The best Christmas markets in Europe we’ve visited

Written in collaboration with: Hayley Phillips

Nothing compares to the magic and charm of European Christmas markets. Cities, towns, and villages across Europe transform with festive, outdoor street markets during the Christmas season. You can find stalls of local food, handmade trinkets, live entertainment, and holiday decorations across wooden stalls. 

The Christmas markets in Europe also represent an important cultural and historic celebration. The markets are a cherished part of European culture, blending centuries-old traditions with a magical holiday atmosphere.

You can find Christmas markets across Europe, but the most famous ones can be found in Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Each region puts its own spin on the traditional experience. But the general theme of food, shopping, and festive decor is similar throughout Europe. 

We’ve visited some of the best Christmas markets in Europe over the last seven years – and it’s one of our favorite ways to get into the holiday spirit! I’ve experienced Christmas markets across Europe since 2018, while Hayley embarked on a magical honeymoon river cruise to see Christmas markets in 2022.

The European Christmas markets have become very popular over the last decade, so it’s best to plan at least six months in advance to secure your accommodations, flights, and tour reservations. 

Here’s a curated list of some of the best Christmas markets to visit in 2025, complete with the number of markets, their locations, and general dates.

Vienna, Austria 

If you’re making a trip to Europe for Christmas markets, you should add Vienna to the top of your list. Even after visiting dozens of European Christmas markets, Vienna still holds my top spot!

The capital of Austria is filled with pure magic throughout the city at Christmas time. Vienna hosts multiple Christmas markets, ranging from massive markets with more than 100 stalls to smaller, more intimate markets. 

The Viennese Dream Christmas Market (or Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz) in front of City Hall is the most famous market, and it shouldn’t be missed. The renowned market features ice skating trails, choirs, and nearly 150 stalls. I loved ice skating around the trail here, such a memorable experience!

Schönbrunn Palace hosts a quieter, more refined market in front of the palace with many stalls selling handmade treasures and trinkets. Don’t miss the narrow, cozy streets of Spittelberg, with its bohemian vibe and local artisan crafts.

Don’t miss: Marzipan Mozart balls, traditional Christmas punch (Punsch), and free concerts at Stephansplatz.

Heidelberg, Germany

While not the biggest market in Germany, Heidelberg is one of the best destinations for Christmas markets. With multiple markets located throughout the Old Town streets and nestled under a hilltop castle, Heidelberg feels like a Christmas fairytale.

You can reach Heidelberg by train from Stuttgart and Frankfurt. I took a quick day trip to Heidelberg from Stuttgart, and loved meandering the quaint streets and exploring the small markets.

The Kornmarkt location includes a classic ice skating rink, while Universitätsplatz offers more traditional crafts. Heidelberg offers a cozy, less commercialized alternative to Germany’s bigger cities. 

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague was one of my first European Christmas market experiences, and it holds a special place in my heart. The city hosts two major Christmas markets, but you can find smaller stalls scattered throughout the city too. 

The city feels magically festive, especially the Christmas market in the Old Town Square under a massive Christmas tree with the gothic Týn Church in the background. It’s famous for daily choir performances, traditional medovina (honey wine), and Trdelník (chimney cakes – my favorite!).  

Strasbourg, France

They don’t call Strasbourg the “Capital of Christmas” for nothing! The markets here are spectacular, and the city is decked out with festive decor. Since 1570, the city has been operating more than 10 different Christmas markets, transforming the city into a Christmas area. 

The entire Grande Île UNESCO World Heritage district transforms into a festive village. A massive tree lights up Place Kléber, while stalls throughout the city offer Alsatian delicacies like bredele cookies and flammekueche. Strasbourg is ideal for foodies and Christmas fanatics, but be prepared for crowds in the city. 

Budapest, Hungary

Another favorite in Eastern Europe for Christmas markets is Budapest, Hungary! You won’t find as many markets in Budapest, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked. The city is stunning with lights, decorations, and festive charm everywhere you look, all set among the stunning architecture of the city and the glistening Danube River. 

The market at St. Stephen’s Basilica is known for its nightly 3D light projections on the church facade and a charming ice rink. At Vörösmarty Square, you’ll find Hungarian chimney cakes, paprika gift sets, mulled wine, and folk music. 

Cologne, Germany

For those looking for one city with many Christmas markets to explore, I highly recommend Cologne, Germany! On my winter river cruise sailing onboard Viking Cruises, my husband and I had the joy of exploring many Christmas markets across Germany, France, and the Netherlands, and some of our absolute favorites were in Cologne.

We felt that Cologne’s theming of each of their Christmas markets was so fun, and a great way to experience something different at each market. Our favorite market in Cologne was the Heinzels Winter Fairytale market.

This Christmas market had a medieval and fantasy feel to it that was so much fun to explore! We also found that quite a few of the stalls at this market were selling handmade items, which was one of our favorite details. Here we purchased one of our favorite souvenirs from the trip, a hand-carved wooden nativity scene. It was so neat to watch the artist carve the piece of wood live in front of us!

