The holiday season is here, meaning Christmas markets are in full swing! Prepare to make shopping, eating and getting into the holiday spirit a key part of your winter European getaway.
It’s the perfect time to sprinkle a little holiday magic into your travel plans as we dive into eight of our favorite European Christmas markets. Found in both big cities and small towns, you’ll love getting lost in the charm of unique gifts, festive ornaments, seasonal snacks and, of course, hot mulled wine.
1. Advent Feast at the Basilica, Budapest, Hungary
Small but mighty – the Advent Feast at the Basilica has been voted the best Christmas market not once, but four times in a row. And it’s no surprise why! From mesmerizing light shows projected on St. Stephen’s Basilica to lively folk dance performances on the weekends, every detail is designed to make your experience truly magical.
While you’re there, head over to Vörösmarty Square to experience the oldest festive market in the city. Don’t miss the giant advent calendar, where new window displays are unveiled each day in December, counting down to Christmas Eve.
2. Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia
Set each year in Tallinn’s charming Town Hall Square, this snowy market feels straight out of a Christmas movie. As you stroll down the cobblestone streets, it’s easy to see why the Financial Times voted Tallinn one of the Best Christmas Markets of 2023.
The magic doesn’t stop there–picture reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh, the irresistible smell of gingerbread, handmade Estonian gifts, Glögg (Estonian mulled wine) and the centerpiece of it all: its traditional towering Christmas tree. This iconic tree has roots dating back to 1441, making Tallinn the first city in Europe to display a Christmas tree publicly.
3. Magic Christmas in Colmar, France
Colmar’s fairytale charm can be seen year-round, but it transforms into something truly magical during Christmas. The town becomes a holiday wonderland with twinkling lights, festive decorations and its own skating rink.
What sets Colmar apart are its six unique Christmas markets located in and all around Old Town. To soak it in, you’ll want to dedicate a few days to exploring them all. And did we mention the food and drink selection? From the hearty comforts of Spätzle to the sweet Chocolat Viennois drink, there are tons of new tastes to discover. Exploring, eating and gifting in Colmar is a treat, so here’s the full guide to doing it right.
4. Trento Città del Natale, Italy
Nestled at the foot of the Dolomites, the Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti come alive for the holidays, earning the town its title as the “Christmas Town.” Trento’s Città del Natale is a true winter paradise with its streets and trees decked out in sparkling Christmas lights and nearly 100 wooden market huts filled with festive charm. Under the shadow of the 13th-century Buonconsiglio Castle, you’ll find the region’s best sheep’s cheese, panettone, hand-carved wooden nativities and glass ornaments for sale.
An extra Trento treat is the town’s effort to stay environmentally sustainable. The town champions local artisan goods, uses eco-friendly paper bags certified by Dolomiti Energia and embraces clean energy practices, making it a festive celebration that also gives back to nature.
5. Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, Austria
Salzburg is like stepping into a scene from one of the most beloved films ever made: “The Sound of Music”. It’s no wonder this city has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most festive cities to spend Christmas in.
Dating back to the 15th century, Salzburg’s Cathedral Square has been at the heart of holiday celebrations. Today, the city keeps its festive spirit alive with daily holiday sing-alongs and traditional wind music performances a few times each week. Warm up with a handful of roasted chestnuts, savor a Bauernkrapfen (fried pastries) and carry your souvenir mug around the market to refill with mulled wine or Apfelpunsch–an apple-infused drink with a spirited twist.
If you’re lucky enough to experience Salzburg in the snow, you’ll feel like you stepped into a winter fairytale. From the top of the Fortress Hohensalzburgdown down to the Salzach River, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a holiday destination you don’t want to miss.
6. Christmas in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
As the second oldest amusement park in the world and the real-life inspiration for Disneyland, Tivoli Gardens shines even brighter during the Christmas season. With more than half a million fairy lights, traditional Pixie bands and chalet stalls lining the streets, this Danish institution is a showstopper in our lineup.
Foodies are in for a treat with Danish Christmas specialties like the Flæskesteg sandwich, made with tender roast pork, red cabbage and a tangy mustard sauce. Don’t miss the Aebleskiver–small pancake puffs dusted with powdered sugar–or Honninghjerter, a heavenly honey cake that can be filled with jam and buttercream and topped with chocolate. Pair these delights with a mug of Scandinavian Gløgg–a rich, spiced version of mulled wine.
Copenhagen is truly a Christmas marvel with markets all over the city, including must-visits like Kongens Nytorv and Højbro Plads. For a touch of nostalgia take a pic with Santa Claus and cap off your trip with one of the multiple firework shows happening throughout the season.
7. Advent in Zagreb, Croatia
Advent in Zagreb is regarded as one of the best Christmas Markets in the world, and for good reason–it claimed the top spot for best Christmas markets in Europe three years in a row (maxing out on wins and giving room for other cities to take home the prize). During the holiday season, the entire city takes part in the holiday magic with a giant Christmas tree and charming stalls that fill Jelacic Square, a fountain that doubles as a festive light display in Park Zrinjevac and ice skating under the stars in Tomislavac.
For kids–and the young at heart– the Jolly Christmas Tram offers a magical ride around the city with Santa and his elves. The festive spirit doesn’t stop there! Zagreb’s “fuliranje” (or fooling around event) is a lively celebration of delicious food, mulled wines and carefree dancing in the streets.
8. Trier Weihnachtsmarkt, Germany
This medieval city is celebrated as one of the most romantic Christmas markets in the world. The festivities kick off in Dom Freihof Square, with the Trier Cathedral providing a majestic backdrop to hundreds of Christmas booths, and continue into Hauptmarkt Square.
Home of the Mulled Wine Queen and Germany’s only singing Santa, Trier Weihnachtsmarkt offers fun for the whole family. You can take home treats like classic snow globes, gingerbread ornaments or candles. And to taste local delicacies, treat yourself to someReibekuchen–crispy fried potato cakes, served with applesauce– Dampfnudeln–a large sweet dumpling with fruit fillings–andPfannkuchen– German-style, bite-sized “pancakes”, topped with butter and cinnamon.
Bonus: Union Square Market, New York, New York
Though this is a European Christmas market list, it wouldn’t feel complete without a nod to New York City–a must for any American Christmas story. Union Square is the crown jewel of NYC Christmas markets, featuring over 160 stalls filled with unique gifts for even the hardest-to-shop-for loved ones, not to mention plenty of mouthwatering treats.
Beyond Union Square, New York is the definition of Christmas magic, from the iconic Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony to the window displays that line Fifth Avenue to the Radio City Rockettes giving visitors a Christmas Spectacular year after year.
Spreading holiday cheer
If you’re traveling this holiday season and looking for festive adventures, you’ve got it all right here. All you need to do next is download the Faye app for the most magical experience of all: a team of customer support specialists who are there for you– holidays included (yes, that includes Christmas)–for travel tips, advice and more.
These activities and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration for what European Christmas markets to visit.
