The Best Christmas Markets in Europe to Visit in 2024
Christmas Markets Breaks in Europe unfold a winter tale of enchanting festivities. Though Christmas 2024 is far, you can presently explore incredible discounts on hotel stays, perfect for a city break or a romantic escapade. Take a moment to browse through all the fantastic deals below and immerse yourself in the welcoming warmth of the cities in Europe.
There's no better way to embrace the festive season than by immersing yourself in the enchanting world of Christmas markets! With their radiant displays of twinkling lights, the aroma of fragrant mulled wine, and an array of artisanal crafts, European Christmas markets promise an unforgettable experience that warms the heart and ignites the spirit of Christmas. Choosing the best among them can be a daunting task, but we're here to help. For an unforgettable Yuletide adventure, consider Budapest, renowned for its award-winning Advent Feast at the Basilica. Alternatively, explore the Basel Christmas Market in Switzerland, a tradition that, like Budapest, has claimed the Best Christmas Market Award. To embark on this enchanting European journey, don't miss our exclusive Christmas Market Getaway Deal, offering a choice of 41 captivating locations across Europe. With the added allure of a luxurious European hotel stay and the convenience of hassle-free return flights, it's the perfect way to start planning your magical getaway today!
Unveiling Europe's Largest Christmas Market: A Festive Wonder
If it's bigger and better you're after, Nuremberg in Germany holds the biggest and oldest Christmas market in Europe (and the entire world, for that matter). It's no secret that Germans know how to party, but they also know how to throw a mean one, too. The scale of the market alone is impressive, but it's also filled with charming old Christmas traditions, handmade gingerbread and classic almond cookies, and plenty of adorable wooden booths to wander far into the night. What are you waiting for? Get the suitcase packed - but leave room to bring home souvenirs!
Experience the Magic of a European White Christmas: Top Spots to Visit
As much as we love the UK, we know it's not the best if you're hoping for a dreamy white Christmas - but, where is? It's obvious that the further north you are of the equator, the more likely there is to be snowfall for the festive season. Places like the Alps and Scandinavia are perfect if you're aiming for a Christmas full of snowmen, angels, and flakes. Want to take it a step further? Head right up north to the Swedish Lapland to stay in the stunning ice hotels which are, just as described, hotels made of literal ice and snow. The whitest Christmas you could ever get!
Experience the enchanting Christmas atmosphere in Hungary's capital, Budapest, where two Christmas market contenders, Vorosmarty Square and Basilica, ignite the festive spirit in mid-November. Vorosmarty Square, Budapest's oldest Christmas market, offers food stalls, handicraft shops, and free concerts, while Basilica adds Christmas laser projections and an ice-skating rink circling a grand tree. The Advent Basilica, a three-time Best Christmas Market in Europe winner, promises a unique festive atmosphere with craft exhibitors, gastronomic delights, and heartwarming programs.
Germany - Enchanting Christmas Markets in Cologne, Nuremberg, Berlin, Munich and more
Experience the allure of Christmas in Germany's iconic cities. In Cologne, beneath the majestic cathedral, explore the largest Christmas market, Markt der Engel, adorned with twinkling lights and angelic charm. Venture to Nikolausdorf for a tale of Saint Nicholas amidst historic beauty. Meanwhile, Trier boasts the title of Germany's best and most romantic Christmas market, set against the backdrop of Trier Cathedral. In Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, discover equally captivating Christmas markets, where tradition meets modernity, offering a wide array of holiday delights.
Austria Christmas Markets - Salzburg and Vienna Festive Delights
Explore the enchanting Christmas spirit in Austria, the picturesque homeland of Mozart and The Sound of Music. In Salzburg, step into a winter wonderland with market stalls dating back to the 15th century. Quality craftsmanship shines here, offering hand-knitted socks and artisanal treasures. Salzburg's Christmas Market on Cathedral Square exudes timeless charm against the backdrop of the majestic Fortress. In Vienna, snowy streets come alive with four cobbled Christmas markets, warming the city with glühwein, chestnuts, and spiced cookies. Experience festive Austrian culture at its finest.
