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

The Tivoli Gardens in Denmark 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 and over 70,000 baubles hang around the garden. There are over 60 Christmas stalls which are bursting with decorations, souvenirs, sweets, mulled wine and many other Christmas delicacies. Take a stroll through the stalls, experience the Tivoli Youth Guard’s illuminated parades and get yourself in the festive spirit at this Christmas market.

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Address: Around Ban Josipa Jelačića Square, King Tomislav Square

The capital of Croatia has been listed amongst the leading Christmas markets in Europe for several years in a row. Zagreb’s main square and the adjacent Zrinjevac Park are completely transformed for Christmas festivities. During the holiday season, the centre of the city is occupied by numerous beautifully decorated stands where you can sample the traditional delicacies and take home a piece of the tradition with you from one of the many gifts and souvenirs stands. There’s plenty more at the Zagreb Christmas market including an ice skating, various performances along with concerts and Christmas tales. 

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Address: Altmarkt, 01067 Dresden

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. 

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Address: Dotted Around The Old Town

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.

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

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.

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Related: 10 Top things to do in Budapest

Address: Located between the Grand-Place, Rue de la Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Marché aux Poissons – Vismet.

Brussels offers a great variety of Christmas events from the end of November. You will be able to witness here the famous live show and video mapping. Spreading out over the capital, with over 250 wooden chalet stalls, serving toasty waffles, warming mulled wine and, of course, Belgian beers and chocolates, The Brussels Christmas market is well worth a visit.

Together with a gigantic Christmas tree, it aims at creating a perfect festive atmosphere at the Grand Place. Plus the Ferris wheel and merry-go-rounds in the aligning areas make the city an ideal destination for Christmas time. Illuminated Christmas market will be at your full service for savouring Belgian chocolates, waffles, cheese and mulled wine. 

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

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.

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Address: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square

Another great place for passing your winter holidays and exploring one of the best Christmas markets in Europe in Prague. The major sites of amusement are represented by the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares. A large Christmas market is also hosted on the square in front of St. George’s Basilica at Prague Castle. The Christmas huts are scattered here and there allowing the city visitors to enrich their collections with beautiful handicrafts while tasting local food and beverages.

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. Yet the subject matter of the forthcoming events in Prague will be disclosed only by the end of the month.

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Address: Outside Rathaus city hall

The arrival of Christmas might well be the most impressive event in Vienna, Austria. Each square and building is mantled with festoons speaking to the mood of visitors. Roughly 150 chalets make up the festive markets at Schönbrunn and Freyung being part of the most remarkable Christmas markets in Europe. Culinary specialities, hot drinks, holiday gifts and decorations are going to add up to your Viennese memories. The jovial atmosphere is strengthened by the Christmas choirs and music around as well as by a huge ice platform in the city centre. If you opt for a quiet and peaceful holiday ambience, Vienna is the right choice for you.

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

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.

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

Switzerland’s one of the most notable Christmas markets takes place in Basel (Basler Weihnacht). The city’s main squares welcome their guests with golden glitters and a number of down-to-earth delights like local gingerbreads, waffles, and wine. The charming Christmas market can be located on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, right in the heart of the festively adorned Old Town. Meanwhile, the spectacular Christmas tree with the decorations by Johann Wanner will affect every passer-by. While strolling among the stalls on Münsterplatz in the evening, don’t forget to take a little trip to the Pfalz. 

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