Carols singing afar, the smell of mulled wine with cinnamon, hot chocolate, and almonds. I’ve seen all these in many movies and almost felt the Christmas taste from the other side of the screen. The European holiday season is indeed a magical time when cities transform into winter wonderlands, each with its own Christmas market that reflects their rich histories and cultures.
Of course, visiting all the Christmas markets in a month can feel like an overdose of carols and Christmas magic, but there are top destinations that can’t be missed this year.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne hosts over seven distinct markets, each with its own theme and ambiance. The market at Cologne Cathedral is the crown jewel, drawing millions each year with its spectacular lights and iconic backdrop.
- Location: Cologne Cathedral
- Opening dates: November 18 to December 23, 2024
Why we love it: Imagine walking through Cologne all decorated in twinkling lights with a smell of mulled wine in the air. There are several markets in Cologne but the one at the cathedral gathers all the crowds during the festive season, featuring over 150 wooden red-roofed stalls that sell everything from handmade glass ornaments to gingerbread cookies and glühwein (mulled wine). Don’t walk by the culinary delights of the market; taste potato pancakes or sweet potato fries, roasted almonds, and köttbullar. For over a month, from Tuesday to Thursday, the market’s stage hosts Christmas music and gospel, puppet shows, and dances for children.
Winter tourism: Beyond the markets, Cologne, with its 2000-year history, has so much to offer even during chill winter. Come here for river cruises on the Rhine, renowned museums, Kölsch beer in a Brauhaus, bathing in Claudius Therme, and dining on Keupstraße.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt is as historic as it comes, with roots dating back to the 15th century. Set against the stunning baroque architecture and the Hohensalzburg Fortress, this market radiates old-world charm. By the way, the Silent Night Carol was written and first performed here.
- Location: Residenzplatz and Salzburg Cathedral
- Opening dates: November 21, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
Why we love it: Salzburg’s market is so magical with its Alpine backdrop and enchanting holiday spirit. Here you won’t find mass-market goods but unique hand-knitted socks, wooden crafts, and toys. The 100 traditional huts lined under the illuminated sky overflow with gingerbread hearts, woolen slippers, and handmade ornaments. Many stalls also offer to try your hands at making your own gingerbread. But the main charm of the market is the Choirs performing in the cathedral square. Daily readings, advent music, and traditional crafts bring a special intimacy to this market, as do the traditional roast pork sandwiches and roasted almonds.
Winter tourism in Salzburg: To continue the magical experience in Salzburg, you can visit Winterfest in the Volksgarten with contemporary circus performances, attend Mozart’s concert in his birthplace, and get your hands and soul warmed while sipping hot chocolate at Cafe Tomaselli.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Christmas market culture goes back to the late 18th century and embodies traditional Bohemian and Slavic winter customs. With its medieval charm and central Christmas tree, the Old Town Square market is the city’s most celebrated and most visited because of its iconic setting against the Týn Church and the astronomical clock.
- Location: Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
- Opening dates: From November 30, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
Why we love it: The abundance of presents is sometimes overwhelming because it’s so hard to stop buying all these super cute souvenirs and eating all those fatty sausages, smoked meat dumplings, and garlic flatbread. And yes, let’s not forget about the famous “trdelník,” a sweet pastry with cinnamon and sugar, with “svařák” (mulled wine); they are literally everywhere, and in your hands for sure. If or when you get tired of strolling among the stalls, you can stop to enjoy live performances.
Winter trip in Prague: It’s pretty hard not to fall in love with Prague, whether it is summer or winter Prague, but the holiday season strikes with its beauty on a totally new level. Beyond the markets, make sure to visit Krystal Bistro to taste true Czech food with a French twist, take a three-hour Prague walking tour to burn those calories, and get prepared for the next three-hour Letná Bohemian Alternative Bar Tour in Prague’s cool neighborhood with fancy bars.
Helsinki, Finland
Known as Tuomaan Markkinat, Helsinki’s Christmas market is held annually in Senate Square, close to the Helsinki Cathedral, the very heart of the city with all the cool restaurants and bars.
- Location: Senate Square
- Opening dates: December 1 to December 22
Why we love it: First of all, Helsinki’s Christmas market is about its stunning backdrop and the lights (of course I would prefer Northern lights, but Christmas decorations also look pretty impressive).
Finland, known for its eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle, nails sustainability at the Christmas market as well. Over 100 vendors present their goods using biodegradable packaging and dishes.
Besides tasting traditional hot glögi (Finnish mulled wine) and treats like reindeer sausages and pastries filled with jam, you can watch a holiday outfit contest for dogs or take part in a bingo game to win a vegan ham.
Winter tours in Helsinki: Helsinki is one of the places people choose to visit in winter intentionally, first of all, because of the Northern Lights. This could be the only reason, and it would be enough, but winter in Helsinki means a Finnish sauna, 200 kilometers of perfectly groomed trails for skiing, and the Lux Festival lighting up Helsinki’s buildings in colors.