Cologne is home to the very impressive Cologne Cathedral, and if you are visiting, I highly recommend visiting the inside of the cathedral and taking a look around. This historic building has much to see.

At the base of the cathedral is another great Christmas market. This one has a lot of different food items that we enjoyed sampling!

Because we had limited time in Cologne on our river cruise, we did not get to see all of the markets, but ever since visiting, it has been on my husband and I’s travel bucket list to return one day and explore all of the Cologne Christmas markets!

Notably, there is a Harbour Christmas Market near the water on the Rhine River that is maritime themed, which I think sounds fun, as well as a market called the Engel (or Angel) Christmas Market that is said to be very beautiful. We would love to plan a return Christmas trip to Cologne!

Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland, will always hold a special place in my heart! This was our first stop in Northern Europe during my honeymoon with my husband, and it was the first European Christmas market I had the joy of exploring!

I had always dreamed of traveling to Germany and Switzerland, as much of my family ancestry is German and Swiss. We arrived in the middle of the Christmas market season, around December 10th. We were even greeted by a magical layer of snow when we arrived in Basel, making our visit feel extra special!

Basel has two primary Christmas markets. One is quite large and has plenty of food stalls, called the Barfusserplatz. The second, slightly smaller Christmas market is at the base of the Basel Cathedral, called the Munsterplatz Christmas Market.

However, there are a couple of additional smaller markets as well, such as the Advantsgass market that has primarily food items and is often frequented by locals. We visited this market several times during our visit to Basel and found it to be the most relaxed and least crowded of the main markets that we visited.

Of the three Christmas markets that we saw in Basel, the Munsterplatz Christmas Market was my favorite. I felt it had such a charming atmosphere that was perfect for the holiday season. We even saw a group of carolers singing Christmas tunes in German one evening, and it added to the magic!

Basel is frequently awarded one of the best cities in Europe for Christmas markets, and I can see why. From the charming old town to the vibrant modernity of the city, there is so much to explore in addition to the markets themselves. From locally made food items to handcrafted Christmas ornaments, Basel Christmas markets have it all! I would definitely return to Basel, Switzerland, given the chance!

Düsseldorf, Germany

Dusseldorf had a larger city feel to it in its downtown area, and had many people exploring the beautiful markets! At these markets, we noticed lots of families and locals exploring as well.

Perhaps one of my favorite souvenirs I purchased on my Christmas market trip was a handblown ornament from an artist in Dusseldorf. My husband and I were in awe as the man blew the glass and was able to twist the colors into intricate shapes. We love the ornament so much, and they were sold at such a great price for a handmade item, we wish we’d bought more!

I visited Dusseldorf at night, and it had a very festive atmosphere. There is also a large ferris wheel during Christmas time for visitors to the markets to enjoy. While this market seemed to be one of the busiest we visited, I do think it had some of the best stalls selling some of the most authentic items.

I would love the opportunity to return to Dusseldorf, spend more time here, and visit all four of its markets.

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is like stepping into a snow globe during the holidays! The entire city transforms into a serene yet festive wonderland, perfect for travelers seeking an authentic and less commercial experience. 

Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt is known for being one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 15th century. Surrounded by baroque buildings and Mozart’s legacy, the market offers choir performances and mulled wine from mugs shaped like musical instruments. Check out the panoramic views from Hohensalzburg Fortress after browsing the stalls.

Freiburg, Germany

Freiburg is a beautiful town nestled at the base of the Black Forest in Germany. I visited this charming town during an afternoon stop along a Viking River Cruise, and I definitely could have spent multiple days here exploring.

I felt that Freiburg had a more traditionally German feel to it. It was so fun to admire all the beautiful architecture of the old town and the Rathausplatz area near the town’s cathedral.

During our short afternoon visit, we primarily visited the one main market at the center of town. Here we found many handmade items and food offerings, including hand-carved wooden trees from wood from the Black Forest, as well as cherry sherry and other small hand-distilled liquors.

While small, we thoroughly enjoyed everything we saw in Freiburg, and I would definitely love to go back!

Esslingen, Germany

Perhaps one of the most unique Christmas markets in Germany, Esslingen is like walking onto a medieval movie set. This market goes beyond holiday decor and fully immerses you in history – it was unlike anything I had experienced before!

Costumed vendors, candle-lit booths, and roaming minstrels bring the Middle Ages to life. Watch glassblowers, rope makers, and blacksmiths at work, or catch a fire-breather performing under the stars. Right next door, the traditional market offers modern gifts and German holiday classics. There are plenty of food options throughout the market, and the town of Esslingen is quaint with shops and restaurants lining the side streets.

Located just 15 minutes from Stuttgart, Germany, by train, you can easily combine a visit to Esslingen with nearby Stuttgart’s Christmas market.

