Christmas is already around the corner. You may be in denial because snow has yet to arrive, but it’s high time to start planning your holiday travels. Between the mulled wine, carols, and delicious sweet treats, organizing a trip to a Christkindelsmärik in Europe is the most festive way to head straight into the holiday season. Christmas in Europe must be celebrated with a cinnamon coated chimny cakle in one hand and cheese-filled bratwurst in the other. So, this year, plan for a perfectly wintry holiday experience at one of the 15 best Christmas markets in Europe.
Photo: S.Broisov/Shutterstock
15 European Christmas Markets You Need To Go To This Year
- What is the best Christmas market to visit in Europe?
- Which is the biggest Christmas market in Europe?
- What are the dates of Christmas markets in Europe?
- What are the Christmas markets in Europe called?
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Leipzig, Germany
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Dating back to 1458, Leipzig’s Christmas market is one of the oldest in Germany, as well as one of the largest with more than 250 stalls — including a medieval market, one of the main attractions — are spread across six locations in the historical city center.
The magic of a Leipzig Christmas is found in the simple pleasures, like nibbling on local pulsnitz gingerbread as traditional trombonists perform their nightly routine on the balcony of the Old Town Hall. Don’t leave without finding a feuerzangenbowle stand; the traditional German alcoholic drink involves setting a rum-soaked sugarloaf on fire and allowing it to drip into mulled wine.
Where to stay near Leipzig’s Christmas market
When it comes to where to stay, you are spoilt for choice for the city center. That said, you’ll be looking at apartments with three bedrooms maximum in this area. There’s a style for all, but if you like natural colors and mod-cons, check out this centrally located three-bedroom (pictured above) or this top five percent Airbnb near downtown. If you’d rather be out of town and prefer a more rural stay, have a look at this beautiful detached house in Schwarz-Bunt (about 15 minutes from the city center).
Kaysersberg, France
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The Kaysersberg Christmas market festivities take place along the town’s historic ramparts — including a watchtower that was once part of the Château de Kaysersberg. Craftsmen’s wooden chalets at the market include wooden toys, pottery, and Christmas decorations produced from blown glass, wood, fabrics, and other artisan specialties. Save room for must-try Christmas treats like bredeles (a traditional biscuit from the area made with almonds, nuts, anise, chocolate or vanilla), kougelhopfs, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. The Alastian town of Kaysersberg, fully decked out in lights, wreaths, and pine garlands hosts the Christmas market every weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
Where to stay near the Kaysersberg Christmas market
Many of the Airbnbs in Kaysersberg mirror the town’s beautiful historic architecture. If you’d like to stay in a classic timber home, this 18th-century house (pictured above) sleeps six guests and is ideally located in the center of town. Or, if you need more space, this four-bedroom chalet has excellent reviews and faces Kaysersberg Castle, which overlooks the city. Last but not least, this apartment is situated within a 15th-century Alsatian house and is within the top five percent of Airbnb listings on the site.
Vienna, Austria
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Shop for handcrafted goods between visits to hot punch and chestnut stands at the Viennese Christmas markets — and make sure to indulge in freshly baked vanillekipferl, a nutty, buttery, crescent-shaped traditional biscuit dusted with vanilla sugar. Vienna’s Christmas market tradition dates back to 1298 when Albrecht I granted citizens the right to hold a Krippenmarkt, or December market. Today, over 20 official Christmas villages are held all across Vienna. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, you can also listen to international choirs caroling at City Hall. This year, all Viennese Christmas markets are expected to open mid-November.
Where to stay near the Viennese Christmas markets
A winter getaway to Vienna is simply magical. If you want to be close to all the action, there are some excellent centrally located Airbnbs which I can tell you from personal experience are little havens despite being in the heart of the city. If you want something with character, check out this late 19th-century one-bedroom (pictured above), or for a more modern stay, this small townhouse in a very popular area in the 7th district looks charming.
Montreux, Switzerland
Photo: Montreux Noël
Switzerland’s Montreux Noël takes place along the shores of Lake Geneva, with live music, light shows, and 150 illuminated chalet stalls creating a warm ambiance for visitors as they stroll and enjoy the ritzy resort town in the wintertime. Look out for Santa Claus on his flying sleigh between Hunter’s Place and Place du Marché every day and don’t miss the chance to try a cup of logger’s tea from The Logger’s Cabin located in front of the train station or fondue-based specialties from Chalet Heidi. Montreux Noël takes place from November 19 to December 24.
