Looking for the best Christmas market in Europe for your holiday? There's nothing quite like the magic of a German Christmas market, with all its classic traditions and festive cheer. But Europe has so much more to offer! From the famous Strasbourg Christmas market in France to the stunning Budapest Christmas fair and the charming market in Cologne, Germany, we've put together a guide to help you find the best xmas markets for your trip.

(Note: While the official dates for the 2025 Christmas season aren't out yet, the times below are a guide. As a general rule, most European Christmas markets kick off in late November and run until late December or early January, so you can use these dates to start your planning.)

Prague’s Old Town and Wenceslas Square are transformed into a Christmas paradise. With its Gothic architecture and festive stalls, it truly feels like a winter wonderland.

Where is it: The biggest market is in Old Town Square.

When is it: From November to January. They're typically open from 10 am to 10 pm.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Traditional fish soup, roast ham, and trdelník (chimney cake), plus lots of beautiful crafts.

Top area to stay near it: Old Town is your best bet for walking everywhere.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG).

The market around St. Stephen’s Basilica is a must-see, with 160 vendors, a skating rink, and a beautiful light show projected onto the basilica itself.

Where is it: St. Stephen's Square.

When is it: From November 15 to December 31.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Traditional Hungarian lentil soup, mulled wine, and other delicious treats.

Top area to stay near it: The area around St. Stephen's Basilica is great for being in the middle of the action.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD).

This Polish port city has a Christmas market that was recently ranked as one of Europe’s best. With over 150 stalls, it’s a lively spot for food and gifts.

Where is it: Targ Węglowy.

When is it: From November to December 

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Polish pierogi, smoked cheese, and traditional Polish dishes.

Top area to stay near it: Stay in the Old Town for easy access to everything.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport (GDN).

Sibiu's Christmas Market is a dazzling sprawl of stalls, fairy lights, and even a Santa’s workshop. Last year's new Ferris wheel is back for another round of festive fun.

Where is it: Piața Mare (Main Square).

When is it: From November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Romanian specialities like mămăligă (polenta), cabbage rolls, and plenty of mulled wine.

Top area to stay near it: The area around Piața Mare is the best spot.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Sibiu International Airport (SBZ).

Tallinn’s market looks like a quaint fairytale village covered in snow. It's famous for its Christmas tree, which has been displayed since 1441, making it Europe's first.

Where is it: Town Hall Square.

When is it: From November to December.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Black pudding, sour cabbage, gingerbread, and mulled wine.

Top area to stay near it: The Old Town is where you'll want to be.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Tallinn Airport (TLL).

This market is widely considered Germany's oldest, having started in 1434. It's a very traditional place with a massive Christmas pyramid and festive train rides for kids. The main star here is the Dresden Stollen, a delicious fruitcake dusted with powdered sugar.

Where is it: Altmarkt Square.

When is it: From November 27 to December 24.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Handmade wooden toys, traditional stollen, and festive treats.

Top area to stay near it: The Altstadt (Old Town) area is perfect for being close to the market.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Dresden Airport (DRS).

This one is all about tradition, with its origins in the 16th century. It's known as "the little city of wood and cloth" because of its red and white wooden stalls. Don't miss the famous bratwurst sausages and gingerbread.

Where is it: Central square of Hauptmarkt.

When is it: From November 29 to December 24.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Gingerbread, bratwurst, and handmade Christmas decorations.

Top area to stay near it: Stay in the Old Town for the best experience.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Nuremberg Airport (NUE).

Located right at the foot of the iconic Cologne Cathedral, this market is a classic German experience. It's famous for its huge Christmas tree and over 100 stage performances.

Where is it: Cologne Cathedral.

When is it: From November 18 to December 23.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Glühwein (mulled wine), crafts, and traditional German food.

Top area to stay near it: The area around the Cathedral is ideal.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN).

One of Germany's largest and oldest Christmas markets, dating back to the 14th century. It's spread across the old city centre and even has a special LGBTQ+ "Pink Christmas" section.

Where is it: Römerberg, Paulsplatz, Mainkai, and other areas in the city centre.

When is it: From November 25 to December 22.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and local apple wine (Apfelwein).

Top area to stay near it: Stay in the city centre near the Römerberg area.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA).

Known as the "Capital of Christmas," Strasbourg has the oldest Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570. The whole town looks like a storybook during the holidays.

Where is it: Place de la Cathédrale, Place Kléber, and other squares in the city centre.

When is it: From November 27 to December 27

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Bredele cookies, foie gras, and hot white wine.

Top area to stay near it: The Grand Île area, which is the historical centre.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Strasbourg Airport (SXB).

With its timbered houses and canals, Colmar is a fairytale destination. Its multiple markets each have their own unique vibe, from gourmet food stalls to nativity scenes.

Where is it: Place des Dominicains, Place Jeanne d’Arc, and other spots in Old Town.

When is it: From November 26 to December 29.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Alsatian wines, oysters, and local pastries.

