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Christmas Market in Europe: History, Guide and Best Destinations

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Christmas Market in Europe: History, Guide and Best Destinations

Best Christmas Market in Europe with visiting tips, practical information, history and destination suggestions for your trip planning.

Are you dreaming of visiting a Christmas market in Europe this year? Do you want to experience the magic of the festive season in some of the most charming and historic cities in the world? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people flock to Europe every year to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the Christmas markets, which are a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages.

If you are looking for a festive and magical experience, you might want to visit some of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe. These markets are filled with lights, decorations, music, food and crafts that will make you feel the spirit of the season.

What is a Christmas market?

A Christmas market is a street or square where vendors sell various goods and food related to the Christmas season, such as ornaments, candles, toys, crafts, gingerbread, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and more. The markets are usually decorated with lights, garlands, wreaths and nativity scenes, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. Some markets also have entertainment such as music, carols, ice skating and rides.

A Christmas market is not just a place to shop, but also a place to socialize, celebrate and enjoy the spirit of Christmas with your loved ones.

Christmas market for children in the city of Colmar

Brief History of Christmas Markets in Europe

The forerunner of the traditional Christmas market dates back to the December Market of Vienna. The earliest records of this are from 1298 when citizens were granted permission to hold a market during the advent period. This evolved quite quickly with the first, more traditional, Christkindlmarkt in Germany in 1384.

The name Christkindlmarkt means “Christ child market” and refers to the figure of the Christ child who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve in some regions of Germany. The Christkindlmarkt is usually opened by a young girl dressed as the Christ child who recites a prologue and blesses the market.

The popularity of the Christmas markets spread throughout Europe over the centuries, especially in countries that were part of the former Holy Roman Empire, such as France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Each country and region has its own variations and specialties, but they all share the same festive spirit and charm.

Tips and Practical Information to Visit a Christmas Market

If you’re planning to visit a Christmas market in Europe this year, here are some tips and practical information to make your trip more enjoyable:

  • Plan ahead: The Christmas markets are very popular and can get very crowded, especially on weekends and evenings. To avoid the crowds and find better deals on accommodation and transportation, it’s advisable to plan your trip well in advance and book everything online. You can also check the official websites of the markets you want to visit for opening hours, dates, events and maps.
  • Dress warmly: The weather in Europe can be very cold and unpredictable in winter, so make sure you dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors walking around the markets, so you’ll need layers, gloves, hats, scarves and coats. You can also warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine at the market stalls.
  • Bring cash: Most of the market stalls only accept cash, so make sure you have enough euros with you. You can also use your credit or debit card at some ATMs or shops nearby, but be aware of fees and exchange rates. It’s also a good idea to have some small change for tips and donations.
  • Be respectful: The Christmas markets are not only a tourist attraction, but also a cultural tradition for many locals. Be respectful of their customs and beliefs, and don’t touch or damage any of the goods or decorations. You can also learn some basic phrases in the local language to greet and thank the vendors and other visitors.
  • Have fun: The most important tip is to have fun and enjoy yourself at the Christmas markets. They are a wonderful way to experience the culture, history and cuisine of Europe during the festive season. You’ll find something for everyone at the markets, whether you’re looking for gifts, souvenirs, food or entertainment. You’ll also create unforgettable memories with your family and friends that will last a lifetime.

Best Christmas Market in Europe

Christmas is a magical time of the year, and what better way to celebrate it than by visiting some of the most beautiful and festive Christmas markets in Europe? Here are ones of the most visited ones, along with some useful tips on how to make the most of your trip.

Strasbourg, France.

This is the oldest and largest Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570. It is also known as the Capital of Christmas, and it attracts millions of visitors every year. You can find more than 300 stalls spread across 12 locations in the city, offering everything from traditional Alsatian delicacies to handmade ornaments. Don’t miss the giant Christmas tree in Place Kléber, the ice skating rink in Place du Château, and the light show at the cathedral. To get there, you can take a train from Paris or other major cities in France or Germany. The market is open from late November to late December.

Vienna, Austria.

Vienna is a city of culture and elegance, and its Christmas markets reflect that. There are more than 20 markets to choose from, each with its own theme and style. You can find classic wooden huts selling glühwein (mulled wine), lebkuchen (gingerbread) and wurst (sausages), as well as modern stalls offering design products, art and crafts. Some of the most famous markets are the Rathausplatz, where you can admire the illuminated city hall and a huge advent calendar, the Schönbrunn Palace, where you can enjoy concerts and workshops, and the Belvedere Palace, where you can shop with a stunning view of the baroque building. You can reach Vienna by plane, train or bus from many European destinations. The markets are open from mid-November to late December or early January.

