8 Best Christmas Markets in Europe – the Ultimate Guide
I visited 12 Christmas Markets in Europe last year, and can fully attest to the facft that Christmas in Europe is absolutely magical! Even after seeing 12 different markets in 6 different countries, I still have a list of more I need to go back and visit on my next trip.
With so many Christmas Markets to choose from it can be hard to choose which ones to visit. I’ve ranked my 8 absolute favorites, plus the other 4 I visited and put together my Christmas Market bucket list for next stops!
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
1. Dresden, Germany
Best Overall
My abolsute top Christmas Market recommendation is Dresden, Germany. Germany is known for having some of the best Christmas markets, and Dresden was an absolute dream. It’s one of the oldest Christmas Markets in Germany, and it does not disappoint. The entire city of Dresden comes alive at Christmas, I visited 9 different markets in Dresden in 2 days and couldn’t have had a better time.
See my full guide to Dresden’s Christmas Markets here!
2024 Dates & Times
Dates: 11/27/24- 12/24/24
Times:
- Daily: 10AM – 9PM
- Opening Day: 4PM-9PM
- Christmas Eve: 10AM-2PM
What I Loved
- The vibe & decor. Dresden was so over the top in the best way. Every corner of the city was so decked out for Christmas. The main Striezelmarkt was dominated by a giant Christmas tree, a Christmas tower + a ferris wheel, and every stall was so intricately decorated with lights, moving trains, Santa’s drinking Glühwein & more!
- The variety of different markets – I visited 9 different markets all within Dresden’s city center, each one had a different feel & style
- All the charming Glühwein bars!
If you’re looking for the most quintessential Christmas Market experience, head to Dresden!
Where to Stay
Hotel NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt
If you’re looking for a semi upscale option right in the heart of Dresden I recommend Hotel NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt. This hotel is right at Altmarkt where Dresden’s most infamous Christmas Market, Striezelmarkt is held and could not be any closer to the highlights of Dresden! NH Collection hotels are always one of my picks when looking for a place to stay in a new city!
Romantik Hotel Bülow Residenz
I stayed at the Romantik Hotel Bülow Residenz on my most recent trip to Dresden. It was quiet, charming & about a 2 minute walk to the Augustusmarkt International Christmas Market. To get to Old Town it was less than a 15 minute walk, so the location worked out perfectly for me!
2. Salzburg, Austria
Most Beautiful
Salzburg is stunning in any season, but it turns into a real life snow globe in the winter, especially around Christmas. It snowed the entire first day I was in Salzburg, leaving the entire city and its Christmas Markets covered in a perfect blanket of snow. Austria has many great Christmas Markets, but Salzburg was my favorite by a long shot!
See my full guide to Salzburg’s Christmas Markets here.
2024 Dates & Times
Dates: November 21, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Times:
Monday-Thursday 10AM -8:30PM
Friday 10m-9PM
Saturday 9AM – 9 PM
Sunday+holidays 9 AM – 8:30PM
What I Loved
- The decor across the main markets. The green garland with soft white lights covered in snow and strung across the entire market was so dreamy!
- The panoramic views over Salzburg from the smaller Christmas market at the Salzburg Fortress
- The charming Christmas Market & outdoor vibe at Sternbrau – so cozy!
Where to Stay
IMLAUER Hotel Pitter Salzburg
I stayed at IMLAUER Hotel Pitter Salzburg on my most recent trip and highly recommend! It was walking distance to the train (less than ten min) and also walking distance to the Old Town (20ish minutes)
The hotel itself was really nice, my absolute favorite part was the rooftop restaurant and bar. The views were stunning
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Best Tree
Prague is such a fairytale, and Christmas is no exception. Prague’s charming Old Town Square becomes one of Europe’s most charming Christmas Markets, while Prague’s markets are a bit smaller than some of those you’ll find in Germany or Austria that just adds to its charm!
See my full guide to Prague’s Christmas Markets here!
2024 Dates & Times
Dates 11/30/24 – 1/6/25
Times 10AM – 10PM Daily
What I Loved
- the epic 78 foot tall perfectly decorated Christmas Tree in Old Town Square
- the way the whole city is decorated for Christmas – it seemed like every business and restaurant in the Old Town was part of the Christmas Markets
- the nightly musical performances in Old Town Square
- the pulled chicken baguettes!
Where to Stay
I stayed at Hotel Paris on my trip to Prague last spring. This stunning 5 star hotel feels like something out of a movie, plus, it’s a short walk to the Old Town square. The breakfast is served in a stunning cafe, there’s a sauna & jacuzzi, & on-site restaurant.
