive markets. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic Niederdorf quarter for mulled wine, raclette, and fondue, ride an e-bike to illuminate the massive tree at the main station, or explore the Christmas village on Sechseläutenplatz, home to 100 chalets set up in front of the opera house. The highlight is the Singing Christmas Tree at Werdmühleplatz, featuring choir members in red beanies who sing carols and gospel classics daily at 5:30pm.

10. Colmar, France

Dates: November 24–December 30, 2023

For an authentic Christmas experience, nothing compares to Colmar in Alsace, where the charming, half-timbered old town features five unique Christmas markets. The canal-side Petite Venise hosts a delightful children's market, complete with a carousel, animated nativity scene, and Santa's letterbox, while antique lovers and craft enthusiasts explore the offerings at Ancienne Douane. Treat yourself to Alsatian gingerbread, spicy Bredele cookies, anise-flavored Springerle biscuits, and kirsch-infused Berawecka fruitcake—perfect for holiday gifting.

11. Lisbon, Portugal

Dates: November 18–December 21, 2023

During Advent, Lisbon transforms into a Christmas wonderland, with dazzling lights brightening its praças, parks, and beautiful azulejo-covered buildings. In the bustling Baixa district, Rossio Square comes alive with a massive tree, Santa train, choirs, workshops, and live music, along with stalls offering crafts, mulled wine, hot chestnuts, and porco preto (black pork) sandwiches. Don't miss Wonderland Lisboa (November 30, 2023, to January 1, 2024) at Parque Eduardo VII, where the kids can enjoy a Ferris wheel and ice skating.

12. Gengenbach, Germany

Dates: November 30–December 23, 2023

Few places capture the Christmas spirit like Gengenbach in Germany's Black Forest. The charming half-timbered old town transforms into a scene from a snow globe as twinkling fairy lights illuminate the timber chalets and carolers perform in front of the pink-and-cream 18th-century Rathaus (Town Hall). Be sure to arrive at 6pm to witness one of 24 windows open, revealing an Advent calendar illustration by renowned artists.

13. Helsinki, Finland

Dates: December 1–22, 2023

As chilly winds sweep across the Baltic and snow often graces the landscape, Helsinki emerges as the quintessential Christmas destination. It's one of the rare cities where you can enjoy festive shopping alongside a sauna experience and a dip in an avanto (ice hole). The main market takes center stage in the elegant 19th-century Senaatintori (Senate Sq), under the striking dome of the neoclassical Tuomiokirkko cathedral. Here, a vintage carousel spins while rustic timber chalets offer traditional crafts, decorations, and glögi (mulled wine). The holiday season kicks off with the illumination of Aleksanterinkatu, featuring a dazzling parade with dance troupes, elves, and Santa visiting from Lapland.

14. Tallinn, Estonia

Dates: December 1, 2023–January 7, 2024

In Tallinn, snow is almost a guarantee come Christmas. The festivities extend across the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where a massive tree overlooks charming wooden chalets in Raekoja plats (Town Hall Sq), the medieval heart of the city. Estonian crafts such as hand-knitted hats, sea-grass animals, wickerwork, and wood carvings are popular purchases. Expect visits from Santa Claus in the evenings. Take a break from the freezing temperatures in cozy candlelit cafes, and enjoy hearty Estonian dishes like sauerkraut and blood sausage.

15. Nice, France

Dates: December 7, 2023–January 7, 2024

While you might find more blue skies, palm trees, and mild temperatures than snow in Nice, it’s still a fantastic option for a festive shopping spree infused with southern French charm. The elegant Promenade des Anglais sparkles with lights, and Jardin Albert 1er embraces the holiday spirit with stalls offering gifts, crafts, mulled wine, and, being the upscale Côte d'Azur, champagne and oysters. Expect DJ performances, light festivals, fairground rides, and visits from Santa. Don't miss the chance to pick up gourmet treats like Provençal olive oil and honey for your stockings.

16. Tromsø, Norway

Dates: December 1–22, 2023

Although Oslo's celebrations are grander, for a picturesque winter wonderland and the genuine warmth of the holiday spirit, head north to Tromsø, situated 400km (248 miles) above the Arctic Circle. Even the most cynical can feel the enchantment here, with snow-covered streets aglow and stalls selling cozy hats, handcrafted gifts, gløgg (mulled wine), and a local twist on kebabs (wild mutton in pitta). Make your way to the harbor for the Ferris wheel and ice rink, or ride the Fjellheisen cable car to view the dazzling lights from above. Here, you can enjoy festive shopping alongside spectacular Northern Lights displays, reindeer sleigh rides, and dog sledding. How cool is that?

