Best European Christmas markets for festive cheer & unique treasures

Discover where to find festive cheer & unique treasures in European Christmas markets!

Looking for twinkling lights, steaming mugs of Glühwein, and handcrafted treasures? Europe’s Christmas markets deliver all that magic and more. From fairy-tale towns in Germany to elegant squares in France, these holiday markets are filled with festive spirit, local traditions, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Here’s your guide to the best Christmas markets in Europe — and what to shop for when you get there.

Eastern Europe Christmas markets

Craiova, Romania – Europe’s largest Christmas market

Craiova doesn’t just celebrate Christmas — it goes big. Spread across four themed zones, this market features:

• Woolen scarves and handwoven crafts

• Traditional Romanian specialties

• Futuristic LED light displays that transform the city into a glowing wonderland

Whether you’re sipping mulled wine or exploring the dazzling lights, Craiova earns its title as Europe’s largest Christmas market.

Prague, Czech Republic – Old Town Square magic

Prague’s Old Town Square transforms into a fairy tale each December. Highlights include:

• A massive Christmas tree glowing against Gothic spires

• Trdelník (spiraled pastries) served warm from the fire

• Hand-carved marionettes and delicate glass ornaments

The golden glow of this market makes Prague one of the most photogenic Christmas towns in Europe.

Austria Christmas Markets

Vienna – Rathausplatz grandeur

Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt is iconic, with more than 150 stalls beneath the spires of City Hall. Expect:

• Sheepskin slippers, beeswax candles, and holiday décor

• Outdoor ice-skating with twinkling lights all around

• Cups of steaming Glühwein to keep you cozy

This is one of the best Christmas markets in Austria for sheer size and spectacle.

Salzburg – Cathedral backdrop bliss

Salzburg’s market is steeped in history, set against the stunning Salzburg Cathedral. Shop for:

• Rustic wooden pyramids and nativity scenes

• Local schnapps and Mozart-inspired souvenirs

• Roasted chestnuts as carolers fill the square

It’s equal parts charm, history, and holiday cheer.

Germany Christmas Markets

Nuremberg – a historic shopper’s paradise

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. Visitors love:

• Exquisite wooden toys and ornaments

• Famous Nuremberg lebkuchen (gingerbread)

• A glowing market square filled with holiday aromas

This is the gold standard of Christmas markets for traditional crafts and treats.

Hamburg – family-friendly fun

Hamburg’s Rathausmarkt adds a maritime twist to Christmas. Highlights include:

• Artisanal sweets and hand-carved wooden toys

• Mulled wine served from a Christmas-themed ship

• A nostalgic carousel and visits with Santa for children

It’s the perfect mix of festive fun and family-friendly activities.

France Christmas Markets

Colmar – Alsace’s fairytale setting

Colmar hosts six markets, turning this Alsatian town into a glowing wonderland. Highlights include:

• Canal-side chalets in Petite Venise

• Artisan soaps and handcrafted jewelry

• Local Alsatian wines and seasonal treats

It’s one of the most charming Christmas markets in France.

Montbéliard – elegance & lights

Smaller but breathtaking, Montbéliard dazzles with:

• 140+ stalls of lacework, candles, and fine crafts

• Thousands of lights illuminating the town square

• A cozy, storybook atmosphere perfect for slow browsing

Belgium Christmas Markets

Brussels: chalet chic

Brussels transforms its Grand Place into a festive hub with:

• 200+ chalets selling Belgian chocolates, waffles, and crafts

• A giant Christmas tree as the centerpiece

• Light shows and music that bring the square to life

It’s a stylish blend of big-city flair and holiday magic.

England Christmas Markets

Bath: Georgian elegance

The Bath Christmas Market is set around the Gothic beauty of Bath Abbey. Expect:

• 150+ chalets with handmade British gifts and crafts

• Mulled cider to sip while carolers perform

• A historic, romantic atmosphere unique to Bath

It’s one of the top Christmas markets in the UK for charm and history.

Switzerland Christmas Markets

Zurich: Swiss precision and sparkle

Zurich offers multiple markets, each with its own flavor:

• Europe’s largest indoor market inside the main train station

• The Singing Christmas Tree at Werdmühleplatz

• Swiss chocolates and fondue to savor along the way

It’s a mix of tradition, innovation, and holiday indulgence.

What to buy at European Christmas markets

Wondering what’s worth packing in your suitcase? Here’s what to look for:

• Glühwein mugs – Each market designs its own collectible cup.

• Handcrafted ornaments – Glass baubles, nutcrackers, and wood carvings.

• Wooden crafts – Candle arches, nativity scenes, and toy pyramids.

• Local treats – Gingerbread, sausages, cheeses, and regional sweets.

Plan your European Christmas market trip

Whether you want fairy-tale towns, historic traditions, or foodie finds, Europe’s Christmas markets deliver unforgettable holiday memories. Pair them with a river cruise along the Danube or Rhine, or a land-based tour that strings several markets together.

✨ Ready to turn holiday dreaming into planning? I can help create the perfect Christmas market itinerary for you — whether you want cozy towns, bustling cities, or a mix of both.