Josephine Old Town Square Hotel
When I visited Prague’s Christmas Market last December I stayed at Josephine Old Town Square Hotel. This hotel was in the perfect location, just steps from the Old Town Square. It was a fairly simple hotel, but it was perfect for how little time I was planning to be in the room & the location can’t be beat!
4. Bolzano, Italy
Hidden Gem
Bolzano is a charming city in Northern Italy often referred to as the gateway to the Dolomites. You won’t often see any Italian cities on lists of best Christmas markets, but this northern region of Italy represents a mix of Italian and German culture, language, architecture, food & more, and for this reason they host a traditional German Christmas market! This small market offers epic Dolomite views as a backdrop, and is one of the most stunning I visited!
See my full guide to Bolzano’s Christmas Markets here!
2024 Dates & Times
Dates November 29 – January 6, 2025
Hours:
Mon-Thur 11AM-7PM
Fri-Sun 10AM-7PM
in my experience the drink carts kept serving past 7PM, but all other stalls closed.
What I Loved
- the stunning Dolomites backdrop
- the traditional decor, Nativity scene and epic Christmas Tree
- Meta Sky Bar rooftop Christmas Bar with panoramic views over the Christmas Market and the mountains!
- the lively, friendly drinking scene later at night
Where to Stay
Lovely upscale, conveniently located, on-site restaurants, great breakfast, patio & on site bar that’s one of the most popular in the area!
A nice mid-upscale, located right of Waltherplatz and steps from the Christmas market, great breakfast!
5. Vienna, Austria
Most Over the Top
If you’re looking for the ultimate, quintessential Christmas Market experience, head to Vienna. The city has dozens of Christmas Markets during December, from the epic Chirstkindlmarkt that dominates Ratahausplatz, to the markets in front of epic backdrops of Belvedere & Schönbrunn Palaces, to the more laid back Am Hof & Karlsplatz markets – Vienna is an abolute explosion of Christmas cheer.
See my full guide to Vienna’s Christmas Markets here!
2024 Dates & Times
Dates 11/16/24 – 12/26/24
Times 10AM-10PM
What I Loved
- The smaller, more local Am Hof and Altwiener Christmas Markets
- The over the top Rathausplatz Christmas Market with the massive tree, ferris wheel, over the top light display, ice rink & more!
- The Christmas displays on the popular streets in the Old Town area near Stephensplatz
Where to Stay
I stayed at the Hotel Grand Ferdinand located right in the city center and could not recommend it enough! It was walkable to the main Christmas Market at Rathausplatz, Maria-Theresien-Platz, Karlsplatz, Stephensplatz, Am Hof & more.
The hotel also had a rooftop restaurant and bar where they served a stunning breakfast with views over the Viennese skyline. The sunsets from the roof were also impressive if you need a break between exploring Vienna’s many Christmas Markets.
6. Innsbruck, Austria
Most Underrated
Innsbruck is a mountain lovers dream, and winter in Innsbruck is honestly magical. Innsbruck turns into a snowglobe and is a haven for winter sports lovers, but it also has a great Christmas Market! It tends to be skipped over in favor of larger markets in Salzburg & Vienna, but Innsbruck is not too far from Salzburg and so worth a visit if you have time!
See my full guide to Innsbruck’s Christmas Markets here!
2024 Dates & Times
Dates: November 15 2024 -December 23 2024
Hours: 11AM – 9PM
What I Loved
- The stunning views over Innsbruck and the Austrian Alps from the smaller Christmas Market at Hungerburg (take the Nordkette to get there!)
- How likely it is to see snow in December in Innsbruck!
- The lively Marktplatz Christmas Market (go there later at night!)
Where to Stay
I absolutely loved The Penz Hotel right in downtown Innsbruck. It’s right off Maria-Theresien-Straße and easily walkable to Old Town and Marktplatz. The hotel is stunning and has a rooftop bar with some of the best views in Innsbruck.
I stayed at the AC Hotel on my most recent stay & loved it. They upgraded me to suite with the view above – so stunning! It’s close to the train station and about a 10-15 minute walk to the Old Town area. They had an amazing breakfast, and a nice bar/restaurant located in the lobby that was a great place for a nightcap!
7. Bruges, Belgium
Most Romantic
Bruges is one of the msot romantic cities in Europe, and it becomes even more so during Christmas. WIth the charming alleyways, and picturesque stone buildings it really does feel like walking through a fairytale when wandering throught the city. The markets are a bit smaller and over the top than some other places, but the whole city itself feels so storybook-like that this works for Bruges. I loved it here!
