Best European Christmas markets to visit in 2025

Jump scare – Christmas is around the corner… Mariah Carey is currently defrosting and you’ve probs already seen the first tub of Celebrations in Tesco. It won’t be long until the classic songs start, your eager neighbour has their decs up and town squares are taken over by Christmas markets. So, if you haven’t already booked your festive trip, what are you waiting for? Nothing gets us in our festive feels like wrapping up warm, sipping mulled wine and strolling along twinkly stalls.

It’s not a secret that Europe’s seasonal set-ups are elite – Germany’s are iconic for a reason – but lesser-known markets in places like Hungary and Estonia are also having a moment. Not sure where to pick? From budget-friendly to traditional vibes, we’ve rounded up the hottest European Christmas markets to visit this year.

Already decided on a festive destination? Check out our Christmas Markets holidays to lock it in.

Best for traditional vibes – Strasbourg, France

📅 26th November-24th December

If Christmas was a place, it would be Strasbourg. This French city’s been throwing festive markets since 1570 and does them so well, it’s earned itself the nickname of the ‘Capital of Christmas’. The historic Grande Île basically turns into one big market, with more than 300 wooden chalets scattered across timber-framed streets and squares. A 30-metre tree towers over the city centre, Gothic choirs perform in cathedral courtyards, and themed villages and concerts bring the vibes.

The snack game is strong here – expect Alsatian treats like tarte flambée, pretzels and moreish bredle biscuits, all washed down with a steaming cup of mulled wine. Present-wise, you could be picking up hand-painted ornaments, pottery, nativity scenes and handmade wooden toys.

Best for multiple markets – Vienna, Austria

📅 14th November-6th January

Vienna at Christmastime is no joke. The city’s imperial architecture makes the ultimate backdrop for seasonal markets, surrounded by big sights like Schönbrunn Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Rathausplatz, the square in front of the grand City Hall, transforms into Christkindlmarkt, the city’s main market packed with over 150 vendors, an ice rink and a giant glowing tree. Fuel up on Käsekrainer sausages, roasted chestnuts, hot punch and strudel, before ticking off your shopping list. Elegant glassware, music-themed trinkets and handmade ornaments are the speciality here.

For a change of scenery, check out the other markets like Schönbrunn, Belvedere and Stephansplatz. Prefer a cosier vibe? Head away from the main square to the historic Spittelberg area for cobblestone streets lined with artisan stalls selling more unique gifts – great for finding something for that person who already has everything…

Best for the ‘gram – Nuremberg, Germany

📅 28th November-24th December

Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is the blueprint for German Christmas markets everywhere, dating all the way back to 1628. It takes place in the Hauptmarkt, the Main Market Square of Nuremberg’s Old Town. The opening ceremony kicks off with the Christkind herself (a local girl picked every two years) delivering a prologue from the balcony of the Church of Our Lady, officially opening the market.

One of the reason’s it’s so famous is because it’s probably the most Insta-friendly Christmas market in the world. The 180 red-and-white stripy stalls have to stick to strict guidelines to maintain the high standard, with rules around lights, decs and even what crafts can be sold to protect the aesthetic (plastic is a big no-no.) So, expect to see lots of traditional nutcrackers, ‘Zwetschgenmännla’ prune figures and ‘Rauschgold’ angels. You also won’t be able to resist spamming your Insta story with local festive treats like Nürnberger sausages in a bun, the OG Nürnberger Lebkuchen gingerbread and spiced Glühwein in souvenir mugs.

Best for historic charm – Prague, Czech Republic

📅 29th November-6th January

If you love that old-timey Christmas look, Prague meets the brief. The Old Town Square always brings the charm, but at this time of year it’s like stepping into a Charles Dickens novel – the church, Gothic spires and cobbled streets get a glow up with a mega Christmas tree, lights and seasonal market. Get lost between the stalls and keep an eye out for gift ideas, like Bohemia Cut glass, garnet jewellery and traditional puppets. Wenceslas Square’s also becomes as festive hub, but has more of a social vibe with cosy bars and food stalls. Must-try eats include smoked ham, stollen and gingerbread biscuits.

Beyond the big two, smaller markets like Peace Square and Republic Square give off a more local vibe. Take a break from the buzz, soak up the peaceful atmosphere and listen to live choirs and folk performances.

Best for your budget – Budapest, Hungary

📅 15th November-31st December

Who said Xmas has to be spenny? Budapest’s markets are a bargain compared to some of Europe’s more traditional markets. A cup of mulled wine will only cost you around €3.50 and you can pick up Hungarian street food like lángos, goulash or a chimney cake for under €5 – and they’re super hearty. Plus, handcrafted gifts like embroidered linen, paprika sets and bottles of Tokaji wine are pretty affordable, so you’ve got no excuse to skip presents for your fam this year…

There are two main markets – Vörösmarty is the oldest and largest, lined with stalls selling hand-embroidered fabrics, ceramics, leather goods and snacks. Then, there’s the one at St Stephen’s Basilica, which puts a modern spin on Christmas decs with a nightly 3D light show projected onto the façade, as well as concerts and a central ice rink. For an even more local feels, smaller neighbourhood markets – like in Óbuda – are a lot more low key.

Best for quieter markets – Tallinn, Estonia

📅 21st November-27th December

Psst… Tallinn flies pretty far under the radar compared to the other destinations in this hotlist, so its market is perfect for swerving the crowds. But that doesn’t mean you’re missing out on any Christmas magic… Tallinn’s festivities are all set in the Medieval Old Town and the storybook scenes are taken to the next level with coloured fairy lights, a huge tree and snow-covered rooftops (there’s always a decent chance of a white Christmas in Estonia.)

The Town Hall Square is packed with stalls selling woollen hats, sheepskin slippers and mugs of hot glögg. You’ve also got your classic festive foods like grilled sausages and gingerbread, as well as more rogue options like smoked fish. Throw in a retro carousel, carol singing and Santa’s cottage where you can meet the main man himself, and you’ve got everything you want for Christmas right here.