Experience the best of Europe’s Christmas markets this year in November and December. A tradition that dates back hundreds of years, with some of the oldest ones originating in Austria and Germany during the medieval era, Christmas markets have become cherished cultural events over the centuries, bringing festive charm to the streets of many towns and cities on the continent.
Whether you’re drawn to the plethora of markets on offer in Berlin or Munich, the Nordic charm of Reykjavik or Copenhagen, or the sprawling festivities of Budapest or Prague, there’s an abundance of fabulous Christmas markets to discover throughout Europe. From indulging in sweet treats and steaming cups of mulled wine to shopping for handcrafted gifts and enjoying jolly musical performances, there’s endless festive fun to be had. Here's what you can expect...
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Budapest
Berlin
Prague
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Edinburgh City
Hamburg
Basel
Few cities lean into the festive spirit quite like Berlin. Rather than just one main Christmas market, the German capital tends to have around 80 different markets of all different shapes and sizes. In the centre, you can’t go wrong with Weihnachtszauber am Gendarmenmarkt or Alexanderplatz; a little further out, Spandau and Charlottenburg Palace are equally wonderful.
The Czech capital plays host to several fantastic Christmas markets, split across both sides of the Vltava River. You’ll find the biggest ones in the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and the Castle Quarter, packed with twinkly lights and wooden huts selling all sorts of handicrafts and tasty treats. Trdelnik (chimney cake) and grog (rum, hot water, lemon and sugar) are two of the local specialities to look out for.
The origins of Salzburg’s ‘Christkindlmarkt’ go back all the way to the 15th century, and over the years it has gained a reputation as one of the finest festive markets in Europe. It typically starts in the final week of November and runs all the way through to New Year’s Day, primarily taking place in the squares of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town.
Your Christmas market holiday questions, answered
Most Christmas markets open in mid-November and continue through December, some staying open for New Year's Eve. It's best to check the opening dates for the specific destination you want to visit before booking.
Most major European cities hold a Christmas market, but some are larger and more popular with tourists. The largest Christmas market is held in Dresden, Germany. Some of the most well-known Christmas markets are located in Basel, Budapest, Vienna, Austria, Denmark, Germany and Iceland.
Alternative destinations for a festive city break
Copenhagen
Ljubljana
Reykjavik
Find your perfect winter holiday to Europe's top destinations with easyJet holidays. Our winter holidays include everything from winter sun beach holidays to European city breaks. Or why not explore the stunning landscapes of Iceland? With over 50 destinations to choose from – including the likes of Prague, Amsterdam, Lanzarote, Berlin, and France – you'll be spoilt for choice!
Did you know...
The earliest record of a Christmas market dates back to Vienna in 1298. An estimated 2,500-3,000 Christmas markets take place every year across Germany.
You don’t always have to go to go outside of the UK for an authentic Christmas market experience. Birmingham hosts the largest German Christmas market outside of Germany, twinned with Frankfurt.