The best Christmas markets to visit this season

If you’re planning holiday travel, it’s absolutely worth adding one (or more) of the best Christmas markets to your itinerary. These festive pop-ups glow across the continent every December, filling city squares with holiday cheer, nostalgic treats, twinkling lights, and cozy winter magic.

From snow-dusted cobblestone streets to stalls selling the perfect handcrafted ornaments, these markets bring a delightful mix of tradition, charm, and pure holiday joy.

What is so special about Christmas markets?

Picture yourself wrapped in your coziest scarf, wandering through the historic streets of a European town that looks like it was plucked straight from a snow globe. Strings of golden lights crisscross the squares, the air smells like cinnamon, roasted nuts, and mulled wine, and everywhere you go you hear a mix of carols, laughter, and the cheerful clink of mugs.Christmas markets aren’t just places to shop; they’re something to experience. Many of the European Christmas markets have been around for centuries, growing from humble winter gatherings into full-on holiday festivals filled with handmade crafts, regional specialties, charming decorations, and tiny magical moments you simply can’t plan for. Every year, travelers from around the world flock to these markets not just to browse, but to soak up the atmosphere, savor the season, and lose themselves in the pure holiday spirit.

Outdoor holiday market surrounded by gothic buildings with a large Christmas tree at the center.

The most famous European Christmas markets

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Germany

One of the most legendary European Christmas markets, Nuremberg is a must-visit for any holiday traveler. Its red-and-white striped stalls, spicy gingerbread, and the beloved Christkind opening ceremony create a quintessential Old World Christmas atmosphere. It’s festive, traditional, and utterly unforgettable.

Strasbourg, France

Often called the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg hosts one of Europe’s oldest and largest holiday markets. Entire streets and half-timbered houses are wrapped in extravagant decorations, while cathedral squares glow with warm amber light. With more than 300 stalls, it feels like stepping into a charming, bustling Christmas village.

Prague Old Town Christmas Market, Czech Republic

Set against Gothic towers and Baroque architecture, Prague is one of the best places in Europe for Christmas markets, and the Old Town Christmas Market is Prague’s most iconic. Its centerpiece, a towering illuminated tree, is surrounded by wooden stalls selling handcrafted puppets, glass ornaments, and traditional Czech treats like chimney cakes and mulled wine. With festive performances, carolers, and seasonal music, the market exudes a magical atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world.

Salzburg Christmas Market, Austria

Dating back to the 1400s, Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt is set in the UNESCO-listed Residenzplatz, surrounded by Baroque architecture that reflects the city’s rich history. Daily choir performances fill the square, while stalls offer hand-carved nativity figures, traditional sweets, and exquisite ornaments. With centuries of tradition and a full lineup of festive events, this market remains one of Europe’s most historically significant and celebrated holiday destinations.

Vilnius Christmas Market, Lithuania

Widely considered one of Europe’s most beautiful and best holiday markets, Vilnius centers around a towering Christmas tree in Cathedral Square, often designed as a glowing sculptural masterpiece that lights up the historic surroundings. Twinkling lights, festive decor, an ice skating rink, and a Christmas train transform the square into a luminous winter wonderland. Named the European Christmas Capital for 2025, Vilnius is a must-visit for an absolutely magical holiday experience.

A crowded market square with white lights lining the trees and stalls selling mulled wine and seasonal treats.

The best Christmas markets for foodies

Asti–Govone “Magical Christmas Village,” Italy

Nestled in the Piedmont countryside, this sprawling market showcases Italian gastronomy with festive theater. Sample truffles, hazelnut sweets, and mulled wine while wandering artisan stalls, watching Elf School performances, and admiring the beautifully decorated Govone Castle. It’s a feast for all the senses.

Cologne, Germany

Germany is widely known as one of the best places in Europe for Christmas markets due to the sheer number across big cities and small towns. Cologne’s Christmas Market is a dream for food lovers, specifically. Sip on spicy glühwein, nibble on chocolate treats, and explore rows of stalls filled with handmade crafts and traditional German snacks. Cologne combines festive cheer with culinary delights that are as satisfying as they are indulgent.

Wrocław Christmas Market

Wrocław’s Christmas Market is a hearty, delicious celebration of Polish holiday flavors. From steaming pierogi to mulled wine and traditional sweets, the market is filled with irresistible aromas that lead you through charming squares lined with colorful wooden chalets. It’s the perfect stop for travelers looking to eat their way through a festive wonderland.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London, UK

London goes all out for the holidays at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, a larger-than-life celebration of food, drink, and festive cheer. At its heart is a Christmas market where you can sample Bavarian specialties, Swiss fondue, global street food, and classic English sweets. Stalls with handmade goods, themed bars, and nightly performances complete the experience, creating a true feast for the senses.

Holiday ornaments in the shapes of rocking horses, angels, and ice skates hanging from a stall at a market.

Best Christmas markets in the U.S.

Denver Christkindl Market, Colorado

Modeled after traditional German markets, Denver’s Christkindl Market features glühwein, bratwurst, and handcrafted ornaments in a cozy downtown setting. Add festive music, ice skating, and warm holiday cheer, and you’ve got a perfectly European-inspired winter experience in the Rockies.

Bryant Park Winter Village, New York City, New York

With dozens of stalls to shop, seasonal goodies, and a sparkling ice-skating rink set against the city skyline, it’s easy to see why Bryant Park Winter Village is one of the best Christmas markets in the U.S. Lights, shopping, and a joyful spirit combine to create a quintessential NYC festive experience and a truly magical holiday.

Solvang Julefest, California

The Danish-inspired village of Solvang in California wine country transforms into a European-style Christmas wonderland. Stroll photogenic streets lined with twinkling lights, enjoy boutique shopping, and catch festive performances that make it feel like you’ve stepped out of Southern California, and straight into a storybook.

Find your perfect holiday escape

From cozy European squares to twinkling U.S. cities, the world lights up with holiday magic every December. Explore streets dusted with snow, sip mulled wine, nibble on seasonal treats, and soak in the festive cheer. Whether it’s your first visit or a beloved annual tradition, these best Christmas markets are guaranteed to put a little extra sparkle in your season.