Where to stay near Montreux Noël
You’ll need a flexible budget for a stay in this region, but if you’re even considering a trip to Switzerland, let’s hope you’ve already got your head around that. Staying in an Airbnb can help with food costs, as you can prepare some meals at home and treat yourself and loved ones to special dinners out. Near Montreux in Chardonne, this luxury apartment (pictured above) overlooks the lake and mountains above Vevey. Or there’s this rooftop and lake view home in Montreux itself, if you’d prefer to the closer. Those traveling as a couple or small group will want to bookmark this two-bedroom suite. With an expansive private terrace offering unparalleled views of Lake Geneva and the French Alps, this Airbnb is another top five percent listing on the site.
Strasbourg, France
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For a true holiday extravaganza, head to the oldest Christmas market in France (and one of the oldest in all of Europe), sometimes referred to as “the capital of Christmas.” The Strasbourg Christmas market dates all the way back to 1570, and this year’s market is scheduled for November 26 through December 26. Located in the Grande-Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Strasbourg’s Christmas market is made up of 300 stalls spread throughout the historic city center. Much of it takes place near the Cathédral Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, an intricate 15th-century, gothic-style cathedral. The fragrance of mulled wine and fresh spiced pastries like kougelhopf brioches and pain d’épice drift through the cold streets, enticing visitors to indulge.
Where to stay near The Strasbourg Christmas market
You can literally step out the door of this one-bedroom Alsatian apartment (pictured above) into the Christmas market. It’s that close. Facing the Cathedral (one of the oldest buildings in Strasbourg), this historic Airbnb has exceptional reviews. For something a little more modern, check out this central and elegant one-bedroom on Grand’ Ru or this beautifully decorated apartment on Place Kléber, the main square in the city center.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Photo: Go Vilnius
Complete with one of the most dazzling Christmas trees in the world, Vilnius doesn’t hold back for the holidays. The famous 88-foot tree, bedazzled in over 1.2 mile of lighting, 3,000 artificial branches, and 46 mirrors is a truly dazzling Yuletide experience set in Cathedral Square, in Old Town Vilnius. Surrounding the tree is the Christmas Village and its medley of Christmas market stalls, making it a one-stop shop for the holidays. Other attractions for visitors include the Vilnius Christmas Train, coming from Kaunas and Klaipėda, and the 3D projection of a Christmas fairytale on the Cathedral. The Vilnius Christmas market is open from December 1 to January 7.
Where to stay near Vilnius’ Christmas Village
Airbnbs here are affordable. This one-bedroom is a top-five percent listing, ideal for couples or solo travelers. It dates back to 1736 and has been restored with modern details and natural materials. For a chic stay, have a look at this apartment in the UNESCO-listed Old Town. If you need more space, this old townhouse is a few steps from all the attractions, including the Christmas festivities.
Colmar, France
Photo: Alsace/Facebook
Each of the six mini villages making up La Magie de Noël à Colmar, which takes place from November 26 to December 29, has distinct charms. Colmar’s Christmas market is comprised of 180 stalls spread throughout Old Colmar, providing a fairytale setting for all your sugarplum dreams. This French town shares a border with Germany and Switzerland, and the Alsace influence is most evident in the market’s gourmet goodies: Expect to find local producers selling everything from foie gras (duck or goose liver) to cheese, meats, honey, gingerbread, cakes, and more.
Where to stay near Colmar’s Christmas market
You’ll need to book a stay in Colmar in advance. The town is not big, and Airbnbs will be snapped up quickly, especially around the holidays. This one-bedroom (pictured above) has views over the canal, so you can watch the lights from the balcony. Or this beautiful serviced apartment is another great find in the city’s medieval part, a stone’s throw from the Maison des Têtes and the Unterlinden Museum.
