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There’s nothing quite like Christmas markets to offer a much-needed dose of holiday season splendor. Is there anywhere else where it’s acceptable to saunter about with a hearty mug of mulled wine in one hand, an even larger potato pancake in the other, while exceeding your budget on handcrafted ornaments and posing for photos in front of an artisanal Santa sleigh? The answer, we can confidently say, is no.
If you’re especially lucky, you might even find yourself exploring a charming European Christmas market this winter—a bucket list item for travelers with a proclivity for unfettered cheer. A natural place to start when curating an itinerary is Germany, and for good reason: it is, after all, the birthplace of the Christmas market, with Dresden’s Striezelmarkt first springing up all the way back in 1434.
But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s the only country that excels at this holiday happening. There are plenty of other destinations scattered across the continent—some familiar, and some firmly off-the-radar—that deliver the festive goods. Here, find 18 immersive European Christmas markets to make 2023 your merriest holiday season yet.
Location: On Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz in the historic old town.
When: Ends December 23
What to Expect: In Basel, around 155 rustic wooden chalets are set against the backdrop of the city’s old town, set aglow with glittering lights. A magnificent Christmas tree is erected in the historic center with ornaments by local decorating legend Johann Wanner, while stalls are bedecked in string lights and tinsel at every turn. After picking up a few artisanal gifts and goodies, head for the 13-meter-high Christmas pyramid on Barfüsserplatz for mulled wine, followed by a stroll along the Rhine River.
Where to Stay:Â Les Trois Rois (10-minute walk)
Location: Belvedere Palace
When: Ends December 26
What to Expect: The Wiener Chriskindlemarkt und Weihnachtstraum Christmas market is perhaps the largest and well-known in Vienna, but with this precedent comes crowds. Instead, founder of bespoke travel company Black Tomato Tom Marchant points to the Christmas village at the Belvedere Palace as an in-the-know, less-trafficked alternative preferred by locals; here, you can wander around the palace’s lavish 18th-century Baroque architecture while indulging in mulled wine and delectable pastries. “Lots of locally-crafted jewelry can be found in this area,†says Marchant. “Scented woods, ceramics, wooden hats, decorations, drinking horns—it’s quite a stunning place.â€
Where to Stay:Â Rosewood Vienna (20 minutes by tram)
Location: The Grande ÃŽle (Old Town)
When: Ends December 24
What to Expect: Known by holiday devotees as the “capital of Christmas,†Strasbourg is home to the oldest holiday market in France, dating all the way back to 1570. Visitors to this picturesque city in the Alsace region can pop in and out of 13 quaint markets, all within walking distance of each other in the old town. The original, however, is known as Christkindelsmärik and can be found at Place Broglie—there you, can sip on a mug of vin chaud while zipping around tinsel-adorned chalets in front of the Gothic cathedral.
Where to Stay:Â Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg-Mgallery (15-minute walk)
Location: Old Town
When: Ends December 22
What to Expect: Christmas markets and Germany are inextricably linked—it’s been estimated that there are over 2,500 in the country alone—but the best place to begin your exploration of the region’s holiday traditions is in the fairytale fortress town of Heidelberg. The historic city’s landscape includes the Neckar River and Odenwald Forest, while it also boasts architectural landmarks such as the Old Bridge and a prestigious 14th-century university attended by everyone from Hegel to Hannah Arendt. Heidelberg’s Christmas market is scattered throughout the illuminated storybook alleys of the old town, where the smell of roasted nuts wafts in the air as you dip into huts for souvenirs. Kids in tow? Go ice skating on Karlsplatz, or take a spin on the antique carousel.
Where to Stay: Heidelberg Suites House of Hütter (10-minute walk)
Location: Raekoja Square
When: Ends January 8
What to Expect: For the last six centuries, a Christmas tree has stood regally in the center of Tallinn’s historic Town Hall Square every single year. (This year’s even reaches 15 meters high.) The medieval Estonian capital, overlooking the Baltic Sea, also hosts an annual market replete with festive atmosphere. Pay a visit to Santa Claus in his cottage on the square, drift over to the stalls to hunt for handcrafted decorations and cozy sheep wool knits, or fill up on sauerkraut and blood sausages washed down by specialty mulled wine. (There are also Estonian gingerbread cookies and cinnamon-cardamom pastries for those with a sweet tooth.) To finish, watch a spirited weekend performance by regional folk dancers and musicians.
