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 European Christmas markets to visit in 2024 has it all.
Jump to a section of this article
The Christmas markets below generally run from late November to late December. However, 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 in 2024
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 atmosphere. Austria’s cities go all out for Christmas, with dazzling lights, massive Christmas trees, and stalls selling everything you’ll need to fuel some holiday 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 21 November 2024 to 01 January 2025.
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 21 November and 24 December 2024.
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 22 November to 22 December 2024.
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 16 November to 26 December 2024.
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 wooden huts to stop in for a snack. The Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square will be open from 13 November to 23 December 2024.
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 15 November to 23 December 2024.
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. Therefore, why not go to the source and drink deep? We’ve put together a 10-day German Christmas Markets itinerary that takes in many of the best.
Christmas Markets in Munich
Munich hosts many wonderful 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 Christmas 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 25 November to 24 December 2024.
The Christmas Market at Sendlinger Tor is a lovely market set around a beautiful brick gate. This small yet utterly charming Christmas market features vendor booths selling goods from all over the world and many stalls with local food and drinks. The Christmas Market at Sendlinger Tor will be open from 25 November to 22 December 2024.
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 25 November to 23 December 2024.
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, 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. The Christmas Market on Alexanderplatz will take place from 25 November to 26 December 2024.
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 run from 25 November to 30 December 2024.
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 25 November to 29 December 2024 (closed on Christmas Eve).
For more information about Berlin Christmas markets, click here.
Striezelmarkt in Dresden
Dresden is famous for its Christmas markets. 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 27 November to 24 December 2024.
For more information about the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, click here.
Christmas Market in Frankfurt
Dating back to 1393, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the brightest and largest Christmas markets in Germany. With its great Christmas tree, elaborate festive decorations, and colorful stalls, the Christmas Market in Frankfurt is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The Frankfurt Christmas Market will be open from 25 November to 22 December 2024.
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 27 November to 27 December 2024.
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 16 November 2024 to 01 January 2025.
Another Paris Christmas market not to miss 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. This year’s dates for the Hotel de Ville Christmas Market are not confirmed yet but the market is usually around for the entire month of December.
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 sparkling 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 30 November 2024 to 06 January 2025.
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 30 November 2024 to 06 January 2025.
For a More Local Feel
Although spectacular, central Prague’s Christmas Markets can be heavily geared towards tourists. For a more local feel, head to the neighborhood squares just outside the historic city center, like Namesti Miru. The Namesti Miru Christmas Market will run from 20 November to 24 December 2024.
If you want to experience an even more authentic Czech Christmas Market, include Brno, Czechia’s second city, in your itinerary, or go overboard on medieval atmosphere and head to Cesky Krumlov.
For more information about Prague Christmas markets, click here.
Hungary Christmas Markets
Everybody knows Budapest. Yet, its quaint capital aside, Hungary is one of the most undiscovered countries in Europe. As such, it deserves your attention this holiday season.
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 decorations to delicious seasonal treats. There are also live performances and music concerts. The 2024 dates for the Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square are not confirmed yet but the market usually runs from mid-November until New Year’s Day.
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, you should start thinking of a festive trip to the Baltics.
Tallinn Christmas Market
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 22 November and 27 December 2024.
For more information about the Tallinn Christmas Market, click here.
Riga Christmas Market
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 29 November 2024 to 02 January 2025.
For more information about the main Riga Christmas Market, click here.
Vilnius Christmas Market
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 29 November and 29 December 2024, though the traditionally magnificent Christmas tree will be on display until 07 January 2025.
Click here for more information.
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 30 November 2024 and 07 January 2025.
For more information about Advent in Zagreb, click here.
Portugal & Spain Christmas Markets
Speaking of a warmer Christmas, the Iberian Peninsula can never disappoint. In Portugal and Spain, you can find the perfect combination of Christmas decorations and pleasant weather.
Christmas Markets in Lisbon, Portugal
The Portuguese capital has no shortage of festive cheer during Advent and Christmas. The heart of the holiday celebrations beats at one of the city’s main squares, Rossio. Known for its iconic black and white pavements, the square is transformed into a Christmas wonderland from mid-November to Christmas Eve. This year’s exact dates for the Rossio Christmas Market are still to be confirmed.
Speaking of that, Lisbon has its very own Wonderland Lisboa, set at the edge of the lush Parque Eduardo VII. Complete with an ice rink, a giant Ferris wheel, and a Santa Claus village, Lisbon’s winter wonderland smells of Christmas at every turn. This year’s dates aren’t confirmed yet, but the Wonderland will probably be around from 30 November 2024 to 01 January 2025.
For the announcement of the exact dates and more information about Christmas markets in Lisbon and the rest of Portugal, click here.
Christmas Markets in Barcelona, Spain
We’re pretty sure you don’t need a special reason to visit Barcelona, which is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Spain. However, a pre-Christmas trip to the country’s vibrant second city can never be a bad idea.
The city looks extra cheerful with all its Christmas decorations, especially if you stroll through its two main Christmas markets. The centuries-old Fira de Santa Llucia is known for its Nativity Scenes and Christmas traditions and awaits you from 28 November to 23 December 2024 near the city’s cathedral.
Under the shadow of Barcelona’s most iconic landmark, the Sagrada Familia Christmas Market is held between 28 November and 23 December 2024, too. However, the best time to visit this lively Christmas market is on the 21st or 22nd of December, when Santa Claus is the guest of honor.
For more information on Barcelona’s most popular Christmas markets and suggestions for other amazing things you can do in Barcelona during the holidays, click here.
Christmas Market in Madrid, Spain
If you’re already in Barcelona, why not complement your Spain itinerary with a trip to Madrid, the country’s fantastic capital? Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s main square, hosts a colorful Christmas market with over one hundred stalls selling festive decorations, traditional handicrafts, and unique gifts.
This year, the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market will run from 29 November to 31 December 2024.
For more information, click here.
Check Out Some Christmas Market Tour Ideas
Planning a Christmas time vacation in Europe? We can help make it happen. Pick an itinerary you like the look of as a starting point, get an idea of the price, then let us know your exact dates and we’ll do the rest. Europe’s cheerful Christmas markets await!
* Starting price is per person, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.
Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.
Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s passionate about travel and storytelling, a combination that makes her ideal for her role as our content manager.