17 magical Christmas markets in Europe

It's that time of year for a little Christmas magic (and a lot of sparkle). Thankfully, our favorite Christmas markets in Europe are back this year. There are so many ways to get in on the fun—whether it's filling up on bratwurst and mulled wine at a traditional market in Germany, or hopping on a roller coaster at London’s Winter Wonderland.

We've got the scoop on 17 of the best Christmas markets in Europe...so go on, find your fave, and let the festivities begin.

Note: The information in this article is accurate at the time of publishing. Refer to the official websites for the most up-to-date information.

When: Late November to early January

Best for: Stocking-stuffer shoppers and gingerbread-cookie snackers

The market scene: If you can only visit one Christmas market this year, make it the Christmas extravaganza that is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Yes, there are over 100 market stalls to shop—but there’s also a ton of rides, a huge Ferris wheel, an outdoor ice rink, ice sculptures, Christmas sing-a-longs, and bars.

The one thing to buy: A ticket. You'll need to pre-book a specific entry time—we'd recommend booking early in the afternoon (a slightly less expensive, off-peak ticket) so you can spend hours and hours exploring.

When: December 1 through Christmas Eve

Best for: History buffs who want to visit one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets

The market scene: You’re going to find all the yuletide classics at Nuremberg's Christmas market—think gluhwein, gingerbread, and the city's famous bratwursts—alongside a solid kid-centric section. If you can swing it, come for the opening ceremony, when the glamorous Christkind angel recites her Christmas speech to thousands in the market square.

The one thing to buy: A Nuremberg bratwurst, which comes with three mustard-doused sausages stuffed into a bun

When: Late November through the end of December

Best for: Music lovers—"Silent Night" was composed here over 200 years ago

The market scene: You’ll find the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt at the foot of Hohensalzburg Fortress, near the Salzburg Cathedral (where you can also catch festive classical concerts on Friday and Saturday afternoons). The market has over 100 stalls where you can take in the smells of Christmas sweets and delicious Austrian coffee, while shopping for handicrafts like wooden baby reindeer and wool scarves.

The one thing to buy: Mozart balls, a chocolate-covered Salzburg delicacy made from a ball of pistachio marzipan with a layer of nougat

When: Usually from late November to late December

Best for: Avid walkers. There are more than 10 markets spread across the city’s historic center, so start at the iconic Christkindelsmärik and leave time to explore the others (Alsace Market is a local fave).

The market scene: You expect a lot when you hear a city called itself the “Capital of Christmas,” but Strasbourg delivers. The Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie is beloved for its spread of delectable food (don’t miss the bredeles: traditional orange-and-cinnamon Christmas cookies) and traditional atmosphere. Go during the week—weekends can get hectic with crowds of shoppers and river cruisers.

The one thing to buy: Handmade wooden figurines from Le Village du Partage’s stalls in Place Kléber, a few blocks from the Christkindelsmärik (it’s where you’ll find the city’s huge Christmas tree, too)

When: Late November to early January

Best for: Friend groups that don’t mind the hustle and bustle of a large crowd

The market scene: The magic continues at Winter Wonders in Brussels, bringing with it over 200 wooden chalet-style stalls, a massive Christmas tree, a Ferris wheel, and—the star of the show—a sensational light display at the iconic Grand Place shining at all times to keep the market bright and cheery.

The one thing to buy: Belgian fries (topped with mayo, of course)

When: Mid-November to early January

Best for: Families who want a mix of lights, rides, and shopping

The market scene: At Edinburgh’s Christmas Market, you can do a little bit of everything. You can obviously shop for festive food and trinkets—but you can also take a spin on the Ferris wheel, meet with Santa, and twirl around the outdoor ice rink along George Street. And don’t miss a stop by the iconic Edinburgh Castle, which is completely transformed and illuminated in twinkling festive lights.

The one thing to buy: A mug of mulled wine or hot chocolate

When: Late November to late December

Best for: Architecture aficionados that love a good glass of bubbly (Reims is the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine region)

The market scene: The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims is the backdrop of the Reims Christmas markets, with over 150 stalls across six different markets, brimming with artisanal handicrafts and gourmet specialties. Be sure to stop by on a Saturday evening in December when choirs sing Christmas classics.

The one thing to buy: A ticket to ride the big Ferris wheel, for views over the illuminated square

When: Late November to late December

Best for: Those wanting a variety of market types—there are seven in the city center alone, each offering something different

The market scene: Swoon over beautifully curated gingerbread houses at the main Altstadt-Markt, the charming red Renaissance-style huts at Handwerker-Markt, or the enchanting fairytales and LED lights at the Schadow-Markt. Explore all of them on this Christmas markets tour led by a professional guide.

