The Best Christmas Markets in Europe (Updated 2023 Guide)

If you’re planning a trip to Europe during Advent and over the holidays this year, you’re in luck because you’ll get to experience some of the Continent’s most festive and atmospheric Christmas markets. From traditional Christmastime destinations to more laid-back and undiscovered ones, our updated list of the best Christmas markets to visit in 2023 has it all.

The markets below generally run from late November to late December, although some run into early January, or don’t start until early December, so check the linked websites to see the latest dates.

The Best Christmas Markets To Visit in Europe 2023

Austria Christmas Markets

At Christmas, it feels as though all roads lead to Austria. The country is renowned for its romantic Christmas markets with people from all over the globe flocking to Austrian cities to get a taste of their unique festive cheer. Austria’s cities go all out for Christmas, with dazzling lights, massive Christmas trees, and stalls selling everything you’ll need to fuel some yuletide spirit on the spot and to take home too.

Christmas Markets in Salzburg

One of the most sought-after Christmas destinations in Europe, Salzburg is famous for its fairytale-like Christmas markets. Among them, the main Salzburg Christmas Market stands out not only for its location in the stunning Cathedral Square but also for the range of amazing things to do there, from buying local crafts to savoring traditional food to enjoying performances from some of Salzburg’s most beloved choirs and children’s groups. This year, the Salzburg Christmas Market will be open from 23 November 2023 to 01 January 2024.

The Christmas Market on Mirabell Square rivals the main market in Salzburg for pomp and circumstance. You’ll find tasty holiday treats and mulled wine along with plenty of handmade ornaments, all just a few minutes walk from the train station. The Christmas Market in front of Mirabell Palace will be open between 23 November and 24 December 2023.

Last but not least, the Hohensalzburg Fortress’ Advent Market is certainly one of the city’s most atmospheric, as you’ll have all of Salzburg stretched out before you. Take a scenic funicular ride up to enjoy the booths filled with arts and crafts as well as local delicacies. There are activities for children and a rich concert program as well. The Advent Market at the Hohensalzburg Fortress Courtyard will run from 01 to 18 December 2023.

For more information about Salzburg Christmas Markets, click here.

Christmas Markets in Vienna

Vienna is a beautiful place to enjoy Christmas. The city’s many markets are all atmospheric and surrounded by magisterial architecture.

One of the city’s biggest markets, and the one you’ll often see pictured in most Vienna Christmas Markets Instagram pics, the Viennese Dream Christmas Market promises a unique festive experience. Vienna’s beautifully illuminated City Hall makes for a dramatic backdrop in a place where you’ll find something for everyone, from ice skating to hot wine. The Viennese Dream Christmas Market will run from 11 November to 26 December 2023.

Right in front of one of Vienna’s loveliest classical buildings, the Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square is the perfect combination of architectural beauty and holiday fun. There’s a whole program of live performances to enjoy, and plenty of warm little huts to stop in for a snack. The Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square will be open from 15 November to 23 December 2023.

More than 40 festive stalls await at the Christmas Village Belvedere Palace. The Belvedere Palace is one of Vienna’s finest, a true baroque masterpiece, so it’s hard not to enjoy yourself here, especially when there’s a dusting of snow on the ground. The Christmas Village Belvedere Palace will run from 17 November to 23 December 2023.

For more information about Vienna Christmas Markets, click here.

Germany Christmas Markets

Germany practically invented Christmas Markets, so much so that in many countries they call their Christmas markets German-style. Why not go to the source and drink deep?

Christmas Markets in Munich

Munich hosts many Christmas markets at unique and atmospheric spots all over the city.

Munich Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz Square is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Munich. Conveniently located outside the Marienplatz metro station, this traditional market is very easy to get to from almost anywhere in the city. Expect a wonderful winter atmosphere with tasty food and drink, live music, and fun for the whole family. The Munich Christmas Market on Marienplatz Square will run from 27 November to 24 December 2023.

The Christmas Market at Sendlinger Tor is a lovely market set around a beautiful brick gate. This small yet utterly charming Christmas market hosts vendors selling goods from all over the world and many stalls with food and drinks. The Christmas Market at Sendlinger Tor will be open from 27 November to 22 December 2023.

For a quirky take on Christmas markets, the Munich Advent Spectacle & Medieval Christmas Market is not to be missed. In a setting that will take you back to the Middle Ages, where merchants wear their historical attire and traditional delicacies are baked, this themed Christmas market promises an unparalleled experience to remember. The Medieval Christmas Market will run from 27 November to 23 December 2023.

For more information about Munich Christmas markets, click here.

Christmas Markets in Berlin

Germany’s capital doesn’t have the same reputation for massive Christmas markets that the cities of Bavaria and Saxony can boast of, but there’s plenty of festive cheer to be had in Berlin.

It doesn’t get more central than Alexanderplatz. Described as something between a market, a fairground, and a party, the Christmas Market on Alexanderplatz guarantees you’ll have a good time there. In 2023, the Christmas Market on Alexanderplatz will take place from 27 November to 26 December.

A market right in front of the seat of power in Berlin, the Christmas Market at Berlin City Hall is a piece of Berlin history, with narrow lanes of market stalls, street performers, and organ grinders. Kids young and old will be thrilled to find an old-time carousel and a circular ice-skating rink. The Christmas Market at Berlin City Hall will be open from 27 November to 30 December 2023.

If you’re looking for the most atmospheric backdrop you could ever wish for, head to the Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace. Come hungry, as you’ll be tempted by gingerbread and freshly baked bread from a wood-fired oven. The emphasis here is on traditional Christmas, whether that’s the food or the nostalgic fairground attractions to be found near the Orangery. The Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace will run from 27 November to 31 December 2023 (closed on 24/12).

