The twinkling of thousands of lights; the smell of cinnamon wafting in the air; the sound of Christmas carols and the hubbub of cheerful crowds as they browse wooden stalls festooned with colourful trinkets and stocking fillers – nothing gets you into the festive spirit quite like a Christmas market.
Across Europe’s cities giant Christmas trees take centre stage within medieval and baroque squares to set the magical scene in the six weeks prior to the ‘big day’.
There are loads of glorious Christmas markets to choose from – but what distinguishes one from the other? And if you can’t decide on just one, there’s also the option of a river cruise, giving you the chance to visit several markets in one festive trip while enjoying the scenery and comfort of life on board.
Whilst I’d love to run you through them all, I embraced The 12 Days of Christmas and narrowed it down to a dozen spectacular markets that I feel stand out for various reasons.
So let’s get in the festive mood and start my magical market tour…
1/ Berlin, Germany
Why: Variety
You’ll find more than 70 markets peppered across Berlin and its suburbs, giving you a mind-boggling choice. And they’re all very different. If you’re after scale, the biggest market is found in Spandau (24 November to 23 December 2025), a historic suburb in the west of Berlin. You can easily spend hours weaving in between more than 400 wooden stalls, while admiring the live nativity scene and enjoying the stage entertainment.
For Christmas presents head to the classic Weihnachtszauber in Gendarmenmarkt (24 November to 31 December 2025) where artisans set up stall to sell unique, handmade treasures in the heated arts and crafts tent.
At Alexanderplatz (24 November to 26 December 2025), there’s a medieval market as well as a children’s carousel and roller skating rink.
However, you can get your thrills if you head to Winterwelt (Winter World) at Potsdamer Platz (31 October to 31 December 2025). Here you’ll find a 12-metre high and 70-metre-long winter slide. The toboggan run scores with a view of the Brandenburg Gate so it’s worth braving the slide just for the shot.
2/ Prague, Czech Republic
Why: your Instagram feed
All year round there’s a photo opportunity at every turn in this prettiest of cities. But at Christmas time you’ll be going giddy capturing it all on camera. The setting for the Czech capital’s Christmas market is magnificent.
With the 14th-century twin spires of the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn on one side and the city’s famous 15th-century astronomical clock on the other, the market in the Old Town Square (29 November 2025 to 6 January 2026) is a truly glittering affair with its enormous Christmas tree taking centre stage.
Just a 10-minute stroll away is Wenceslas Square (29 November 2025 to 6 January 2026) where another market lights up, selling beautiful gifts, including hand-blown glass baubles and wooden carved toys.
Be sure to savour a steaming mug of svařené víno (Czech mulled wine) and enjoy a warm trdelník (pastry chimney cone) filled with sweet treats.
3/ Salzburg, Austria
Why: Quality gifts
As you’d expect in the hometown of Mozart and The Sound of Music, the historic Christkindlmarkt (20 November 2025 to 1 January 2026) in this Unesco world heritage city is one of a kind.
Set against a backdrop of grand palaces and fortresses in Domplatz and Residenzplatz, expect choral concerts, Krampus parades, guided Christmas tours and festive melodies performed from the surrounding church spires.
When it comes to gifts, the emphasis is on quality over quantity. Hand-knitted socks, sheep’s milk soaps and bee’s wax candles are typical stocking fillers.
4/ Budapest, Hungary
Why: thermal baths
Normally you’d wrap up warm when you head off on a Christmas shopping spree. But in the “City of Spas” you’ll need to take your swimming cossie.
The annual Christmas market in the Hungarian capital rolls out across Vörösmarty Square (15 November to 31 December 2025), with the shadow of Buda Castle looming from above. The square is embellished with nativity scenes, handicraft stalls and a giant fir tree.
Or head to St. Stephen’s Basilica (15 November 2025 to 1 January 2026) where a skating rink is set up in front of the church’s classical domes.
And then, if the mulled wine hasn’t warmed your cockles, then submerge into the warm mineral waters at Szechenyi thermal baths. Set alongside an impressive neo-Gothic palace this is arguably the most famous of the nine spas that dot the city. It’s particularly magical if it snows.
5/ Lille, France
Why: Easy access. It’s a simple hop across the Channel
Don’t want to fly? Then how about a quick nip across the Channel on the Eurostar or LeShuttle for a flavour of French festivities. At under 1hr 30mins from London St Pancras International, you can hop on a train in the morning and be in Lille before lunch.
