Best Christmas markets in Europe – locations, dates and all you need to know
IF you want to really get excited for Christmas, it may be worth taking a trip into continental Europe.
Snow-covered mountains and magical forests surround these 12 markets - which are all just a short flight away.
Here's everything you need to know, before heading overseas. Alternatively, get in the festive spirit closer to home, with these British offerings.
Zagreb, Croatia
Location: The main square
Nearest airport: Zagreb
Opening dates: November 26 – January 8
Why here? The Croatian capital was crowned Europe’s best Christmas market last year, and more and more people are visiting the city every year.
Here, tourists and locals alike take to the streets for singing and dancing, themed walking tours and dozens of Christmas concerts.
There’s also an ice rink, an enormous market, kids’ art workshops and pastry chef demonstrations.
Brussels, Belgium
Location: Around the Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marche aux Poissons.
Nearest airport: Brussels
Opening dates: November 25 – January 1
Why here? A magical sound and light display, merry-go-round, Christmas parade, Ferris wheel and ice rink are just some of the things that make this market special.
Stock up on gifts at the 2km-long Christmas market at Winter Wonders.
Vienna, Austria
Location: Outside the neo-Gothic city hall
Nearest airport: Vienna International
Opening dates: November 13 to December 23
Why here? The aroma of freshly baked bread and hot punch drift around the capital city at this picturesque market.
Shop for wooden puppets, gingerbread hearts, hand-blown glass and woollen hats – before taking a stroll and a ride on the carousel in Rathauspark.
Innsbruck, Austria
Location: Altstadt
Nearest airport: Innsbruck
Opening dates: November 15 – January 6
Why here? A romantic Christmas market where stalls are piled high with gingerbread, wooden toys and delicate ornaments made from hand-blown glass.
As the sun goes down, trumpeters play carols on the 500-year-old Golden Roof.
Strasbourg, France
Location: By the cathedral
Nearest airport: Strasbourg
Opening dates: November 25 – December 31
Why here? This is the oldest Christmas market in Europe, with the first Christkendelsmarik being held in 1570.
There are 300 stalls split over 12 locations in the city centre, as well as a Living Nativity, live music and events which will give you a cultural trip through time.
Cologne, Germany
Location: Downtown Cologne
Nearest airport: Cologne Bonn
Opening dates: November 21 – December 23
Why here? The aroma of baked apples, cinnamon biscuits and mulled wine waft through the alleys of this German city.
Pick up a traditional bratwurst and stein of beer in this enchanted market, which is visited by millions of people every year.
Berlin, Germany
Location: City West
Nearest airport: Berlin Tegel
Opening dates: November 21 – January 1
Why here? The pivotal point of the market is a pyramid in front of the palace’s main entrance.
Wooden huts and marquees, decorated entirely with natural materials, provide a festive backdrop – while many city centre restaurants offer fine dining outside in heated tents.
Munich, Germany
Location: Marienplatz in the hearty of the city centre
Nearest airport: Munich
Opening dates: November 25 – December 24
Why here? Shop for unique Christmas gifts and Bavarian trinkets including wood carvings from Oberammergau, gingerbread from Nuremberg, and glassware from the forest.
Crib figurines, bee wax candles, and chimney sweeps made of plums and almonds are also on offer – while there’s a daily alpine Christmas Market concert from the balcony of the town hall.
Prague, Czech Republic
Location: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square
Nearest airport: Vaclav Havel Airport Prague
Opening dates: November 26 – January 1
Why here? Fill your tummy with Christmas sweet bread, beautifully decorated gingerbread, mulled wine and golden mead.
While wooden puppets, toys and Czech crystal make the perfect gifts.
Budapest, Hungary
Location: St Stephen’s Square
Nearest airport: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International
Opening dates: November 13 – January 6
Why here? Shop for sweet Hungarian pastries, traditional fur hats, pressed flower jewellery, ‘good luck’ garden pixies, and handmade honey cakes.
You can commission a made-on-the-spot iron candelabra and feast on toki pompos, a Hungarian-style pizza topped with bacon, onion and cream. There’s also an ice rink.
Stockholm, Sweden
Location: Old town
Nearest airport: Stockholm Arlanda
Opening dates: November 19 – December 23
Why here? Experience a genuine Swedish Christmas at this traditional market.
It’s the most famous of Stockholm’s many markets – and the little red stalls sell sweets, smoked sausages, reindeer, elk meat and glogg (mulled wine).
Copenhagen, Denmark
Location: Tivoli Gardens
Nearest airport: Copenhagen
Opening dates: November 19 – December 31
Why here? The whole of Tivoli will be decorated with sparkling fairy lights – while a spectacular light show can be watched under the Demon roller coaster.
Christmas music floats through the park while rides, games and shopping will all be in full swing.
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