The 10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe

It’s that time of the year again when we all start to think about Christmas and how to best prepare for the festive season. At Freebird Club, we’re getting into the festive season by highlighting our vibrant community of members and their 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 Christmas market at Vienna’s Rathausplatz.

Dates: 10 November to 26 December 2023

Time: 10:00 to 22:00pm (18:30pm on Christmas Eve)

Meet our Austrian members.

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.

Dates: 29 November to 24 December 2023

Time: 10:00 to 21:00pm

Meet our German members.

3.Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Winter Wonderland in London

With free entry and unrestricted access to our rides and attractions, Winter Wonderland is the perfect place, containing everything you need from Christmas markets to food stalls, a circus and picturesque views of London.

Dates: 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024

Time: ​​10:00am to 10:00pm daily, excluding Christmas Day

Meet our British members.

4. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: The Dublin Castle Christmas Market (Dublin, Ireland)

The Dublin Castle Christmas Market, unsurprisingly enough, takes place within the impressive grounds of Dublin Castle. Christmas trees line the entrance to the courtyard and that’s where you’ll find the market.

Dates: 6th – 19th December 2023

Time: ​​12:00pm to 21:00pm

Meet our Irish members.

5. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: The Strasbourg Christmas Market (Strasbourg, France)

The Strasbourg Christmas market is one of the Best Christmas Markets in France. From the fairy-like lights to the delicious aromas, let yourself be carried away by the city’s warm atmosphere, marvel and wander around the 300 wooden chalets set up in the city’s historic centre.

Dates: 24th November to 25th December 2023

Time: ​​11:00am – 20:00pm

Meet our French members.

6.Best Christmas Markets in Europe: The Fira de Santa Lucia (Barcelona, Spain)

The Fira de Santa Llucia takes place at Avinguda de la Catedral. Visitors can expect to see 287 stands and all its traditions. When it originated, it was a fair that was organised to celebrate the feast day of Santa Llucia but has since developed into a Christmas market that runs for three weeks.

Dates: 24th November to 23rd December 2023

Time: ​​10:00am – 21:00pm

Meet our Spanish members.

7. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Wonderland Lisboa (Lisbon, Portugal)

The Lisbon Wonderland in Parque Eduardo VII has an ice rink, with 800 square meters to experience skating and the village of Santa Claus, in addition to entertainment and food and drink, there is also a Christmas market with stalls selling handicrafts, regional products, fashion and confectionery.

Dates: 30th November 2023 to 1st January 2024

Time: ​​12:00pm – 22:00pm (Closes at Midnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturday)

Meet our Portuguese members.

8. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Christmas Fair at Via San Gregorio Armeno in the Centro Storico (Naples)

Christmas in Naples is distinguished by its rich tradition of crafting intricate presepi, or nativity scenes, that many families and local shops display. These elaborate tableaux go beyond the typical manger scene to include detailed miniatures of everyday life, showcasing the city’s deep-rooted connection to this holiday custom.

Dates: 2nd December 2023 to 7th January 2024

Time: ​​12:00pm – 22:00pm

Meet our Italian members.

9. Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Christmas at Grand-Place in Brussels (Brussels, Belgium)

Take a stroll on the Grand Place in Brussels and marvel at its Christmas tree, which is the tallest in Europe. The market includes 200 stalls, choirs, an ice rink, attractions and other activities for all ages.

Dates: 24th November 2023 to 31st December 2023

Time: ​​12:00pm – 22:00pm

Meet our Belgian members.
10. Best Christmas Markets in Europe:  Barfusserplatz Christmas Market (Basel, Switzerland)

The Basel Christmas market has been voted the winner of the European Best Christmas Markets. A magnificently decorated Christmas tree awaits you in front of the stately Basel Minster. The market stalls set up beneath trees festively decorated with glowing snowballs offer a wide range of goods, food and beverages.

Dates: 23rd November 2023 to 23rd December 2023

Time: ​​12:00pm – 22:00pm

Meet our Swiss members.

And if you’d like to join Freebird Club and start mingling with like minded travellers and hosters then you can sign up here