Europe’s Top 8 Christmas Markets: A Festive Itinerary

Twinkling fairy lights strung through cobblestone streets, giant Christmas trees in the center of busy market squares, the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread in the air paired with Carol singers and live brass bands. European Christmas Markets are unique and something everyone should have experienced at least once in their lifetime.

Looking for festive European winter travel ideas or wondering where to visit Christmas markets in Europe this year? We have gathered 8 of the most enchanting and best Christmas markets in Europe that you don’t want to miss on your festive itinerary this holiday season. Let Llocalz help you plan your multi-city Christmas market tour through Europe.

Here are our 8 Top choices for Christmas:

1 - Prague, Czech Republic

Start your trip in Prague. The capital city of the Czech Republic awaits you with one of Europe’s most enchanting markets. Enjoy typical treats like Trdelník (chimney cake) and delicious roasted ham while you stroll through the Old Town Square Christmas Market set against Prague’s medieval backdrop with the Gothic Týn Church and Astronomical Clock. Psssst - don’t forget to check out the smaller and more local Wenceslas Square Market!

2 - Dresden, Germany

Next stop: Dresden. Just about two hours north of Prague, you’ll find yourself at Germany’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1434. The “Striezelmarkt” (pronounced SHTREET-sel & markt like “marked” without the "d") is famous for its 14-meter-high Christmas pyramid, traditional Stollen fruitcake, and authentic regional crafts. You will find over 200 stalls selling wooden toys, lace, and gingerbread at the Altmarkt Square. Don’t forget to try one of the “Pflaumentoffel”, a traditional East German edible sweet in the shape of a human figure made from dried or baked prunes.

3 - Nuremberg, Germany

Next on your festive itinerary is Nuremberg. With being first recorded in 1628, you will check off another old German Christmasmarket also known as “Christkindlesmarkt”. Traditional stalls with handmade ornaments, fruity Nuremberg gingerbread, and wooden toys await you. Pro Tip: No visit would be complete without sampling the legendary Nürnberger Rostbratwurst with a dollop of mustard.

4 - Esslingen, Germany

Ready to time travel? Esslingen, a unique market with a medieval theme, whisks you back centuries. Step back into the Middle Ages with flickering torches, rustic stands, and typical music. Enjoy costumed merchants, jugglers, and fire-breathers and watch traditional craftsmanship demonstrations like blacksmithing, candle making, and wood carving. Buy handcrafted items, medieval-style food, and drinks like honey wine and enjoy a really unique and special experience.

5 - Strasbourg, France

No festive European itinerary is complete without a stop in Strasbourg. Also known as the Capital of Christmas, France’s oldest Christmas market is located just a stone’s throw off the border to Germany. Sip on a mug of spiced mulled wine (yes, it tastes different from the German version so be sure to try both), nibble on some Alsatian Christmas cookies and enjoy the view of the iconic christmas tree at Place Kléber. Fun fact: The Alsatian region where Strasbourg is located switched national control between Germany and France five times. That’s why you will find a blend of both cultures here.

6 - Colmar, France

If you’re dreaming of a Christmas market straight from the pages of a fairytale, Colmar is your place. With six themed Christmas markets scattered through its medieval Old Town, the city not far away from Strasbourg is famous for its half-timbered houses, canals, and cobbled streets. Colmar’s market feels straight out of a storybook and is one of the most magical holiday spots in Europe.

7 - Basel, Switzerland

Next stop: Switzerland. Nestled along the Rhine and set in the heart of its Old Town on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, Basel’s Christmas market is considered one of Switzerland’s best and most beautiful. The market offers everything from Swiss delicacies and mulled wine to intricate crafts and seasonal decorations and the medieval alleys, light displays, and festive atmosphere make it a top holiday destination. Make sure to take a picture in front of the giant Christmas tree next to the Basel Minster and to try Basler Läckerli (a spiced, chewy gingerbread made with honey, almonds, candied peel and cherry brandy), Raclette (a melted layer from a heated wheel of cheese is scraped over boiled potatoes, pickles, and pearl onions) and Fondue (hot, gooey cheese served in a cup with bread cubes or in a hollowed-out bread roll). 

8 - Salzburg, Austria

Last but not least: Salzburg in Austria. Being dated back to the 15th century, the Christkindlmarkt is one of Austria’s oldest. Set against the backdrop of Salzburg Cathedral and the snow-capped Alps, this market features over 100 stalls with traditional Austrian crafts, delicacies, and mulled wine. Enjoy daily choral performances fill the air with music and vendors filling your tummy with Maroni (roasted chestnuts), Bosna (a spicy sausage served in a white bread roll with onions, mustard, and a special curry powder blend) and Käsespätzle (Austria’s Mac and Cheese, just better!).

Europe’s Christmas markets offer so much more than holiday shopping. They are a celebration of history, culture, and community, each with its own local flavors, traditions, and timeless charm. Whether you are sipping mulled wine under the twinkling lights of Strasbourg, savoring roasted chestnuts in Salzburg, or watching medieval performances in Esslingen, these magical Christmas markets in Europe capture the true spirit of the season.

Let’s make your personalized Christmas market tour or custom Europe holiday travel dreams come true. Llocalz travel itinerary service is here to help. From things to do in Europe at Christmas to local food tours and charming holiday markets, we’ll create a customized, multi-city Christmas market tour filled with unforgettable moments. Bundle up, follow the scent of gingerbread, and let the magic of Europe’s most enchanting markets fill your heart with holiday cheer.