Spending the Christmas season in Europe is so magical! One of the best things to do is visit the famous Christmas markets that are unique to each country. Christmas markets are the best way to get into the Christmas season and I cannot wait to go back to Europe during the holiday season again. For 2022, here are the best Christmas markets to visit this year and why.
- Cologne, Germany
- Salzburg, Austria
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Strasbourg, France
- Vienna, Austria
- Basel, Switzerland
- Bruges, Belgium
- Budapest, Hungary
- Zagreb, Croatia
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Metz, France
- Heidelburg, Germany
- Krakow, Poland
- Christmas Market Tips
1. Cologne, Germany
Best for: a variety of markets
Cologne is best known for having a variety of Christmas markets for any interest. If you want something more traditional, you can throw on some skates and ice skate outdoors at the rink on Heumarkt. This is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe. The largest is the Cologne Cathedral Market which features live music and a huge tree!
Dates: November 21- December 23, 2022
2. Salzburg, Austria
Best for: ancient traditions
This beautiful city is the perfect backdrop for a Christmas market. The market in the city center at Cathedral Square is one of the oldest and largest markets. The stalls sell items that are handmade and high quality to make for great memories of this time that transports you back to the 15th century. There are also daily concerts held in the evening.
Dates: November 17, 2022- January 1, 2023
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Best for: traditional nativity scenes
The most popular is at Old Town Square which features a huge Christmas tree, a nativity scene, daily Christmas carols, and traditional Czech delicacies. This magnificent setting is perfect for spending the holidays and is on my list of Christmas markets to visit! Prague is also one of the best cities for budget travelers as well, compared to other famous cities that host popular Christmas markets.
Dates: November 26, 2022- January 6, 2023 (including the holidays)
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Best for: Christmas hygge and Ferris wheel rides
Experience magic at the famous amusement park, Tivoli Gardens this Christmas season. This market is particular is the most special in the city. Over 500,000 twinkling lights, the aroma of almonds and mulled wine, and snow-covered trees make this the perfect winter wonderland.
Dates: November 18, 2022- January 1, 2023
5. Tallinn, Estonia
Best for: musical troupes and dance groups
Tallinn’s Christmas markets are high on my bucket list. Undoubtedly, such a beautiful place can turn into the perfect winter wonderland during the holidays. Town Hall Square is full of stalls with hand-made crafts, sweets, dance troupes, and much more to enjoy. The largest Christmas tree in Estonia has gone up each year since 1441, making it a tradition worth seeing.
Dates: November 25, 2022- January 8, 2023
6. Strasbourg, France
Best for: the sweets and storybook scenery
Strasbourg is known as France’s “Capital of Christmas” and rightfully so. It is filled with almost 300 traditional stalls within its central squares and overflowing with the smells of sweets and traditional foods. Strasbourg is the perfect place to feel like you’re inside your own Christmas movie.
Dates: November 25- December 26, 2022
7. Vienna, Austria
Best for: traditional toys and skating rinks
It should be no surprise that Austria is full of famous Christmas markets. Vienna is also known for its traditions as well as Salzburg. Vienna has hosted a Christmas market since 1296, making it one of the oldest around! There are markets spread out all throughout the narrow streets within the city. Here you can purchase hand-made gifts and enjoy the aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
Dates: November 19- December 26, 2022
8. Basel, Switzerland
Best for: foodies and fairytale feelings
Basel’s Christmas market is one of the most beautiful and one of the largest in Switzerland. The stalls sell a wide array of traditional culinary delights including sausages, winter chili, hot punch, Basel Lackerli (like gingerbread), and more! There is also a part that is perfect for the kids as well. Basel’s Christmas market is perfect for the whole family to get into the Christmas spirit.
Dates: November 24- December 23, 2022
9. Bruges, Belgium
Best for: Romance
Bruges is a beautiful city known for medieval architecture, canals, and cobbled streets. I can only imagine how much more beautiful the city is when it transforms for the Christmas season. There are two main markets that can be found in Bruges. Fall in love under the twinkling lights while enjoying Belgian chocolate, waffles, and beer. There is also an ice rink here if you enjoy skating and then find handmade goods to take back with you.
Dates: November 25, 2022- January 8, 2023
10. Budapest, Hungary
Best for: ice rinks and light shows
Vorosmarty Square is the best market in Budapest and one of the most beautiful in all. of Europe. This large Christmas market features an ice rink, a nativity scene, and a Ferris wheel. The market offers a light show as well every night at 7pm on the Gerbeaud House, the backdrop for the market. The other market in Budapest has similar features but with unique touches surrounding the Basilica.
Dates: November 19, 2022- January 1, 2023
11. Zagreb, Croatia
Best for: delicious food and drinks
When thinking of Christmas markets, Croatia is not typically the first place I think of, however, Zagreb hosts one of the most joyous markets! Explore the culture, enjoy Croatian food, and purchase the perfect gifts to take back home with you. There is a huge emphasis on food and drink during the Zagreb Advent. Head to the Zagreb eye to take in a bird’s eye view of the market.
Dates: November 26, 2022- January 7, 2023
12. Nuremburg, Germany
Best for: sustainability and tradition
Nuremberg’s Christmas market has been around since 1313, so it is one of the oldest and largest markets in Germany. The market is spread out through the city center and you will find the traditional German staples, such as Glühwein, but also items that are more specific to Nuremberg. One thing that sets this market apart from others is its drive to be eco-friendly. If this is something that is a big factor for you when traveling, consider going to the market in Nuremberg!