Prague, Czech Republic.

Prague is a fairy tale city all year round, but especially during Christmas time. The main markets are located in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where you can find a huge Christmas tree, a nativity scene, a petting zoo and a stage for performances. You can also explore other smaller markets around the city, such as the one at Prague Castle or the one at Náměstí Míru. You can sample traditional Czech food and drinks, such as trdelník (a pastry with sugar and nuts), svařák (hot wine) and medovina (honey wine). You can also buy handmade gifts, such as glassware, ceramics, candles and wooden toys. You can fly to Prague or take a train or bus from nearby countries. The markets are open from early December to early January.

Cologne, Germany.

Cologne is one of the most festive cities in Germany, with seven main Christmas markets and dozens of smaller ones. The most impressive one is the one at the Cathedral Square, where you can see a huge Christmas tree and a stage for live music. You can also visit the one at the Old Town, where you can find a gnome-themed market with a carousel and a puppet theater, or the one at the Neumarkt, where you can find an angel-themed market with white lights and feathers. You can taste typical German specialties, such as bratwurst (grilled sausage), reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and stollen (fruit cake). You can also shop for unique gifts, such as cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers and gingerbread houses. You can get to Cologne by plane, train or car from many European cities. The markets are open from late November to late December.

Brussels, Belgium.

Brussels is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city, and its Christmas market reflects that. It is called Winter Wonders, and it covers more than 2 km of streets and squares in the city center. You can find more than 200 chalets selling food and drinks from different countries, such as Belgium, France, Italy, Morocco and Hungary. You can also find crafts, jewelry, clothing and accessories from local and international artists. There are many attractions to enjoy, such as a Ferris wheel, an ice skating rink, a sound and light show and a parade. You can easily reach Brussels by plane, train or bus from many European destinations. The market is open from late November to early January.

Tallinn, Estonia.

Tallin, the capital of Estonia, is a charming city with a medieval old town and a rich cultural heritage. The Christmas market is held in the Town Hall Square, where you can admire the giant Christmas tree, the oldest public tree in Europe. You’ll find handmade crafts, local delicacies, mulled wine and live performances. The market is open from November 19 to January 8, from 10 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 9 pm on weekends. To get there, you can take a bus, tram or taxi from the airport or the ferry terminal. The nearest hotels are the Savoy Boutique Hotel and the Hotel Palace.

Basel, Switzerland.

Basel, located in the north-west of Switzerland, is known for its museums, art galleries and architecture. The Christmas market is spread over two locations: Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. You’ll find over 180 stalls selling everything from wooden toys to cheese fondue. You’ll also enjoy the fairy-tale forest, the ice-skating rink and the musical advent calendar. The market is open from November 24 to December 23, from 11 am to 8:30 pm daily. To get there, you can take a train, bus or tram from the airport or the main station. The nearest hotels are the Hotel Basel and the Hotel Spalentor.

Budapest, Hungary.

The Hungarian capital offers two main Christmas markets at Vörösmarty Square and St Stephen’s Basilica. You can find high-quality products made by local artisans, such as ceramics, leather goods, candles and embroidery. You can also taste some of the delicious Hungarian cuisine, such as kürtőskalács (chimney cake), lángos (fried dough) and goulash (meat stew). You can also enjoy concerts, folk dances and light projections on the basilica. Budapest is well connected by train, bus and plane to other cities.

Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Danish capital is a cozy and cheerful place to spend Christmas. You can visit several markets in different locations, such as Tivoli Gardens, where you can see thousands of lights and decorations, Nyhavn, where you can see the colorful houses and boats along the canal, and Christiania, where you can find alternative and creative products. You can also try some of the Danish specialties, such as gløgg (mulled wine), æbleskiver (pancake balls) and flæskesteg (roast pork). Copenhagen is easily accessible by train, car or plane from many places.

Christmas Market that We Visited

Some Christmas Market that We Visited

We have publications detailing Christmas markets in other countries and cities. Be sure to check:

Tour offers and Tourist Attraction in Christmas Market in Europe

There are some guided tours and tourist attractions deals with a Christmas theme in Europe.

General international travel tips

For general travel tips, be sure to check out:

Where to travel next?

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