This time of year calls for a little Christmas magic (and a lot of glitter). Fortunately, our favorite Christmas markets in Europe are back this year. There are many ways to have a good time, whether it’s eating sausages and drinking mulled wine at a traditional market in Germany, or riding a roller coaster in London’s Winter Wonderland.

We’ve got the inside scoop on 17 of the best Christmas markets in Europe…so read on, find your favourite, and let the festivities begin.

The best Christmas markets in Germany

1. Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg

The Nuremberg Christmas market has existed since the 16th century and is considered one of the oldest (and one of the best) in Germany. This year the market returns to the Hauptmarkt and you can enjoy the famous opening ceremony, the Nuremberg sausages and the blond-haired angel Christkind. Get the full Christkindlesmarkt experience (and much more) on this Christmas market tour from Munich.

“We visited the Nuremberg Christmas market in 2018 and 2019, and both times were wonderful. The sights, sounds and smells lift your spirits. Try some traditional gluhwein, eat a three-wurst patty, and take a walk to discover the atmosphere of the Christkindlesmarkt.” -John McCormack

2. Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, Cologne

Opposite the gothic Cologne Cathedral, the Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom (literally: “Christmas market in the cathedral”) should be one of your first stops on your tour of the Cologne Christmas markets. Start the day with a tour of the cathedral city and enjoy the Christmas lights at night as you sip a glass of gluhwein and browse the stalls of this cozy market.

3. Dusseldorf Christmas Market, Dusseldorf

There are seven main markets in the Dusseldorf city center, each offering something different. Delight in the beautiful gingerbread houses of the Altstadt-Markt, the enchanting red cottages of the Handwerker-Markt or the captivating fairy tales and LED lights of the Schadow-Markt. Visit them all with this tour of the Dusseldorf Christmas markets.

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4. Christkindelsmarik, Strasbourg

The festive spirit and décor in Strasbourg are almost unmatched, earning it the nickname “Christmas Capital” in its own right. The Christkindelsmarik, on Place Broglie, is a historical staple of the area, loved for its range of delicious food and traditional atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to explore Strasbourg’s other unique Christmas markets on a walking tour, ranging from the majestic Place de la Cathedrale market to offbeat and artisan markets selling handmade Alsatian glasses of wine and local delicacies .

“Strasbourg is the capital of Christmas for a reason. The backdrop to this particular market is unbeatable. It’s in the cathedral, it’s full of craft and food vendors, and it has a carousel. There are lights everywhere. It’s really magical.” -Carmen C.

5. Colmar Christmas Markets, Colmar

If you’re visiting Strasbourg, stop by the Colmar Christmas markets, which are within walking distance. Colmar goes all out with its Christmas decorations, just like the rest of Alsace, which comes alive with bright, twinkling lights at this time of year. Although it is not very big, its six markets are surrounded by picturesque wooden houses, beautiful decorations along the canal and extravagant white Christmas trees scattered throughout the city. Explore them all on this tour of the Colmar Christmas markets and end the evening with wine tastings in a cellar.

“The Christmas markets were very beautiful. It is hard to believe that the towns we saw exist. They looked like they were taken from a fairy tale.” -shar0nseym0ur

6. Reims Christmas Market, Reims

The Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral is the backdrop to the Reims Christmas markets, with more than 140 stalls lining the square brimming with handicrafts and gourmet delicacies in 6 different markets. And the best of all? You can have a glass of champagne on the big Ferris wheel while enjoying the views of the illuminated square from above with the melodic voices of Christmas carols in the background.

The best Christmas markets in the UK

7. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London

If you can only visit one Christmas market this year, make it the Great Christmas Extravaganza at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. End the year on a high with lots of attractions, a huge Ferris wheel, an outdoor ice rink, ice sculptures, shows, bars… and have we already mentioned the more than 100 Christmas market stalls? Tickets must be booked in advance, so go to the Winter Wonderland website to secure your spot. If not, you can always do this festive Christmas tour of Silent Disco in London.

“I’ve been going for the last 5 years and it never disappoints. The evocative smells of sausages, mulled wine, and donuts transport you to a place of bliss.” -roxy4521

8. Edinburgh Christmas Market, Scotland

At the Edinburgh Christmas Market, you’ll find a variety of stalls selling festive food and trinkets, a Ferris wheel and double carousel, and the long-awaited return of the city’s outdoor ice rink. And don’t forget to set aside time to explore the rest of Edinburgh on this hop-on, hop-off tour.

“What beautiful views! I was there just before sunset and felt like a child watching the lights come to life as it got dark. The wide variety of food tasted and looked divine.” -Ilze P.

9. Manchester Christmas Market, Manchester

“We went for our anniversary weekend and we loved walking around the town, seeing all the market stalls and enjoying the Christmas atmosphere!” -C Greensmith

The best Christmas markets in Switzerland

10. Munsterplatz Christmas Market, Basel

With Germany and France as neighbors, you can only expect a magical experience at the Christmas markets in Basel. The Munsterplatz Christmas Market is a local favorite as it has a huge Christmas tree in front of the iconic red sandstone Munster. Learn about the Advent customs of the “city on the Rhine” while enjoying the Christmas magic on this Christmas tour of Basel.