The Lille Christmas market (20 November to 29 December 2025) is located right in the centre of the city, with about 90 stalls on Place Rihour. Nearby, you'll find the massive Christmas tree at the Grand Palace. From the heady heights of its Ferris Wheel you’ll get great views across the city.
Children will love the pony rides and the Friday night concerts under Lille's shimmering lights draw in the crowds. For dinner, dive into tempting vats of cheesy tartiflette and sweet waffles dripping with chocolate.
When it’s time to head home, the station is only a 10-minute walk from the market, so it couldn’t be more convenient.
6/ Innsbruck, Austria
Why: skiing
Sitting snugly amid snow-covered mountains, Innsbruck (15 November to 23 December 2025) is known as the "Heart of the Alps". Below the jagged peaks of the Nordkette range sits the historic town of cobbled streets, pastel-tinted buildings and stone arches. It's home to cathedrals, imperial palaces, museums, cafes and traditional taverns – the perfect setting for a Christmas market.
Stalls set up in front of the city’s most famous landmark of the Golden Gate, selling a treasure trove of tree decorations, handicrafts and wooden souvenirs.
Here the scent of fresh doughnuts and steaming gluhwein fill the air, along with the sound of Austrian Turmbläser (brass bands) playing traditional Christmas music.
Another market worth visiting is held at the Bergisel ski jump (14 November - 21 December 2025), which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976, and was braved by our very own Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards in the 1980s.
And if you fancy hitting the slopes yourself, then the area has some 200 trails covering 310 miles and is perfect for beginner and intermediate-level skiers.
7/ Copenhagen, Denmark
Why: For all things hygge
The Danish concept of hygge involves creating a nice, warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people around you. Copenhagen’s Christmas market is all about hygge.
The wonderfully over-the-top Tivoli Gardens (14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026) gets even more delightfully kitsch when the Christmas market takes over.
The park is filled with fairy lights. The 2024 celebrations will see the return of an impressive Christmas tree set up in front of the Tivoli Concert Hall, as well as festive projections over Tivoli Lake. The gardens will be decorated with more than 70,000 Christmas baubles and smaller trees adorned with fairy lights — perhaps the sparkliest Christmas market in Europe.
As well as checking out the food and gift stalls, you can have a whirl on the ice skating rink set up in front of Broens Harbour.
And if you fancy joining the locals, how about an ice dip before thawing out in Copenhagen’s plethora of cosy cafes and trendy eateries.
8/ Geneva, Switzerland
Why: Lakeside setting
As you wander the sparkling stalls of Geneva’s Christmas market (21 November to 24 December 2025), you’ll be doing it beside Europe’s largest Alpine lake complete with its famous fountain, the Jet d’Eau, shooting water up to 140 metres into the fresh mountain air.
In the shadow of mighty Mont Blanc it’s a fairytale setting and an enchanting backdrop.
Noel au Quay is the biggest market launched along the Quai du Mont-Blanc alongside Jardin Anglais, with traditional wooden stalls selling artisan goods, warming local cuisine and cinnamon-spiced mulled wine.
Travellers can indulge in local dishes of the Alps like fondue and raclette — comfort food synonymous with Christmas time.
For 2025, the market offers a fondue experience where travellers can sample the dish during a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobbled streets of Geneva’s Old Town.
9/ Edinburgh, Scotland
Why: stay at home
Why go overseas? If you’ve never visited the Scottish capital, then Christmas is the time to change that. Edinburgh (15 November 2025 - 4 January 2026) is a stunning city and even more so in December.
From late November the city’s iconic Edinburgh Castle will put on a beautiful show when it is lit up with immersive displays, interactive installations and accompanying music.
Nestled in the heart of the historic city centre, East Princes Street Gardens hosts the market. Here you’ll find Scotland’s largest ferris-wheel standing at 46m tall, a magical Santa Train, a helter skelter and the thrilling starflyer.
West Princes Street Gardens is home to a family funfair with choirs and carol concerts taking to the stage at the Ross Bandstand.
George Street will be home to Edinburgh’s Christmas ice rink, while Santa will be awaiting his young hopeful guests from his grotto in St Andrew Square.
10/ Tallinn, Estonia
Why: somewhere different
Estonia may not be the first place that springs to mind when considering a Christmas market, but it is, in fact, one of the first cities to host such a festive affair. Tallinn (21 November to 27 December 2025) has been displaying a massive Christmas tree in front of its town hall each year since 1441.
Today the Old Town is Tallinn's beating heart brimming with cosy cafés tucked in inner courtyards, world-class restaurants, intriguing contemporary art galleries and exciting museums. This cobblestoned Unesco site is the setting for its annual Christmas market.