Top area to stay near it: The Old Town, especially near the Little Venice area.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Zurich Airport (ZRH) or Frankfurt Airport (FRA).

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is London's biggest and most famous Christmas market. It's more of a festive carnival, with lots of rides and attractions.

Where is it: Hyde Park, London.

When is it: From November 21, to January 5

How much is entry: Entry is free, but rides and attractions are paid.

What's it selling: German food from over 200 chalets, handmade crafts, and unique gifts.

Top area to stay near it: South Kensington or Mayfair for proximity to the park, or Central London for easy access to everything.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: London Heathrow (LHR) or London Gatwick (LGW).

The Scottish capital truly embraces the holiday spirit. The market is set in the heart of the old town, with a giant Ferris wheel offering amazing views of Edinburgh Castle.

Where is it: East Princes Street Gardens.

When is it: From November 15, 2024, to January 4..

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Handcrafted gifts, food from local artisans, and festive treats like mulled Irn Bru.

Top area to stay near it: Stay in Old Town or New Town for the best experience.

Accommodation recommendations:l

Nearest airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI).

Located in front of the magnificent Bath Abbey, this market is known for its high-quality, curated goods and a cosy atmosphere.

Where is it: Winchester Cathedral, Winchester.

When is it: From November 22 to December 22.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Handmade crafts, local cheeses, and festive snacks like hog roasts.

Top area to stay near it: The city centre is a great place to stay.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Southampton Airport (SOU) or London Heathrow (LHR).

"Winter Wonders" takes over multiple squares in Brussels, turning the city into a winter wonderland. With over 200 wooden chalets, a covered ice rink, and a Ferris wheel, it’s a family-friendly celebration.

Where is it: Grand-Place, Bourse, and other city squares.

When is it: From November 29, 2024, to January 5.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Belgian fries, waffles with pearl sugar, and local artisan goods.

Top area to stay near it: The historical centre for easy access to everything.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Brussels Airport (BRU).

The Bruges Christmas Market is a dream come true for those seeking a magical and romantic Christmas. Its location in the medieval city centre adds a special fairytale feel to the entire experience.

Where is it: The Markt and Simon Stevinplein.

When is it: From November 22, to January 5.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Local culinary treats, chocolates, and unique festive gifts.

Top area to stay near it: The historic city centre is the best place to be.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Brussels Airport (BRU).

Vienna's market, known as the "Viennese Dream," is a classic with a huge ice rink, reindeer rides, and stunning lights against the backdrop of the City Hall.

Where is it: City Hall (Rathausplatz).

When is it: From November 13 to December 23.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Sausages stuffed with cheese, vanilla crescent cookies, and mulled wine.

Top area to stay near it: The city centre is the most convenient area.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Vienna International Airport (VIE).

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City, this market is about more than just shopping. It has daily choral performances, sing-alongs, and delicious food.

Where is it: Residenzplatz and Salzburg Cathedral.

When is it: From November 21 to January 1.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: Baked apples, incense, roast pork sandwiches, and fried pastries.

Top area to stay near it: The Old City is the perfect location.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Salzburg Airport (SZG).

"Advent in Zagreb" is a huge celebration that takes over the entire city, transforming it into a glowing wonderland. It's won awards as one of Europe's top festive spots, with dazzling lights, live music, and irresistible food everywhere you look.

Where is it: This celebration is spread throughout the city, including King Tomislav Square, Ban Jelačić Square, and Ribnjak Park.

When is it: From November 30, 2024, to January 7, 2025.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: You'll find gourmet food, mulled wine, and other festive goodies from numerous stalls. There's also an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and art installations.

Top area to stay near it: Staying in the city centre is the most convenient option, as you'll be close to the main squares and activities.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Zagreb Airport (ZAG).

Known as the UK’s largest and most beautiful Christmas market, Manchester's markets are an ideal destination for a festive winter holiday. They’ve been going strong since 1999 and now attract millions of people every year. With around 300 beautifully crafted stalls spread out across the city, it’s a paradise for finding gifts and delicious food.

Where is it: The markets are spread across the city centre, with a main hub in places like Albert Square.

When is it: From November 8 to December 22.

How much is entry: Entry is free.

What's it selling: You can find everything from mouth-watering international food and drinks to finely crafted Yuletide gifts.

Top area to stay near it: The city centre is the best place to stay, as you'll be right in the middle of all the action.

Accommodation recommendations:

Nearest airport: Manchester Airport (MAN).

After looking at all these amazing options, it's clear that Europe has a Christmas market for everyone. Whether you’re chasing the traditional charm of an old German Christkindlmarkt or a modern festive wonderland in London, your perfect holiday is out there. The only hard part is choosing which one to visit first!

So, what are you waiting for? Your next festive adventure is just a few clicks away. For great deals on flights, hotels, and even local activities, start planning your 2025 holiday on Traveloka. It’s time to make your Christmas dreams come true.