6 best Christmas markets in Europe
In Europe, Christmas markets are a centuries-old tradition that brings the holiday spirit to life. From sparkling lights to delicious food and outdoor performances, the lively Christmas markets brighten up the already enchanting atmosphere. While nearly every town and city has its own Christmas market, these are the 5 best Christmas markets in Europe for their food, activities, and atmosphere. The best part is, you don’t have to choose just one! A private car transfer with Daytrip makes it easy to travel from one amazing Christmas market to the next!
The Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival is the largest in the country, taking over Vörösmarty Square in the heart of the city. Usually running from mid-November until January. 122 wooden stalls serve snacks like sumptuous honey cookies and festive Hungarian dishes like stuffed cabbage or roasted pork knuckle. An outdoor stage hosts over 200 events for adults and children throughout the season. If you’re visiting with children, there’s even a small train that makes a loop through the market. And it’s completely free!
Not far away, another dazzling Christmas market is set up in front of Szent István-bazilika (St. Stephen’s Basilica). The Adventi Ünnep a Bazilikánál (“the Advent Feast of the Basilica”) was named the best Christmas Market in Europe in 2019. The stalls have pretty much the same offerings as those in Vörösmarty Square, but here you have an ice skating rink where you can skate in the beautifully illuminated square in front of the Basilica.
Vienna Christmas World, Vienna, Austria
Vienna Christmas market captured by Alisa Anton
Vienna really gets into the Christmas spirit, with Christmas markets popping up all over the city, including right in front of the palace! Christmas World in Rathausplatz (City Hall Square) is undoubtedly the most famous.
Christmas World is open from November 16 to December 26 and hosts over 100 stalls offering traditional Christmas gifts, crafts, food, and more. The food is one of the market’s highlights, with a focus on organic ingredients and regional dishes. If you want a break from perusing the stalls, go ice skating, take a gingerbread-decorating workshop, or stroll around admiring the Christmas lights.
The parks on either side of the square hold attractions like a nativity scene trail and a Ferris wheel. And nearly every plant, tree, and shrub is covered with twinkling lights if you want to take a romantic stroll. Love is literally in the air at the Tree of Hearts, where hundreds of glowing hearts hang from the boughs.
Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, Salzburg, Austria
Nestled in the birthplace of Mozart, this market offers a festive blend of music, mulled wine, and handmade crafts
With its roots in the 15th century, Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt brings Austrian tradition to life at the foot of its most famous landmark: the Hohensalzburg fortress. From November 21st- January 1st, around 100 exhibitors serve up delectable treats alongside stalls offering holiday gifts like textiles, natural products, crafts, and toys.
Along with the Christmas stands, the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt has an event-packed program with something almost every day!
“Sing-Along” in a choir open to singers from the general public – every Tuesday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.
Traditional wind music – performed high above the square every Wednesday at 6:00 PM and every Thursday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Visit the Salzburg “Christ Child” with his angels – every Sunday at 4:00 PM.
Children’s reading with the “Christ Child” – every Wednesday at 4:00 PM.
On December 31st, the traditional Christkindlmarkt transforms into a New Year's Eve market with an exciting program to fill your day until a fireworks display rings in the new year with a bang.
Munich, Germany Christmas Market
Munich’s Christkindlmarkt, set in Marienplatz with the stunning Gothic New Town Hall taken by Luca
From November 25th - December 24th, Munich turns into Christmas Town. Around 20 different Christmas markets pop up all over the city. The Christkindlmarkt right in front of the Munich Town Hall is the original, with its roots dating back to the 14th century.
Backed by the beautiful neo-Gothic town hall, you’ll find stalls offering local Christmas treats, from cookies to wood carvings. There are also children’s workshops, a skating rink, and live folk music every day. Just a few steps down the road on St. Peter‘s is what might be Germany’s largest “Kripperlmarkt” - a market dedicated entirely to nativities. Here, you can buy staples for your own nativity, like Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, as well as necessary details like hay for the animals and the gifts of the Magi.
As an added bonus, Munich also offers free Christmas tours of the Old Town. Starting with a panoramic view of the Old Town from the Rathausturm, the tour then brings you through the Old Town to the Christmas Market at Marienplatz. Along the way, the guide will share interesting facts about the history of the Christkindlmarkt and introduce you to Christmas customs. You can book in advance or at the tourist information office (Marienplatz & Central Station).
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg Germany
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, dating back to the early 17th century!
Known as Germany’s ‘Christmas City,’ the Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of the world’s oldest and most famous. Over 180 market stands fill the square from November 29th - December 24th, so you’re sure to find something to fulfill your Christmas wishes. The finger-sized Nuremberg sausages have been the city’s culinary icon for over 700 years, so of course, they’re a staple for any Christmas market experience. Follow your dinner of sizzling sausages up with some famous Nuremberg gingerbread, which has been baked in the city for over 600 years.
Aside from food, this little Christmas City is a great place for shopping, with stalls offering everything from hand-made gold foil angels, glass ornaments, and nativity figurines to classic wooden nutcrackers. There are even boutiques with exclusive, original presents.
There are also events and concerts held over the course of Advent, starting with the no-holds-barred opening celebrations led by the Christkind - a golden-haired angel tasked with spreading Christmas cheer. She’s the symbol of Christmas in Nuremberg, like a Santa elected by meritocracy.
Prague, Czech Republic Christmas market
The picturesque Prague Christmas Market in Old Town Square through the eyes of Ketevan Salia
For Christmas, nearly every neighborhood in Prague has its own Christmas market, but the one in the Old Town Square is the largest and most impressive. Running from November 30th - January 6th, the market makes the square even more magical, with twinkling lights and hundreds of stands serving up holiday specialties. Enjoy a svarak (hot mulled wine), roasted almonds, savory fried dough, or a sweet trdelnik (a pastry tube rolled in cinnamon) while basking in the glow of the huge Christmas tree. Beneath the famous Astronomical Clock, vendors offer souvenirs, traditional Czech products, and homemade crafts.
Of course, along with the stands and giant Christmas tree, you’ll find nativity scenes, theater, and live music performances that bring the festive atmosphere to life. There’s even an observation bridge where you can get a better view of the twinkling Christmas lights and historic architecture.
How to Get to the European Christmas Markets
If you’re planning (or are now inspired to) visit multiple European Christmas markets, you could look into flying or taking the train, but that would be a missed opportunity! With Daytrip, you can book a private car to bring you door-to-door and add sightseeing stops to visit even more Christmas markets along the way!
