Everyone knows that Europeans don’t mess about when it comes to Christmas shopping. Festive outdoor markets over the winter season are some of the biggest attractions towards the end of the year, and for good reason!
Centuries before hygge started trending on Twitter, the old towns of Europe created an atmosphere of togetherness and an excuse to enjoy the little things in life at their Christmas markets. With festive food, warming drinks, and plenty of gifts to buy for friends and family, these markets are a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or looking for the best place to get into the spirit with family – have a look at this guide to Europe’s best Christmas markets. Each celebrates the season in its own special way, with the best foods, gifts, and entertainment on offer. We can hear the jingle bells already!
United Kingdom
The first country on our list is the UK. While the capital of London certainly has a lot going on over the festive period, other parts of the country offer charming experiences with everything you’d expect from a classic Christmas market.
Bath Christmas Market
The most wonderful time of the year sees Bath truly come to life. Its iconic golden stone buildings provide the perfect festive backdrop as carollers fill the streets with song. Wander through the Christmas markets to discover handmade gifts, including toys, jewellery, and all sorts of seasonal treats. With 80% of stallholders coming from the local area, you’re sure to find something unique. And, of course, there’s plenty of delicious food to snack on as you shop.
Cardiff Christmas Market
Cardiff’s Christmas market invites you to wander arm in arm with your loved ones through the city’s twinkling streets, soaking up the festive cheer as you browse the stalls. Discover beautiful arts and crafts, and sample all the delicious seasonal food and drink on offer. While it may not be the first place that comes to mind for Christmas markets in Europe, Cardiff is often called the ‘Christmas City’, making it the perfect spot to get into the festive spirit.
Salisbury Christmas Fayre
Salisbury completely transforms over the festive season, as German market festivities bring this medieval city to life. Taking place at the central Guildhall Square, with the Guildhall providing the perfect backdrop for the event, there’s food, shopping, live music, and special workshops. You might even spot some international exhibitors from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa among the mulled wine and gingerbread. These multicultural elements are just one reason why this is one of Europe’s best Christmas markets, as well as its delightful historical setting.
If you’re looking for more suggestions, give our guide to the five best UK Christmas markets a read.
France
When it comes to Christmas markets, France never disappoints. From charming village fairs to grand city celebrations, each region brings its own festive magic. If you’re planning a Christmas market getaway, here are some of the very best to explore.
Reims’ Christmas Village
The Reims Christmas market features 135 cheerful wooden chalets, each brimming with gourmet regional produce, handcrafted gifts, and festive decorations. As one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe, and the third largest in France, expect an incredible variety of treasures. Get in the festive spirit by revelling in street entertainment, magicians’ tricks, and Christmas concerts that surround the market. Just don’t forget to spend some time sampling the locally produced varieties of champagne and wine on offer.
Strasbourg’s Christmas Market
Strasbourg’s Christmas market dates back to the 1570s, making it the oldest in France and one of the oldest in Europe. Nicknamed the ‘Capital of Christmas,’ this is one of the most popular destinations for a festive break. To make the most of your visit, start at the Place de la Cathedral and make your way through the historic city centre along the wooden stalls, browsing delicate ornaments, nativity figures, and regional delicacies like the bredele cookie. Make sure not to miss local cake and wine from the Alsace region.
The Magic of Christmas in Colmar
At Christmas, Colmar shines. The whole town is illuminated in twinkling lights, with six separate islands of festivity set up all around it, each in its own picturesque square. Explore a variety of activities and experiences beyond your traditional Christmas market, with magic around every corner. Kids can take festive pony rides and even deliver a letter to Santa’s giant letterbox. This really is Christmas at its most wonderful.
For more inspiration, read our guide to the five best Christmas markets in France.
Italy
Plenty of people visit Italy in the winter to make the most of the ski resorts, but it’s also one of the best places for Christmas markets. Here are three that we recommend for your trip:
Oh Bej! Oh Bej! in Milan
“Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” directly translates to “Oh beautiful! Oh beautiful!”, so as you might imagine, visitors are in for a real treat. Festivities here have marked the Milanese Christmas season for five whole centuries, and remain the perfect opportunity, not only for finding special gifts but for enjoying the magical atmosphere. The market embraces the local landmark Castello Sforzesco, with many unique food and shopping stalls built around it. You never know what treasures you’re going to find!
