The Best Christmas Markets in Europe

There’s Christmas lights, decorations, presents, good cheer, cosy fires, delicious festive food, and a host of other traditions. Whether you’re looking to shop for gifts or just soak up the ambience, here’s our pick of the very best Christmas markets in Europe you’ll want to visit this festive period. 

Cologne 

Stand in the glow of 50,000 LED lights, strung on the branches of Cologne’s Christmas tree, which takes centre stage against the backdrop of the mighty cathedral. As the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland, it is a remarkable sight and guaranteed to put you in the festive mood. Cologne’s is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe and draw the crowds every year. Wander this historic city and enjoy the aroma of baked apples, cinnamon biscuits, and mulled wine.

Rüdesheim 

Few places do Christmas more beautifully than Rüdesheim. This picture-perfect medieval town even has its own Christmas shop, open all year round – a treasure trove of all things seasonal, from tree decorations and music boxes to wooden nutcrackers and handcrafted figurines. Its Christmas market is just what you’d expect and has plenty to offer, including individually crafted artisan handicraft and culinary specialities gracing its twinkling wooden stalls. Wander the town’s tiny, cobbled lanes, fringed with crooked timber-framed buildings – and don’t forget to stop for a warming glass of glühwein or the famed Asbach brandy of course! 

Bratislava 

One of the best Christmas markets in Europe is one you might not expect! The Slovakian markets are packed with yuletide cheer. Against the superb backdrop of the Hviezdoslav Square, stalls offer hand-made gifts and traditional Christmas fare. Don’t miss the lokša – a dense salty pancake dripping in butter, or the medovina, traditional mead – this sweet, hot, honey wine is one of the oldest alcoholic drinks in the world. Finally, don’t forget to sample traditional medovníky, a delicious honey and ginger biscuit eaten at this time of year. Soak up the festive ambience in Bratislava’s beautifully restored old town too. 

Budapest 

Budapest’s Christmas Markets are often considered among the most beautiful in Europe. Experience the unforgettable ambience of the main market at Vörösmarty Square, decorated with a thousand lights, with the delicious scent of traditional chimney cake – a festive pastry with nuts and spices, wafting through the air.   

At the Advent Feast at the Basilica, you can browse the stalls of more than 100 artisan and gastronomic vendors, in the shadow of the 19th-century St Stephen’s Basilica, whilst a spectacular light show illuminates its façade. You might also fancy a fairy-tale ride on one of three festive trams in the city, magnificently decked out with fairy lights for the month of December.  

Vienna 

Vienna is elegant all year round, but during the festive period, this city is simply stunning with decorated trees and streets and beautifully dressed shop windows. From mid-November to Christmas, Vienna’s squares transform into magical Christmas markets and the aroma of Christmas pastries and hot punch hangs in the air.  

Enjoy the spectacle of the giant advent calendar in the windows of City Hall – a definite highlight of this European Christmas market. The bustling festive market in front is packed with Christmas gifts and goodies, tree decorations, and sweets.  

Another favourite can be found in front of the world-famous Schönbrunn Palace. At this atmospheric market you’ll discover hand-made Christmas decorations and superb Christmas concerts.

Salzburg 

Home to Mozart and The Sound of Music, this musical city comes into its own at Christmas. Close by to where the carol Silent Night was written and first performed, you’ll find an enchanting Christmas market with characterful stalls, that dates back to the 15th century. You’ll find an array of high-quality items on sale from hand-made garments to wooden decorations. As you wander the pretty streets, classical music fills the air – it doesn’t get more Christmassy than this! 

Strasbourg 

One of the best Christmas markets in Europe is also one of the oldest. The annual market in Strasbourg dates back to 1570, making it the oldest market in France, so it’s no surprise to learn it’s often called the Capital of Christmas. Shop windows are transformed into winter wonderlands and the streets are decorated with twinkling lights and festive garlands. Centred around the historic Place Broglie and in front of the city’s cathedral, you’ll find hundreds of stalls selling ornaments, toys, typical Alsatian food and mulled wine to keep you warm.  

If you’re looking to spend the festive season somewhere new, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything more enjoyable than a winter river cruise. Just imagine soaking up the traditions of another culture, whilst enjoying the luxury of our five-star ships, with guided tours and visits every day and first-class fine dining on board, all inclusive of the price. It will be a Christmas or New Year to remember. 

Fancy That Festive Feeling For Yourself? Explore Our Christmas And New Year Cruises.