Address: Tivoli Gardens Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark

Dates: 14 November 2025 to 4 January, 2026

The Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks that is transformed into a festive wonderland during the winter holidays. The garden is draped in twinkling lights, with more than 1000 beautifully decorated Christmas trees Nordic-style decorations turn the entire park into a glowing winter fairytale. 

Tivoli Gardens delivers one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, with twinkling lights, there are over 60 Christmas stalls which are bursting with with Danish crafts and treats, Christmas delicacies and festive rides.

It is a very family friendly Christmas Market, What’s more, its central location just minutes from Copenhagen Central Station makes it exceptionally accessible, so you can easily combine your Christmas market visit with exploring the city’s other festive highlights

Address: Around Ban Josipa Jelačića Square, King Tomislav Square

Dates: 29 November 2025 to 7 January, 2026

The capital of Croatia has been listed amongst the leading Christmas markets in Europe for several years in a row. Zagreb offers a more affordable and less crowded alternative to larger European markets. 

Known as Advent Zagreb, it reflects the city’s unique Christmas tradition, city-wide festive celebration made up of more than 25 individual Christmas markets scattered across the capital’s main squares, including Ban Jelačić Square and the nearby Zrinjevac Park. Each market brings its own distinct theme and atmosphere. 

With markets clustered in multiple city squares just steps apart, it’s easy to wander through Zagreb’s charming historic center without without needing transport.

One of the highlights at the Zagreb Christmas market include the Ice Park at King Tomislav Square. It boasts a stunning skating rink located right in front of the city’s oldest and most renowned art gallery, the Zagreb Art Pavilion. There’s plenty more at the Zagreb Christmas market including an various performances along with concerts, Christmas tales, children’s zones and more. 

Address: Altmarkt, 01067 Dresden

Dates: 26 November to 24 December, 2025

Dating back to the 15^th century and representing Germany’s most popular and oldest Christmas market is the Dresden Striezelmarkt. The historic Altmarkt Square in Dresden is transformed into a winter wonderland. Dresden Striezelmarkt stands as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Every year, the main attractions include a towering 48-foot Christmas Erzgebirge step pyramid (which made its way into the Guinness Book of World Records in 1999 for the largest walk-in candle arch), a vintage Ferris wheel featuring candy-striped gondolas, and over 200 Christmas booths that are bursting with traditional foods, mulled wine, handmade crafts souvenirs. There is also a daily lineup of cultural Christmas events along with elaborate nativity scenes. 

 One of the must-try at this Christmas market is Germany is a traditional sweet braided cake called ‘Christstollen’ or ‘Stollen’. In fact, this Christmas markets name ‘Striezel’ actually refers to the ‘Stollen’ cake and one of the highlights at the Dresden Striezelmarkt is the Stollen Festival, where a grand Stollen cake is paraded through the streets of the city before being shared with the public. 

Address: Dotted Around The Old Town

Dates: 25 November to 29 December, 2025

This northern town in France has been attracting visitors from all over the world due to its architecture, culture and unique atmosphere for many years. The Christmas season is no exception, which is why it is one of the top Christmas markets in Europe. Colmar’s six Christmas markets, each themed uniquely, are located right in the heart of the historic town centre. 

Set against a backdrop of fantastical half-timbered buildings and beautifully adorned canals. The lights and decorations will transport you into a Christmas fantasy as you walk amongst the stalls and wooden chalets. The tiny squares abound in holiday fairs offering local specialities.

The Christmas lights and decorations simply add up to the dreamlike ambience. Stroll down the beautifully lit streets around the Capital of Alsatian Wine, soaking in the ambiance in a town whose magnificent heritage offers the ideal setting for the celebrations. Colmar’s Christmas Markets are amongst the most well-known in the Alsace region, and one of the most photographed in Europe.

Address: Szent István tér, 5th district, Pest – Budapest

Dates: 14 November to 31 December 2025

Budapest has various Christmas markets, all the Christmas-themed events revolve around the St. Stephen’s Basilica and the city’s main squares in Budapest. Alike other Christmas markets in Europe, Budapest presents a range of holiday fairs and activities with a particular ethnic touch while accentuating the architecture of the Hungarian city.

As one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, here you can experience different local delicacies including the world-famous Hungarian chimney cake. This cylindrical pastry being named Kürtoskalács in Magyar and served mainly at weddings along with various snacks will lead to a total gastronomical ecstasy. Some cute handicrafts will perfectly crown your Hungarian trip.

Address: Centre of Brussels
Grand-Place – Place de la Monnaie – Bourse – Sainte-Catherine – Marché aux Poissons (Vismarkt) – Place de Brouckère – Rue de la Madeleine – Place Poelaert

Dates: 28 November 2025 to 1 January 2026

Brussels offers a great variety of Christmas events from the end of November. You will be able to witness here the famous live nightly light and sound show. The main Christmas market, called Winter Wonders,which takes place annually in the historic city center features over 250 wooden chalet stalls throughout the city, offering waffles, mulled wine, Belgian beers, and chocolates.