One of its highlights is its art exhibition: Gingerbread Mania. Artists have to abide by just one rule: everything must be made out of gingerbread. Around 100 artists participate in the exhibition. The traditional gingerbread exhibition is one of the most popular events in Tallinn during Christmas. Each year the decorations become more elaborate making ideal gifts.
To experience the true Christmas spirit, the market offers hot mulled wine (glögg), made from nearly every berry and fruit found in Estonia! Favourite flavours over recent years have included sea buckthorn and blueberry mulled wines.
Santa Claus arrives each day at midday on his reindeer-pulled sleigh and will greet children in his cosy grotto. Classic carousels, an ice skating rink, brass bands, bell ringers and dance troupes provide entertainment.
11/ Barcelona, Spain
Why: an escape from the cold January
Take off the chill as you make the most of Barcelona’s (27 November 2025 to 6 January 2026) December temperatures of around 15 degrees.
The Christmas markets are very Spanish - you won’t find any gluwein here. The Catalonian tradition is for Caga Tio – a small log with a smiley face, wearing the traditional red Catalan hat, the Barretina. The name Caga Tió means 'Poo Log’ and if children look after their log in the run up to the Big Day then it will ‘poo’ out fantastic presents!
Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas Market is probably Barcelona's most well-known and classic Christmas market selling decorations, trees and mistletoe.
A section of the market named Artesania sells hand-made and artisan products such as jewellery, toys, leather goods and ornaments.
Alternatively, Fira de Nadal a la Sagrada Família is a smaller market. Spread out at the foot of the Sagrada Família makes for an impressive setting and offers the opportunity to see the building and the market in one trip.
And once you’ve bought your stocking fillers, then soak up the sun on the city’s sprawling, sandy beaches.
12/ Stockholm, Sweden
Why: sustainability
Stockholm Christmas market ensures all its visitors have fun, but not at the cost of the environment.
The Old Town’s Christmas market (23 November to 23 December 2025) is a must. This market has been held in Stortorget since 1915, and the little red stalls sell warm “glögg”, gingerbread, cheese, lussekatter (saffron-flavoured buns) and craft.
It's a festival of lights, yet the energy used to illuminate the entire old pedestrian city centre is 100% from renewable energy. All the lamps are low-energy consumption and materials use for the garlands and Christmas decorations are made of environmentally-friendly material.
Stalls are reserved for artisans of Stockholm and its surrounding areas, thus supporting locally-made handicrafts and the local economy.
Food stalls include many vegan and vegetarian options are available for a reduced impact on the environment.
Christmas Markets by River Cruise
For many travellers, one market is never enough — and that’s where river cruising comes in. These festive sailings let you combine the magic of multiple Christmas markets with the ease and comfort of travelling by ship.
Sail along the Danube and you could be exploring Budapest’s twinkling squares, Vienna’s grand imperial markets, and the cobbled old town of Bratislava — all in one trip. Or follow the Rhine to wander the atmospheric markets of Cologne, Koblenz, and Rüdesheim, with dramatic river scenery as your backdrop.
The joy of a river cruise is that everything in between is taken care of: delicious meals, cosy cabins, and the chance to relax as the landscapes drift by. You can enjoy guided tours in each city, then spend your free time browsing festive stalls, sampling seasonal treats, or just soaking up the atmosphere.
It’s the perfect option for anyone who wants to see more than one market, without the hassle of planning multiple journeys or packing and unpacking along the way.
Whether you’re after a quick weekend in one city or fancy ticking off several markets in one go, there’s a Christmas trip to suit every style. City breaks are brilliant for a focused festive fix; river cruises add that easy, “see-more-without-the-faff” element — Budapest to Vienna on the Danube or Cologne to Rüdesheim on the Rhine are classic winter winners.
Book Your Christmas Markets Trip Through Me
With so many Christmas markets to choose from — plus the logistics of flights, hotels, transfers and (if you fancy it) a river cruise — planning can feel like a job in itself. That’s where I come in. I'll tailor the right option for you, from a simple weekend hop to Lille to a relaxed Danube or Rhine sailing that takes in multiple markets.
Booking through me means peace of mind and no extra cost to you — the travel companies pay me. I'll handle every detail so you can focus on soaking up the festive atmosphere, browsing the stalls, and enjoying a stress-free start to the season.
Ready to explore your options? Let’s make this run-up to Christmas your easiest — and most magical — yet.
