Best Christmas Markets
Your ultimate guide to Christmas markets 2026 🎄
Wondering what to get your other half for Christmas this year? Or maybe you fancy a cheeky little gift from you to you? 🎁 Well move over and put your big coat on, because our Christmas Market Breaks are where it's at.
Think wooden chalets draped in fairy lights, the smell of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts in the air, mulled wine in proper ceramic mugs (with a deposit, mind), and more handmade gifts than you can shake a candy cane at.
What actually happens at Christmas markets?
You'll be wandering through squares and streets filled with decorated wooden stalls selling everything from hand-carved ornaments to artisan chocolate. There's sizzling bratwurst, giant pretzels, gingerbread hearts, and enough mulled wine to make your head spin (in a good way). Most markets also have ice skating, fairground rides and carol singers.
When do they run?
Most European Christmas markets kick off late November (usually around the 22nd-28th) and run right through to Christmas Eve. Some rebellious ones in Prague and Vienna stay open past Christmas and into New Year, which is mega handy if you're booking last minute.
The best bit?
All our Christmas market breaks come with hotels within walking distance of the action, so you can warm up, dump your shopping, and head back out for round two. These are just a few of our cheap city break deals for the festive season, and the good news is – they're all within walking distance of the markets! Merry Chrimbo 🎄
Where to find the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
In case you weren't in the loop, we’ve got the inside scoop on the best European Christmas Markets - and yes, we’ll take you right there. So, you can quit the endless scrolling and searching for the perfect festive getaway now. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine, and that sweet scent of roasted chestnuts. From the canals of Amsterdam to the charm of Vienna, the buzz of Budapest and beyond - we've got city breaks that land you right in the middle of the festive action. Literally. We've handpicked these showstoppers because they're just a stroll away from the fun. You're welcome.
Where to find the Best Christmas Markets in the UK
Who said you can’t find a banging Christmas market right here on home turf? If you’re not up for jet-setting across Europe for your bratwurst and glühwein fix, don’t sweat it - we've got you covered with some great UK options. From the magical vibes of the Edinburgh Christmas Markets to the old-school charm of London’s festive stalls, there’s no need to go too far for that Christmassy buzz. Grab a mince pie and have a nosy 🥧
Why should I go to UK Christmas Markets?
Look, sometimes you just want the Christmas market vibes without the faff of flights, foreign currency, and working out which adaptor you need for your phone charger. UK markets have got seriously good in recent years – Obviously London has got a great range of choices (and you get to see Winter Wonderland in Hyde park and the Oxford St lights) Edinburgh's absolutely magical (that castle backdrop though) and Manchester's basically got German-level markets now. No matter which Christmassy city you visit, you'll still get the mulled wine, bratwurst, and festive tat, but you can also understand what you're buying and pay with your regular bank card. Sometimes convenience wins, and that's fine. Plus, no one's judging your German pronunciation when you order a glühwein.
Top Destinations with the Best Christmas Markets
If you're looking for the best destinations with Christmas Markets, then we've got you covered. These beauts more than deliver when it comes to old town charm, traditional stalls and big ol' Christmas trees. Let the festivities begin!
Hotels near the Prague Christmas Markets
When it comes to holidays to Prague, treating yourself to a cheeky little December escape to see the Christmas Markets is a must. The Old Town Square transforms into a whole winter wonderland, decked out with wooden stalls selling handmade gifts, glittering ornaments, and - obviously - loads of delish local food. These markets are even open on Christmas and New Year's, so there's literally no excuse to miss them! Wrap up and prepare for some proper festive fun, complete with live music, carol singing and ice-skating. We recommend doing that before you hit the mulled wine stands, though.
Why should I go to Prague Christmas Markets?
Prague's Christmas markets are basically a fairy tale come to life, with Gothic spires, cobblestone streets, and that massive tree in Old Town Square that looks like it's been nicked from Narnia. The markets here are proper authentic without feeling touristy, plus the Czech beer and trdelník (those cinnamon chimney cakes) are ridiculously cheap compared to Western Europe. Oh, and Prague's stunning year-round, but add snow and twinkling lights? Chef's kiss.
🍽️ Best food to try: Klobása - Prague's version of a bratwurst, slathered in your sauce of choice and served in a toasted bun.
🍷 Best drink to try: Punč (or 'punch' to you and me), made with alcohol, sugar, lemon and spices for a Christmassy tipple with a twist.
Hotels near the Vienna Christmas Markets
If you've got your eye on a holiday to Vienna to wrap up the year (literally 🎁), then the Christmas Markets are where it's at. They're scattered all across the city, so wherever you head you'll be spotting cosy stalls selling sweet treats and trinkets. Think cute Christmas villages, an ice rink for a cheeky skate (feat. the obligatory Insta pic), and big, fluffy trees strung with lights. It's like wandering through a cheesy Netflix Christmas movie, only you probably won't find Vanessa Hudgens lurking around the corner (unfortunately).
Why should I go to Vienna Christmas Markets?
