Europe's Best Christmas Markets

Dresden, Germany

It’s no secret that Germany is the home of some of the world’s greatest Christmas markets! The oldest, and possibly the most enchanting, is Dresden Striezelmarkt. Originally founded in 1434 as a one-day market, its magic now lasts from the end of November until Christmas Eve.

Expect curtains of lights (we’re talking over 16,000), a glistening Christmas tree, a whole host of handmade trinkets and traditional German food, as well as a 13.7m (45ft) Christmas Pyramid – sadly one of the few things not for sale!

Dates: 27 November - 24 December 2024

Edinburgh, UK

With show-stopping attractions including the LNER Big Wheel and Santa’s Grotto, the Scottish capital pulls out all the stops to celebrate Christmas!

Head to East Princes Street Gardens for a traditional Christmas market chock full of rides, attractions and food stalls. You’ll find everything from Harry Potter-themed souvenirs to local produce – nothing says Christmas like mulled Irn Bru!

Keep the children entertained with a search for Santa's Workshop, slip and slide on the alpine ice rink located on Edinburgh's famous George Street or take a ride on the ferris wheel for mesmerising city centre views.

Dates: 15 November 2024 - 4 January 2025

Brussels, Belgium

There's no shortage of Christmas cheer in the stunning Belgian capital. The popular Winter Wonders festival has all kinds of magical attractions, from a life-sized nativity scene to a skating rink and of course, stalls packed with handmade decorations and unbeatable Belgium chocolates!

Brussels Grand-Place is at the centre of all the action. Already considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, its historic buildings look even more spectacular when set aglow by the Christmas light show. They’re outshone only by the light-festooned pine tree – at 20m (65ft) tall, you can’t miss it!

Dates: 29 November 2024 - 5 January 2025

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn’s Christmas market might be small but its setting makes up for it – it’s smack bang in the city’s dreamy UNESCO-protected town square. Get stuck in browsing artisan crafts that range from handmade wooden decorations to locally made sheepskin rugs and listen to carols and brass band concerts ringing out from the steps of the Town Hall.

Be sure to try some typical Christmas cuisine too such as sour cabbage and black pudding, finished off with a hot waffle (or two)!

Dates: 24 November - 27 December 2024

Budapest, Hungary

Stalls bursting with seasonal delicacies spring up across Budapest’s historic squares come Christmastime but the biggest and brightest is in Vörösmarty Square. Wind through streets teeming with Christmas crafts and seek out cinnamon-infused mulled wine and scrumptious funnel cakes.

Expect the streets to be bustling with life from early in the morning until late, with live performances and light shows throughout the day. Don’t forget to check out the epic Christmas tree display at St Stephen's Basilica!

Dates: 15 November - 31 December 2024

Riga, Latvia

Latvia and Estonia both claim the first decorated Christmas tree, put up some time in the 16th century. We may never know the truth, but what we can be sure of is that Latvia has years of festivities to call upon – and it never disappoints!

You’ll find the city’s top market at the Doma laukums (Dome Square). Follow the glow of the reindeer illuminations around the stalls, picking up traditional treats such as gingerbread and woollen goods. Speaking of which, don’t forget your hat and mittens - snow is all part of the Christmas charm here.

Dates: 29 November 2024 - 2 January 2025

Krakow, Poland

In need of some Christmas spirit? You’re sure to find it in Krakow. The city’s main square, Rynek Glówny, is filled with wooden stalls selling everything from hand-painted baubles and pottery to folk art, and that’s before you’ve even started on the food stands! Indulge in a variety of delicious delicacies including steaming bowls of goulash and smoked cheese.

Don’t forget to check out St. Mary’s Basilica – the awe-inspiring gothic towers look especially enchanting on a starry winter night.

Dates: 29 November 2024 - 1 January 2025

Vienna, Austria

The Austrian capital bursts into life in November and December as more than 20 Christmas markets take over the city and people flock to get their fill of sweet treats and delicious Glühwein (mulled wine).

The main market is located in the City Hall Square and is a winter wonderland of fairy lights, carousels and garlanded wooden chalets. You’ll find the usual fare, plus craft workshops for children to learn how to make cookies and candles. Enjoying hot roasted chestnuts and listening to advent music in the often snow-dusted square sounds like a pretty dreamy scenario to us!

Dates: 16 November - 26 December 2024

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Nestled in Ljubljana’s fairytale old town, this festive fair has rows of super cute wooden stalls offering tasty Christmas treats and wonderful handmade creations.

You’ll find the Christmas spirit is strong, if not slightly unusual, in the Slovenian capital. As well as Santa-led parades and creative workshops for kids, you can expect the city to be filled with curious Christmas lights shaped like comets, galaxies, strands of DNA and even chromosomes!

For a more festive feel, you can marvel at snow sculptures, jolly along to a free music concert or take a twirl on the ice rink in Congress Square.

Dates: 30 November 2024 - 1 January 2025

Vilnius, Lithuania

One thing’s for certain when visiting Vilnius at Christmas – you’re sure to be dazzled! The city centre Christmas tree is a true trendsetter; it’s decked out in thousands of bulbs and with a modern, new design every year, its unveiling is an event itself (catch in on 29 November).

With over 40 stalls, huge 3D displays, a Christmas train and copious carnival games, you’re bound to be left feeling festive.

Dates: 29 November - 29 December 2024