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10 of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
**Updated October 2024**
As the holiday season approaches, Europe transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive cheer, twinkling lights, and the irresistible aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Christmas markets, or “Weihnachtsmärkte,” are a beloved tradition across the continent, offering a magical blend of local crafts, holiday treats, and cultural festivities. From bustling squares in Germany to charming villages in Austria, these markets provide the perfect backdrop to experience the enchantment of Christmas.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, highlighting unique destinations in Germany, Spain, Ireland, France, and Austria. Whether you’re wandering through the fairy-tale streets of Vienna, savoring traditional Spanish sweets in Madrid, or enjoying the warm hospitality of Dublin, each market offers a special glimpse into the holiday traditions of its region. Whether you’re in search of unique gifts, festive foods, or just the joy of the season, these European Christmas markets promise an unforgettable holiday experience. Grab your scarves and mittens, and let’s dive into the best Christmas markets that Europe has to offer!
Here are some of our Freebird Club members’ picks for the best Christmas markets in Europe.
1. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Viennese Dream Christmas Market (Vienna, Austria)
One of the biggest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe is the Vienna Christmas Market. Year in and year out, countless guests from Austria and abroad visit and marvel at the traditional market at Vienna’s Rathausplatz. The market features over 150 stalls, offering a delightful array of handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and festive treats like Austrian pastries and punch.
Visitors can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere created by twinkling lights and the backdrop of the stunning City Hall, often accompanied by live music and performances. With its magical ambiance, the Vienna Christmas Market is a must-visit destination during the holiday season.
Dates: November 16 to December 26th
Time: 10:00 to 22:00pm (18:30pm on Christmas Eve)
2. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: The Striezelmarkt (Dresden, Germany)
The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is one of the first genuine Christmas markets in the world, founded as a one-day market in 1434. Today, it’s a massive multiday event where over 200 stalls can be found selling sweet treats, Christmas tchotchkes, and more. Visitors can enjoy traditional Saxon delicacies like Stollen (a rich fruitcake) and warm mulled wine, while also exploring handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and festive decorations. The market’s centerpiece is the towering Christmas pyramid, a symbol of local craftsmanship, creating a magical atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Dates: 27 November to 24 December 2024
Opening hours
Daily: 10 am to 9 pm
Opening day (27 November): 4 to 9 pm
Christmas Eve (24 December): 10 am to 2 pm
Meet our German Freebird Club members.
3. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Winter Wonderland in London
Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park is one of the most iconic Christmas events in the city, offering an exciting mix of festive markets, thrilling rides, ice skating, and live entertainment. With free entry and unrestricted access to explore, visitors can enjoy over 200 chalets selling unique gifts, delicious street food, and holiday drinks. There’s also a magical circus, an ice sculpture garden, and spectacular views of the city from the Giant Observation Wheel.
For 2024, Winter Wonderland runs from November 21st to January 5th, opening daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, except for Christmas Day. It’s the ultimate holiday destination for families and friends looking for festive fun in London.
Dates: November 21 to January 5th
Open Hours: 10am to 10pm except for Christmas Day
4. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: The Dublin Castle Christmas Market (Dublin, Ireland)
The Dublin Castle Christmas Market takes place within the historic grounds of Dublin Castle, offering a festive experience in one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. Christmas trees beautifully line the entrance, welcoming visitors into a charming courtyard filled with wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts, festive treats, and traditional Irish fare. Along with live music, twinkling lights, and a cozy, festive atmosphere, visitors can also enjoy a vintage carousel and seasonal entertainment, making it a magical holiday spot in the heart of Dublin.
Dates: 28th of November – 18th of December 2024
Time: 12:00pm to 21:00pm
5. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: The Strasbourg Christmas Market (Strasbourg, France)
The Strasbourg Christmas Market, known as the “Capital of Christmas,” is one of the oldest and most enchanting in Europe, dating back to 1570. Set in the city’s historic center, its 300 wooden chalets offer everything from artisanal crafts and handmade ornaments to regional delicacies like bredele cookies and vin chaud (mulled wine). Visitors can stroll through the beautifully illuminated streets, marvel at the majestic Christmas tree in Place Kléber, and experience the magical atmosphere that makes Strasbourg a true holiday wonderland.
Dates: 27th November to 27th December 2024
Time: 11:00am – 20:00pm
6.Best Christmas Markets in Europe: The Fira de Santa Lucia (Barcelona, Spain)
The Fira de Santa Llucia at Avinguda de la Catedral is Barcelona’s oldest and most beloved Christmas fair, dating back to 1786. Visitors can explore 287 charming stands offering a variety of holiday goods, from nativity scenes and handmade decorations to traditional Catalan crafts. Along with festive music and live performances, one of the market’s highlights is the Caga Tió, a unique Catalan tradition for children. The fair runs for three weeks, bringing a joyful holiday spirit to the Gothic Quarter.
Dates: 28th November to 24th December 2023
Time: 10:00am – 21:00pm
7. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Wonderland Lisboa (Lisbon, Portugal)
Lisbon Wonderland in Parque Eduardo VII transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season. In addition to its 800-square-meter ice rink and Santa Claus village, the market features a wide array of entertainment for all ages, including live performances and a magical Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city. The Christmas market boasts stalls filled with local handicrafts, gourmet Portuguese products, festive fashion items, and delectable sweets, making it a perfect spot to embrace the holiday spirit in Lisbon.
Dates: 30th November 2024 to 1st January 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 22:00pm (Closes at Midnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
8. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Christmas Fair at Via San Gregorio Armeno in the Centro Storico (Naples)
The Christmas Fair at Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples is world-famous for its celebration of the city’s centuries-old tradition of crafting presepi (nativity scenes). This historic street comes alive during the holidays, with artisans meticulously creating and selling handcrafted figurines and miniature scenes that extend beyond the Holy Family to depict Neapolitan daily life, including bakers, shepherds, and musicians.
Visitors can explore a variety of stalls offering unique, finely detailed pieces, from traditional religious figures to humorous modern-day additions, making it a one-of-a-kind cultural experience that reflects Naples’ devotion to Christmas.
Dates: The market is open every day of the year, but it’s especially charming during Christmastime
Time: 12:00pm – 22:00pm
9. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Christmas at Grand-Place in Brussels (Brussels, Belgium)
The Grand Place Christmas Market in Brussels is a magical holiday destination, set against the backdrop of the city’s iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dominated by the tallest Christmas tree in Europe, the square dazzles with festive lights and an enchanting sound-and-light show projected onto the stunning historic buildings.
With 200 wooden stalls, visitors can explore a variety of handcrafted gifts, gourmet Belgian chocolates, and traditional foods like waffles and mulled wine. In addition to the market, there’s a large ice rink, lively choirs, a grand Ferris wheel, and a carousel, offering fun and entertainment for all ages.
Dates: 29th November 2024 to 5th of January 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 22:00pm
10. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Barfusserplatz Christmas Market (Basel, Switzerland
The Basel Christmas Market, voted the winner of the European Best Christmas Markets, is a true winter wonderland. A magnificently decorated Christmas tree awaits you in front of the stately Basel Minster. The market stalls, set up beneath trees festively adorned with glowing snowballs, offer a wide range of goods, food, and beverages.
Visitors can delight in local specialties like Basler Läckerli (spicy gingerbread cookies) and sip on warm glühwein while browsing handmade crafts and unique gifts. The festive atmosphere is further enhanced by live music and performances, making it a perfect destination to celebrate the holiday season in Switzerland.
Dates: 28th of November to 23rd December 2024
Time: 12:00pm – 22:00pm
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