Where to Stay: Telegraaf Hotel (5-minute walk)
Location: East Princes Street Garden
When: Ends January 3
What to Expect: With the unmistakable silhouettes of Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument in the distance, Edinburgh’s holiday market—located in the center of the Scottish city—imbues its ancient walkways with a lively charm. Take in bird’s eye views from atop the glittering ferris wheel or glide across the ice skating rink surrounded by 18th-century architecture. Afterward, trot around the cheery network of vendors serving Scottish delicacies and winter drinks, or pick up last-minute artisanal gifts and decorations at the market’s many boutique stalls.
Where to Stay:Â The Roseate Edinburgh (10-minute drive)
Location: Tivoli Gardens and Højbro Plads
When: Ends December 31 and December 21, respectively
What to Expect: Entering Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens during the holiday season feels like wandering into an undiscovered Nordic village. This 175-year-old theme park is transformed annually into a Christmas market with 60 stalls swathed in magical decor, including log cabins draped in pine cones and layers of snow—and that’s without mentioning the garden itself, which glows with over 70,000 Christmas baubles and 1,000-plus trees draped in lights. A 10-minute walk away, Højbro Plads also lures in visitors with 18,000 sparkling lights, plus live reindeer pulling a Santa’s sleigh.
Where to Stay:Â Villa Copenhagen (5 and 15-minute walk)
Location: Bath
When: Ends December 11
What to Expect: If you’re looking for a more pastoral feel, head to the Cotswolds, England’s most romantic region of storybook countryside. “With quaint villages adorned in lights, caroling, and frequent dustings of snow, the Cotswolds evokes Christmas from the days of old,†Marchant says. The ancient city of Bath sits on the region’s edge and is hosting the 20th anniversary of its annual holiday market this year. With over 150 stalls offering unique goods like pottery, hand-knit socks, artisan cheeses, and beyond, you’ll cross off your shopping list—and then some.
Where to Stay:Â Thyme (1-hour drive)
Location: Govone Castle and Asti’s historic center
When: Ends December 18
What to Expect: Bordering France and Switzerland, Italy’s northern Piedmont region is a hotspot for wintry festivities—but the atmospheric Christmas markets of neighboring towns Govone and Asti are the real standout. In Govone, tucked away inside the 18th-century royal castle, is both the House of Santa Claus and an exhibition that timelines the city’s Christmas celebrations over the centuries. If you want to shop, however, nearby Asti is where you’ll find over 130 workstations of artisans and food and wine producers scattered across Italy; afterwards, visit the living nativity scene put on by nearly 100 local volunteers.
Where to Stay:Â Relais San Maurizio (30-minute drive)
Location: Senate Square
When: Ends December 22
What to Expect: If you ask Finns where Santa Claus comes from, they’ll proudly declare their country as the answer. (Lapland, to be precise.) This alone makes celebrating the holiday in the capital of Helsinki an exhilarating and celebratory affair. “This is one of the best holiday markets in Europe,†Marchant says. “The cathedral overlooks the Helsinki Christmas market, which has over 100 stalls and stands with hand-crafted gifts, ornaments, locally-grown produce, and fish and meats sourced hyper-locally.†What are you waiting for?
Where to Stay:Â Hotel Haven (5-minute walk)
Location: Passau, Salzburg, Linz, Krems, and Vienna
When: Dates vary
What to Expect: Embark on a multi-day river cruise to cinematic Christmas markets dotted along the historic Danube River. Begin in quaint Passau, the ‘City of Three Rivers’ where the holiday fair is hosted in the middle of the old town with a 17th-century cathedral as its backdrop. Next is Salzburg, one of the world’s oldest advent markets with over 100 stands and lively events like Krampus parades and choral concerts. You’ll also stop in Linz and Krems, both replete with local crafts and aromatic treats, and on the final leg you’ll complete your journey in breathtaking Vienna—a destination where Christmas markets merrily hit their stride.
