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What better way to enter the Christmas mind that with a good old Christmas market break in Europe?
As the festive season approaches, an array of the best Christmas markets are opening up across the continent, bringing the delicious scent of candied almonds and mulled wine into the air.
Some of the best Christmas markets in Europe offer snowy scenes, cute chalets selling gifts, Christmas tree decorations and plenty of gourmet treats. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on gifts for your loved ones, while soaking up the festive atmosphere – and sipping a German beer while tucking into pretzels, sausages and gingerbread.
Whether you’re looking for the best Christmas markets in Germany or a festive shopping experience in a cool city like Berlin or Amsterdam, these are the best Christmas markets in Europe, whatever your budget.
We’ve selected the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, with our best suggestions for hostels, Airbnb and hotels to help you book a stress-free stay Winter vacation.
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Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Prague, Czech Republic
Prague Christmas Markets are open daily from November 26, 2022 to January 6, 2023, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Perfect if you are planning a trip to the Czech capital during the holiday period. Each year there is a theme for the markets, with this year’s one to be announced at the end of November.
Appointment: November 26, 2022 to January 6, 2023.
Book a stay at beautiful Miss Sophie’s New Town, the boutique hotel that’s Sophie’s Hostel’s ‘big sister’, with rooms from £114.63 a night. RESERVE NOW
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Toulouse, France
Held in Place du Capitole, the Toulouse Christmas Market not only offers warmer temperatures for your Christmas holidays, but also delicious gifts and treats, like foie gras and local wooden crafts in an illuminated village .
Appointment: November 25 to December 25, 2022.
Stay in a cool hotel like Mama Shelter Where Boutique Hotel of Fine Arts from £74 per night. FIND MORE HOTELS
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Vienna, Austria
One of Europe’s finest Christmas markets, Vienna’s dates back to 1298, with the most iconic featuring 150 stalls in front of the town hall. There are Christmas presents, tree decorations, crafts and much more.
Appointment: November 19 to December 26, 2022.
For a cheap break from the Christmas market, stay at Wombats City Hostel from £33.20 per night.
Alternatively, there are one-bed Airbnbs, like this onefor two people for £122 per night over the Christmas period.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Cologne, Germany
The West German city is home to five Christmas markets, the most famous of which is in front of the cathedral. It also includes an ice rink, an LGBT market and a market overlooking the Rhine.
Appointment: From November 21 to December 23, 2022, for most markets.
Check into a city center hostel from £35 per night.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Krakow, Poland
Visitors to Krakow will want to head to the Market Square in the center of the Old Town where one of the finest Christmas markets in Europe awaits. It’s packed with food, mulled wine, and craft kiosks, and the huge Christmas tree is a must-see.
Appointment: From November 25 to December 26, 2022 (some stands continuing until January 1, 2023 for Epiphany Day).
Airbnbs are cheap in Krakow, with a entire apartment in the city’s old town, which sleeps two, from £25 per night.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Stockholm, Sweden
The Swedish capital’s Christmas market is held in picturesque Gamla Stan, where you’ll find the city’s most famous and traditional market. Adorned with small red stalls selling sweets, smoked sausages, mulled wine and reindeer, the market also offers Swedish handicrafts that make perfect gifts.
Appointment: November 19 – December 23, 2022 (for Stortorget main market).
Check into trendy Generator Stockholm, a hostel you won’t believe is a hostel, from £24 a night.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Rome, Italy
The Italian capital’s Christmas market is located in the iconic Piazza Navona in the city center. Here you can stock up on handmade toys and traditional Italian gifts, including a broom to sweep away bad luck.
Appointment: December 8, 2022 – January 6, 2023.
Stay at the family-run Residenza Maritti palace for a traditional Italian experience, with rooftop views of Rome’s top sights and rooms from £122 per night on Booking.com.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Budapest, Hungary
Budapest has a handful of Christmas markets during the festive season, one of which has an ice rink located in front of the historic St. Stephen’s Basilica. Another market is just a 10-minute walk away in Vorosmarty Square.
Appointment: November 18, 2022 to January 1, 2023.
With stylish Airbnbs in the city center costing just £27 a night for an entire apartment, Budapest is a great city to eat.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Florence, Italy
The picturesque Italian town hosts a number of Christmas markets, with the largest being held in Piazza Santa Croce. Expect German Christmas market traditions with an Italian twist.