Dates: November 25- December 24, 2022
13. Metz, France
Best for: gourmet foods and incredible lights
This large Christmas market is located close to the border of Germany. Here you will find incredible lighting displays to get you in the holiday spirit. The market is spread out so plan to spend plenty of time at this one. At this French Christmas market, you’ll not only find the typical French staples but gourmet foods as well. Don’t forget to stop by the big Ferris wheel right outside of the Cathedral before you leave.
Dates: November 18- December 30, 2022
14. Heidelburg, Germany
Best for: traditional and festively decorated wooden houses
The main market is located in Heidelberg’s old town. The market is spread out so you can enjoy plenty of Christmas festivities. The beautiful 16th-century buildings make Heidelberg a magical place to visit during Christmastime. The castle towers over the ice skating rink and with almost 100 stalls, there is plenty of traditional German delicacies to enjoy!
Dates: November 21- December 22, 2022
15. Krakow, Poland
Best for: unique and quirky traditions
Krakow, once the capital of Poland, is a beautiful city that embodies a white Christmas during the holidays. It is likely to snow during the Christmas season so enjoying a warm mug of hot chocolate is one of the many highlights. One of the most unique traditions of the Krakow market is bringing out live camels. Rynek Glowny Square is the best place to begin your Christmas market experience in Poland this year.
Dates: November 25, 2022- January 1, 2023
Christmas Market Tips
If you’re planning to visit any Christmas markets in the near future, here are some top tips from experts for visiting Christmas markets! Let me know if you have any other tips or if I’ve left out anything.
Dress for the cold
Christmas markets are during the coldest times of the year, don’t be unprepared for walking around in the cold! Dress in layers and wear comfortable, warm walking boots. Depending on what country you’re in, the temps can be ridiculously low. Dressing in proper layers will ensure that when you finally go inside where it is heated you won’t be sweating buckets.
Bring cash with you
Especially make sure to have coins with you. You will need them if you have to stop at the restroom. It is often customary to leave a tip for restroom attendants. Also, it will be quicker at most stalls if you can pay in cash rather than by card, that is if they have a card machine.
Seek out information from the Christmas market website directly
Rather than simply relying on blogs, which can be extremely informative, be sure to do plenty of research on specific information on the market’s website. The websites will give the most accurate information on the most important things you need to know like dates, times, tickets, etc…
Christmas mug deposits (pfand system)
Beware that most stalls will charge an initial deposit on those cute Christmas market mugs. Upfront, your mulled wine or hot chocolate may cost 8 Euros, but if you bring back the mug they will refund that deposit. Typically this deposit is around 2-5 Euros. However, if you want to keep the mug, then you don’t have to worry about returning it.
** Bonus tip: you can return the used mug for a fresh and clean one to bring home.
Different markets have different mugs
Speaking of Christmas market mugs…one of the best things to collect from Christmas markets is the mugs! If you didn’t already know, each Christmas market has its own unique mug for the year. Sometimes there will be more than one for the market, so you may look around before deciding on one. What better way to remember your experience than a mug? I’ve also brought one back for my family as a gift before.
Usually multiple Christmas markets in one city
Many blogs that you’ll come across, which I’m guilty of as well, will refer to THE Christmas market in one city. This is not always the case though. Typically there are multiple markets within one city. For example, I may say THE Munich Christmas market, when in reality there is actually more than one Christmas market in Munich. In most major cities, there are typically several independent markets that are set. It is important to research the locations and the names to decide which one(s) to visit.
Visit during the morning and in the evening
You may want to consider visiting some Christmas markets twice, especially the larger and busier ones. For the optimal Christmas market experience, visit during the morning when it is lesson crowded and you have a better chance at properly browsing and shopping. Return at night to enjoy the atmosphere!
Be mindful of closure dates
Market websites will list the dates that the market runs through but be mindful that they may close during certain holidays such as Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Be sure to check if they will be open or closed on those days. They may list their dates as November 25- December 31, 2022, but even though that includes the holidays, they may actually be closed those two days. Don’t be disappointed by not checking in advance!
Try your best to book accommodation within walking distance of the markets
Research the markets that you are interested in and try to find accommodations as close as possible. What’s more magical than leaving your hotel and stepping right into the magic of the Christmas markets? Also, it can be exhausting navigating through all of the Christmas market festivities so you will be grateful to get back to your accommodations quickly!
Do a few laps before committing to buying anything
Before you commit to purchasing anything, make sure that you have seen all there is to see. You may also become aware of mass-produced goods and stick to purchasing those that are handmade and one-of-a-kind. Whatever your preference is, because all of the items are special, you still want to make sure you’ve taken a good look at everything before deciding what you want to purchase!
Be mindful of your pockets and valuables
With crowds of people, it is best to make sure you have an eye on your valuables at all times. Keeping your valuables in the inner pockets of your coats will be better than the outer pockets. While Europe is relatively safe, you always have to keep an eye out for anything you can’t afford to lose!
Be prepared to stand while you eat
Most markets do not have proper tables for you to enjoy your food and drink at. You will most likely have to eat standing up or perched at some sort of table. This can make it difficult and a bit messy for sure. Consider packing some wipes with you. I will be completely honest and say that I got so overwhelmed by standing and trying to eat something messy that I gave up and ended up throwing it away… This was my first ever market experience.