Together with a gigantic Christmas tree, it aims at creating a perfect festive atmosphere at the Grand Place. Enjoy a variety of attractions such as a Ferris wheel providing panoramic views of the city, merry-go-rounds, and an ice skating rink near Place Sainte-Catherine. The market is known not only for its festive atmosphere but also for its family-friendly activities and cultural events, making it one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Europe.

Address: Place Broglie and around the cathedral (Place de la Cathédrale)

Dates: 26 November to 24 December 2025

Strasbourg, often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas, comes alive during the holiday season. Located in the picturesque city of Strasbourg in the Alsace region, this market has a rich history dating back to 1570. Strasbourg’s annual Christmas markets takes pride in its festive offerings and is is widely considered one of the largest and most famous Christmas markets in France as well one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. 

The market is spread across several locations in Strasbourg, with the centerpiece being the Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg). The cathedral’s stunning Gothic architecture serves as a magnificent backdrop for the market, and a giant Christmas tree is erected in the square in front of the cathedral, creating a magical setting.

Bursting with over 300 traditional market stalls fill the city’s primary squares, specialising in hand-painted wooden Christmas decorations. The market is renowned for its emphasis on traditional and artisanal products, making it an excellent place to find unique gifts.

Address: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square

Dates: 29 November 2025, to 6 January 6 2026

Another great place for passing your winter holidays and exploring one of the best Christmas markets in Europe in Prague. The main Christmas market in Prague is the Old Town Square Christmas Market (Vánoční trhy na Staroměstském náměstí) and Wenceslas Squares.

The most striking sight during the Prague Christmas Markets is the huge 25m Christmas tree planted in Old Town Square, which is imported from the Czech Republic’s st nad Labem area of North Bohemia. The tree is decked up in red and gold decorations and a blaze of lights. It’s a stunning sight against the dark Gothic skyline. The renowned Nativity scene and a number of concerts held in Churches and historical buildings make part of traditional Christmas festivities. 

Address: Outside Rathaus city hall

Dates:  14 November to 26 December, 2025

The arrival of Christmas is arguably the most impressive event in Vienna, Austria. The city transforms into a festive wonderland, with every square and historic building beautifully adorned with twinkling lights and garlands, creating a magical atmosphere that captures the hearts of visitors.

At the center of it all is the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz (Vienna City Hall Square)  the city’s largest and most famous Christmas market. Set against the stunning backdrop of the illuminated City Hall, this market features roughly 150 charming chalets, offering a rich variety of culinary specialties, hot drinks like Glühwein (mulled wine), holiday gifts, and handcrafted decorations that will become part of your cherished Viennese memories. Around the market, Christmas choirs and festive music fill the air, while a huge ice skating rink adds extra joy and activity in the city center.

Other notable festive markets, such as those at Schönbrunn Palace and Freyung Square, are among the most remarkable Christmas markets in Europe, each adding its unique charm. For those seeking a quieter and more peaceful holiday experience away from the bustle of larger markets, Vienna offers the perfect blend of jovial atmosphere and tranquil charm.

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Address: Cologne Cathedral, Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln, Germany

Dates: 17 November to 23 December, 2025

No less exciting variation of Christmas markets in Europe is exhibited every year in Cologne. Spread throughout the city, the embellished booths offer a wide selection of gastronomical delights and handmade objects. The upcoming festive events promise some indelible memories. With hundreds of glittering lights strung overhead like stars and angels flying between lavishly painted gables, Markt der Engel provides some of the most spectacular moments.

Nikolausdorf (Saint Nicholas’ village) is geared toward children and portrays the narrative of the genuine St. Nicholas, with the 13th-century Hahnen gate rising magnificently in the background. Angels may be seen everywhere, not just as sculptures or figurines, but as live beings. The reading hour with an angel is popular. If you want something more exciting, slip on your skates and head to Heumarkt’s outdoor ice rink.

Address: Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, right in the centre of the city

Basel’s Christmas market, known as the Basel Christmas Market (Basler Weihnachtsmarkt), is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe and a highlight among the Christmas markets in Europe.

It takes place mainly at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, r ight in the heart of the festively adorned Old Town, with Barfüsserplatz hosting the larger, lively section filled with beautifully decorated wooden stalls offering crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats. Münsterplatz, set against the stunning backdrop of Basel Cathedral, offers a more atmospheric and charming market experience.

Renowned for its cozy festive vibes, unique Swiss specialties like Basler Läckerli (spiced gingerbread), and sparkling lights illuminating the medieval old town. While strolling among the stalls on Münsterplatz in the evening, don’t forget to take a little trip to the Pfalz – which is a viewing terrace in Basel offering fantastic views over the Old Town and as far as the border triangle.