17. Winchester, UK

Dates: November 17–December 21, 2023

Visitors gaze in awe at the impressive spires of one of Britain’s most stunning medieval cathedrals during Winchester’s Christmas market. After exploring the city’s charming Elizabethan and Regency streets, the market set in the cathedral’s historic grounds invites you in. Inspired by traditional German markets, it’s beautifully curated, featuring festooned trees, family craft workshops, and timber chalets offering everything from hand-carved music boxes to artisanal cheeses, bean-to-bar chocolates, and hand-blown glass. To enhance the festive experience, plan your visit to coincide with one of the cathedral’s Christmas concerts.

18. St Helier, Jersey

Dates: November 23–December 10, 2023

The Genuine Jersey Simply Christmas Market in St Helier emphasizes support for local artisans. Royal Sq, adorned with twinkling lights on chestnut trees, hosts stalls that bring the festive spirit to life with mistletoe, locally brewed ales, minced pies, and handmade crafts. The market will also feature live music and entertainment, offering visitors a delightful holiday experience all in one place.

19. Ulm, Germany

Dates: November 27–December 23, 2023

Unfamiliar with Ulm? You’re not alone, but you're missing out. Nestled between Munich and Stuttgart, this southern German gem on the Danube boasts the birthplace of Albert Einstein and a magnificent Gothic cathedral featuring the tallest steeple in the world (161m or 528ft). Its charming canal-side, half-timbered old town adds to the allure, and the Christmas market is a highlight, offering a live nativity scene, a carousel, a tree adorned with 18,000 lights, a storytelling yurt, and 120 stalls selling everything from Steiff toys to beeswax candles and edible snowballs.

20. Malmö, Sweden

Dates: November 24–December 18, 2023

Malmö offers a delightful array of Christmas markets, concerts, and sparkling trees. Stroll through the stalls for handmade decorations and take a break to enjoy glögg (mulled wine) paired with pepparkakor (ginger cookies) or lussekatter (saffron buns). The Katrinetorp manor (December 8–10) features antiques, poinsettias, and holiday treats, while the market at Gustav Adolf Sq showcases fairtrade, recycled, and vintage gifts. Don’t miss the chance to skate around the open-air rinks at Raoul Wallenberg’s and Folkets Park.

21. Berlin, Germany

Dates: November 27–December 31, 2023

Berlin takes Christmas celebrations to another level, with over 80 Weihnachtsmärkte lighting up for Advent and dazzling until the New Year. If you’re with children, make sure to visit WeihnachtsZauber at Bebelplatz, near the magnificent State Opera. The atmosphere is enchanting, featuring street performers like acrobats, dance groups, ice queens, golden angels, and stilt walkers, alongside white, star-topped tents offering everything from fine ceramics to wood crafts, marzipan, fondue, and schnitzel paired with champagne. For some snowy fun, head to Potsdamer Platz for ice skating, sledding, and mulled wine.

22. Seville, Spain

Dates: November 5–December 23, 2023

You may think of Seville as more about flamenco and sunshine than Christmas cheer, but this lively capital of Andalucía shines with festive brilliance, boasting mild temperatures and the first oranges ripening in December. The most captivating of the Christmas markets is the Feria del Belén, located on Avenida de la Constitución, beneath the stunning Gothic Catedral. This market specializes in the belén (nativity scene), showcasing intricately hand-carved figures and decorations. The streets come alive with lights, campanilleros (musical choirs), and delightful treats like convent-made polvorones (almond shortbread cookies).

23. Erfurt, Germany

Dates: November 28–December 22, 2023

Nestled in the heart of Germany, medieval Erfurt transforms into a festive wonderland at Christmas. The main market takes place in Domplatz, framed by the magnificent Gothic cathedral where Martin Luther was ordained and the stunning three-towered Severikirche. For children, it’s like stepping into a scene from the Nutcracker, featuring a towering 20m (65ft) Christmas tree, a Ferris wheel, carousel, large Christmas pyramid, nativity display, and a whimsical bakery. The air is filled with music from brass bands and choirs as visitors explore 200 stalls offering pottery, traditional Erzgebirge wood carvings, and blue-dyed fabrics. Don’t miss the chance to savor Thuringian bratwurst and the local Schittchen (a twist on Stollen).