Appointment: November 28 to December 20, 2022.
Stay in a cozy city center apartment with a view of the Duomo from around £44 per night with Airbnb.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Frankfurt, Germany
A truly authentic German Christmas market can be found in the financial city of Frankfurt, one of the largest in the country. Located on the Römerberg and St. Paul’s Square, part of the market is pink to accommodate the LGBT community.
Appointment: November 21 – December 22, 2022.
An Airbnb studio for two can cost as little as £72 per night.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Brussels, Belgium
Located around the Stock Exchange, Place de la Monnaie, Place Sainte-Catherine and the Marché aux Poissons, the Brussels Christmas market has more than 200 stalls, each selling local treats and gifts, as well as a sound and light show, festive parades and a fairground attractions.
Appointment: November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023.
Stay at the Plaza (from £237 a night the first week of December), just a 10-minute walk away, for its French facades, high ceilings and beautiful rooms perfect for breaks with friends or family.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s Christmas markets span four city squares, but for a great view of the 20-meter Christmas tree in front of the Royal Palace, head to Dam Square.
Appointment: December 14 to 26, 2022 (Dam Square).
Stay in an Airbnb for a comfortable stay in the city and all the freedom to explore the delights of Amsterdam.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Copenhagen, Denmark
The picturesque Tivoli Christmas Market in Copenhagen is an institution among locals and visitors alike. Set in the beautifully decorated Tivoli Gardens, the scent of candied almonds and Danish mulled wine fills the air.
Appointment: November 18 to December 31, 2022.
Stay at the Scandi-chic Urban House Copenhagen hostel right in the city center from £17 a night.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Lausanne, Switzerland
This Swiss city comes alive with festivities during the Christmas period, with the Lausanne Lumières festival and the Bo Noel Christmas market. You’ll find designer stands, local winemakers and producers and traditional Swiss fondue in the pop-up igloo café.
Appointment: November 17 to December 31, 2022.
Make it a luxury Christmas market break and stay at the five-star art deco Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa from £363 per night.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Hamburg, Germany
From cool and creative to nostalgic and romantic, Hamburg has something for everyone. You’ll find the nostalgic Rathausmarkt and Jungfernstieg, the cool and erotic Reeperbahn Market and the colorful Winter Pride Market. For an adult-only experience, try the X-rated Santa Pauli.
Appointment: Most markets open from November 17 to December 30, 2022 (closed on November 20 and December 25).
Stay in the new five star superior Fraser Suites from £205 per night.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Tallinn, Estonia
This world-famous Christmas market has been voted the best in Europe and is held in Tallinn’s pretty medieval Town Hall Square. Enjoy black pudding and sour cabbage, plus hot Christmas drinks as dancers and singers take to the stage.
Appointment: November 25, 2022 to January 8, 2023.
Check into the Telegraaf Hotel, a boutique hotel in the old town with one of the city’s best restaurants and a relaxing spa, from £241 a night.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Helsinki, Finland
Christmas lovers can bask in the festive lights of Helsinki and head to St Thomas’ Market for some Christmas shopping. Located on Senate Square in the heart of the city, it is made up of 120 stands inspired by Finnish traditions. Don’t miss the Glögi, a wine drink spiced with almonds, raisins and, if possible, a little vodka.
Appointment: December 1 to 22, 2022.
Stay at the luxurious St George’s Hotel, with rooms from £285 per night.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Basel, Switzerland
Basel’s Christmas markets are found in two of the city’s most picturesque squares: Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, with beautiful pine trees lining the streets, making the whole thing even more festive.
Appointment: November 24 to December 23, 2022.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Bruges, Belgium
If you don’t like Brussels, the Belgian capital, head to the smaller and more charming Bruges, with the whole city center turning into one huge Christmas market. Of course, Belgian chocolate (and hot chocolate), beers and cheeses are a must.
Appointment: November 25, 2022 to January 8, 2023.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe – Leipzig, Germany
As an alternative to the usual German tourist hotspots, why not try the Leipzig Christmas markets? The city offers one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany, with a traditional medieval market as well. The main markets are on Marktplatz, while a fun Ferris wheel can be found on Augustplatz.
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