Top 5 European Christmas Markets
Updated: Dec 26, 2023
As the holiday season fast approaches, immerse yourself in the magic of Europe's famous Christmas markets. From the festive lights that adorn historic squares to the aroma of spiced mulled wine, my blog will share with you what I found to be the best Christmas markets & tips to plan your trip.
In 2022, I journeyed through 6 different countries and explored 8 Christmas Markets over an 18 day period. To me, there were particular ones that stood out to be the most enjoyable and magical to visit, so in this blog, I will share them with you.
No.1 Berlin, Germany
Berlin has so many Christmas markets to choose from that you're sure to find one you will fall in love with. For me, the one that I fell in love with was the Berliner Weihnachtszeit at the Rotes Rathaus. It's so diverse, with not only the classic wooden huts with all kinds of crafts and delicious food, but also a Ferris wheel, ice rink and even Santa with his reindeer towed sleigh, flies above the market at 4:30pm, 6:30pm & 8:30pm daily, it's truly magical.
27 November 2023 to 7 January 2024
WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt is one of Berlin's most popular Christmas markets, it definitely has the most beautiful backdrop, with the State Opera house, law faculty of Humboldt University and Hotel de Rome surrounding it.
With Glass blowers, candle makers, artists and many more, you'll be sure to find some great gifts or souvenirs in 1 of the many craft tents. In addition to the shopping opportunities, there's also daily performances from musicians, dancers, acrobats and many more. When I was here, I saw an amazing violinist perform and acrobats wandering the market, where you have the opportunities to take photographs with them.
27 November to 31st December 2023
Admission: 2 euro, free entry for children under 12, and Monday - Friday from 12am - 2pm free entry for all.
There's so many others to choose from, however these were my favourite 2. Here are some other honourable mentions;
Spandau Christmas Market, Alexander Platz Christmas Market, Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace and many more...
No.2 Munich, Germany
Staying in Germany for number 2, there's a reason the German Christmas markets are so famous. The Munich Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz square is a traditional market with roots that date all the way back to the 14th century, its even considered one of Munich's original Christmas markets. So if you like history, maybe this is the one for you!
The backdrop to this market is gorgeous, with the neo-Gothic town hall on Marienplatz overlooking the market and a huge Christmas tree twinkling in front. It truly did take my breath away when I first wandered my way to this Christmas market back in 2022. As well as it being a huge Christmas market with many stalls, it also fills the main shopping streets here, so as well as browsing the Christmas market stalls, you also can visit the shops that border it and shop till you drop.
27 November to 24 December 2023
No.3 Vienna, Austria
Vienna! This was my personal favourite for Christmas markets, there's so many markets sprawled all over the city, I spent my days wandering around and stumbling across many, so I found that it's easy enough to walk between them all.
The photo above was captured whilst visiting the Wiener Christkindlmarkt located on Rathausplatz, which is the square in front of the town hall. Vienna has many Christmas markets, however this is probably the most famous, due to this, I also found it to be the busiest and so it can get very crowded. Even so, its definitely worth a visit, it has the picturesque arch to welcome you, and once inside it boasts many stalls, a Ferris wheel, carousel and ice rink.
10th November - 26th December 2023
If the sound of an over crowded market doesn't appeal to you, Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace might be one for you. It's a gorgeous one to visit with the Palace as the backdrop, its not the biggest market to visit, however its very pretty and a lot calmer to wander around than the much more packed market on Rathausplatz.
I recommend to visit in the evening to get the most out of the festive lights, and don't forget to pick up a spiced mulled wine, or if that's not your thing like me, a rich hot chocolate. At this market my hot drink came in a very cute boot shaped mug, which you can keep as a very nice souvenir. Usually the drinks cost between €3-4, and on top you pay a €5 deposit for the mug, which you get back upon returning it, or, you can also keep it as a €5 souvenir instead.
November 17th - 31st December 2023
Here are some other markets worth mentioning and checking out, especially if you're looking for some unique gifts;
No.4 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest's Christmas market has clinched the title of Best Christmas Market in Europe for the fourth time, after emerging victorious in 2023, 2021 and 2019. The most famous of all being the one held in Vörösmarty Square, with over 100 wooden cabins selling all kinds of crafts, gifts and delicious food, you'll be sure to find something for everyone.
If you're looking for something a little more cosy & atmospheric, then check out the market set in front of St. Stephen's Basilica, it boasts a huge Christmas tree with a small ice rink that wraps around it. Here you'll find markets selling many handmade crafts and traditional Hungarian dishes, such as the delicious Kürtőskalács (chimney cakes).
November 17th - 31st December 2023
No.5 Bruges, Belgium
I'm going to have to start by saying, Bruges had my least favourite Christmas markets, however, it was my favourite city on the trip. Although the Christmas markets are small in comparison to other cities such as Vienna and Munich, the city itself was so magical, Christmassy and enchanting, it really is a lovely, worthwhile place to visit around the festive season.
The main Christmas market is the one located at the Market square (Grote Markt). You'll find market stalls selling everything from wool socks and Christmas decorations to food and hot drinks, but the true charm of Bruges at Christmas comes from the entire city itself. As you wander around, you'll see the beautiful architecture decorated festively, hear the sound of horse drawn carts along the cobbled streets and smell the freshly made Belgian waffles (don't forget to try them too).
So if you're after more than just a Christmas market, then the fairytale feeling of Bruges might just be the place for you, and at just 3 hours 30 minutes from London, a perfect short getaway.
24 November through 7 January 2024
I hope this blog has helped you to decide, prepare and plan your festive getaway to one (or more) of Europe's most magical Christmas markets. Whichever you decide to visit, have a wonderful time.
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Your writing style is captivating, and I found myself really engrossed in the ideas you presented. Keep up the fantastic work—I can't wait to read more from you in the future!
Cheers,