Where To Find the Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Berlin sometimes has more than 80 Christmas markets scattered all over the city, so it’s the perfect place to tick off multiple markets on the same trip. Highlights include the market at Potsdamer Platz, ideal for kids and thrillseekers thanks to winter sports such as tobogganing; Gendarmenmarkt, the place for gourmet food and hand-crafted artisan goods; and the Kollwitzplatz market, an environmentally-friendly option held on the four Sundays of Advent that sells recycled, sustainable, and organic goods.

Related: Where To Find the Best Christmas Markets in Germany (and How To Visit)

With its magical Old Town setting, Wroclaw Christmas Market is one of Poland’s most atmospheric. The Market Square has rides, an animatronic fairy-tale forest, hand-painted baubles, and food stalls selling tempting local specialties such as placki ziemniaczane (crispy fried potato pancakes), oscypek (smoked Polish mountain cheese), and bigos (hearty sauerkraut and sausage stew).

Insider tip: While in Wroclaw, also look out for its famous mascots—the tiny gnome statues. There are more than 400 around the city, including a biker gnome, a gardener gnome, and even a gnome doing his laundry.

Copenhagen is home to multiple markets—including the Nyhavn Christmas Market at the harbor and the Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market at Nytorv—but the real star of the show is Tivoli Gardens. This magical amusement park (which allegedly inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland® Park) has been open since 1843 but it really comes to life over the festive period. Expect more than 1 million fairy lights and more than 1,000 Christmas trees, as well as rides, parades, and festive souvenirs.

Tallinn’s UNESCO–listed medieval center’s Christmas market is a great choice for high-quality artisan handicrafts, such as hand-knitted hats, felt slippers, and wooden carvings. As well as great shopping, there’s also a particularly impressive performance schedule with dancers, brass bands, bell ringers, and Santa arriving on a sleigh pulled by real reindeers. Be sure to try Vana Tallinn Glögi, too—red wine mixed with Vana Tallinn, a famous local spirit made with vanilla, citrus, and rum.

Did you know?: It’s believed Tallinn was the home of Europe’s first ever Christmas tree and the tradition of erecting one in front of Tallinn’s Town Hall dates back to 1441.

If Berlin’s myriad markets are too many to choose from, then make for the beautiful city of Nuremberg instead. Its Christkindlesmarkt dates back to 1628 and takes place on the Main Market Square. There’s also a Children’s Market with a steam railway, merry-go-round, and Ferris wheel. While in the city, be sure to try the Nuremberg bratwurst, the city’s famous mini sausages with over 700 years of history and protected EU status.

There are over 10 different markets to choose from in Vienna, most of which are set on pretty squares near grand palaces and beautiful monuments. If you’re a foodie, the Advent Pleasure Market at the Vienna State Opera has gourmet specialties such as meat, cheese, and wine from regional producers. There’s also the Christmas Market on Stephansplatz, which boasts a stunning backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. To keep the kids happy though, head to the Winter Market on Riesenradplatz, which has children’s rides and live performances.

Related: Where To Find the Best Christmas Markets in Austria (and How To Visit)

Prague’s stunning Old Town with its Gothic architecture makes the perfect backdrop for a fairy-tale Christmas market. Take a romantic stroll down its cobblestone alleyways and courtyards while sipping grog, a local drink made of rum, lemon, sugar, and water, and sampling langos (flatbread with garlic, cheese, and ketchup) or klobásy (barbecued sausages). The local crafts are especially great here—look out for lace embroidery, hand-blown baubles, wooden toys, and beautiful ceramics.

Insider tip: Don’t miss the nativity scene in Wenceslas Square, which has a petting zoo of sheep, goats, and donkeys.

Set in the Alsace region of France, Strasbourg is one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, dating all the way back to 1570. The main market is set around Cathedral Square with hundreds of stands selling food, arts, crafts, and toys. A highlight is the Christkindelsmärik, where local artisans demonstrate their skills and sell one-of-a-kind handmade goods, although food fans may prefer the market at Place des Meuniers where small food producers showcase delicious Alsatian specialties.

Consistently voted Europe’s best Christmas market, Zagreb has it all—live music, illuminations, great shopping, delicious food, and even a Santa who drives a “Merry Christmas tram” around the city. Go ice skating at King Tomislav Square, try food by top chefs at Fuliranje, and explore the wooden huts selling festive arts and crafts at Ban Jelačić Square. Then, take a stroll through the picturesque lantern-lit Zrinjevac Park and be sure to sample Medenjaci, delicious Croatian honey cookies.