Budapest, Hungary
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In the Budapest, the Christmas fair is held at Vorosmarty Square. A second Christmas market is located at St. Stephen’s Square, near St. Stephen’s Basilica. There is a concert stage, wooden stalls presenting delicate crafts, like ornaments, and then the smell of sausages and potato dumplings wafts in every direction. At St. Stephen’s Square, visitors can watch an elaborate Christmas-themed light show projected onto the Basilica’s facade. Troupes of folk dancers also perform, and families can enjoy the excitement of the ice rink.
Where to stay near Budapest’s Christmas fair
You can stay like royalty in Budapest on a mid-range budget. You also need to have a view. For that, check out this two-bedroom apartment (pictured above), which offers spectacular views over Parliament from the living room and master bedroom. The over-the-top opulent rental is in Lipótváros, a central neighborhood known for its Art Nouveau and Gothic Revival architecture. If this option is unavailable, an equally stylish apartment is this two-bedroom on a charming little pedestrian street downtown.
Gdansk, Poland
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The dates of the Gdansk Christmas market in Poland double as a giant advent calendar, each day revealing a new surprise behind each window. This Christmas market is dotted with adorable, festive attractions like this one — including a specific spot for couples to kiss under the mistletoe and a windmill where visitors can grab a cup of hot mulled wine. There is plenty to keep children entertained here too, from the daily parade of elves that makes its way through the market, to the sleigh simulator and ornate carousel.
Where to stay near Gdansk Christmas market
Airbnbs in Gdansk are reasonably priced and, in my opinion, nicer than hotels for a similar nightly rate. For solo travelers or a couple, check out this one-bedroom (pictured above) that overlooks the Motława River. If you need more space, this luxury apartment in Old Town has three bedrooms and is minutes from Old Town.
Madrid, Spain
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Located in the Plaza Mayor, the signature red stalls in the Madrid Christmas market sell hand made crafts. This market is best known for selling nativity scene figurines, called belén. If you’re looking to try some festive sweets and pastries, head to the Feria Dulces de Navidad in Plaza Isabel. Madrid Christmas markets also sell one item you might not find at other markets in Europe: what in America we would call “gag gifts,” funny joke toys that are given out on Day of the Holy Innocents, the Spanish equivalent of April Fool’s Day. During Christmas market season in Madrid, the streets are all decorated with multi-colored, intricate Christmas light displays.
Where to stay near Plaza Mayor Christmas Market
Madrid has some excellent hotels, but you’re spoilt for choice if you’d rather have a home rental with history and character. This roomy two-bedroom apartment has eight balconies overlooking the bohemian neighborhood of Malasaña (often referred to as the Williamsburg of Madrid). It’s drenched in natural light and has all the mod-cons, including a Netflix projector, so you can watch It’s a Wonderful Life after an evening in the markets. Or for something a little more compact, check out this 19th-century studio right in the center of the city.
Tallinn, Estonia
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The Christmas market in Tallinn, Estonia boasts one remarkable feature: Every year since 1441, a Christmas tree has been erected in the city center, making it the very first city in Europe to display a Christmas tree. Food stalls sell Estonian favorites like black pudding, sauerkraut, and duck legs. Kids can drop letters to Santa at town hall. There are several tempting flavors of glögg (a type of mulled wine), including blood orange and chili, and blueberry-blackcurrant. The market specializes in sheep’s wool gifts, from baby blankets, to slippers and mittens.
Where to stay near the Christmas market in Tallinn
Tallinn has some beautiful Airbnbs. Again, in the center of town, near the markets, there are more apartments than larger homes, but they are pretty roomy. This four-bedroom, for instance, sleeps seven and features high-end interior design, a sauna, a billiard table, a charming terrace, and indoor fireplaces. There’s also this two-bedroom, which is in a quiet courtyard near the city’s creative hub, Kultuurikatel, and the Old Town.
Dresden, Germany
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Not only is the Striezelmarkt in Dresden one of the biggest Christmas markets in Germany, it’s also almost certainly the oldest Christmas market in Europe. Located in Altmarkt Square, this Christmas market is decorated with multiple Christmas trees and nativity scenes. Visitors will be drawn to the Christmas pyramid, a tiered tower decorated with figurines and topped with a fan. There’s also a ferris wheel which offers a panoramic view of the entire market from the top.