24. Padstow, England

Dates: December 7–10, 2023

Perched on the breezy Cornish coast, Padstow's Christmas Festival is a festive highlight. A lineup of culinary stars, including Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth, and Nathan Outlaw, will be hosting cooking demonstrations to enhance your Christmas feast. Jazz bands and carolers create a lively atmosphere as visitors browse stalls along the quay offering Cornish chutneys, pies, mulled cider, and handmade wooden toys. For the little ones, there's a reindeer enclosure and a Santa Fun Run, where around 200 festive participants dash for charity. On Friday night, the harbor lights up with fireworks at 8:30pm.

25. Freiburg, Germany

Dates: November 23–December 23, 2023

Nestled in Germany’s Black Forest, near the borders of Switzerland and France, the vibrant university town of Freiburg boasts one of the nation’s most charming Christmas markets in its medieval alleyways. The gabled houses of Rathausplatz glow with festive lights, as 120 traditional wooden stalls offer a delightful array of regional delicacies and crafts. Explore stalls filled with folk carvings, nativity scenes, Moravian stars, beeswax candles, sheepskin rugs, and the renowned Black Forest ham. Enjoy treats like roasted almonds and Langer Rote sausages paired with glühwein. Children can delight in cookie baking, candle-making, and rides on the Ferris wheel.

26. Budapest, Hungary

Dates: November 18–December 31, 2023

Budapest shines during the Christmas season, particularly at the market on the elegant Vörösmarty tér, which transforms into a dazzling display of golden lights and red-adorned trees. This nostalgic market offers no tourist trinkets—only enchanting choirs, concerts, and hands-on workshops for glass-blowing, wood-carving, and candle-making. Stroll among beautifully lit timber stalls where you can find mézeskalács (honey gingerbread), Hungarian pottery, and exquisite embroidery. Warm up with a hearty bowl of gulyásleves (goulash soup served in bread). If possible, plan your visit to coincide with the candle-lighting ceremony of the grand wreath at the Basilica of St Stephen, held at 4pm on Sundays during Advent.

27. Milan, Italy

Dates: December 1, 2023–January 6, 2024

As the fashion capital of northern Italy, Milan celebrates Christmas with unique flair. The star attraction is the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! market, which opens on December 7, 2023, coinciding with the Feast of St Ambrogio, at the impressive Renaissance Castello Sforzesco—a striking red brick fortress. Running since 1510, this Christmas fair buzzes with stalls offering handcrafted toys, vibrant flowers, books, artisanal iron, copper, and brass crafts, as well as traditional panettone and firunatt (chestnut strings). Want more? Check out the twinkling market beneath the Duomo, or enjoy ice skating and snow tubing at the central station.

28. Basel, Switzerland

Dates: November 23–December 23, 2023

A vibrant, art-centric city on the Rhine, Basel in northern Switzerland is particularly enchanting during Advent. The historic Barfüsserplatz and the cathedral-adorned Münsterplatz come alive with a charmingly traditional Christmas market. You'll find snow-draped trees, a whimsical fairy-tale forest, a spinning Weihnachtpyramide (Christmas pyramid) featuring nativity scenes, a magical carousel, and stalls filled with handcrafted toys, decorations, and artisanal crafts. Don't miss local delights like potato pancakes, grilled sausages, and Baumstriezel (chimney cake) paired with hot chocolate or mulled wine.

29. Vienna, Austria

Dates: November 18, 2023–January 4, 2024

With its stunning palaces and horse-drawn carriages, Vienna feels like a fairy tale, especially during Advent when Christmas markets abound at every turn. Enjoy thrilling fairground rides, ice skating, and warming mulled wine at the lively market in front of the neo-Gothic Rathaus, or explore high-quality crafts in the charming narrow lanes of Spittelberg. However, the most enchanting is the market at Schloss Schönbrunn, featuring a magnificent tree, choirs, brass bands, a carousel, and 80 stalls offering nostalgic wooden toys, beeswax candles, felt figurines, Alpine cheese, and sweet candied nuts.

30. Brussels, Belgium

Dates: November 24–December 31, 2023

With its charming step-gabled townhouses, cobblestone streets, and the beautifully illuminated Grand Place, Brussels resembles a scene from a classic Advent calendar. During Christmas, the city truly dazzles. Winter Wonders casts a magical spell over Brussels, featuring sound and laser shows, a stunning tree lighting up the Grand Place, along with ice skating and curling rinks, plus a merry-go-round at Place de Brouckère. The 200-stall market extends from Place Sainte-Catherine, offering everything from stocking fillers to delicious waffles, Belgian beer, and chocolate.