Candelaria Festival of Lights
The Candelaria Festival of Lights is held in the tiny town of Candelaria, celebrating the craft that gave the town its name: candlemaking. Every evening of the festival, all electrical lights are switched off and the medieval centre is lit up by thousands of live flames. At the market, children can try their hand at crafting their own candles, while the whole family enjoys delicious food, artisan crafts, and street performances. The atmosphere here is truly magical, especially when the town lights up. This is definitely one of the more unique Christmas markets in Europe, which is great if you’re looking for something a bit different.
Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt in Florence
Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt welcomes a wonderful combination of cultures, as the German tradition of Heidelberg comes to town in this 500-year-old market. With hand-crafted goods and traditional German foods on offer, you’re sure to find a special treat at the Piazza Santa Croce. Situated right outside the marvellous Basilica di Santa Croce, there’s plenty to enjoy. Indulge in a bratwurst and a beer, or try a traditional Heidelberg Lebkuchen cookie and spiced vin brulè.
Spain
Fancy a festive trip to Spain to enjoy some of the best Christmas markets that this country has to offer? Here’s where we’d suggest you pay a visit.
Plaza Mayor Christmas Market in Madrid
Over the festive season, Madrid’s beautiful town square comes to life, with an abundance of people gathering to shop and enjoy the festivities. The market stalls offer every traditional Christmas treat and trinket you could imagine. Children will love looking at the toy stalls and riding the popular carousel, while adults will enjoy browsing the many independent artists that open up shop at the market. Spanish cuisine also makes the perfect market browsing accompaniment. Cue the tapas.
Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona
The Fira de Santa Llúcia has been taking place at the stunning Avinguda de la Catedral since the 1700s. In true Christmas market tradition, unique artisan stalls, nativity figures, crafts, musical instruments, and flowers grace the stalls. It’s also a special place for children, with tons of activities to take part in. We suggest you take your time to browse slowly as the sun starts to set – it’s the best way of soaking up the festive feeling that settles over the market at dusk.
Mercadillo Navideño in Zaragoza
As soon as you enter Zaragoza’s market, you’ll be greeted by a grand nativity scene at the very heart of the festivities. Little-known but utterly captivating, this traditional market features an ice-skating rink, sledding ramp, and live music stages, making it the perfect choice if you’re looking for one of Europe’s lesser-known festive gems. Organised by the artisans themselves, it’s a wonderful place to find truly unique gifts, and don’t forget to taste the incredible local food while you’re there!
Germany
The last destination on this roundup is home to Europe’s oldest Christmas market. Where bratwurst and beer reign supreme, and tradition remains strong and steady. It’s hard to narrow our selection to just three, but here’s where we’d suggest:
Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin
Gendarmenmarkt’s Christmas market is often hailed as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Renowned for serving some of the finest Glühwein (mulled wine) around, expect an array of handmade artisan goods, mouth-watering food, and lively entertainment. Entry costs just one euro, and it’s worth every penny to see the square framed by its two magnificent churches. There’s truly nothing like it during the festive season, when the market glows with warmth and cheer, creating the perfect backdrop for a romantic winter weekend.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is a grand celebration in this enchanting medieval city. Its opening ceremony draws visitors from across Europe every year, marking the official start of the festive season. Famous for its delicious gingerbread, be sure to sample one fresh from the market, or take home a beautifully wrapped box for someone special. Another highlight is the stagecoach tour, where you can ride through the city’s cobbled streets to the sound of soft trumpet music. Steeped in history and tradition, the Christkindlesmarkt is the definition of old-school Christmas magic.
Stuttgart Christmas Market
Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt spans five cobblestoned squares in the heart of Stuttgart and is not only one of the oldest but also one of the largest Christmas markets in the world. Beyond its 300 charming stalls, visitors can enjoy nightly performances from top-class choirs and musicians in the courtyard of the Old Palace, where a magnificent Christmas tree takes centre stage. The outdoor skating rink and miniature steam railway add extra cheer for the whole family. With its sheer size and lively spirit, this market promises an evening of festive fun you won’t forget.
Feeling in the spirit yet? Europe’s best Christmas markets are the perfect way to start feeling festive, and with so many great options to choose from, you can enjoy a magical experience no matter which country you visit.
While you’re dreaming of mulled wine and artisan tree-toppers, go ahead and browse through Oliver’s Travels selection of luxury Christmas villas and check out our Christmas houses and cottages in the UK and France. And make sure to contact our concierge team for planning and recommendations to make your Christmas trip truly sparkle.
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