Where to stay near Dresden Striezelmarkt
Personally, I prefer an Airbnb with a little history when staying in Europe, and in Dresden, there’s a lot to choose from. For couples and solo travelers, you can’t beat this one-bedroom tiny house (pictured above) with a rooftop terrace and a fireplace. For more space, check out this two-bedroom historic home with a Jacuzzi to warm you up after an evening in the markets or this centrally located five-bed with space for seven guests.
Salzburg, Austria
Photo: Calin Stan/Shutterstock
The Christmas market in Salzburg focuses on Austrian folk traditions, so expect parades through market featuring characters like Christmas Krampus. Located outside the Hohensalzburg fortress, choral singing and traditional wind instruments called Turmblasen, add to the serene, festive atmosphere.
Where to stay near the Christmas market in Salzburg
This top five percent Airbnb (pictured above) has a stunning roof terrace with outdoor dining, a great view of the Hohensalzburg fortress, and sleeps six guests. If you’re a solo traveler or a couple, this historic apartment is in a listed building built in the 13th century in the quiet and romantic Goldgasse, right next to the world-famous Getreidegasse.
Manchester, UK
Photos courtesy of Visit Manchester
The Christmas markets in Manchester set up shop in Piccadilly Gardens. This Christmas market is decked out with festive treats: There’s a beer garden, and food stalls selling bratwurst, churros, and frites. There’s a fire pit for the over 18 crowd. A puppet show roams around the market, as do giant penguins and a mobile band. Rumor has it, Santa Claus is watching over the whole affair from his position in St Peter’s Square.
Where to stay near the Christmas markets in Manchester
Manchester is a large city, but thankfully, public transportation is excellent, so getting from one neighborhood to another is a breeze. For an Airbnb with color in a historic setting, this two-bedroom (pictured above) has excellent reviews and is in the Deansgate area of the city — home to some of the better restaurants and cultural must-sees. Or this centrally located penthouse in the Northern Quarter, one of Manchester’s trendiest neighborhoods. The New York-style loft has two bedrooms, a large open-plan living space, and an outdoor sitting area.
Prague, Czech Republic
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At the Christmas market in the Old Town Square in Prague, witness the magnificent spires of Our Lady Before Tyn cathedral decorated with Christmas lights. Cauldrons of traditional Czech fish stew bubble in food stalls through out the food market, which also serve garlic topped flatbread and barbecue. Whole hams roast on spits, tempting visitors with their delicious aromas. Trdelník is a traditional Czech pastry that is baked over an open fire and filled with ice cream that visitors to the market will not want to miss. Neither is the towering Christmas tree erected in the Old Town Square, or the petting zoo for kids.
Where to stay near Prague’s Old Town Square market
Gone are the days when Prague was cheap to visit, but Airbnbs here are still reasonable and offer bang for your buck. For a stylish stay, check out this Art Nouveau home (pictured above) next to Old Town Square. It has views over the Christmas tree and festive lights below and sleeps up to five guests. For couples or solo travelers, this light-drenched one-bedroom apartment also has a prime location in the historical Vinohrady district. This stunning Airbnb is often booked out, so make sure to reserve in advance.
What is the best Christmas market to visit in Europe?
The best Christmas market in Europe is a subject of debate. Some contend that grand city of Prague holds the most festive market, where visitors can experience elaborate nativity scenes and outdoor concerts. Others bestow the honor to the Christmas market in Cologne, Germany, which hosts multiple Christmas markets throughout the holiday season.
Which is the biggest Christmas market in Europe?
The biggest Christmas market in Europe happens in Vienna, Austria, near the city’s historic city hall, called the Rathausplatz. The Vienna Christmas market receives around three million visitors every year. There also many Christmas markets spread all over Cologne, Germany, adding up to one huge festive celebration.
What are the dates of Christmas markets in Europe?
The dates of Christmas markets in Europe generally run from mid to late November to early January, although some of them close on Christmas Eve. Typically, if you’re visiting Europe during the holiday season, you should have at least a month and half to explore the Christmas markets.
What are the Christmas markets in Europe called?
The Christmas markets in Europe have many different names. In Germany and Austria, Christmas markets are called Weihnachtsmarkt or sometimes Striezelmarkt. In other parts of Europe, Christmas markets are known an Advent Hall. 