Best European Christmas markets: Itinerary ideas

If you’re heading to the European Christmas markets this winter, you should definitely plan to visit multiple cities, if your schedule allows. Certain regions, such as Germany and France, have numerous cities with multiple markets that are easy to visit within the same trip. 

Train travel makes it very easy to connect between cities. Here are a few of the most popular routes and itineraries so you can be sure to visit the best Christmas markets during your trip. 

Eastern Europe: Budapest, Vienna, and Salzburg

These cities are connected by high-speed trains and offer a balance of imperial architecture, festive charm, and regional cuisine.

Suggested itinerary:

Arrive in Budapest and explore the city and markets (2-3 days) before taking the train to Vienna, Austria. Plan to spend a few days (3-4 days) visiting the multiple markets across the city. You can take a day trip to Salzburg for an intimate Alpine experience or to nearby Bratislava, Slovakia, for another market visit. 

Germany-Intensive: Nuremberg – Heidelberg – Esslingen – Stuttgart

This is a great route through Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, offering a mix of classic markets and unique settings. Germany is renowned for Christmas markets, and these are some of the best in the region! 

Transport:

Suggested itinerary:

Start your journey in Nuremberg, travel west to explore Heidelberg’s fairytale castles, and wrap up in Esslingen at a one-of-a-kind medieval Christmas market. From there, hop on a 15-minute train to Stuttgart before heading to the Capital of Christmas: Strasbourg, France.

Rhine Christmas: Strasbourg – Colmar – Freiburg – Basel

These cities are very close together, in a tri-border region (France, Germany, Switzerland), making for easy day trips. Strasbourg is only 1.5 hours by train from Basel, making these two iconic cities easy to visit during the same trip. Smaller towns like Colmar and Freiburg can be added for additional Christmas cheer. 

Transport:

Suggested itinerary:

Stay in Strasbourg, the “Capital of Christmas,” and then take a short train ride to Colmar, a real-life snow globe of pastel half-timbered houses and glowing canals. Hop over to Freiburg for a cozier, local experience, and finish in Basel for Swiss elegance and artisan gifts.

Christmas market river cruise

A river cruise is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience Europe’s Christmas markets. These seasonal itineraries often follow the Rhine or Danube Rivers, stopping in festive cities and towns along the way. From grand capitals to storybook villages, each stop brings a new market to explore, often just steps from the ship.

Onboard, the atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, with holiday touches like mulled wine, twinkling lights, and regional cuisine. It’s a stress-free way to see multiple destinations without the need to constantly repack or navigate trains.

Whether you’re wandering through stalls filled with handmade ornaments or sampling local treats like gingerbread and roasted nuts, a Christmas market river cruise offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, holiday spirit, and cultural immersion. It’s a magical way to celebrate the season and a bucket-list trip worth taking.

What is the best Christmas market river cruise?

There’s no single best Christmas market river cruise. In the end, it really depends on your interests and budget. However, some of the most popular and widely praised itineraries include the following:

Rhine River Cruises: These often sail between Basel (Switzerland) and Amsterdam (Netherlands), with stops in festive German cities like Cologne, Heidelberg, and Strasbourg (France). This route is great for those who want a classic, fairy-tale experience with big, well-organized markets and charming old towns.

Danube River Cruises: Sailing between cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Passau, Danube cruises offer a mix of imperial grandeur and cozy holiday charm. Vienna’s Christmas markets are especially iconic, and Budapest is known for its beautifully lit squares and rich food scene.

Shorter Sampler Cruises: Some cruise lines offer shorter, 4–5 day itineraries that focus on just a few Christmas markets. These are perfect for first-time river cruisers, budget travelers, or those short on time.

Cruise line overview:

• Viking River Cruises is known for cultural enrichment and classic itineraries with well-paced excursions. These tend to be the priciest options.
• AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways offer more premium experiences with gourmet dining and smaller group tours.
• Uniworld is ideal if you want a boutique, luxury feel with beautifully decorated ships.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best Christmas markets in Europe?

There are hundreds of Christmas markets in Europe! Some of the best Christmas markets in Europe can be found in cities like Strasbourg (France), Vienna (Austria), Basel (Switzerland), Cologne (Germany), and Prague (Czech Republic).

These destinations are known for their festive atmosphere, traditional stalls, handmade crafts, and beautiful historic backdrops. Markets like Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik and Vienna’s Rathausplatz Market are consistently ranked among the top in Europe.

When do the Christmas markets start in Europe?

Most Christmas markets in Europe start in late November, typically around the last week of November, and run through Christmas Eve or even into early January in some cities.

Opening dates vary slightly by location and year, so it’s best to check specific city schedules if you’re planning a visit.

Are any Christmas markets in Europe open on Christmas Day?

Most traditional Christmas markets in Europe are closed on Christmas Day. Some Christmas markets are even closed starting on December 24th and through December 26th.