The 11 best Christmas markets in Europe to visit in 2025

European Christmas markets in 2025 promise unforgettable experiences: from historic Strasbourg to fairytale Gdańsk. Discover the top 11 best Christmas towns in Europe with unique traditions, dates, and features of each location

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Every year, European Christmas markets attract millions of tourists from all over the world with their unique atmosphere, authentic traditions, and fairy-tale mood. The British publication Express has presented a rating of the best Christmas towns to visit this season. Each location on the list has unique features and offers an unforgettable experience for travelers.

It is important to note that the dates of Christmas markets vary depending on the country and its holiday traditions. For example, in Germany, most markets close on December 23-24, while in some other European countries, the festivities continue until early January.

1. Strasbourg, France: the historic capital of Christmas

Dates: November 26-December 24, 2025

Strasbourg deservedly bears the title of “Capital of Christmas” and hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, whose history dates back to 1570. During the holidays, the city's medieval streets and half-timbered houses are transformed into a real winter wonderland, where every corner breathes history and authenticity.

Several squares in Strasbourg are home to over 300 market stalls where you can buy traditional Alsatian handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and local delicacies. The main attraction of the fair is the huge Christmas tree on Kleber Square, which impresses visitors with its size and decoration.

2. Vienna, Austria: a variety of festive traditions

Dates: November 14–December 26, 2025

The Austrian capital offers tourists numerous Christmas markets, each with its own unique character. The largest and most famous is the “Vienna Magic of Advent” on Rathausplatz, set against the backdrop of the stunning city hall. There are over 100 stalls selling Christmas goods, an ice rink, and alleys decorated with thousands of twinkling lights.

Other notable locations include the fair in the luxurious Schönbrunn Palace and the traditional Old Vienna Christmas Market on Freie, whose history dates back to 1772. Visitors can purchase traditional handicrafts, taste roasted chestnuts, and warm up with aromatic spiced punch. A special feature of the Viennese fairs is that several of them remain open even after Christmas, sometimes until the end of December or early January, transforming into New Year's fairs.

3. Prague, Czech Republic: a Gothic fairy tale

Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 6, 2026

The Christmas markets in Prague's Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are a real fairy tale come to life amid Gothic and Baroque architecture. The historic buildings provide an unbeatable backdrop for the festively decorated wooden huts filled with traditional Czech crafts.

The main attraction of Old Town Square is the tall Christmas tree, which is a favorite spot for photos. Here you can buy handmade glass decorations, wooden toys, and traditional lace. You should also try trdelník, a sweet dough baked on a spit, and grog, the local version of mulled wine. Prague's markets remain open after Christmas, making them a great option for the New Year holidays.

4. Budapest, Hungary: authentic traditions

Dates: November 15–December 31, 2025

The Christmas markets in the Hungarian capital are famous for their atmosphere and preservation of authentic traditions. The main market on Vörösmarty Square offers a wide selection of handmade products, festive folk programs, and a focus on Hungarian cuisine.

Visitors can purchase unique ceramics and leather goods and taste traditional Hungarian pastries: kürtőskalács (sweet chimneys with sugar and cinnamon) and langos – fried flatbread with various fillings. The Advent celebration at St. Stephen's Basilica deserves special attention, during which an impressive light show telling Christmas stories is projected onto the facade of the building.

5. Cologne, Germany: Gothic grandeur

Dates: November 18–December 23, 2025

There are several different Christmas markets in Cologne, but the most famous one is located near the majestic Cologne Cathedral. Gothic spires towering over the twinkling kiosks create a unique atmosphere of a medieval holiday.

Here you can find arts and crafts, admire a huge Christmas tree, and enjoy traditional German delicacies: gingerbread, mulled wine, and roasted almonds. Each of Cologne's markets has its own theme, from the whimsical Angel Market with products for children to the maritime harbor market with its corresponding atmosphere.

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6. Bath, England: English sophistication

Dates: November 27–December 14, 2025

The Bath Christmas Market is set against the backdrop of the stunning Bath Abbey and Roman Baths, making it one of the most picturesque in the UK. The organizers emphasize supporting local and independent businesses—more than 170 wooden chalets are decorated in a festive style and offer unique products.

Visitors will find artisan jewelry, handmade crafts, local cheeses, and festive food.

7. Krakow, Poland: medieval luxury

Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026

The Krakow Christmas Market is held in the spacious Main Market Square, the largest medieval market square in Europe. The stunning architecture and Renaissance Cloth Hall provide an unbeatable historical backdrop for the festive celebrations.

A special feature of the Krakow fair is the elaborate, hand-painted nativity scenes, a tradition recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Numerous stalls sell everything from handmade glass jewelry to traditional woolen slippers. The culinary highlight is Polish delicacies, including oscypek, a smoked sheep's cheese, and grzaniec, a fragrant mulled wine that warms you up on cold winter evenings.

8. Brussels, Belgium: Winter Wonderland

Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 5, 2026

The Winter Wonderland Christmas market in Brussels is a large-scale event covering several locations, including the iconic Grand Place. The fair is famous for its stunning light and sound show, which is projected onto the historic buildings of the Grand Place, creating a magical atmosphere.

The centerpiece is a giant Ferris wheel and a spacious ice rink where you can have a good time. More than 250 wooden chalets offer a variety of gifts, from handmade crafts to local delicacies. Be sure to try Belgian waffles, famous chocolate products, and hot chocolate, which has become a hallmark of Belgian cuisine.

9. Nuremberg, Germany: ancient traditions

Dates: November 28 – December 24, 2025

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous and oldest Christmas markets in the world. Traditionally, the market is opened by the Christkind, an angelic figure who is the symbol and patron of the market. This is a true German market, where only locally produced goods are sold.

Here you can buy classic German holiday goods: Nürnberger Lebkuchen – fragrant gingerbread cookies, Zwetschgenmännle – little men made of prunes, and try the famous Nuremberg sausages. The main charm of this fair lies in its authenticity and preservation of ancient traditions passed down from generation to generation.

10. Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Festival

Dates: November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026

The Edinburgh Christmas Festival transforms the Scottish capital into a magical wonderland with a unique flavor. The main fairs are located in the gardens of East Princess Street and George Street, against the backdrop of the stunning Edinburgh Castle, which creates a dramatic historical backdrop.

Visitors will find a wide selection of festive stalls, an ice rink, and a variety of entertainment for the whole family. The fair is known for its festive Scottish and international food and drinks. The festival extends beyond Christmas to include the famous Hogmanay celebrations, the Scottish New Year, making it unique among European fairs.

11. Gdańsk, Poland: a fairytale atmosphere

Dates: November 21–December 23, 2025

Recognized as one of the best in Europe, the Gdańsk Christmas Market is located in the heart of the city and immerses visitors in a magical fairy-tale atmosphere. The market functions as a true arts center with theatrical performances, carols, and dance programs.

Numerous stalls offer holiday gifts and local delicacies. Among the main attractions are the famous Venetian carousel, decorated in a festive style, Santa's corner, where children can meet the main Christmas character, and a giant illuminated moose named Lucek, which has become the symbol of the Gdańsk fair and a favorite place for photos.

We remind you! November is not a reason to give up on the sun and beach holidays. Read about the 10 countries and resorts that offer the warmest holidays in November 2025 with temperatures from +21°C, ideal for beaches and excursions.

Photo: Getty Images

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