Christmas Markets Around Europe: A Festive Extravaganza
As winter approaches, it’s almost time for cities around the world to transform into festive wonderlands offering sweet treats, hot mulled wine and unique gifts. Yup, it’s almost Christmas market season. If you want to visit a Christmas market this year, now is the perfect time to plan your trip. But with so many options to choose from, where do you pick to start the countdown to the festive season? Let’s explore some of the best out there…
German Christmas Markets
While the rest of this article will focus mostly on specific markets, it was too difficult to pick out just one German market to feature. Personally, I think if you want the true Christmas market experience, you have to visit a German one. They really are the OG when it comes to the festivities of market season. I’ve visited the Christmas markets in Dusseldorf and Berlin and they were both fantastic. I’d absolutely love to visit the market in Cologne, and I’ve read that the market in Dresden is amazing too. My top tip for choosing a German market if you’ve never done one – go with the city which is easiest to get to from where you’re based. Grab a gluhwein and a bratwurst, and throw yourself into the festive atmosphere. You probably won’t go far wrong!
Market dates for 2023: Dates vary depending on the city. Double-check your dates before booking!
Budapest
Budapest’s Christmas market is widely considered one of the best in Europe. Stalls are laid out among the city’s main squares and monuments which include St Stephen’s Basilica and Vörösmarty Square. The streets are decorated with thousands of lights. There’s a free ice-skating rink in front of the Basilica. Giant Christmas trees are dotted across the city, and stalls offer gifts, food and drink. Including mulled wine, chimney cake and traditional warm Hungarian honey cookies. You can also enjoy a cruise on the river Danube and take in the Christmas lights from the water. Perfect if you want to add a bit of romance to your festive getaway. Or ride the Christmas Light Tram through some of the most scenic routes in the city.
Market dates for 2023: November 18th 2023 until 31st December 2023
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is often referred to as the ‘Capital of Christmas’. It is one of the most illuminated cities in France! It is the capital of the Alsace region and hosts France’s oldest Christmas market dating back to 1570. They really go to town to decorate the streets. Think thousands of twinkling lights. Over 300 wooden chalets. Handmade crafts, and traditional Alsatian treats such as Bredle, their traditional Christmas biscuits. Christmas markets are spread throughout the city across the many squares. There is a beautiful market which is set in front of Strasbourg’s Cathedral.
Market dates for 2023: 24th November until 24th December 2023
Vienna
A visit to one of Vienna’s markets will leave visitors seriously awed by the elegance and old-world charm they display. The city’s markets are based around some of their main monuments. These include the Neo-Gothic City Hall, Belvedere Palace, the University of Vienna Campus and the Schönbrunn Palace. If you only get time to visit one market whilst in Vienna, make sure it’s the Viennese Dream Market. It’s the city’s main market and features a family area where children can learn to make traditional Christmas cookies or candles. You may also be lucky enough to hear one of the international choirs singing carols on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Market dates for 2023: Dates vary depending on the market. The main Viennese Dream market runs from 11th November 2023 – 26th December 2023
Prague
Prague is magical enough in winter before you throw in the Christmas markets. The frost and snow glinting off the buildings and the crisp, clear air. Outdoor dining with heaters and blankets, mulled wine and cosy Czech food. It’s the perfect city for a winter/festive break. We left the city just as they were starting to set up the Christmas tree and stalls in front of the Old Town Hall. I’m sure it would have been beautiful to see. The main market in the Old Town Square features traditional Czech crafts and street food. There is also a market on Charles Bridge which has stunning views of the river. Prague Castle also hosts a market.
My top tip if you’re visiting Prague during winter is to pack plenty of layers…. then pack a few more. I have honestly never felt cold like it, I wore 3 pairs of socks to go for a walk at night. I still loved the city and I would definitely go back!
Market dates for 2023: 2nd December 2023 until 6th January 2024. Some of the smaller markets do open slightly earlier.
Brussels
The Winters Wonders Christmas market in Brussels transforms the city into a winter wonderland. The market is spread across the city. Stalls are located on the Grand Place, Rue de la Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Marche aux Poissons. It features an enormous Christmas tree and a light and sound show. You’ll also find a huge ice rink, a curling track, a giant Ferris Wheel, merry-go-rounds and over 200 stalls offering gifts and food. If you fancy more of an international flavour, head to the markets at Place Sainte-Catherine and La Tour Noire. Here you will find food and crafts from all over Belgium, France, Germany and Hungary. I can think of nothing better than standing under a giant Christmas tree, eating a Belgian waffle covered in chocolate sauce. Or chips and mayo. Or possibly both!
Market dates for 2023: 24th November 2023 until 31st December 2023.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens plays host to their annual Christmas market. The historic gardens are filled with thousands of glittering Christmas lights. Cute wooden houses decorated with pine branches and snow-covered trees, also form the perfect winter wonderland. There are light shows, Christmas trees, more than 700,000 Christmas baubles, and over 60 stalls. These sell everything from Christmas decorations, knitted goods, crafts, hot drinks, sweet snacks and traditional Danish cuisine. Copenhagen (and Denmark) is known for its love of hygge and getting cosy for the winter season. I imagine Christmas in Copenhagen revolves around warm drinks, treats and snuggling up in cafes and bars. Tell me if I’m wrong!
Market dates for 2023: 19th November 2023 until 31st December 2023
UK Christmas Markets
Hot on the heels of many European markets, Christmas market offerings in the UK have seriously ramped up, particularly since Covid. There’s the added bonus of being more accessible, and easier to fit in a quick weekend break without the need for flights! Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is probably one of the most well-known events in the UK. It takes over a huge section of the park every winter, attracting thousands of visitors. Edinburgh and York are probably the next two most well-known, again attracting huge crowds every year. Birmingham hosts probably the most authentic German market in the UK. The markets in Manchester and Leeds are also super popular. If you’re looking for something a bit different, the Victorian market in Stratford-Upon-Avon, or the Dickensian Market in Ulverston are definitely worth checking out.
Market dates for 2023: Dates vary depending on the city. Check your dates before booking!
Christmas Markets Rounded Up…
Dates provided in this article can be subject to change, so double-check (or ask your friendly travel agent to) before confirming travel arrangements. There might always be unexpected changes in plans due to weather or other events. As long as you’re not planning to get there on opening weekend, you should be pretty safe. Christmas markets are a great way to get a taste of the festive season and traditions in a different country. Whether you want to pick up some unique and traditional items to give as gifts. Or you just want to get there for the social aspect and spend some time enjoying festive treats and drinks. A perfect getaway to get you in the mood for Santa’s arrival!
Get in touch…
If this article has inspired you to book your own Christmas getaway booked, fill in my contact form here. Or drop me a DM on Facebook or Instagram where I’m also sharing lots of city break inspiration this month! Happy Christmas shopping everybody!