For more information about Berlin Christmas markets, click here.

Play

Striezelmarkt in Dresden

Dresden is famous for its Christmas markets and for good reason. It has almost a dozen of them in various squares throughout the city, and the one known as Striezelmarkt might just be the oldest Christmas market in Germany, having started in the 15th century. Considering Germany’s role in the development of Christmas mythology, that’s really something special. The Striezelmarkt will run from 29 November to 24 December 2023.

For more information about the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, click here.

Christmas Market in Frankfurt

Dating back to 1393, the Christmas Market in Frankfurt is one of the biggest and brightest Christmas markets in Germany. With its huge Christmas tree, elaborate festive decorations, and colorful stalls, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The Frankfurt Christmas Market will be open from 27 November to 21 December 2023.

For more information about Frankfurt’s Christmas Market, click here.

France Christmas Markets

It’s no secret that France is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. At Christmas, this enchanting country of gorgeous cities and dreamy landscapes becomes even prettier if that’s even possible.

Christmas Market in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is called the Capital of Christmas and for good reason. Since 1570, the Strasbourg Christmas Market has been transforming the city into a magical world that fascinates adults and children alike every December. Christmas lights and decorations in Strasbourg are second to none while the air is scented with the sweet aromas of cinnamon and spices. No place feels more festive than Strasbourg during the holidays. The Strasbourg Christmas Market will run from 24 November to 24 December 2023.

For more information about Strasbourg’s Christmas Market, click here.

Christmas Markets in Paris

The City of Light sparkles all year long but even more so at Christmas. Scattered across the city, you will find several Christmas markets in Paris, with The Magic of Christmas at Tuileries Garden being one of the best among them. Complete with a Ferris wheel, an ice-skating rink, and countless food and drink stalls, the Tuileries Garden Christmas market has no shortage of festive cheer. It will run from 18 November 2023 to 07 January 2024.

Another Christmas market not to miss in Paris is the Hotel de Ville Christmas Market which pops up in front of the ornate City Hall every December. Apart from its impressive decorations, the Hotel de Ville Christmas Market is also famous for the amazing light show it puts on after sunset. The Hotel de Ville Christmas Market will be open from 30 November 2023 to 01 January 2024.

For more information about Paris Christmas Markets, click here.

Czech Republic Christmas Markets

Situated in the heart of Central Europe, the Czech Republic is a country filled with magic, especially at Christmas.

Christmas Markets in Prague

Few cities can boast the fairytale-like vibes that the Czech capital abounds in. One of the prettiest cities in Europe, Prague is a sight to behold during the Christmas season. The biggest of all Christmas markets in Prague is the Old Town Square Christmas Market. With food stalls and bright Christmas lights in a setting of unfathomable beauty, you simply can’t escape the festive cheer there. The Old Town Square Christmas Market will run from 02 December 2023 to 06 January 2024.

Smaller yet equally festive, the Wenceslas Square Christmas Market is held at the magnificent square’s pedestrianized zone. This year’s dates for the Wenceslas Square Christmas Market are 02 December 2023 to 06 January 2024.

For more information about Prague Christmas markets, click here.

Hungary Christmas Markets

Everybody knows Budapest, but its quaint capital aside, Hungary is one of the most undiscovered countries in Europe. As such, it deserves your attention this Christmas.

The grandest of all Christmas markets in Budapest, the Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square is home to over 100 stalls that sell from handmade Christmas ornaments to delicious local treats. There are also live performances and music concerts. The 2023 dates for the Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square are not confirmed yet.

For more information about Budapest Christmas markets, click here.

The Baltics Christmas Markets

If you’re dreaming of a white Northern European Christmas but without crowds of holiday-goers, then you should start thinking of a festive trip to the Baltics.

Tallinn, the bijou capital of Estonia, feels like a fairy tale that comes to life during Christmas. Set in a marvelous location at the city’s Town Hall Square, the Tallinn Christmas Market offers a special experience to cherish for life. The Tallinn Christmas Market will run between 01 December 2023 and 07 January 2024.

For more information about the Tallinn Christmas Market, click here.

While there are several small Christmas markets scattered across the capital of Latvia, the Town Square Christmas Market in Riga is the one not to miss. Held in Doma Laukums, the city’s historic main square, the Town Square Christmas Market in Riga is one of Europe’s lesser-known Christmas markets. The Town Square Christmas Market in Riga will take place from 03 December 2023 to 08 January 2024.

For more information about the main Riga Christmas Market, click here.

Home to one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in the world, the Christmas Village at Cathedral Square in Vilnius awaits to transfer you into a world of Christmas magic. At Vilnius’ main Christmas market, you can find handcrafted souvenirs to buy and mouthwatering local treats to try. The Christmas Village at Cathedral Square in the capital of Lithuania takes place between 26 November 2023 and 01 January 2024.

For more information about Vilnius Christmas Markets, click here.

Croatia Christmas Markets

If you’re looking for a somewhat warmer destination this Christmas, Croatia has no shortage of bright Christmas markets to visit and feel festive.

Advent in Zagreb is probably the most famous of all Christmas markets in Croatia. This award-winning Christmas market takes place at the city’s main square and is renowned for its varied stalls, bright decorations, and music events. Advent in Zagreb will run between 02 December 2023 and 07 January 2024.

For more information about Advent in Zagreb, click here.

Check out Some Christmas Market Tour Ideas