Christmas is a festive celebration that brings warmth, joy, and togetherness to the cold winter days. Many of the world’s oldest Christmas markets originated in Europe, with a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. In this article, we’ll introduce 10 Christmas markets across the best cities for Christmas markets in Europe and plan a European Christmas Market trip for you using an AI trip planner.
Why European Christmas Markets Are Magical
When the lights begin to twinkle, and the air fills with the scent of mulled wine, you know Christmas in Europe is coming. Christmas markets in Europe are pure magic. People wander between dazzling stalls, attracted by the tantalizing smell of food: gingerbread, sausages, raclette…… I’m already drooling. There, cheerful music and smiling faces are everywhere.
Christmas markets are not just about shopping, but a cultural experience. Whether you're travelling with family, friends, or just yourself, the best Christmas markets in Europe will bring you into the holiday spirit instantly. The most delightful part is that no two markets are created alike. Each Christmas market has its own highlights and atmosphere.
If you want a Christmas trip and don't know where to go for Christmas in Europe, here are 10 of the best Christmas markets spread across six countries that are absolutely worth a visit.
10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe to Visit in 2025
Do you want to experience the magic Christmas markets in Europe this year? From sparkling lights to festive treats and handcrafted gifts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let's explore the best cities for Christmas markets.
Three Best Christmas Markets in Germany
Berlin: Christmas Market in Gendarmenmarkt
- Best For: Foodies and culture Lovers; families, couples, and solo travelers
- Location: Gendarmenmarkt 10117 Berlin
- Dates: November 24 - December 31, 2025
- Cost: €2, children up to 12 years free, Monday to Friday from 12 to 2 pm free (except December 24 to 26 and 31)
- Transportation Tips: The underground and buses are both very convenient.
- Highlights: One of the highlights of Germany Christmas markets is the Christmas market "Weihnachtszauber" in Gendarmenmarkt. It is known and loved for its wide range of artistic offerings. Here, wood carvers, comb makers, and tailors show their skills to visitors. Handmade candles, toys, and decorative items can be purchased as unique gifts for friends and family.
Munich Christmas Market
- Best For: Culture lovers, music lovers; Families with children, solo travelers, or couples who enjoy the festive atmosphere
- Location: Marienplatz
- Dates: November 24 - December 24, 2025
- Cost: Free to enter; some activities have additional charges and may require advance booking.
- Transportation Tips: Arrival by public transport. There are no parking facilities around Marienplatz. Please use public transport.
- Highlights: This traditional market, with roots dating back to the 14th century, is considered the original among Munich's Christmas markets. In the Heavenly Workshop in the Town Hall tower, children aged six to twelve can make candles, Christmas cards, and much more for free. On 14 December 2025, from 3 to 5 pm, Krampus- and Perchten Parades will be held. When Krampus and Perchten run down the street, growling, half dancing, half stamping, every single spectator is left just a little unsettled.
Nuremberg Christmas Market
- Best For: Foodies, Christmas music enthusiasts, gift hunters; Families with children, couples, and solo travelers
- Location: Hauptmarkt, the central square in Nuremberg's old town
- Dates: November 28 - December 24, 2025
- Transportation Tips: Easily reachable by underground: U1 (to the Lorenzkirche subway station) or by buses 37, 46, and 47 (stop at Heilig-Geist-Spital)
- Highlights: The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt has been held since the middle of the 16th century. Each year, the Nuremberg Christkind recites a prologue from the balcony of the Church of Our Lady to open the Christmas Market. For some, it's the delicious aroma of far-eastern spices in the world-famous Nuremberg gingerbread. For the lover of Christmas music, there are many high-quality concerts. For passionate international shoppers, there are many exclusive boutiques and shops with original ideas for presents, and for the little ones, there is the children's Christmas and the Sternenhaus.
Two Best Christmas Markets in Austria
Vienna Christmas Market
- Best For: Foodies, music lovers, families, and couples
- Location: Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna
- Dates: November 14 - December 26, 2025
- Transportation Tips: Rathausplatz and Burgtheater are easily accessible by tram, subway, or bus. Some stops may close during peak times, but nearby alternatives and short walks make reaching the market convenient.
- Highlights: It's one of the oldest
- Austria Christmas markets. The tradition can be traced to the late 18th century, though it moved to its present location in 1975. On the culinary front, you always find traditional regional and seasonal cuisine from Buchteln to Baumkuchen, pastries to potatoes, and Schnitzel to Schinkenfleckerl.In 2025, brass bands play daily at the tree from November 28th to December 23rd, while choirs perform on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays of Advent weekends inside the main hall of the neighbouring Rathaus. Another traditional highlight in the park is the illuminated ice skating, which lets you glide through the park and transports you along a Disney-esque Christmas trail.
PS: Ice skating is open longer (until Jan 6th)
Salzburg Christmas Market
- Best For: Families, couples, culture lovers, music fans, and handmade gift hunters
- Location: Domplatz (Cathedral Square) and Residenzplatz (Residence Square)
- Dates: November 20, 2025 - January 1, 2026
- Transportation Tips: Buses and trolleybuses are convenient for getting around everywhere.
