Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Set in some of the most iconic destinations in the world, there’s nothing that screams Christmas louder than strolling through some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

If you’re considering jetting off this holiday season to celebrate Christmas in its full splendor, there’s nowhere that is more magical than Europe. With centuries-old traditions that are still alive and thriving, delicious food, and beautiful settings, the old continent is a great place to take the festive spirit to an entirely different level.

From classic Bavarian-style markets to medieval settings, these are some of the best Christmas markets to check out in Europe this season!

The Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Rothenburg ob der Tauber Reiterlesmarkt, Germany

Located in the Bavarian Alps, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the prettiest and best-preserved medieval villages in Germany and its Christmas market makes sure to add to its magic.

Once late November arrives, this fairytale-like-looking town gets adorned with glimmering lights and all sorts of Christmas motifs, creating a scene that looks straight out of a storybook.

Even though the entire town gets blanketed by festive ornaments, the start of the show is the Riteleresmarkt, which gets set up on the main square and offers a variety of wooden stands where you’ll find all sorts of handcrafted trinkets as well as food and goodies traditional of the area.

Strasbourg Christmas Market, France

Known for being one of the most beautiful towns in Europe, the Christmas market in Strasbourg is a great place to visit to discover what France is like during the festive season.

The Strasbourg Christmas Market is actually the oldest one in France. It was first held during the Middle Ages back in the year 1570 and still retains plenty of its traditions through food and events.

Viennese Christmas Market, Austria

The Viennese Christmas Market has been held every year ever since the 13th century, making it one of the oldest markets in Europe.

The market is held right in front of Vienna’s City Hall and offers plenty of delicious homemade Austrian sweets, delicious food, handmade souvenirs, and, of course, tons of mulled wine!

There’s also an ice skating rink available and the market is a great start off point to explore some of the biggest highlights of Vienna.

Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia

If snow is a must for you to truly feel the Christmas spirit, Tallinn’s Christmas Market is the place for you.

This gorgeous market is held every year in Tallinn’s main square. As you make your way through the maze of stalls, you’ll stumble across plenty of crafted items as well as delicious Estonian dishes and treats.

What’s best? This market is located right under a humongous Christmas tree that was the first tree to be set up in Europe. Ever since then for over five centuries, it has been placed in the exact same spot!

Winter Wonders, Belgium

If checking out just one Christmas market isn’t enough for you, head over to Brussels in Belgium. Once December creeps in, the entire city turns into one enormous Christmas village where markets pop up on pretty much every corner in town.

Some of the best spots to check out during the Winter Wonders include the Marche aux Poissons, the Bourse, and the Grand Palace. Of course, mulled one, twinkling lights, delicious treats, and all sorts of Christmassy goodies are guaranteed!

Marché de Noël, France

Set in the city of Bordeaux in southern France, the Marché de Noël is one of the best Christmas markets to visit in Europe, especially for those who love wine!

Even though mulled wine is present in pretty much every Christmas market anywhere, Bordeaux is a city famous for its wine production, so they make sure to take things to an entirely new level.

Dresden Striezelmarkt, Germany

This Christmas market was first held back in the 13th century, making it the oldest Christmas market in the entire world!

While the items on offer at the many stalls are definitely more modern these days, the magic of this Christmas market is the fact that it still stays true to its original traditions. The original Christmas pyramid is still put up here instead of a Christmas tree (Christmas pyramids are predecessors to the trees we know today that root back to the folklore of the Ore Mountain region!).

Licques Christmas Market, France

For those looking for quirky traditions and slightly off-the-beaten-path destinations, the Christmas market at Licques in France is sure to please.

This town in the Hauts-de-France region is known for its excellent poultry, and during its Christmas market holds a very unique festival called the Fête de la Dinde (Turkey Festival). The event consists of having live turkeys parading all over the town!

Bath Christmas Market, England

Located in England, the Bath Christmas Market boasts a gorgeous backdrop that will make you feel like you traveled back in time.

Every year, over 170 wooden stalls pop up amid sparkling lights and Christmas decor, offering plenty of delicious food, beverages, and gifts.

It is also worth mentioning that this Christmas market is huge on supporting charities, so the organizers provides a bunch of free stall rentals to them. The event is also designed to be as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible, making it one of the best Christmas markets for those who prefer to stray away from mass-produced items and want to keep the environment in mind.