The one thing to buy: Thin slices of beef cooked with mustard, called Düsseldorfer Senfrostbraten, which you’ll find no matter which market you shop

When: Early November to Christmas Day

Best for: Soccer fans looking to get in the festive spirit (the city’s two Premier-league teams play a handful of home games in December or you can take a tour of the iconic Old Trafford stadium)

The market scene: Manchester’s city center is illuminated in Christmas lights and its markets feature yuletide bars serving up local ales and Dutch frites, and DJs spinning festive tunes. The markets are sprawling, with more than 240 stalls spread over nine sites.

The one thing to buy: Handmade candles from stalls on New Cathedral Street

When: Late November to Christmas Day

Best for: Travelers looking to go beyond the French and German classics

The market scene: Expect no less than absolute magic at Basel’s Christmas markets. The central market at Münsterplatz is a crowd favorite, with a huge Christmas tree set in front of the iconic red sandstone cathedral. If you're visiting with kids, there's a special surprise at the Münsterplatz Christmas Market—the Children's Fairytale Forest. It's filled with all sorts of activities for children, including candle-making, cookie-baking, and craft workshops.

The one thing to buy: Raclette—melted cheese served over potatoes or bread, often accompanied by pickles

When: Usually from late November to late December

Best for: Those looking for laid-back market vibes

The market scene: A 30-minute train ride from Strasbourg, Colmar goes all out with its festive decorations—much like the rest of Alsace. While small, all of its six markets are surrounded by quaint timber houses and have whimsical white Christmas trees scattered around. If you want to get a full lay of the land, join a Christmas market tour of Colmar, which ends with a tasting in a wine cave.

The one thing to buy: A glass of local Alsatian wine (several regional options are offered within the market)

When: Usually from late November to late December

Best for: Craft-minded travelers looking for a hands-on Christmas market experience

The market scene: You’ll find Florence’s largest Christmas market in front of the gorgeous Basilica di Santa Croce. Expect all the good stuff that comes with a traditional Christmas market, like open-air wooden stalls selling bratwurst, chimney cake, and mulled wine, with a mix of Italian cheeses, jams, chocolates, and spices. There are also multiple creative workshops for both adults and children.

The one thing to buy: Handmade wool mittens from local artisans

When: Late November to Christmas Eve

Best for: Travelers that want to visit two iconic Christmas markets in the same trip

The market scene: When it comes to Christmas trees, the opulence of Christkindlimarkt’s tree at Zurich Main Station can’t be beaten—a 32-feet-tall tree embellished with thousands of sparkling lights. The Christmas market inside the train station is pretty neat, too—it's one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. The Wienachtsdorf, or Zurich Christmas Village, is another great market set against the Opera House. You'll find unusual local art, traditional Swiss specialties, and plenty of fun activities for the kids.

The one thing to buy: Swiss pastries like nusstorte (nut tart) or basler läckerli (local honey and almond cookies)

When: Late November to early January

Best for: Couples searching for a romantic Christmas market in a fairytale-like location

The market scene: The Bruges Winter Glow festival is back again this year, with an outdoor skating rink, a cozy winter bar, and of course, plenty of Christmas-gift shopping. Dig into a Belgian beer and chocolate against the backdrop of the Belfry of Bruges bell tower.

The one thing to buy: A fresh, warm Belgian waffle (chocolate drizzle optional but highly encouraged)

When: Late November to Christmas Eve

Best for: Travelers wanting a cozy market to explore sipping glasses of glühwein and shopping for goodies

The market scene: Beneath the cathedral’s towering spires, the market's red-roofed stalls offer festive food and shopping. At night, twinkling lights and a towering Christmas tree provide the perfect backdrop for stalls selling hot waffles, cheesy spaetzle, and Ukrainian art. You can even climb up one of the spires of the cathedral for stunning views of the market and holiday lights below.

The one thing to buy: Hand-painted glass ornaments

When: Mid-November to mid-December

Best for: Kids—Vienna's main market goes all out with crafting activities, a carousel, ice skating, and a train ride through the stalls, among other family-friendly experiences.

The market scene: The Christmas dream comes alive in Rathausplatz, the home of Vienna’s biggest Christmas market and city hall. Expect over 100 stalls at the Viennese Dream Market alone—and even more spread across the 10 markets that pop up across the city. Locals treat the markets as post-work happy hour spots, so if you're with kids, you'll want to go in the late afternoon, before everyone clocks out to avoid the crowds.

The one thing to buy: A bag of freshly roasted chestnuts

When: Usually from late November to early January

Best for: Solo travelers looking for an off-the-beaten path Christmas market experience

The market scene: While not as extravagant as other Christmas markets in Europe, the markets in Prague make up for it with stunning backdrops, like the Tyn Cathedral. Grab some roast ham and a glass of honey wine and climb up the observation bridge in the middle of Wenceslas Square to admire the city’s architecture, made even more beautiful by the soft glow of the Christmas lights.

The one thing to buy: A festive chimney cake, called a trdelník