- Highlights: In the main market, you’ll find hundreds of stalls selling handmade Christmas decor and other Austrian goods. There are tons of stalls selling woolen hats, scarves, and gloves, which you may need to stay outside for so long. For people who plan their Christmas travel Europe, the organizers prepare a colorful daily events program: readings of Christmas stories for children, Krampus parades, guided Christmas tours, choral concerts, visits by the “Christ Child”, festive melodies performed from the surrounding towers, and so much more.
The Most Romantic Christmas in Prague
Old Town Square Christmas Market
- Best For: Families, couples, solo travelers, craft enthusiasts, culture lovers
- Location: Old Town Square, 110 00 Old Town, Prague 1, Czech Republic
- Dates: November 29, 2025 - January 6, 2026
- Transportation Tips: The market is easy to reach, with metro and tram stops. Nearby stations like Staroměstská, Můstek, and Náměstí Republiky all offer quick access.
- Highlights: The Prague Christmas market traditionally supports Czech producers and craftsmen. The stalls mainly offer Christmas goods and handmade products—glass and straw decorations, decorations made of ceramics, wood, rustling materials, beads, or dried fruits and spices. Throughout the market, visitors can enjoy a cultural program on the large stage next to the statue of Jan Hus. The performances will focus on folklore, ethnography, adult and children’s choirs. And children can make Christmas cards and small gifts every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.
The Capital of Christmas in France
Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets
- Best For: Couples, solo travelers, and Christmas lovers
- Location: Place Broglie and around the Strasbourg Cathedral
- Dates: November 26 - December 24, 2025
- Transportation Tips: All tram lines are in service, except the stations Langstross Grand’Rue, Broglie, and Alt Winmärik, which are not served during the opening hours of the markets, from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Highlights: There is a huge Christmas tree located on the Place Kléberand, which is a signature highlight of the Strasbourg Christmas market. It’s about 30 metres high, comes from a sustainably managed forest, and is one of the must-sees when you visit the Christmas market. As Christmas approaches, Strasbourg gets decked out in all its finery. Thousands of Christmas lights and decorations sparkle and twinkle to create a bewitching atmosphere in the Alsatian capital.
Belgium: Brussels Winter Wonders
Brussels Christmas Market
- Best For: Families, couples, solo travelers, and festive experience seekers
- Location: The market spans several central locations, mainly between Grand Place and Place Sainte-Catherine, including Marché aux Poissons, Place de la Bourse, Place de la Monnaie, and Place de Brouckère.
- Dates: November 28, 2025 - January 4, 2026
- Transportation Tips: Use public transport if you are not staying in the city center. Traffic in Brussels is bad, and parking isn’t easy either.
- Highlights: The Brussels Christmas Market 2025 features over 200 chalets, offering wonderful gifts and festive treats to fill your stockings. The 360° Sound and Light Show is an unmissable part of the Brussels Winter Season. The show is different every year, and it never gets boring. For those expecting winter travel Europe, enjoy two ice rinks and a curling track at Place de Brouckère and Bois de la Cambre. Thrill seekers can ride the large Ferris wheel at Marché aux Poissons or the merry-go-rounds at Place Sainte-Catherine.
Two Best Christmas Markets in Switzerland
Zurich Christmas Market
- Best For: Families, couples for romantic visits, first-time Visitors, festive atmosphere lovers
- Location: The largest are held at the Main Station, Sechseläutenplatz, Old Town, and Münsterhof
- Dates: November 19 - December 24, 2025, depending on location.
- Transportation Tips: Walking is best for the city center, while the tram is ideal for reaching different markets across the city
- Highlights: Follow the winter holiday guide for the Christmas Market in Zurich, you will find that the market at Zurich Main Station is one of Europe's largest indoor Christmas markets. The centerpiece is a glittering 15-meter Christmas tree, decorated by different sponsors each year. Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz, the lakeside market, sits directly in front of the Opera House and is one of Zurich’s largest. Around 100 stalls sell crafts, handmade jewelry, and international food, while the Fondue Chalet adds a traditional Swiss flavor. In addition, Zurich also offers plenty of other charming markets for you to explore.
Christmas market in Basel
- Best For: Families, couples, visitors who enjoy a slower-paced and relaxed festive experience
- Location: Barfüsserplatz, Münsterplatz and Claraplatz
- Dates: November 27 - December 23, 2025
- Transportation Tips: Public transport, like trams and buses, is efficient and often free if you have a BaselCard from your hotel.
- Highlights: Every year during the Advent period, the stairwell of St. Martin’s tower is also illuminated in the evening between 4 and 6 pm from Monday to Friday. And the traditional Basel Wish Book will once again be openly accessible in the inner courtyard of the City Hall for all members of the public. One of the most popular meeting points at the Basel Christmas market is the Christmas pyramid on Barfüsserplatz. With 13 meters in height, it is visible from afar, and the attractive range of hot drinks invites guests to stay and enjoy.
Designing a Magical European Christmas Market Trip with AI
With the Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe, I can't wait to start my 15-day Christmas journey. Planning a trip can be complicated and stressful for me, because there are 5 people in my family. But I have a new helper, iMean AI, the trip planner, which lets me easily create my dream itinerary. Here is the itinerary I created by iMean AI. You can also have a try, whether for the trip of 2025 or for the European Christmas markets 2026.
