The Best Christmas Markets in Europe to Visit in 2025

There’s nothing quite like Christmas in Europe. The scent of roasted chestnuts, the sound of carols echoing through historic squares, and the sparkle of fairy lights against frosted rooftops. From elegant palaces to riverside promenades, these Christmas markets are where festive traditions come alive. Here are some of the best ones to visit in 2025.

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Vienna, Austria

Belvedere Christmas Market

Set against the baroque backdrop of the Upper Belvedere Palace, Vienna’s Belvedere Christmas Market (Weihnachtsdorf) radiates elegance and warmth. Smaller and more intimate than the city’s larger markets, it’s perfect for couples seeking romance under twinkling lights. Around 42 beautifully decorated stalls offer handcrafted gifts, festive bites, and mulled wine. Don’t miss the palace’s art exhibitions or the chance to attend a classical concert nearby.

Dates: 14 Nov – 31 Dec 2025
Location: In front of the Upper Belvedere Palace

Sibiu, Romania

Sibiu Christmas Fair

Sibiu earns its title as Romania’s “Christmas Capital” every year and for good reason. Under a canopy of thousands of lights, the Large Square transforms into a festive wonderland with a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and Santa’s Workshop for children. The fair spreads across several squares, each offering something unique, from illuminated trees in Huet Square to merry-go-rounds in the Little Square. With over 120 exhibitors and an enchanting atmosphere, Sibiu is a true winter dream.

Dates: 15 Nov 2024 – 5 Jan 2025
Location: Large Square, Sibiu

Cologne, Germany

Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral

At the foot of Cologne’s majestic Gothic Cathedral, this market glows beneath a canopy of starlight. Around the towering Christmas tree, hundreds of stalls offer handmade crafts, organic delicacies, and festive drinks. A packed programme of more than 100 free performances adds to the merriment, while a special children’s corner keeps little ones entertained with puppet shows and storytelling.

Dates: 17 Nov – 23 Dec 2025
Location: Cologne Cathedral

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg Christkindlmarkt on Dom and Residenzplatz

Steeped in history and music, Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt is one of Europe’s oldest and most atmospheric. Around 100 stalls fill the city’s grand squares with handcrafted treasures, festive food, and joyful music. Daily events include public choir sing-alongs, traditional wind music from the surrounding towers, and Sunday visits from the “Christ Child” and his angels. The market even stays open through New Year’s Eve, ending with a spectacular fireworks display.

Dates: 20 Nov 2025 – 1 Jan 2026 
Location: Dom and Residenzplatz Squares

Strasbourg, France

Christkindelsmärik

For over four centuries, Strasbourg has been the beating heart of festive France. It’s Christkindelsmärik, the country’s oldest Christmas market, which features more than 300 chalets spread across the city’s historic centre. As dusk falls, the Alsatian capital sparkles with thousands of lights, creating a fairytale atmosphere that’s hard to beat. From mulled wine to wooden ornaments, every corner radiates seasonal charm.

Dates: 26 Nov – 24 Dec 2025
Location: Throughout the city

Prague, Czech Republic

Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square Markets

Few cities do Christmas quite like Prague. Old Town Square, with its towering tree and Gothic spires in the background, is the heart of the festivities. Stalls brim with handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech delicacies such as trdelník (chimney cake). With carols, concerts, and hot spiced wine in hand, the city’s festive spirit feels timeless and enchanting.

Dates: 29 Nov 2025 – 6 Jan 2026
Location: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square

Montreux, Switzerland

Montreux Noël

On the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux transforms into a magical winter wonderland. More than 170 chalets line the lakeside promenade, selling Swiss crafts, gourmet treats, and warm drinks. Look out for Santa’s house on Rochers-de-Naye mountain and the floating market on the water, both adding extra sparkle to one of Switzerland’s most scenic Christmas celebrations.

Dates: 20 Nov – 24 Dec 2025
Location: Montreux Lakeside Promenade

Colmar, France

Place Jeanne d’Arc Christmas Market

With its half-timbered houses and festive lights reflected in canals, Colmar feels like a Christmas card come to life. The market at Place Jeanne d’Arc highlights Alsatian culinary traditions, foie gras, gingerbread, and spiced wine, alongside regional crafts. Across six themed markets, each with its own charm, visitors can wander through a world of seasonal delight.

Dates: 25 Nov – 29 Dec 2025
Location: Place Jeanne d’Arc and Old Town

Berlin, Germany

Christmas Market on Gendarmenmarkt

Returning to its historic home after renovations, Berlin’s most elegant Christmas market takes place once again at Gendarmenmarkt. Here, artisans showcase woodcarving, candle-making, and tailoring inside heated tents, while gourmet stalls serve traditional and modern dishes. The combination of culture, craftsmanship, and festive cheer makes this market a must for any Berlin winter itinerary.

Dates: 24 Nov – 31 Dec 2025
Location: Gendarmenmarkt Square

Kraków, Poland

Main Square Christmas Market

Set in one of Europe’s largest medieval squares, Kraków’s market is pure festive magic. Wooden huts fill the Rynek Główny with Polish crafts, hearty street food, and steaming mugs of grzaniec (mulled wine). From handmade baubles to grilled sausages and beetroot soup, every stall brims with flavour and warmth. With the likelihood of snow, this market captures the essence of a true white Christmas.

Dates: Late Nov 2025 – Early Jan 2026 (TBC)
Location: Main Square

Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp Christmas Market

Antwerp’s stylish take on the festive season spreads across several city squares, including the Grote Markt and Groenplaats. Expect a glittering Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and a chic winter bar serving Belgian beers and mulled wine. The market opens on Saint Nicholas Eve, a lively start to a season of sparkle and celebration in Belgium’s fashion capital.

Dates: 5 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
Location: Grote Markt, Groenplaats, and Cathedral area

Metz, France

Marché de Noël de Metz

Metz lights up the season with over 130 chalets spread across five historic squares. From Father Christmas’s floating sleigh to the towering Big Wheel and mesmerising light shows, every corner glows with festive spirit. Sample regional treats like Mannele brioche, browse handmade gifts, and take in the magical Lanterns Walk that illuminates the city’s waterways.

Dates: Late Nov – 30 Dec 2025 (closed 25 Dec)
Location: Historic Squares across Metz

Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Budget Travelling in Europe: Smart Ways to Explore for Less

Final thoughts

From Vienna’s baroque elegance to the snow-dusted streets of Kraków, Europe’s Christmas markets offer more than just shopping. They’re living traditions that bring warmth to the coldest months. Each market has its own charm, shaped by local culture, food, and craftsmanship, yet all share the same spirit of togetherness. Wander through candlelit lanes, sip spiced wine under twinkling lights, and listen to carols echoing across centuries-old squares. This is Europe at its most enchanting.

Whether you’re looking to combine a few festive stops on a winter holiday or immerse yourself in one city’s celebrations, these markets promise memories wrapped in magic, joy, and the comforting glow of Christmas cheer.