Christmas markets across Europe bring the spirit of Christmas to life with seasonal treats, goods, and attractions. When the days are short and the weather can be dreary across much of Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe, these winter carnivals bring a punch of joy. Whether you’re planning a holiday trip or simply want to daydream about mulled wine, we’ve rounded up seven unique Christmas markets in Europe to inspire you. Some are lesser-known and others are well-trodden, but each is a must-see during the holiday season.
Dates will vary, but Christmas markets across Europe generally open in mid- or late November and close around January 1. Some are open until just after Three Kings’ Day—the 12th day of Christmas—which falls on January 6, although the operations are noticeably quieter.
The warmly lit Christmas market at Old Town Square in Prague helps brighten up short, cold winter days.
Photo by Mikhail Markovskiy/Shutterstock
Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square Christmas Markets
Prague, Czechia
Prague’s largest Christmas markets are in the heart of the city, just a five-minute walk from each other, so you can easily explore both in one day. Old Town Square’s festivities include daily carol concerts, dozens of stalls selling traditional crafts, and a brightly lit central Christmas tree, while the Wenceslas Square market specializes in handmade goods and Czech treats such as perníčky (gingerbread cookies), klobása (kielbasa), and of course, hearty Czech beers and mulled wine.
How to visit
The two main Christmas markets in Prague are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day from November 30, 2024, through January 6, 2025. This includes Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, but note that Christmas Day will be quiet, with fewer open vendors.
The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is located in Germany’s Black Forest.
Photo by Olga Niekrasova/Shutterstock
Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market
Black Forest Highlands, Germany
Germany knows how to throw a Christmas market; there are more than 2,500 of them annually throughout the country. Among these is the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market in a true fairy-tale setting—a gorge under the viaduct of the Höllentalbahn railway in the Black Forest Highlands. The market’s various stalls are surrounded by forest, which adds a “winter wonderland” feel when dusted with snow.
How to visit
Unlike most other German Christmas markets, which are open daily, the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It runs from Friday, November 22, through December 15, 2024.
Velvet Cave Christmas Market
Valkenburg, Netherlands
At the very southern end of the Netherlands just outside Maastricht is the Velvet Cave, an 11th- or 12th-century network of underground passages beneath the ruins of Valkenburg Castle. And it’s within this ancient maze that you’ll find a Christmas market with more than 50 vendors selling gifts, food, and warming drinks. A visit here makes for a unique experience that’s both festive shopping trip and historical tour—and you’ll be shielded from any rain or snow.
How to visit
The Velvet Cave Christmas Market is open from November 16 to December 29, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday (10 a.m. on weekends). The market is closed on Christmas Day and closes at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and December 29).
At the holiday market in Piazza Navona, visitors can shop and enjoy Italian treats.
Photo by Doublelee/Shutterstock
Christmas and Epiphany Market in Piazza Navona
Rome, Italy
Set in one of Rome’s grandest piazzas, the Christmas and Epiphany Market in Piazza Navona juxtaposes the new—think sweet treats like torrone (a type of Italian nougat), souvenir-style trinkets like handmade ornaments, twinkling lights, and Mylar balloons—with the gravitas of the 1st-century outdoor plaza, filled with three massive fountains. It’s one of the largest Christmas markets in Italy.
How to visit
From December 8, 2024 through January 6, 2025, visitors can browse stalls filled with handmade crafts, Italian treats, and local art, all while keeping an eye open for the oft-appearing Babbo Natale (otherwise known as Santa).
Christmas markets in Vienna date back to the Middle Ages.
Photo by S. Borisov/Shutterstock
Viennese Dream Christmas Market
Vienna, Austria
In 1296, Austria’s capital held its very first Christmas market. Today, there are more than 20 Christmas-related events to choose from across Vienna during the holiday season. Revelers can enjoy reindeer rides, sip glühwein (a hot spiced wine), nibble on roast chestnuts, marvel over classic nativity scenes, and wander through more than 150 food and souvenir stalls in front of the grandiose City Hall at the Viennese Dream Christmas Market.
How to visit
The Viennese Dream Christmas Market is open from November 16 to December 26, 2024.
Mix history with holiday shopping at the St. Gallen Christmas Market.
Photo by Mauro Piccardi/Shutterstock
St. Gallen Christmas Market
St. Gallen, Switzerland
It’s not every day that you can visit a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore a historic Swiss town, and get your Christmas shopping done all in one place—but that’s exactly what the St. Gallen Christmas Market offers to the thousands of guests who visit each holiday season. While revelers are often taken with the series of stands lined up from the Waaghaus (a historic building in the old town) to Market Square, they shouldn’t forget to look up: The sky over St. Gallen is illuminated by 700 electric lights in the shape of stars every year during Advent; locals have nicknamed the quaint town in northern Switzerland “the city of stars.” Back on the ground, you can enjoy merry-go-rounds, seasonal drinks and food, choir performances, and a lit Christmas tree.
How to visit
This year, visitors can attend the market from November 28, 2024 through January 6, 2025.
Tivoli Gardens is fun year-round, especially for kids, but has an even more magical ambience around Christmas.
Courtesy of Tivoli Gardens
Christmas in Tivoli
Copenhagen, Denmark
Bring the whole family along to the annual Christmas in Tivoli in Copenhagen, when the world’s second-oldest operating amusement park opens a festive market alongside its famed year-round attractions, rides, and games. Locals and tourists of all ages will be delighted by the more than 1,000 lit Christmas trees and approximately 60 stalls with seasonal offerings, including Christmas treats (like gingerbread hearts, rice pudding, and marzipan), decorations, and gifts.
How to visit
The Tivoli market is open from November 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
This article was originally published in 2016 and most recently updated on October 21, 2024, with current information. Nile Cappello contributed to the reporting of this story.
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