Best European Christmas Markets to Visit in 2025
Events & Festivals
26 November 2024
Grab your novelty knit – the Christmas markets are back. Europe has transformed into a winter wonderland once again with Alpine chalets spilling out onto cobblestone streets, dazzling trees dominating the skyline and festive tunes ringing out from local choirs.
Whether you fancy gift shopping for handmade trinkets or sipping glasses of glühwein under the snowy skies, the Christmas markets are the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.
Fancy going somewhere different this year? Here’s our round-up of the best European Christmas markets to visit in 2024, plus everything else you need to know too.
European Christmas markets 2024: All you need to know
European Christmas markets 2024 dates
Most European Christmas markets start from mid to late November. They usually finish either just before Christmas or in early January. As the dates vary, it’s best to check in advance before you travel.
Things to do at the European Christmas markets 2024
- Shopping: you can shop for everything from handmade crafts to clothing and jewellery. It’s the perfect time to tick off your to-buy-for list!
- Food and drink: from glühwein and hot chocolates to bratwurst and pretzels, they’ll be a variety of food and drink on offer. Tip: make sure you come hungry.
- Entertainment: there’s always plenty to keep you entertained, whether that’s fairground rides, musical performances or ice-skating rinks.
How to get to the European Christmas Markets
There are various ways you can get to the European Christmas markets:
- European Christmas markets by train: You can reach many European Christmas markets by train, which is often a quick and easy way to travel.
- European Christmas markets by coach: Many companies offer coach trips to European Christmas markets. Often a cost-effective way to travel, it’s great if you’re wanting a cheap break away.
- European Christmas markets by plane: If you’re short of time, a plane can be the quickest option. Plus, most popular European Christmas markets are within easy reach of an airport.
- European Christmas markets by ferry: If you’re travelling overseas, why not hop on a ferry? Thanks to our ferry sailings, some of the best European Christmas markets are within easy reach.
Our top 10 European Christmas markets
Looking for some inspiration? Discover our top 10 European Christmas markets for 2024…
Vienna Christmas markets
Vienna is magical at Christmas, with grand buildings providing the backdrop to snow-topped market stalls.
With a picture-perfect location next to the City Hall, Rathausplatz Christmas Market is one of the city’s most famous spots. A dedicated area for little ones makes it one of the best European Christmas markets for families, too. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is also a must-visit with its countless stalls and spectacular setting.
Whilst you’re there, why not hop on a ferry from Vienna to Bratislava and experience their Christmas markets too? See below!
Bratislava Christmas markets
Bratislava is beautiful at any time of the year but especially at Christmas where charming squares buzz with people and twinkling lights brighten up the streets.
Head to Main Square and Hviezdoslavovo Square and you’ll see what the fuss is all about. Festive huts take over the squares, serving up Slovakian street food and traditional crafts. There’s also an ice-skating rink and live music performances too.
London Christmas markets
If you don’t fancy venturing far, London is a great shout. Although the capital has its fair share of markets, we’d recommend heading to Southbank. The Christmas markets in London Southbank are some of the best, with the riverbank undergoing a magical festive makeover.
There are also plenty of trains available to London from the rest of the UK, making it a convenient choice. Or if you’re travelling overseas, there’s ferries available including the Guernsey to Portsmouth route. From here, it’s just a short train ride to London.
Nuremberg Christmas markets
Home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, Nuremberg puts on quite a show at Christmas.
Dating back to the 17th Century, the Bavarian city’s Christkindlesmarkt is rich in history - perfect for those looking for a more traditional Christmas market. Get lost in wooden booth-lined alleys, sampling everything from gingerbread to bratwurst.
Located in the Old Town’s medieval square, Hauptmarkt, the market is beautiful too, with Frauenkirche’s gothic architecture looming in the background.
And if you fancy visiting the Munich Christmas markets whilst you're in Germany, they’re only a short train or car ride away.
Bruges Christmas markets
Whether you fancy ice skating under the stars or sampling world-famous waffles, the Christmas markets in Bruges are guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.
Located just a short stroll from one another, Grote Markt and Simon Stevinplein are the city’s main markets, with numerous chalets adorned with decorations.
Bruges markets are also one of the best European Christmas markets to get to via ferry. You can jump aboard a ferry from Hull to Zeebrugge, which is less than a half an hour’s drive from Bruges. Alternatively, you can also catch a ferry from Dover to Dunkirk or from Dover to Calais. From there, it’s just a short drive to Bruges.
A short flight to Copenhagen and you’ll be immersed in a Christmas wonderland.
The Danish city has an abundance of markets but the ones at Tivoli Gardens tend to the spotlight. And with festive wooden huts offering Danish delights and an ice-skating rink creating a magical atmosphere, it’s no wonder.
Fancy extending your trip? Why not take a ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo and discover another winter wonderland?
Tallinn Christmas market
Tallinn is perfect for a festive weekend away. Blankets of snow turn the red-rooftop town white creating a real winter wonderland.
Its Christmas markets are equally as beautiful with fairy lights and garlands decorating wooden huts, selling everything from gingerbread cookies to mulled wine.
Whilst you’re there, why not take the short ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki and discover what neighbouring Finland has to offer too?
Thanks to its great transport connections, Lille is one of the best European Christmas markets to get to.
You can hop on a ferry from either Dover to Calais or from Dover to Dunkirk. Once you've arrived, Lille is just a short drive or train ride away. Alternatively, you can catch a direct train from London St Pancras International.
And when you’re there, a charming Christmas market awaits on Place Rihour. From a giant Ferris wheel to gingerbread-filled stalls and Santa’s chalet, it’s seriously magical.
Budapest Christmas markets
Our list wouldn’t be complete with the Budapest Christmas markets. Bringing all the festive feels to the city since 1998, Vörösmarty Square’s Christmas market won’t disappoint.
From handcrafted gifts to Hungarian delicacies, it’s all happening here. Got room for one more? Try the Basilica Christmas market too.
Cologne Christmas markets
It probably comes as no surprise that Germany is home to some of the best European Christmas markets.
Cologne pulls out all the stops at Christmas. With many festive markets scattered throughout the city, you’ll be spoiled for choice. However, Roncalliplatz is home to one of the best. Nestled next to the famous Cologne Cathedral, it’s got that fairytale setting spot on. Other must-visit markets include the magical Nicholas Village and the Winter Fairytale market with its beautiful ice rink.
Getting to Cologne is super easy, too. You can get a train from London to Cologne via Brussels. Or, if you’re travelling by ferry, sail from Newcastle to Amsterdam . ..... which is just over 3 hours’ drive away.
Ready to feel festive? Discover all our ferry routes here.