Where to Stay: Riverside Luxury Cruises ‘Delightful Danube Christmas’
Location: Vorosmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica
When: November 17 to January 1
What to Expect: Brave the bone-chilling weather with a bowl of goulash soup or steaming chimney cake at Budapest’s beloved Christmas market located along the cobblestone streets of Vörösmarty Tér (Vorosmarty Square) in the heart of the city. About a 10-minute walk away you can also discover Christmas festivities in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica; the advent festival hosts around 100 craft exhibitors, an ice rink, and more. (It was named Best Christmas Market in Europe for three years in a row, if that sort of accolade piques your interest.)
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest (5-minute walk)
Location: Plaza Mayor
When: November 25 to December 31
What to Expect: This century-old holiday fair has over 100 wooden stalls and is nestled in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor town square. The merrymaking vibes are cemented with a glowing carousel, nativity scenes (belénes), and loads of handcrafted ornaments and gifts to choose from. You can also savor seasonal Spanish flavors like churros con chocolate washed down with a cup of mulled wine.
Where to Stay: Rosewood Villa Magna (15-minute drive)
Location: Market Square and Simon Stevin Square
When: November 22 to January 5
What to Expect: Appointed the whimsical title of Winter Glow, the annual festival in the medieval city of Bruges is nothing short of magical. Begin your visit on the light trail; a walk along 10 illuminated installations, all connected by a wintry blue glow. Then head for the Christmas markets for festivities that feel plucked from a fairytale. Technically there are two markets—one in the Market Square and the other in Simon Stevin Square—but as they are situated less than a five-minute walk from each other, it’s easy to do both. Peruse the atmospheric stalls for handcrafted decorations, wool socks, and plenty of Belgian treats and mulled wine, followed by a spin around the ice rink.
Where to Stay: Hotel Van Cleef (10-minute walk)
Location: Roßmarkt, along the Zeil, down to Römerberg, and to the Main River.
When: November 25 to December 22
What to Expect: With origins dating back to the 14th century, the Frankfurt Christmas market is among the oldest in the world. As such, it’s also one of the most popular markets, attracting millions of festive guests each year and stretching across several parts of the old town. Meander through its many decorated stalls, make a pitstop at the tree in Römerberg square, and don’t forget to devour a bethmännchen (a marzipan pastry that is unique to Frankfurt and baked just for Christmas).
Where to Stay: Schlosshotel Kronberg (30-minute drive)
Location: Dom and Residenzplatz Square
When: November 21 to January 1
What to Expect: This traditional market is cozied up in the heart of Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and has origins that go back to the late 15th century. These days, Christmas lovers descend upon the market’s 100-plus stands in search of Austrian specialties, festive incense aromas, traditional crafts, and decorations for the tree—all found within traditional huts.
Where to Stay: Rosewood Schloss Fuschl (30-minute drive)
Location: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square
When: November 30 to January 6
What to Expect: Soak up the magic of Czechia at Prague’s holiday market. Get into the spirit of the season as you hop from one decorated wooden hut to the next, purchasing artisan crafts and delectable treats along the way. Curious what you’ll be eating? Look to popular Czech dishes like šunka (big hams roasted on spits), klobása (barbecued sausages), and rybà polévka (a traditional Christmas soup).
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Prague (10 to 20 minute walk)
Location: Valkenburg Caves
When: November 16 to December 29
What to Expect: For those in search of something out of the ordinary, Valkenburg’s underground Christmas markets are a winning bet. The small southern Dutch town hits all the marks when it comes to setting the right tone for the season, but once you head into its caves and tunnels that’s when the magic truly begins. Bedecked in twinkly lights, these merry passages wind beneath castle ruins and offer stalls stocked with gifts and goodies. There’s even a cave with life-size sand sculptures and 3-D holiday paintings. Above ground, pay a visit to Santa’s Village, a more traditional market filled with chalets serving up hot drinks and Christmas trinkets.
Where to Stay: Château St. Gerlach (10-minute drive)
Location: Spikersuppa
When: November 9 to December 31
What to Expect: From the scent of freshly-baked gingerbread cookies to the charming ferris wheel all aglow, Oslo’s Christmas market in Spikersuppa is a feast for the senses. Try your hand at a pirouette on the ice rink followed by a stroll around the wooden huts hawking everything from ornaments and crafts to Norwegian treats like gløgg, the Scandinavian version of mulled wine.
