The best Christmas markets to visit in Europe this winter

Sample some of the continent’s most delightful festive retail experiences – and save money using your Boundless membership.

Fed up with buying your stocking fillers in the same old high-street stores? Fancy taking a short break before the festive frenzy kicks in at home? Then why not kill two birds with one stone and visit one or more of Europe’s best Christmas markets.

Across the continent, towns and cities are transformed at this time of year, with historic squares and cobbled streets being turned into glittering winter wonderlands filled with quaint wooden stalls, vintage fairground rides and a large helping of seasonal cheer.

We’ve picked out 10 of the best European Christmas markets to visit this winter, including some iconic events and a few that might not be on your radar.

Boundless offer:

We’ve highlighted ways that you can experience these events on the cheap using your Boundless membership, enabling you to save some money for those all-important pressies.

No matter which European Christmas market you decide to travel to, know you can save 8% on selected Hotels.com accommodation through Boundless. Sign up for its rewards program and save an additional up to 10% on your booking.

Vienna Christmas Market, Austria

Pexels13 November – 26 December 2026

Vienna certainly knows how to celebrate Christmas. The Austrian capital hosts numerous festive markets, but the most famous is undoubtedly the one at Rathausplatz, where nearly 100 stalls fill the square in front of the magnificent, illuminated City Hall.

You’ll find everything from traditional wooden toys and handmade decorations to sizzling sausages, roasted chestnuts and steaming mugs of punch. There’s plenty to keep younger visitors entertained, too, including a giant two-storey carousel, a reindeer train and ice skating in the surrounding park.

And if you want even more gift inspiration, there are several other markets within easy reach, including those at Schönbrunn Palace and the charming Spittelberg district.

Strasbourg Christmas Market, France

Getty Images27 November – 24 December 2026

Strasbourg has been holding festive markets since 1570, making its celebrations among the oldest in Europe. No wonder this beautiful Alsatian city calls itself “the Capital of Christmas”.

Seasonal activities are spread across the historic centre, where timber-framed houses are draped in lights and hundreds of stalls sell traditional crafts, ornaments and tasty treats. While you’re here, be sure to try some bredele – Alsatian Christmas biscuits – along with a warming glass of vin chaud.

Oh, and don’t miss the colossal Christmas tree in Place Kléber – at 30 metres high, it’s one of the tallest decorated natural trees in Europe.

Boundless offers:

Why not travel by sea to France? All members can save 10% on selected ferry crossings from Dover to France, including a car and up to five people, through DFDS. Alternatively, members can get 5% off ferry crossings to France through Brittany Ferries.

Need somewhere to stay when you get there? Save 8% on selected hotels in Strasbourg through Hotels.com, with up to 10% off when you become a Hotels.com rewards member.

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Germany

Getty Images27 November – 24 December 2026

If you’re looking for a traditional German Christmas market, Nuremberg takes some beating. Its world-famous Christkindlesmarkt sees the historic Hauptmarkt transformed into a miniature village of red-and-white-roofed wooden stalls, with the city’s medieval architecture adding to the overall charm.

There are festive temptations on every corner, from handmade toys and decorations to Nuremberg’s famous bratwurst sausages, which have been sold here for more than 700 years. Add in live music, a lantern procession and a delightful Children’s Christmas Market packed with seasonal activities and attractions, and you have an event that’s guaranteed to get the whole family smiling.

Prague Christmas Market, Czech Republic

Getty Images28 November 2026 – 6 January 2027

Prague is a gorgeous city at any time of year, but its medieval squares and Gothic spires look particularly impressive when illuminated by thousands of festive lights.

The main Christmas market takes over Old Town Square, where an enormous decorated tree towers over dozens of wooden chalets selling everything from locally made jewellery and crafts to grilled sausages and warm pastries.

But there’s another, similarly fabulous event just down the road in the aptly named Wenceslas Square, where the usual festive huts are complemented by art demonstrations, a live-music stage and an ice rink.

Advent Basilica, Budapest, Hungary

Pexels13 November 2026 – 1 January 2027

Described on its website as “Europe’s most beautiful Christmas market”, the award-winning Advent Basilica is definitely one for the bucket list. Located in Szent István Square, directly in front of the magnificent St Stephen’s Basilica, it combines traditional Christmas shopping with eye-popping live entertainment.

