Grab your hat, scarf and purse as we explore the best Christmas markets in Europe. From quaint chalets decked out with lights to ice rinks and seasonal food, there’s plenty to see and do at the best Christmas markets in Europe 2024. Let’s take a look at where you should head to for your festive shopping. Don’t forget to browse our list of the best Christmas Markets in the UK too!
Vienna, Austria Christmas Market
When: Saturday 16th November to Thursday 26th December 2024
Where: The square in front of City Hall
Although there are plenty of festive markets throughout Austria, there’s something special about the Vienna Christmas Market. As one of Europe’s largest Christmas markets, it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The traditional-themed market features beautiful, handcrafted products and a range of delicious sweet treats and savoury dishes. The Vienna Christmas Market is steeped in rich history, with the current version having been held annually for over 50 years. However, there is evidence of Christmas markets in Vienna since 1600!
Budapest, Hungary Christmas Market
When: Friday 15th November to Wednesday 1st January 2025
Where: Advent Basilica Market
Budapest is teeming with fun festive markets, but one stands out among the rest: Advent Basilika Market. The market has been voted Europe’s most beautiful Christmas market for four years running, thanks to its stunning Christmas trees, light displays and numerous stalls. There are nearly 150 stalls at the market, selling everything from jewellery and leather to ceramics and sweets.
Strasbourg, France Christmas Market
When: Wednesday 27th November to Friday 27th December 2024
Where: Cathedral Square and Place Broglie
France’s oldest Christmas market can be traced all the way back to 1570. The 2024 version of the market certainly lives up to the hype and legacy of the centuries’ old annual market. You can expect hundreds of chalets packed over several streets across the city, selling goods such as jewellery, candles, food and drinks. The various smaller markets are all unique, with some focusing on sustainable goods, while others are dedicated to local products.
Zagreb, Croatia Christmas Market
When: Saturday 30th November 2024 to Tuesday 7th January 2025
Where: Ban Jelačić Square
There are over 25 individual Christmas markets spread throughout the city and Ban Jelačić Square. As you walk past the stalls, your senses will be overwhelmed with the delicious smells of local cuisine and warming mulled wine. The streets are decked out in colourful light and ornaments, with stalls selling handcrafted goods such as jewellery, cakes and clothing. There is a daily programme of entertainment, including cultural performances.
Amsterdam Christmas Market
When: Thursday, 12 December to Thursday, 26 December 2024
Where: Museumplein
Amsterdam’s largest Christmas market features an ice rink that is surrounded by sparkling Christmas trees and festive decorations. The Ice Village Christmas Market has all the traits of a traditional market, with plenty of warming food, drinks and activities on offer. It’s free to enter, which leaves you more money to spend on the many trinkets and refreshments on offer.
Frankfurt, German Christmas Market
When: Monday 25th November to Sunday 22nd December 2024
Where: Roßmarkt to Römerberg
Frankfurt’s annual Christmas market stretches from Roßmarkt, along the Zeil and down to Römerberg and the Main River. Featuring festive stalls selling good such as hot apple wine and German specialities such as Bethmännchen, a sweet marzipan pastry, there’s plenty to choose from for your Christmas shopping. Frankfurt also boasts the Pink Christmas display, where Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz is illuminated in shades of pink, with chalets selling delicious hot soup and cocktails.
Poznan, Poland Christmas Market
When: Tuesday 19th November to Monday 23rd December 2024
Where: City centre
Based in the heart of Poznan, the Polish Christmas market features a 16m Christmas tree, a 30m Ferris wheel and an outdoor skating rink. Wander through the square and shop the very best of local products. From festive food and drinks to handcrafted jewellery and candles, you can get all your Christmas shopping done within a few hours of visiting the Poznan Christmas Market.
Riga, Latvia Christmas Market
When: Friday 29th November 2024 to Monday 2nd January 2025
Where: Doma Square
From the moment you step foot in Doma Square, you’ll be blown away by the delicious smell of mulled wine, spices and roasting nuts. The country’s capital is stuffed full of stalls selling local handmade products, souvenirs and seasonal gifts. The twinkling lights and decorated trees offer the perfect photo opportunities if you can bear to tear yourself away from the stalls for long enough.
Govone & Asti Christmas Market
When: Wednesday 6th November to Sunday 22nd December 2024
Where: Piedmont
Take a trip back to your childhood in the Magical Christmas Village. Govone and Asti boast Santa’s House, where your little ones can visit the big man himself, along with over 130 different stalls selling goods such as toys, wine, food and handcrafted jewellery. The picturesque markets are the perfect way to get in the festive spirit and buy gifts for your family and friends.
Madeira, Portugal Christmas Market
When: Sunday 1st December 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025
Where: Funchal
Maderia gets into the festive spirit with its traditional Christmas market in the island’s capital. Featuring lights wrapped around the trees, street performers and delicious local produce, this is one of the most colourful Christmas markets in Europe. The Portuguese Island has a wide range of quality regional products, including fruit, sugar cane honey and plants. You can browse the various stalls at the Christmas market and stock up on handcrafted gifts and delicious food and drinks.
Buy Christmas Jumpers and Pyjamas
It wouldn’t be right to visit Christmas markets in Europe without wearing Christmas jumpers. Our range includes colourful designs and patterns that will get you in the festive spirit. If you’re staying over, why not treat yourself to some Christmas pyjamas to keep you warm and cosy.
