5 Best Christmas Markets in Europe
If you're planning a Christmas tour this year, there's no better way to get into the festive spirit than by visiting some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. These winter wonderlands offer an enchanting mix of twinkling lights, traditional foods, handcrafted gifts, and holiday cheer. From the historic streets of Vienna to the bustling city squares of Berlin, Europe’s Christmas markets are filled with festive charm and winter magic. Here are five of the best Christmas markets to visit, along with tips on what to see and do in each city.
London is a fantastic destination during the Christmas season, with its famous streets lit up by dazzling displays and festive activities taking place all over the city. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is one of the top Christmas attractions, featuring ice skating rinks, rides, games, and an impressive Christmas market. Browse through rows of wooden chalets offering holiday treats, mulled wine, handmade gifts, and ornaments.
Covent Garden is another must-see spot, with its beautifully decorated market, live performances, and a giant Christmas tree. Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival is also worth a visit, where you can enjoy riverside views as you sip hot cocoa or enjoy hearty street food. If you're planning to travel to Europe on Christmas, London should be at the top of your list.
Attractions to See in London:
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: A festive extravaganza with markets, ice skating, rides, and live shows.
- Covent Garden: A beautifully decorated market area with performances and plenty of holiday shopping.
- Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival: A riverside Christmas market with plenty of seasonal treats and gifts.
Tips for Visiting London Christmas Markets
- Book tickets in advance for Winter Wonderland as it gets busy during peak times.
- Dress warmly, as many of the markets are outdoors, and London can be chilly in December.
Paris is an iconic travel destination all year round, but it takes on a special glow during Christmas. The City of Light becomes the City of Christmas Lights, with festive illuminations around every corner. The Christmas market on the Champs-Élysées is a must-visit, with dozens of stalls offering everything from gourmet French treats to handmade gifts and decorations. For a more traditional experience, head to La Défense Christmas Market, where over 300 wooden chalets line the streets, offering regional specialties and artisanal goods.
The Tuileries Garden also hosts a Christmas village with rides, ice skating, and festive food. Don’t forget to visit the city’s iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, which often hosts its own Christmas light display, or explore the luxurious Christmas window displays at department stores like Galeries Lafayette.
Attractions to See in Paris:
- Champs-Élysées Christmas Market: One of the largest and most famous markets, with plenty of festive food and unique gifts.
- La Défense Christmas Market: A sprawling Christmas market offering traditional French crafts and treats.
- Tuileries Garden: A festive village with rides, skating, and markets for families and visitors of all ages.
Tips for Visiting Paris Christmas Markets
- Try the regional specialties, such as roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, which add to the festive spirit.
- Visit early in the evening to catch the stunning Christmas lights before the crowds arrive.
3. Brussels, Belgium
Known for its chocolates and waffles, Brussels adds even more sweetness to the holiday season with its annual Winter Wonders event. This is one of the best places to see in Europe in winter, with its festive market stalls set up around the Grand Place and beyond. The market stretches across several city squares, featuring over 200 chalets offering handmade crafts, local delicacies, and festive drinks.
The Grand Place becomes a magical backdrop with its dazzling Christmas light and sound show, which is a must-see during your visit. You can also glide around the ice rink at Place de la Monnaie, explore the Ferris wheel, or simply enjoy the holiday atmosphere with a warm Belgian waffle in hand.
Attractions to See in Brussels:
- Winter Wonders: Brussels’ main Christmas event, featuring a vast market, light shows, and festive entertainment.
- Grand Place Light Show: A mesmerizing display of lights and music in one of Europe’s most beautiful squares.
- Place de la Monnaie: Home to Brussels’ ice rink, perfect for a festive skate under the stars.
Tips for Visiting Brussels Christmas Markets:
- Make sure to try local treats such as speculoos cookies and mulled wine.
- Stay until evening to enjoy the full effect of the light shows and Christmas illuminations.
Berlin is home to some of Europe’s best Christmas markets, offering a unique mix of modern and traditional holiday festivities. The Weihnachtszauber at Gendarmenmarkt is one of Berlin’s most famous markets, with its stunning architecture serving as a backdrop to the festive stalls. You’ll find a wide range of artisanal gifts, seasonal foods, and handmade crafts, all set against the beautiful glow of twinkling lights.
For a more local experience, visit the Spandau Christmas Market, which combines medieval traditions with festive fun. The stalls are filled with handcrafted items, and you can enjoy seasonal German treats like sausages, gingerbread, and spiced wine. Another popular spot is the Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market, where the grand palace is illuminated with lights, creating a magical setting for holiday shopping.
Attractions to See in Berlin:
- Weihnachtszauber at Gendarmenmarkt: One of the city’s most picturesque Christmas markets, featuring handmade gifts and festive foods.
- Spandau Christmas Market: A mix of medieval charm and modern festivities, perfect for holiday shopping.
- Charlottenburg Palace: A stunning palace backdrop for one of Berlin’s most festive Christmas markets.
Tips for Visiting Berlin Christmas Markets:
- Don’t miss out on trying traditional German Christmas foods, such as bratwurst, gingerbread, and Glühwein.
- Visit several markets to experience the full range of Berlin’s Christmas magic, as each has its own unique atmosphere.
Vienna’s Christmas markets are renowned for their elegance and charm. The Viennese Dream Christmas Market, held in front of the City Hall, is one of the most beautiful in Europe. The backdrop of the grand City Hall, combined with rows of wooden stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, festive foods, and mulled wine, creates a fairy-tale atmosphere. Another must-visit market is the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, where the stunning baroque architecture adds to the festive ambiance.
The Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is also a highlight, offering visitors a regal experience with high-quality crafts and seasonal foods. Whether you’re sampling Viennese pastries or buying handmade gifts, Vienna’s Christmas markets offer something for every visitor.
Attractions to See in Vienna:
- Viennese Dream Christmas Market: A beautiful market set against the backdrop of Vienna’s City Hall, offering traditional crafts and foods.
- Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace: A picturesque market with stunning baroque surroundings.
- Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market: A regal setting for one of Vienna’s most famous and festive Christmas markets.
Tips for Visiting Vienna Christmas Markets
- Indulge in local specialties such as Viennese pastries and hot punch.
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace’s market during the evening for a truly magical experience with the palace lit up in festive lights.
Europe's Christmas markets offer a magical combination of festive cheer, cultural experiences, and holiday shopping, making them some of the best places to see in Europe in winter. Whether you're strolling through London’s Winter Wonderland, sipping mulled wine in Berlin, or exploring the markets of Vienna, a Christmas tour through Europe promises unforgettable moments. So, if you're planning to travel to Europe on Christmas, these cities and their markets should be at the top of your list. With an abundance of seasonal delights and festive fun, Europe’s Christmas markets are the perfect destinations for your holiday travels.