Málaga, Spain
Even in winter, you can sense the energy and celebration that makes Málaga so special, and no wonder why we love it at Christmas too.
- Location: Paseo del Parque
- Opening dates: Late November to January 6
Why we love it: The blend of Mediterranean vibes, mild winter, and passion of Málaga cannot go wrong. The Christmas market is the epitome of this passion that summarizes the year and prepares us for the next. For about a month, Calle Marques de Larios is illuminated by one of Europe’s most spectacular light displays.
This market isn’t just about shopping—it’s a full sensory experience with live performances and traditional sweets like turrón (nougat) and roscos (ring-shaped pastries). Plus, you can stroll the nearby beach even in winter!
Winter tourism in Malaga: Why we love winter Málaga? Less crowds, lots of hiking to Caminito del Rey, skiing in the Sierra Nevada, and exploring the city on a tuk-tuk.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has been celebrating Christmas markets since the 19th century, and today it is, for sure, one of Europe’s most magical winter events.
- Location: Tivoli Gardens
- Opening dates: November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Why we love it: It can be the non-stop spinning illuminated Ferris wheel, the smell of caramelized almonds or spicy cinnamon mulled wine, or maybe those endless stalls of traditional Danish knitwear, wood toys, and decorations. Tivoli Gardens feels like a true Christmas fantasy.
Sure you won’t miss æbleskiver pancake puffs, honninghjerter honey cake, and smørrebrød roast beef sandwiches.
Winter tourism in Copenhagen: Only in Copenhagen will you truly understand what hygge means: exploring the city’s cozy cafes, strolling along the Nyhavn harbor, and indulging in delicious treats at the Torvehallerne Market. In short, here in Copenhagen, everything is about the hygge atmosphere.
Stockholm, Sweden
The city’s medieval heart brings a magical backdrop that transports visitors back in time.
- Location: Stortorget Square
- Opening dates: November 23 to December 23, 2024
Why we love it: This market is incredibly atmospheric, especially when the city is covered in snow. It’s compact with around 40 red wooden stalls but brimming with holiday charm with Swedish saffron Lucia buns, glögg, and herring. Closer to the evening, taste more hearty treats like meatballs, lingonberry sauce, and gravlax. And for presents, you can find traditional Swedish handicrafts and wooden toys.
Winter tours in Stockholm: Swedes love winter so will you if you spend it outdoors ankle-deep in snow with hot chocolate and watching skiers going down the slopes of Hammarbybacken.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” this market hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to embrace the real Christmas mood and magic.
- Location: Place de la Cathédrale, Place Kléber, Place Gutenberg, Place Broglie, Place du Château
- Opening dates: November 29 to December 31, 2024.
Why we love it: Strasbourg’s market is enormous, with over 300 stalls across the city. Each square has its own theme, from crafts at Place Broglie to the famous Christmas tree at Place Kléber. For tasty treats, head to the Market of the Irreducible Small Producers with Alsatian specialties like choucroute (sauerkraut) and bredele cookies.
Winter tourism in Strasbourg: Winter is the season to walk around the city and see all the sites, including the picturesque Petite France district, Palais Rohan, the Astronomical Clock, and many more.
Basel, Switzerland
Basel hosts one of Switzerland’s largest and most beloved Christmas markets that perfectly matches the city’s mood and art culture, offering another platform to showcase handmade crafts and culinary wonders.
- Location: Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz
- Opening dates: November 28 to December 23, 2024
Why we love it: From 150 wooden stalls of the Christmas market, those selling Swiss treats gather the most audience. And you too, make sure to take the Swiss raclette and Basler Läckerli (gingerbread cookies). When done with cookies, climb up the St. Martin’s tower to watch the city lights and leave your wish in the Basel Wish Book.
Winter tourism in Basel: Spending cold months in Basel means filling your days with museums and exhibitions, the sounds of the Fasnacht carnival, or by crossing the many bridges of the Rhine River to visit Großbasel and Kleinbasel.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava’s Christmas market may not date back centuries like some others, but it has become a celebrated tradition since the early 1990s, following Slovakia’s independence, presenting a unique blend of Slovak, Hungarian, and Austrian influences that shape the city’s culture.
- Location: Hlavné námestie
- Opening dates: From late November to December 22, 2024.
Why we love it: Bratislava’s Christmas market is charmingly local and intimate, like a cozy gathering of close friends and family. On red wooden stalls, you will find all kinds of local treats like lokše (potato pancakes filled with poppy seeds or sweet jam), cigánska (grilled pork sandwiches), and kapustnica (a traditional sauerkraut soup). Handcrafted gifts, pottery, wooden toys, and handwoven textiles, make for special souvenirs.
Winter tourism in Bratislava: Beyond the market, Bratislava’s Old Town is enchanting with its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and a castle even when chill winds blow. A winter must do activity is to climb the 52 metres viewing point to watch the Bratislava Castle.
