From Germany To France, These Are The Top 30 Christmas Markets In Europe You Can’t Miss!

The Christmas season is approaching, folks! A winter festival featuring festive Christmas trees, carol singing, and eggnog sipping is just around the corner. As Christmas approaches, the first thing people do is stroll the markets to shop for all the things they need to make their festival more fun. Europe is often associated with Christmas, events, markets, and activities, which goes well with the saying that no one celebrates the holidays like the Europeans.

Europe Is Known For Its Beautiful Christmas Markets

Christmas markets in Europe are a festive celebration of mediaeval and baroque squares filled with lights, craft stalls, ice rinks, live performances, and food. These markets attract visitors with their dazzling light shows, beautiful craft stalls, ice rinks, and live performances. Seasonal stalls sell bratwurst, glühwein, grog, pierogi, and plum brandy.

European Christmas markets, originally called “Christkindlmarkt” or “Weihnachtsmarkt,” have a long history dating back to the Late Middle Ages in German-speaking regions, with their origins in Germany and Austria. German-speaking regions of Italy, Switzerland, and France eventually adopted the Christmas market concept, which was first mainly German. This aligns with the general origin of Christmas practices, which began in Germany in the 16th century.

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Here Is The List Of Top 30 Christmas Markets In Europe

Europe has a lot to offer when it comes to Christmas markets. From Germany to France to Sweden, every country has something different or unique to offer, whether culturally, in terms of decorations or the vibe. But nevertheless, every place just shouts Christmas.

Some of the few popular Christmas markets are in Cologne, Germany, which offers everything from food to attractions, with a huge market near the cathedral and smaller ones around the city. Copenhagen, Denmark, is renowned for its family-friendly attractions, including an amusement park, ice skating, and a light show.

While, Edinburgh has the best Christmas market in the UK, offering traditional Scottish flair, a Santa Land, and a Ferris wheel. Brussels in Belgium is best known for its sweets, while Colmar in France is known for its charming medieval town and a fairy tale kind of atmosphere.

Here’s a full list of the best Christmas Markets in Europe: 

1. Manchester, England (November 8 – December 22)
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands (November 15 – January 5)
3. Craivo, Romania (November 15 – January 5)
4. Vienna, Austria (November 16 – December 26)
5.  Gothenburg, Sweden (November 16 – January 1)
6. Budapest, Hungary (November 16 – January 1)
7. Edinburgh, Scotland (November 17 – December 6)
8. Copenhagen, Denmark (November 17 – December 31)
9. Cologne, Germany (November 18 – December 23)
10. Poznan, Poland (November 19 – December 23)
11. Zurich, Switzerland (November 21 – December 24)
12. Salzburg, Austria (November 21 – January 1)
13. London, England (November 21 – January 5)
14. Tallinn, Estonia (November 22 – December 27)
15. Luxembourg City, Lux. (November 22 – January 1)
16. Bruges, Belgium (November 22 – January 5)
17. Montbeliard, France (November 23 – December 24)
18. Bratislava, Slovakia (November 23 – December 31)
19. Metz, France (November 24 – December 30)
20. Munich, Germany (November 25 – December 24)
21. Berlin, Germany (November 25 – December 31)
22. Dresden, Germany (November 27 – December 24)
23. Strasbourg, France (November 27 – December 27)
24. Stockholm, Sweden (November 29 – December 22)
25. Helsinki, Finland (November 29 – December 22)
26. Krakow, Poland (November 29 – January 1)
27. Riga, Latvia (November 29 – January 2)
28. Brussels, Belgium (November 29 – January 5)
29. Prague, Czech Republic (November 30 – January 6)
30. Zagreb, Croatia (November 30 – January 7)

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Christmas markets in Europe are a cherished tradition with a festive atmosphere, delicious treats, and unique gifts. They gained popularity in the 16th century after German Protestant reformer Martin Luther suggested the birth of Christ as a more appropriate day for gift-giving. There are numerous Christmas markets in Europe, each with its own unique charm, cuisine, holiday decor, or atmosphere.

Cover Image Credit: Instagram/@tasteatlas