The Best Christmas Markets to Visit

When winter knocks on our doors, we feel the Christmas holidays are closer. At this time of the year, millions of people from all over the globe plan their trips to see one of the most majestical Christmas Markets.

The arrival of Christmas markets usually marks the start of the holiday season. This is when European cities transform into Christmas wonderlands, where you can feed the Christmas Spirit.

So, without wasting any more time, let’s dive into one of the most magical Christmas Markets to explore. Today’s article will clear your mind about which one is worth visiting.

What exactly are Christmas markets?

So, before jumping to checking the list with the top 10 Christmas Markets that can be visited in European cities, let’s first check what Christmas markets actually are.

When winter knocks on our doors and you feel the atmosphere of the holiday season, you can start seeing cities decorated into Christmas wonderlands, full of trees standing on every corner, and cozy wooden chalets, where you can feel the spirit of the holiday season. You can see everything decorated with Christmas lights and literally smell the gingerbread. All of that is a tradition that dates from the Middle Ages.

You can choose from a wide variety of homemade Christmas ornaments and crafts. And if all that doesn’t make your book your next stay to explore any of the Christmas markets, let’s go deeper into them.

Top 10 Christmas Markets

1. Budapest - Hungary

Probably, one of the top markets that you can witness is the “Budapest Advent Feast at the Basilica”, which offers you an incredible Christmas experience, where you can feel the holiday spirit.

The market will be open from 19th November 2022 to 1st of January 2023.

Budapest Advent Feast was awarded as the “best Christmas Market in 2020” and there is a reason for that.

2. Basel Christmas Market

The Basel Christmas Market was rated to be the prime market in 2021. Basel has a tradition as the biggest and most attractive Christmas city in Switzerland, and without a doubt is worth visiting every year if you want to ever touch its Christmas majesty.

When the time comes, the whole city is decorated with Christmas lights, pine trees, and plenty of cozy wooden chalets fulfill the city. Last year, the Christmas Market of Basel was a host to around 130 artisans and crafters that offered their homemade crafts and ornaments for you.

So, the expectations are that the Basel Christmas Market will be even better this year.

3. Vienna Christmas Market

Every year, from the middle of November all the way to the holidays, Vienna is transformed into one of the prettiest markets in Europe. You can witness something special, something that is going to make you feel the Christmas spirit, with a smell of freshly baked Christmas sweets and amazing homemade crafts.

The most outstanding Christmas Market in Vienna is probably the Vienna Magic of Advent, which takes place in the City Hall Square. If you decide on visiting it, you will be welcomed by special gifts, Decorations, as well as some special perks that cannot be even explained.

4. Montbeliard - France

So, we got all the way to France, where every single year, you can witness one of the most appealing Christmas markets, Montbeliard. The true beauty of this market is hidden behind the traditional decorations and lights. It is located in the France Comte.

In Montbeliard you can experience everything related to Christmas, where more than 150 stands and cozy wooden chalets.

5. Trier - Germany

Germany is another country where you can attend majestic Christmas Markets, where Trier is one of the best there. The Trier Christmas Market will be open this year for the 44th time in front of the Trier Cathedral.

The Trier Christmas market is considered the most Romantic and loveliest Christmas market in the world.

6. Brussels - Belgium

Winter Wonders is by far one of the most unique Markets in Belgium, which is held every single year in Brussels. Every single year the market hosts more than 2.5 million visitors from all over the globe.

If you are willing to attend the Winter Wonders market in Brussels, you will definitely witness some pure Christmas Magic, which for the past few years has been one of the Capitals of Christmas Markets alongside Vienna, Budapest, and Strasbourg.

7. Prague - Czech Republic

Prague is a welcoming city for tourists throughout the whole year, as you may know from our Complete Travel Guide to Prague. However, the real magic comes when the Christmas Holidays are close.

In the Old Town Square of Prague, you can witness some Christmas Magic when the markets arrive in late November. You can see plenty of wooden chalets, where you can enjoy some traditional Czech blown glass balls, all kinds of products made of glass pearls, various homemade crafts like ornaments and handmade tablecloths, wooden Christmas items, as well as many holiday sweets like biscuits.

8. Bruges - Belgium

We have another great option for Christmas lovers that are about to visit Belgium for experiencing some Christmas magic. Apart from the iconic Winter Wonders market in Brussels, you can head straight to Bruge, which is by far one of the most romantic destinations on this list.

From late November all the way to the beginning of January, Bruge is decorated with some traditional Christmas lights, wooden chalets, a wide variety of options for late Christmas presents, and many more.

9. Cologne - Germany

If you are planning a trip to Germany this Christmas, you will probably enjoy something majestical, as the country has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Cologne is proof of that.

By attending the markets in Cologne, you will be able to see the Christmas Tree that is ranked among the most beautiful.

10. Tallinn - Estonia

Another great destination for your Christmas trip will be Tallinn, which is host to one of the most attractive markets in Europe, which even get an award a few years.

Tallinn is without any doubt a must-see destination for Christmas travelers. From late November Tallinn transforms into a Christmas Miracle, which is accompanied by the snowy weather in this location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best Christmas Market in Europe?

When the Christmas holidays approach, all around Europe, you will be able to attend magical Christmas Markets. However, all of them are worth visiting, and the only one who can decide which one is the best is you.

When I can visit Christmas Markets in Europe?</2>

Usually, Christmas Markets are open from mid-November to late November, depending on the one you choose to visit.

Is it expensive to visit Christmas Markets?

No matter which Christmas Market you choose to visit, you should be prepared with a budget, as this is not a cheap experience. You can spend around $3,000 for a couple, just for a weekend. But, feeling the atmosphere of a Christmas Market is totally worth it.

How much time do I need to explore a Christmas Market?

Usually, when you attend any of the mentioned Christmas markets, you will need about 4 - 5 hours to fully enjoy it.

In summary for visiting Christmas markets

Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year when whole cities are transformed into Christmas Wonderlands, using all kinds of lights, pine trees, and cozy wooden chalets, which offer some Christmas homemade ornaments.

Without a doubt, one of the most essential trips for travelers throughout the whole year is exactly the trip to check out some of the most beautiful Christmas Markets. From today’s article, you already know more about the best Christmas Markets in Europe, so do not waste time, but book your stay to see your favorite market.