The Best Christmas Markets in Europe

European Christmas markets run from late November until just before Christmas, with a few staying open into early January. Strasbourg, Vienna, Nuremberg and Dresden are the oldest and best known, but Copenhagen, Gdansk and Zagreb have grown into destinations of their own.

When are the Christmas markets open?

Most open on the weekend before the first Sunday of Advent and close on 23 or 24 December. Some, particularly in Austria and Hungary, stay open until after New Year.

Opening hours are usually late morning to around 21:00, with the stalls busiest after dark — which in northern Europe means from about four in the afternoon.

The markets worth travelling for

Strasbourg, France

Calls itself the Capital of Christmas, and has the oldest claim: the market dates from 1570. The whole old town is lit, not just the market squares.

Vienna, Austria

Several markets across the city, the largest in front of the City Hall. Imperial architecture as a backdrop and a tradition going back to the 13th century.

Nuremberg, Germany

The Christkindlesmarkt is the one most other German markets are measured against. Strict rules on what may be sold keep out mass-produced goods.

Berlin, Germany

Dozens of markets rather than one, each with a different character. Gendarmenmarkt is the most elegant, Spandau the largest.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Tivoli turns into a Christmas market with the gardens lit throughout. The most heavily decorated of the Nordic markets.

Oslo, Norway

Jul i Vinterland at Spikersuppa combines a market with an outdoor ice rink. Smaller than the continental markets and easier to walk in an afternoon.

Budapest, Hungary

Two main markets, at Vörösmarty Square and in front of St Stephen's Basilica, where a light show is projected onto the facade each evening.

Zagreb, Croatia

Advent in Zagreb won European Best Christmas Market three years running. The whole city centre takes part rather than one square.

Gdansk, Poland

Set against the brick Hanseatic old town. Smaller crowds than the German markets and amber as the local speciality.

What the markets have in common

• Mulled wine. Glühwein, vin chaud, gløgg or forralt bor, depending on the country. Usually served in a deposit mug you can keep.
• Food from a grill. Sausage in Germany, langos in Hungary, æbleskiver in Denmark.
• Handmade goods. Wooden ornaments, candles, glass and textiles.
• Light. The markets exist partly because the afternoons are dark. The lighting is the point, not the backdrop.

Bringing the market home

The thing most visitors remember is the lighting: warm white strings over the walkways, lit stalls, and a tree at the centre.

That look is easy to repeat at home with warm white string lights and a few LED motifs. A lit miniature Christmas village works on the same principle indoors: small buildings, warm light, seen in the dark.

Frequently asked questions

Which European Christmas market is the oldest?

Dresden's Striezelmarkt, first held in 1434. Strasbourg follows from 1570 and Nuremberg from 1628.

Do markets take cards?

Increasingly yes, though small stalls in Poland, Hungary and Croatia often prefer cash. Carry some local currency.

When is the quietest time to visit?

Weekday mornings. Weekends in December, especially the last two before Christmas, are busy everywhere.

Are the markets suitable for children?

Yes, and most have a carousel or ice rink. Go early in the day rather than in the evening crowd.