As darkness falls, colourful light projections breathe new life into the basilica’s epic façade, while the surrounding stalls offer a huge range of crafts, jewellery and seasonal treats. The chimney cakes coated in sugar and cinnamon come heartily recommended!

With the famous thermal baths and beautiful Danube riverfront nearby, Budapest is a spectacular destination for a festive city break.

Winter Wonders, Brussels, Belgium

Getty Images27 November 2026 – 3 January 2027

Brussels doesn’t do Christmas by halves. Its awe-inspiring Winter Wonders event takes over much of the city centre, bringing together more than 200 wooden chalets, along with fairground attractions and a giant tree.

After you’ve filled your shopping basket, grab some delicious goodies – think waffles, chocolates and other sugary treats – and marvel at the festive sound-and-light show as it gives the Belgian capital’s historic buildings a magical makeover.

With so much going on, Brussels is a great option for families looking to combine Christmas shopping with some joyous seasonal entertainment.

Dunkirk Christmas Market, France

Unsplash28 November – 31 December 2026

Just a short drive from Calais, Dunkirk offers a wonderfully festive day out, with its central Place Jean Bart being transformed into a bustling Christmas village. Browse traditional wooden chalets selling local crafts and trinkets, enjoy a warming glass of mulled wine or tuck into some gloriously gooey raclette (a type of cheese).

There's plenty to keep the family entertained, too, including an outdoor ice rink, a giant ferris wheel, and a Santa’s Castle located inside the Town Hall. Stick around after dark and you can embark on the Enchanted Trail, featuring 11 dazzling light installations dotted around the city.

Boundless offers:

As mentioned, members can save 10% on selected ferry crossings from Dover to France, including a car and up to five people, through DFDS. All members can get 5% off ferry crossings to France through Brittany Ferries.

If you’re planning to be a foot passenger and need to hire a car, Boundless members can save up to 10% on holiday car hire with Holiday Autos.

^{This article was accurate at the time of publication. Please note information and offers shown may change over time.}

Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia

Pexels20 November 2026 – 6 January 2027

Like something out of a fairytale, Tallinn’s Christmas market fills the Old Town’s beautiful Town Hall Square with traditional wooden huts, vintage merry-go-rounds and a towering Christmas tree. Indeed, the Estonian capital is believed to have been the first place in Europe to display a festive conifer, erecting one as early as 1441.

Everywhere you look, you’ll see stalls crammed with locally produced temptations, from woollen clothing to handcrafted decorations. And if you need sustenance, tuck into some gingerbread and black pudding, washed down with a warming drink.

Music, dancing and family entertainment all add to the festive frivolities. And with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing in December, you might even get to experience the market under a blanket of snow.

Christmas in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark

Getty Images13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027

Copenhagen’s famous Tivoli Gardens is already one of Europe’s most charming amusement parks, but at Christmastime it becomes something truly special.

Swathes of sparkling lights illuminate the landscape, while rows of festive stalls sell everything from gifts and decorations to mouthwatering munchies. Younger visitors can buckle up for a ride or two before meeting Santa in his grotto, while adults can sip a cup of gløgg – Denmark’s answer to mulled wine – while enjoying the seasonal entertainment.

Unlike the other markets we’ve mentioned, this is a ticketed attraction, so factor the admission price into your budget. With so much to see and do, though, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Cologne Christmas Markets, Germany

Getty Images16 November – 23 December 2026 (Cathedral Christmas Market)

Cologne offers a selection of Christmas markets, each with its own unique personality. The most famous is located beneath the city’s imposing Gothic cathedral, and sees clusters of cosy stalls selling everything from traditional decorations to crafts and festive food.

Afterwards, head to the Old Town for Heinzels Winter Fairytale. A charming celebration inspired by Cologne’s legendary house elves, it features the city’s largest Christmas market and an outdoor ice rink. Then there’s the Market of Angels at Neumarkt, where rows of twinkly stalls are interspersed with mythical creatures.

With several markets within walking distance of one another, you could spend an entire weekend sampling local specialities, picking up gifts and soaking up the atmosphere. What better way to get in the festive mood!

^{This article was accurate at the time of publication. Please note information and offers shown may change over time.}