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I visited 18 Christmas Markets across Europe over the last 2 years, and can fully attest to the fact that Christmas in Europe is absolutely magical! Even after seeing 18 different markets in 8 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 narrow down which ones to visit. I’ve ranked my 10 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!
2025 Dates & Times
Dates: November 26, 2025 – December 24, 2025
Times:
- Daily: 10AM – 9PM
- Opening Day:Nov 26 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.
2025 Dates & Times
Dates:
November 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Times
- Mon-Thurs 10 AM – 8:30 PM
- Fri 10 AM – 9 PM
- Sat 9 AM – 9 PM
- Sun 9 AM – 8:30 PM
Exceptions:
- December 7: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
- December 24: 9 AM – 3 PM
- December 25 + 26: 11 AM – 6 PM
- December 31: 10 AM – 6 PM
- January 1: 11 AM – 6 PM
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!
2025 Dates & Times
Dates November 29, 2025 – January 6, 2026
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
Hotel Paris
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. Colmar, France
Best Fairytale Vibes
Colmar is a fairytale village in thr Alsace region of France. This storybook town, known for being the inspiration for Belle’s hometown in Beauty & the Beast, goes ALL out for Christmas, and it does not disappoint. The whole town becomes a Christmas Market, and while it’s small, you can spend hours or multiple days exploring. While you’re in Colmar don;t miss nearby tiny, but stunning towns of Riquewihr, Obernai & Eguisheim!
See my full Colmar Christmas Market guide here & details on all the other Alsace markets here!
2025 Dates & Times
Dates:
Nov 25, 2025- Dec 29, 2025
Times:
for all markets except the gourmet market
Mon-Thurs: 11AM-7PM
Fri – Sun: 10AM-8PM
Special times:
- Dec 24: 11AM-5PM
- Dec 25: 11AM-7PM
- Dec 26: 11AM-8PM
What I Loved
- the overall fairytale vibe, this entre town felt like a movie set & Christmas only added to it
- the canals in Little Venice, take a boat tour if you have a chance!
- the food! The gourmet market and the indoor market both had great options.
- The vin chaud rouge, duh! It was fun even just to say it
- the proximity to other Alsace towns like Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Obernai & Strasbourg
Where to Stay
I opted to stay in Old Town Colmar, which I loved and highly recommend if you can swing it and don’t mind some crowds! You could also opt to stay in Strasbourg and visit Colmar as a day trip, but I am happy I had early mornings and late nights to explore Colmar after the day trippers had gone and before they had arrived!
Le Colombier Colmar France
I loved my stay right in the heart of Colmar at Le Colombier. They have the main hotel and across the street they have the Le Colombier Suites. Staying at either gives you full access to the hotel amenities (breakfast, outdoor patio, bar, etc) It’s right in Little Venice and it was the perfect place to stay!
5. Strasbourg, France
Best Homebase for Exploring France’s Best Markets
Strasbourg, also known as France’s capitol of Christmas, is big, busy, over the top (in the best way) and pure magic. I loved Strasbourg, it’s a big city, but its Old Town has a small town feel & the whole place goes all out for Christmas. There are markets spread all throughout the Old Town & the epic cathedral really is jaw-dropping. Plus, Strasbourg is the best homebase for exploring the rest of the picturesque towns of Alsace (see Colmar above!)
See my full Strasbourg Christmas Market Travel Guide here
2025 Dates & Times
Dates
Nov 26, 2025 – Dec 24, 2025
Times
Open Daily 11:30AM – 9PM
Nov 26, 2025 – Dec 24, 2025
What I Loved
- the cathedral – it was so incredible over-the-top beauiful
- exploring the stunning Petite France neighborhood. It’s worth seeing during the day and at night
- the main Christmas tree
- pink street (right near the main Cathedral)
Where to Stay
Pavillon REGENT PETITE France
A stunning spot right in the heart of Petite France along the canals, this hotel is my top recommendation in Strasbourg if you can snag a room!
6. Basel, Switzerland
Most Charming
Basel was a last minute stop on my Alsace, France trip on my way back to Zurich to fly home & I’m so happy I stopped there. The Basel Christmas markets were so charming and some of my favorite of all the ones I visited. I loved the local feel, the food & the overall charming vibes. I can’t recommend a stop there enough!
2025 Dates & Times
2025 Dates
Nov 27, 2025 – Dec 23, 2025
Times
Daily 11AM-8:30PM
What I Loved
- the overall charming vibes, lack of crowds & local feel
- the romantic twinkle lights of the Münsterplatz market
- the indulgent, cozy foods – kebabs, fondue dogs, raclettes, cinammon stars & so much more
- the Christmas tower bar at Barfüsserplatz
Where to Stay
Steinenschanze Charming City & Garden Hotel
This hotel was a 10 minute walk from Barfüsserplatz, and also about 15 minute walk from the train, it was super convenient. It was clean and nice, and they had a cute outdoor patio/garden all decorated for Christmas. I would definitely stay here again, and the price wasn’t too bad for Switzerland, where everything is generally really expensive!
7. 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!
2025 Dates & Times
Dates 11/14/25 – 12/26/25
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
Hotel Grand Ferdinand
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.
8. 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 28- January 6, 2026
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
Parhotel Laurin
Lovely upscale, conveniently located, on-site restaurants, great breakfast, patio & on site bar that’s one of the most popular in the area!
Hotel Greif
A nice mid-upscale, located right of Waltherplatz and steps from the Christmas market, great breakfast!
9. 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!
2025 Dates & Times
Dates: 11/15-12/23/25
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
The Penz Hotel
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.
AC Hotel
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!
10. 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!
2025 Dates & Times
Dates November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Times
Sun-Thurs: 11AM-10PM
Fri & Sat: 11AM – 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
Dukes Palace Bruges
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!
Dukes Palace Residence
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!
11. 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!
2025 Dates & Times
Dates: November 15 – December 31 2025
Times
- Sun-Thurs: 11AM-10PM
- Fri & Sat: 11AM-11PM
Exceptions:
- Dec 24: 10AM-2PM
- Dec 25 & 26: 10AM -6PM
- Dec 31: 10AM-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.
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!
Zurich, Switzerland
I spent a day exploring Zurich’s Christmas Markets. Zuirch is a charming city any time of year. The highlight fo Zurich at Christmas for me was the stunning “Lucy” lights on Banhofstrasse. There are markets spread throughout the Old Town of the city if you’re visiting during the Holiday season!
See my full guide to Zurich’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:
- Cologne, Germany
- Ravenna Gorge, Germany
- Frankfurt, Germany
- London, England
Thank you for this list! We just realized we will be in Bruges when the Christmas Market begins this year. We can’t wait to witness it! Hopefully we can go back to see the others some day.
Bruges is stunning! Hope you love it!