Europe’s most magical Christmas markets to visit this year

Steaming cups of mulled wine, twinkling lights, the sound of carols drifting in the air… the sights, sounds and scents of a traditional European Christmas market are intoxicating and hugely nostalgic. Harking back to a different era, there is something timeless, cosy and life-affirming about being part of the communal anticipation of the holiday season. Wandering past brightly-lit stalls, exchanging smiles and greetings with passers-by, and wrapping your hands around a warming cup of punch or hot chocolate are sure to infuse you with the warm glow of Christmas. Here are our picks of top Europe Christmas markets for you to visit this winter.

Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt, Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s main advent market is one of the biggest and best Christmas markets in Europe. Set in a grand square outside the city’s magical Gothic city hall, it’s never short on atmosphere. Over a hundred stalls sell all manner of festive treats and gifts, from spiced baked goods wrapped with ribbons to delicate glass tree ornaments and handmade wooden toys.

The whole place is brought to life with festive light installations, music, fairground rides and Christmas choirs. A giant ice-skating rink takes centre-stage in the adjacent park, with areas for children and adults. Kids’ activities are plentiful, with craft and baking classes, nativity scenes, storytelling and reindeer rides.

The glittering romantic capital of Austria has been celebrating the season with festive markets since the 14th century, so it really knows how to weave the Christmas magic. The main market runs from early November through to December 26th, while several more are dotted around the city.

Velvet Cave Christmas Market, Valkenburg aan de Geul, Netherlands

Tucked away in the far southeast of the Netherlands, the atmospheric town of Valkenburg aan de Geul is popular with Dutch visitors year-round. Dating back to the 11th century, the town has many historic sights and well-preserved medieval flourishes – not least, the city’s famous caves.

Every Christmas, the town’s underground grottos and passageways are transformed into a festive celebration of lights and decorations. Stalls pop up in hidden corners, and Christmas takes over this underground realm. Above ground, the festive party continues with the city’s attractive squares and waterways lined with market stalls and twinkling lights. The Velvet Cave in Valkenburg has to be one of the most unique venues for a Christmas market in Europe.

Edinburgh Christmas Market, Scotland

Scotland’s historic city of Edinburgh has a habit of throwing world-famous bashes, with the Edinburgh Festival in August and the raucous New Year Hogmanay. The Edinburgh Christmas Market is held in and around East Princes Street Gardens and is no less impressive. Along with a busy market area packed with local and international stalls, it’s home to a full-scale fun fair. From the pinnacle of the impressive Big Wheel, you’ll have front-row seats for the light show that illuminates Edinburgh Castle every year, the Scott Monument, and the whole city skyline.

Back down at ground level, you can warm up with mulled wine or marshmallow hot chocolate, stomp your feet to a ceilidh, or sing along at a carol concert. Edinburgh’s Christmas Market runs from mid-November right through to early January. The Diwali Festival of Light is also celebrated here, and on December 29th a torchlit parade marks the start of the Hogmanay Street Party celebrations, culminating in a big-name concert on the 31st.

Fraueninsel Christmas Market, Germany

Germany is another classic Europe Christmas market destination, and the Fraueninsel market in Bavaria is particularly special. It’s held on a small, car-free island on Lake Chiemsee, so visitors will need to climb aboard a light-festooned ferry boat to get there. The island is home to a nunnery and around 300 permanent residents, and the market spreads across much of the public areas. Lights and decorations are strung from trees and lampposts, fortifying glühwein and wurst buns (German sausage rolls) are on hand in abundance, and the market has a unique atmosphere and genuinely authentic feel.

Bratislava Christmas Fair, Slovakia

Held in the historic old town of Slovakia‘s capital, Bratislava’s Christmas market centres on the main square outside the city hall and spills into neighbouring streets and plazas. You can expect to find folk music concerts, carol services, craft-making demonstrations, and a brightly festive atmosphere. For traditional Slovakian winter treats, tuck into fried potato pancakes, glazed stuffed buns or generous slices of fruit strudel. When it comes to drinks, try out a glass of honeyed medovina spirit or punc, a warming punch of rum and red wine.

For a great view, climb to the terrace of the City Hall to look out across the glow of the market and over snow-dusted rooftops, to St Martin’s Cathedral and the castle. Bratislava’s Christmas Fair will be packed with locals, but this is one of the more under-the-radar European Christmas markets for visitors from afar, guaranteeing an authentic and enjoyable time.

Mount Pilatus Christmas Market, Switzerland

Claiming the title of Europe’s highest Christmas market, Switzerland’s Mount Pilatus Christmas Market takes place high in the Alpine peaks at 2,132 m. Several dozen tastefully-decorated stalls overflow with high-quality crafts and sugar-dusted Christmas fare. However, you’d be forgiven if your eyes wander: the views out across the mountains of the Lake Lucerne region are just spectacular. The market is held over one weekend in mid-late November, so check the dates to avoid disappointment. Visit during the day to gaze out at the lakes and Alps in all their wintery glory.

Old Colmar Christmas Market, France

Charming Colmar is picture-perfect at any time of year, with chocolate box houses and cobbled streets. Add to that snow-dusted Christmas trees and the subtle sparkle of lights, and it becomes truly magical. This has to be one of the most tastefully-curated Christmas markets in Europe.

Colmar lies in the heart of Alsace, near the border with Germany, and the market celebrates the region’s rich heritage across six distinct areas. In one, master craftspeople display their creations, while in the next is an intricately-constructed miniature elf village. Of course, you’ll also find a gourmet food market here (this is France, after all), where you can pick up regional specialities such as bredele festive biscuits, Alsace wines, and local cheeses.

For snacking, white wine and oysters are a classic of the region. However, on a cold winter’s eve, you might prefer a warming bowl of baeckeoffe – a hearty stew of wine-marinated meat and potatoes, or tarte flambée – a thin pizza-like dough topped with cheeses, onion and bacon.

Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic

The grand squares of central Prague – Old Town and Wenceslas – are lit up and decked out every December with one of the most celebrated Christmas markets in Europe. With several smaller markets dotted around the nearby streets and squares, it feels like the whole Gothic centre of the city has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Crowds of locals and visitors wrap up warm for the icy Prague winter and head out to enjoy the atmosphere.

Stalls sell traditional Czech arts and crafts, such as lacework, painted wooden toys and glassware. Then there’s the all-important food and drink; hearty dishes, beer and sweet snacks help keep the winter chill at bay. Look out for steaming vats of fish soup laced with cream and brandy, a traditional Christmas dish in the Czech Republic. Also feast on spit-roast hams, smoked dumplings, crepes, and sausages. Those with a sweet tooth should try chimney cake, a rolled and roasted dough dusted in sugar, spice and chopped nuts.

Make it happen

Getting that festive feeling? Talk to one of our local experts and start planning an unforgettable getaway to one of these top Europe Christmas markets.

1. 1. Austria
   2. Netherlands
   3. Scotland
   4. Germany
   5. Slovakia
   6. Switzerland
   7. France
   8. Czech Republic