See my full guide to Bruges Christmas Markets here!
2024 Dates & Times
Dates Nov 22 2024 – Jan 5 2025
Times
Sun-Thurs: 10AM – 10PM
Fri & Sat: 10:30AM – 11PM
What I Loved
- The casual feel of the Bruges markets, tons of seating and plenty of locals hanging and enjoying a beer or glühwein
- The panoramic views over the Market Square Christmas Market from the Historium rooftop bar
- The food – fries, waffles, beer & more!
- The Christmas decor in areas not part of the Christmas Markets – check out Eiermarkt, De Burg & Walplein!
Where to Stay
This stunning 5 star hotel is impeccable and located right in the heart of Bruges. Dukes Palace was so well decorated, had an amazing on site restaurant and a lively bar/lounge for later in the evening that also served food!
For a slightly cheaper alternamtive try the sister hotel Dukes Palace Residence. This 4 star hotel is in a building across the street from Dukes Palace and still offers stunning rooms, and has access to all the facilities at the Dukes Palace Residence. I stayed here, as it was slightly cheaper and I knew I wouldn’t be spending a ton of time in the hotel! The room was spacious, the bed was so comfortable & the bathroom with a full tub was so luxurious!
8. Budapest, Hungary
Best Food
Budapest is one of my absolute favorite cities in Europe, I once read Budapest is like your cooler older cousin, and I couldn’t agree with that more. Budapest’s Christmas Market is similar, it feels slightly cooler or more chic in a way than other markets. Also, the Budapest Christmas Markets have the most uneal food.
See my full guide to Budapest’s Christmas Markets here!
2024 Dates & Times
Dates: November 17, 2023 through January 1, 2024
Times
- Sun-Thurs 11AM-PM
- Fri & Sat 11AM-10PM
What I Loved
- The food! OMG thef food was unreal – Goulash, Langos, Bratwurst, paprika chicken, lamb shanks, roasted potatoes & more! Come hungry to these markets, there are so many amazing options!
- Budapest at night – Budapest is always so dreamy at night, but it’s even better at Christmas when the markets come to life at night
- The smaller, charming market at Fisherman’s Bastion with the besr views over the city
Where to Stay
An upscale hotel located near the Budapest Opera House – if you’re looking to splurge head here. This stunning hotel is walkable to everywhere you want to go in Budapest & the rooftop bar offers some of the best views in the city.
Leonardo Boutique Hotel Budapest M-Square
For a slightly cheaper, but still upscale option try Leonardo Boutique Hotel on M Square. M Square is a super convenient location to Vörösmarty Square, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Fashion Street, the Jewish Quarter, & more. Plus, M Square is filled with bars & restaurants easily walkable from the hotel. The rooms also had balconies with great views!
Opera Garden Hotel & Apartments
A third, cheaper option is Opera Garden Hotel & Apartments. I stayed here on my last trip and loved it. The small apartments have kitchenettes so you can save some money on meals if you want to do some cooking. They’re also a bit more spacious than hotel rooms. The location is right near the Opera House and only about a ten minute walk to the main dowtown area. I really enjoyed my stay here!
Other Markets I’ve Visited
Essen, Germany
Essen had some of the best Christmas lights of anywhere I visited! It was a bit of a smaller, more local market that’s worth a visit if you’re in nearby Cologne!
See my full guide to Essen’s Christmas Markets here!
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is often listed as one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe, but while I enjoyed it, I preferred many of the other markets I visited! (It also was pouring rain my entire trip to Bruseels, which didn’t help the experience) My favorite part was the international market with SO much good food and so much variety
See my full guide to Brussels Christmas Markets here!
Düsseldorf, Germany
Düsseldorf was another market I visited near Essen & Cologne – Düsseldorf features 7 different Christmas Markets in its Old Town area. While I enjoyed my time in Düsseldorf I found it insanely crowded, which kind of took away from the experience. Some markets were hard to even walk through due to the crowds!
See my full guide to Düsseldorf’s Christmas Markets here!
Florence, Italy
Italy is not known fot its Christmas Markets generally, but Florence does have its own German-themed Christmas Market every winter in Santa Croce PIazza. This traditional market features over 80 stalls with food, drinks, goods and more. Florence will always be one of my favorite cities, although I prefer the Christmas Markets in Austria, Germany and other places!
Christmas Market Bucket List
12 Christmas Markets is a lot, but there are not shortage of others I’m dying to visit in the future!
Next Stops:
- Alsace Region, France (Strasbourg, Colmar, etc)
- Cologne, Germany
- Ravenna Gorge, Germany
- Frankfurt, Germany
- London, England