Czech Republic Christmas Markets - Captivating Celebrations in Prague and Bohemia
Experience the enchantment of Christmas in the Czech Republic, with a special focus on Prague, the postcard-pretty capital. Prague's Christmas market offers a glittering pool of seasonal cheer, with gifts including frosted hand-blown glass baubles. Little ones will adore the animal attractions at Old Town Square. Discover the largest Christmas market in the Czech Republic, brimming with traditional Czech crafts, wooden toys, and delicious treats like mulled wine and gingerbread biscuits. Prague's fairy-tale setting, easy accessibility, and festive charm make it a must-visit destination for the holiday season.
Estonia Christmas Markets - Tallinn's Enchanting Festivities
Explore the enchanting Christmas market in Estonia, nestled in the heart of Tallinn's medieval town, where snowy rooftops and cobblestones set a magical scene. Tallinn's Town Hall Square comes alive with over 60 wooden stalls offering handmade wreaths, local crafts, sweets, honey, and sheepskin rugs. Enjoy the festive ambiance with brass bands, bell ringers, and dance troupes. Santa arrives on an authentic reindeer sleigh to welcome children to the festivities, and Estonia's grandest Christmas tree has graced the town hall since 1441. Tallinn, already named the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe, invites visitors to experience the charm of its historical location and centuries-old traditions.
Poland - Festive Christmas Markets in Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdańsk, Warsaw and More
Explore the enchanting Christmas markets of Poland, where captivating celebrations unfold in cities such as Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdańsk, Warsaw, and beyond. Among these, the Krakow Christmas Market stands out as one of Poland's most beautiful. Here, you'll discover an array of timber huts serving delightful grilled and smoked delicacies, hearty soups, goulash, as well as handcrafted toys and decorations. Be sure to check out our exclusive Krakow Christmas Market Getaway deal, which offers a hotel stay with return flights. You can also opt to visit the Gdańsk Christmas Fair, which has been voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. It boasts a unique ambience with iconic figures like the Three Wise Men and angels gracing the Angel Mill. With more than 150 stalls offering unique gifts, decorations, and regional delights, including warm winter accessories and cherished family recipes, Poland's Christmas markets are a treasure trove of festive delights.
Spain - Charming Christmas Markets in Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Madrid and More
Experience the vibrant Christmas markets of Spain, with enchanting celebrations in cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Madrid, and beyond. In Madrid Christmas Markets you can discover a diverse range of vintage pieces from the 1960s to the 1980s, archaeological finds, paintings, and more. Meanwhile, the enchanting Barcelona Christmas Market offers traditional homemade crafts and delightful treats, making it the perfect destination for a winter wonderland. Don't forget to check out this exclusive deal to visit the fascinating Barcelona Christmas Markets. Whether you choose to wander through the bustling streets of Madrid, Vallencia or Barcelona, the Christmas markets in Spain promise a memorable and heartwarming festive experience.
Belgium - Vibrant Christmas Markets in Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and More
Discover the magic of Christmas markets in Belgium, with festive celebrations in cities like Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, and beyond. Winter Wonders takes the top spot as Belgium's favourite Christmas market, attracting 2.5 million visitors to the festive extravaganza in Brussels. As the capital of Europe, Brussels transforms into a Christmas capital, offering enchanting Sound and Light shows at the Grand-Place, a majestic tree, a life-sized manger, a skating rink, magical lights, and delightful Christmas markets. Bruges, the romantic city, hosts one of Europe's most beautiful Christmas markets, turning its historic centre into a giant festive wonderland, perfect for finding unique last-minute gifts and indulging in local treats.
Entrancing Christmas Markets in Switzerland, Sweden, Slovakia, Italy and Denmark
Experience the enchantment of Christmas markets in Switzerland's Basel and Geneva, where picturesque settings and festive cheer abound. Stockholm, Sweden's capital, transforms into a winter wonderland with its charming Christmas market. In Bratislava, Slovakia, the Christmas market exudes a delightful atmosphere. Italy offers a treasure trove of markets in Venice, Florence, Turin, Naples, Rome, Verona, and Milan, each with its unique festive spirit. Copenhagen, Denmark, beckons with its magical Christmas market, where you can immerse yourself in the holiday magic. Explore the best of European Christmas traditions in these wonderful cities.