Halloween is over, which means the Christmas season is just around the corner. It’s a time when cities are decorated with colorful lights and impressive Christmas trees, people are more warm-hearted, and mulled wine drunk together with friends tastes even better.This magical season is a great opportunity to see different places around the world from a completely new perspective. What are the best Christmas markets in Europe, and why should you see them?

What is the origin of Christmas markets?

The first Christmas markets were held in Germany in the 14th century, and since then, they have become a popular tradition in many European countries.

Christmas markets in Europe usually take place in the town square and are decorated with lights, garlands, and Christmas trees. They start a few weeks before Christmas and last until New Year’s Eve.

What are the best Christmas markets in Europe?

At a Christmas market, you can find all kinds of Christmas-related items, such as decorations, gifts, or foods such as gingerbread and roasted chestnuts.

What are the best Christmas markets in Europe?

  • Dresden, Germany – this is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany. It’s held in the Altmarkt square in Dresden and features approximately 250 stalls selling traditional handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and delicious food. This year, it will take place from November 27 to December 24.
  • Cologne, Germany – it’s one of the largest and most popular markets in the country. It’s held annually in the city’s historic center, offering a wide variety of Christmas-related goods, including decorations, food, and drink, which makes it a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. This market will run from November 18 to December 23, 2024.
  • Prague, Czech Republic – the Prague Christmas Market is one of the most spectacular attractions in the city in winter. It’s held in the Old Town Square, where you can find a wide range of goods on offer, including traditional Czech food and drink, hand-painted Christmas decorations, and wooden toys. Unlike other markets, it starts quite late, on November 30, but it lasts until January 6, 2025.
  • Tallinn, Estonia – this Christmas market in Europe is a traditional event that takes place annually in the city’s Town Hall Square. The market sells a variety of festive items that are eagerly bought by both tourists and residents. When can you visit the Tallinn Christmas Market? Between November 24, 2024 and January 7, 2025.
  • Kraków, Poland – it’s been held annually since the early 14th century, which makes it one of the oldest in Europe. It’s located in the city’s main square, Rynek Główny, and features a large Christmas tree, and a variety of stalls selling traditional Polish Christmas foods such as stewed cabbage (bigos) and dumplings (pierogi). This charming Christmas market, known as one of the best in Europe, takes place between November 29 and December 26, 2024.

christmas markets in europe

  • Edinburgh, Scotland – the market is located in the city center, and is open from late November to early January. It’s in Princes Street Gardens and features a large range of traditional Scottish and international food and treats, as well as a variety of unique gifts and decorations. It’s one of the longest markets on our list—it starts on November 15, 2024 and ends on January 4, 2025.
  • Vienna, Austria – the city holds numerous Christmas markets which are said to have originated in the 12th century. They’re one of the oldest markets in the country. Every year, they attract thousands of visitors from all over the world. The markets are known for their traditional Christmas decorations, and they’re also a popular place to buy unique gifts. The Christmas markets in Vienna vary in opening and closing dates, with the first ones appearing in mid-November and the last ones lasting until January 1 or January 6.
  • Bratislava, Slovakia – it’s one of the best European Christmas Markets. It’s held in the main square and offers a wide range of traditional Slovak food and drink, hand-crafted gifts, and Christmas decorations. When can you visit it? It’s open from November 24, 2024, to December 22, 2024.
  • Copenhagen, Denmark – the Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market is a true highlight of the winter season in this city. With over 70,000 lights and more than 1,000 Christmas trees, it truly has this unique nordic Christmas vibe. The market features around 60 stalls, with traditional food, mulled wine, and decorations, letting you enjoy it to the fullest. When does it take place? Between November 15, 2024 and January 5, 2025.
  • Budapest, Hungary – Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market is one of Europe’s largest and most traditional markets. It offers a vibrant display of Hungarian handicrafts, hearty dishes, and festive treats. This market will be open this year from November 17, 2024, to January 1, 2025.

Where to Find the Best Christmas Markets in Europe?

Do you want to find even more Christmas markets in Europe and see which one is the best? Then, you must download YouMap, our social mapping app! It contains multiple Christmas market maps the users prepared, with photos, reviews, and videos. And that’s just the start.

You can also use YouMap to share your own thoughts about the European Christmas markets with fellow travelers. Or, you might create your own map with a detailed photo-description of your journey, a review of each of the stalls—whatever you wish for! Did we mention that you can share it with your friends and families with a simple link? Now we did—YouMap is excellent for recording your journey, so you should give it a try.

The app contains a number of features, including post templates, that will help you personalize your journal. You can, for instance, create your own ranking of the best Christmas markets in Europe and post it online! Or, if you are a travel influencer, you might create time-limited events on your map, to show your followers which Christmas market you are currently visiting. The possibilities are virtually limitless, so try our app out and discover how great it is!

Do you want to see YouMap in action? Great! We’ve compressed this article into a Christmas market app. Click the link below and experience what posting in YouMap feels like!

The takeaway

Visiting some of the best Christmas markets in Europe is a great way to experience the festive atmosphere of decorated cities and the holiday season. 

Such markets offer a wide range of goods, from traditional Christmas decorations to unique gifts and delicious food. If you’re looking for a festive escape this winter, be sure to check out one of these destinations using YouMap. Also, remember that nobody said you can visit only one of these Christmas markets—why don’t you go on a European road trip and visit as many of them as possible?

Are you a winter lover? Read about popular ski resorts in Europe.