Christmas Markets

For a different kind of travel experience, consider a trip during the holiday season to experience the European Christmas Markets.

Depending on where you live, your town may already have some type of Christmas Market. For example, in Colorado the city of Denver will host a European style market on the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall. The market is small with only a few stalls selling traditional items found at the European markets. They are however authentic as the people running them are from the countries of Poland, Russia and other locations. They are also pricier due to the location outside of their country. Overall it is a nice experience, but it does not compare to the actual European Markets. In a setting of modern buildings, there is no way to duplicate the atmosphere of a market in an older or medieval European city.

Rothenburg, Germany

Throughout Europe, there are endless towns with markets to experience.  When considering a trip, you may want to visit the markets in several different locations.  On one trip we flew to Munch Germany for their market before traveling by train to Nuremburg having one of the largest markets in Germany.  From there, it's not difficult to make a few train connections and arrive at the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber which is always a magical town to experience any time of year, but especially during the Christmas season.

Munich, Germany Nuremberg, Germany

Christmas Markets can be found all over Europe, from small towns to major cities. Each market will be different having their own unique local crafts, Christmas items and food.

The Tivoli - Copenhagen, Denmark

Be sure to sample the local food such as pastries, roasted nuts, sausage, cheese, beer, cider and of course Gluhwein, a sweet mulled wine simmered with spices and sugar served warm. Many places will serve Gluhwein in their local small Christmas mug often in the shape of a boot which you may keep as a souvenir.

Gluhwein (Mulled Spiced Wine) - Nuremberg, Germany
You will find many different Christmas Markets as you search the web and several sites listing what is in their view, the best markets.  There are countless markets throughout Europe and biggest does not necessarily mean the best.  We have reviewed several websites and from the list, have made note of a few markets to consider.  Our recommendation is to do your own research and find the ones that are most attractive to you and located in the areas you will be traveling.

The following two websites list more examples of markets to consider.

Best European Destinations
Best Christmas Markets

We found the list below on another website offering their view of the best markets.

Location Dates Description
Innsbruck Austria 6 Nov-24 Dec With 700 stars twinkling over St Gallen in December, this is the romantic Christmas market. Cheerfully decorated stalls line the narrow streets, where there’s barley broth and merry-go-rounds, mulled wine, mulled beer and loads of traditional goods.
Vienna Austria 2 Nov-24 Dec There are quite a few Christmas markets in Vienna, with the tradition going back to the 13th century. Head to the City Hall where there are more than 150 stalls in front of it. Imagine scents of candied fruits and candy floss, hot chestnuts and mulled wine.
Lille France 18 Nov-30 Dec With its combination of French and Flemish culture, Lille is an enticing blend of both cultures well and a gourmet's delight. Best of all, you can be there in as little as 80 minutes with the Eurostar.
Strasbourg France 25 Nov-31 Dec Voted “Best Christmas Market in Europe” for the past two years, Strasbourg is the oldest Christmas market in France, going back to 1570. It is also the largest Christmas market in Europe, with 300 cottages spread over 12 sites, in a traditional Alsatian Christmas theme.
Hamburg Germany 21 Nov-23 Dec There’s something for everyone in Hamburg where there are 15 different markets. The prettiest is at Hamburg Town Hall (Rathausmarkt), where you will find all sorts of handcrafted goods, as well as Christmas parades and Santa with his reindeers.
Stuttgart Germany 23 Nov-23 Dec One of Germany's oldest and largest Christmas markets, the main Stuttgart market is held beneath the stunning Old Palace. Inside the palace the festivities continue as you meander through the stalls of the Renaissance inner courtyard. And Stuttgart is a fantastic destination, providing easy access to other must-see markets. Only 20km away are the famous Ludwigsburg (north) and Esslingen (south-east) Christmas markets
Worms Germany 21 Nov-23 Dec An hour south of Frankfurt and with a claim to be “Germany’s oldest city”, Worms proves that small really is beautiful. The action is on and around the market square. Ice skaters show off their skills on the temporary rink, while children get to enjoy the experience of real animals in the “living manger” – and clamor to see Father Christmas.
Cologne Germany 21 Nov-23 Dec The city of Cologne with its imposing gothic Kölner Dom cathedral is a stunning backdrop for its not one but seven Christmas markets. Once you've had your fill of the shopping and food stalls - why not take a trip along the Rhine; sample Kölsch beer or take refuge in the Chocolate Museum.
Bologna Italy 20 Nov-6 Jan Though smaller than Germany's showstoppers, Italy has several Christmas markets to enjoy. Bologna's Fiera di Natale runs from late November through to early January, by the San Pietro Cathedral, while the Fiera di Santa Lucia in the Chiesa dei Servi (23 November—1 January) marks the countdown to Christmas, when fairy-lit landmarks such as the Asinelli Tower illuminate the city. Both fairs sell ornate Christmas decorations, dark chocolate-dipped citrus peel, roasted nuts and carved wooden figurines.
Stockholm Sweden 23 Nov–23 Dec Christmas Markets or Advent markets in Sweden are popular with locals and tourists alike. For a genuine Stockholm Christmas, the Old Town’s Christmas market is a must. Wander around the stalls selling Swedish Christmas sweets, smoked sausages, reindeer meat, glögg (Swedish for mulled wine), and a wide range of Swedish handicrafts and other gifts.