Christmas markets in Europe: the most beautiful by country
December is the cosiest month to travel around Europe. Old squares fill with wooden stalls, lights and the smell of cinnamon, mulled wine and roasted almonds, and cities we know from summer suddenly look like a fairy tale. We have picked 10 countries with the most beautiful Christmas markets – from the classics in Austria and Germany to lesser-known but charming Estonia and Croatia. Click on a country's name to read our detailed guide.
When do Christmas markets open
Most European markets open in mid or late November – usually around the first Sunday of Advent – and run until 23–24 December. Some stay open until New Year or 6 January. Friday evenings and weekends are the busiest, weekday mornings the quietest. Book your hotel early: the most popular cities fill up months in advance.
Good news for Bulgarian travellers: every country on this list is in the EU and Schengen, so you can travel with just your ID card and no border checks.
How to choose
- For a classic Christmas atmosphere: Austria and Germany.
- For postcard romance: Alsace in France.
- For a short weekend by plane: Vienna, Prague or Budapest.
- For a trip by car or bus: Romania – Bucharest and Craiova are a few hours from Bulgaria.
- For something different: the underground cave markets in the Netherlands or Christmas by the sea in Croatia.
Austria
Home to some of the oldest Advent markets. In Vienna a huge tree and an ice rink glow in front of City Hall, while the markets at Schönbrunn Palace and in the lanes of Spittelberg are cosier. Salzburg is as romantic as The Sound of Music, Innsbruck sits among Alpine peaks and Graz surprises with an ice Nativity scene.
Germany
Germany is the very definition of a Christmas market. Dresden's Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest in the world – dating from 1434. Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is world-famous for its gingerbread, Cologne has markets in front of the cathedral and along the Rhine, and medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber looks like a Christmas card all year round.
France
Alsace is France's Christmas capital. Strasbourg has one of the oldest markets in the country and a giant tree on Place Kléber, while Colmar with the canals of Little Venice looks like a cartoon set. The tiny village of Riquewihr and Metz with its lantern trail complete the route.
Romania
The closest Christmas destination for Bulgarians – and one of the nicest surprises. Craiova dazzles with huge light installations and is less than two hours from Vidin. In Bucharest the market stands in front of the Palace of the Parliament, and in Transylvania the medieval squares of Sibiu and Brașov and lively Cluj-Napoca await.
The Netherlands
Here you will find one of Europe's most unusual Christmas experiences – the cave markets of Valkenburg, deep underground. Maastricht offers an ice rink and a Ferris wheel on Vrijthof square, Amsterdam's markets are modern and artsy, and Haarlem's are cosy and traditional.
Czechia
Old Town Square in Prague, with its giant tree in front of the Týn Church, is one of the most beautiful Christmas sights in Europe. For a calmer atmosphere head to Brno and Olomouc, while fairy-tale Český Krumlov beneath its snowy castle is a real gem.
Hungary
In Budapest the markets on Vörösmarty Square and in front of St Stephen's Basilica are among Europe's favourites, and the light show on the basilica's façade is a must. Smaller Eger, Szeged and Debrecen offer a more authentic and peaceful Christmas.
Estonia
The medieval Town Hall Square of Tallinn under snow looks like a fairy tale – one of the most atmospheric Christmas spots in the north. Smaller Tartu, Pärnu and Viljandi are for those seeking peace and local traditions.
Croatia
Advent in Zagreb is famous across Europe – with Zrinjevac Park, the ice rink and dozens of food stalls. And Dubrovnik, Split and Opatija offer something rare – Christmas by the sea, with milder weather.
Belgium
In Brussels the light show on the Grand-Place is breathtaking, and Bruges with its canals and medieval houses seems made for Christmas. Ghent and Antwerp add lively markets and ice rinks.
What to try
- Mulled wine – under many names: Glühwein in Germany and Austria, vin chaud in France, vin fiert in Romania, svařák in Czechia, forralt bor in Hungary, kuhano vino in Croatia.
- Sweets: Nuremberg gingerbread and Dresden stollen, Hungarian chimney cake (kürtőskalács), Belgian waffles and Dutch oliebollen.
- Savoury: German sausages, Tyrolean specialities, Hungarian lángos and Romanian sarmale.
Tip: at many markets drinks come in ceramic mugs with a deposit. Return the mug to get your deposit back – or keep it as a souvenir, since every market has its own design each year.
Practical tips
- Dress warmly: you will spend hours outdoors – comfortable waterproof shoes, a hat and gloves.
- Cash: most stalls now take cards, but small change always helps.
- Evenings are the most beautiful: see the sights by day and the markets once the lights come on.
- Combine cities: many are close together – Vienna and Bratislava, Strasbourg and Colmar, Bruges and Ghent.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for Christmas markets?
From late November to around 20 December. The last days before Christmas are the busiest, and many markets close early on 24 December.
Which Christmas market is closest to Bulgaria?
Craiova and Bucharest in Romania – a few hours away by car.
Do Bulgarian citizens need a passport?
No. All countries on the list are in the EU and Schengen, and Bulgarian citizens can travel with their ID card.
Need help planning?
Christmas trips should be planned early – hotels in the centre of popular cities fill up first. The Clio Travel team will help you choose the markets, flights and hotels and combine several cities into one festive trip.