“Lots to see, great facilities and entertainment for the kids, and gluhwein and kartoffel for the adults. Try some raclette or sausages and drop by the lower Christmas market. It should definitely be on your list of things to see if you are in Europe at Christmas. -Simon C.

11. Christkindlimarkt and Zurich Christmas Village, Zurich

When it comes to Christmas trees, the opulence of this tree on the Christkindlimarkt in Zurich Central Station is second to none: a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree adorned with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals. The Christmas market inside the train station is also very good. Wienachtsdorf, or Zurich’s Christmas village, is another great market with a skating rink, carousel and Bavarian curling. Explore these two markets and more with the magical Christmas tour in Zurich.

“I’ve been here many times over the past two years and at Christmas it never ceases to amaze me. It is possibly the most festive season in the world at Christmas, with its own market and a beautiful Christmas tree decorated with Swarovski crystal ornaments.” Alex V.

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12. Bruges Winter Glow, Bruges

Bruges’ Winter Glow festival returns this year promising dazzling winter lights across the city, an outdoor skating rink, the Vorst Winter Bar and, of course, Christmas markets that you can explore on this Bruges Christmas Markets tour. Taste the waffles, beer and chocolate typical of Belgian gastronomy, with the Belfry of Bruges as a backdrop.

“There’s a wonderful atmosphere at midnight on Christmas Eve, when you can warm up with a glass of gluhwein while the carillon plays Christmas carols. It is also the place where you can move around the city in a horse-drawn carriage; It’s not cheap, but it’s a worthwhile extravagance, especially after dark.” -Daunrussel

12. Winter Wonders, Brussels

The magic continues at Winter Wonders in Brussels, with over 200 Christmas market stalls, a massive Christmas tree, Ferris wheels and the star of the show: a sensational light display on the iconic Grand Place. You will definitely need the help of a local guide on this Christmas tour in Brussels to enjoy all that the holidays have to offer.

“I loved the Christmas atmosphere and the friendliness of the people during the two days we were there. The city is delivered to the maximum at Christmas. Also prepare to gain a few extra kilos between the waffles, the chocolate, the cheeses, the Belgian fries and the mussels”. -310briang

The best Christmas markets in Austria

13. Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, Salzburg

Located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and around the hallowed Salzburg Cathedral, the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt offers an extraordinary experience steeped in Austrian tradition. In the 6 sections and more than 90 stalls, you can enjoy the sights and smells of Christmas treats and sweets, delicious Austrian coffee and handicrafts. If you can’t get enough of Mozart’s city, explore the rest of its beautiful architecture and Christmas markets on this city tour of Salzburg.

14. Viennese Dream Christmas Market, Rathausplatz, Vienna

The Christmas dream comes to life at Rathausplatz, home to Vienna’s largest Christmas market. This beautiful city exudes a soft glow at Christmas, with the grandiose City Hall as a backdrop. There are over 150 stalls in the Viennese Dream Market alone and over 10 markets around the city, so do yourself a favor and book your Vienna Christmas Markets Tour.

“This is what you come to see if you spend Christmas here. As the sun sets, the lights brighten, the crowd grows, and the glare overwhelms you. Although the crowds can be large, it is a happy and wonderful welcome to Christmas in Vienna.” -EPottawa

Other Christmas markets to see in Europe

15. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland (Finland)

Sleigh bells ring 365 days a year in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, which even includes the Santa Claus Post Office, operated by the Finnish Postal Service. He visits Santa Claus himself, meets Rudolph and his friends reindeer and finds out that he makes Santa Claus while he’s not busy delivering presents. We understand that he loves to hunt auroras, go snowmobiling, and occasionally take a husky sleigh ride. He traverses the Arctic Circle on this 6-hour tour and returns to town for the night at one of their luxurious winter resorts.

“As a child, I dreamed of visiting Santa Claus in Lapland. Now, as a grown woman, she trembled like a 5-year-old when he sat next to her. It’s beautiful at Christmas: the whole atmosphere is very special during that magical time.” – Pauline K.

16. Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce, Florence (Italy)

The largest Christmas market in Florence can be found in the square of the Basilica of Santa Croce, in front of its glorious marble façade. Expect to find all the goodies of a traditional Christmas market, such as German-style open-air wooden stalls selling sausages, chimney cake and mulled wine, with a mix of Italian cheeses, jams, chocolates and spices. But before you fill up on wine and cheese, speed through Florence on an electric car tour to discover more of the city’s iconic sights.

17. Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, Prague (Czech Republic)

While not as extravagant as other Christmas markets in Europe, Prague’s markets make up for this with impressive backdrops, like the Tyn Cathedral in the main markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Tuck into some roast ham and a glass of mead and go up to the observation deck in the middle of the square to admire the city’s charming architecture, made even more beautiful by the soft glow of Christmas lights. There is much more to see at Christmas in Prague, so take a private tour to explore its hidden corners and little-known places.

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