Vienna doesn't do anything by halves, and their Christmas markets are no exception – we're talking over a dozen markets scattered across one of Europe's most elegant cities, with the Rathausplatz one being the absolute daddy of them all. You'll get classical music drifting through the air (it's Mozart's home turf, after all), proper Austrian pastries that'll ruin your January diet plans, and enough Glühwein to keep you toasty through the coldest December evening. Plus, the Viennese know how to do Christmas – they've been at it since the 13th century, so they've had a bit of practice.
🍽️ Best food to try: Bauernkrapfen - Vienna's take on a doughnut, stuffed with jam for an extra sugar hit.
🍷 Best drink to try: Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch), made from a combo of tea, spices, sugar and a spirit or two - served piping hot.
Hotels near the Berlin Christmas Markets
Nothing screams 'festive' quite like a Christmas holiday to Berlin. With over 60 markets popping up all over the city in November and December, you'll be in full festive mode before you've even had chance to remember if you packed your Christmas jumper. From artisanal craft stalls to glitzy winter wonderlands and swanky rooftop bars, there's something to tickle everyone's fancy. The city oozes old-town charm too, with all of its architecture lit up brighter than the Blackpool Illuminations. You heard it here first, folks. Berlin holidays might just make the perfect xmas prezzie!
Why should I go to Berlin Christmas Markets?
Berlin's got over 60 Christmas markets, which means you can basically market-hop your way around the city like some kind of festive pub crawl (but with Bratwurst instead of pints). Each market's got its own vibe – there's the posh one at Gendarmenmarkt, the alternative one at Kulturbrauerei, and everything in between. The food's incredible, the vibe's buzzing, and you can knock out all your Christmas shopping whilst simultaneously stuffing your face with Kartoffelpuffer. Win-win.
🍽️ Best food to try: Aside from the obvious bratwurst, we recommend Kartoffelpuffer for a veggie option. It's a fried potato pancake (think crispy hashbrown vibes) topped with either garlic or apple sauce. Major drool.
🍷 Best drink to try: Eierpunsch - the German take on eggnog, made with egg yolks, white wine, spices, vanilla, citrus, rum, and topped with a big dollop of whipped cream. Trust us on this one, it's like drinking a big glass of apple strudel.
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Best Christmas Markets For...
Not sure which Christmas market to pick? We've done the hard work for you.
Best for First-Timers: Prague 🎄
If you've never done a Christmas market before, Prague's your safest bet. The Old Town Square market is absolutely stunning (Gothic spires, massive tree, proper fairy-tale vibes), it's pleasantly affordable compared to Western Europe, and the whole city's compact enough that you won't get lost. Plus Czech beer and trdelník are cheaper than a meal deal back home, so your wallet stays happy whilst you get the full festive experience.
Best for Foodies: Budapest or Vienna 🍽️
Can't decide between Hungarian chimney cakes and goulash in bread bowls (Budapest) or Austrian pastries and schnitzel sandwiches (Vienna)? Honestly, you can't go wrong with either. Budapest wins on price and pure street food chaos, Vienna wins on elegance and variety. Both will have you loosening your belt by day two. If you want cheap and cheerful, go Budapest. If you want refined and classy, go Vienna.
Best for Market Hoppers: Berlin 🎪
With over 60 Christmas markets scattered across the city, Berlin's basically a festive pub crawl but with schnitzel instead of shots. You can do the posh one at Gendarmenmarkt in the morning, the alternative one at Kulturbrauerei in the afternoon, and the traditional one at Charlottenburg Palace in the evening. Different vibes, different food, same brilliant atmosphere. Perfect if you get bored easily or just really, really love Christmas markets.
Best for Romance: Bruges or Salzburg 💕
Bruges is basically a medieval Christmas card come to life – canals, cobblestones, chocolate shops, and fairy lights everywhere. It's proper romantic without trying too hard. Salzburg gives you Alpine backdrop, Mozart vibes, and snow-capped mountains, which is next-level date territory. Both are smaller and more intimate than the big city markets. Both will have you holding hands and pretending you're in a Richard Curtis film. You're welcome.
Best on a Budget: Krakow or Budapest 💰
Eastern Europe's your mate here. Krakow's got one of Europe's biggest medieval squares transformed into a winter wonderland, and you can do it on about half the budget of Vienna or Berlin. Budapest's similarly brilliant for your bank balance – you'll get change from a tenner after goulash, chimney cakes, and several mulled wines. Both cities are stunning, both markets are magical, both will leave you with money for actual Christmas presents.
Most Authentic: Nuremberg 🏰
If you want proper old-school German Christmas market vibes without the Instagram influencers, Nuremberg's the real deal. The Christkindlesmarkt has been going since the 1500s and they're dead serious about keeping it traditional – no tat allowed, strict rules on what can be sold, and the whole thing feels like you've stepped back in time. This is where Lebkuchen (that protected gingerbread) comes from, and they're not trying to be trendy or cool, they're just doing Christmas the way it's been done for centuries. Proper authentic German Christmas market experience. Respect.
Best for Partying: Berlin or Cologne 🍻
Let's be honest, some Christmas markets are more booze-focused than others. Berlin's got the variety (60 markets means 60 different mulled wine recipes to "try"), whilst Cologne's got the local Kölsch beer flowing alongside the Glühwein. Both cities know how to have a good time, both have markets that stay open late, and both will have you singing Christmas carols with strangers by 9pm. Just pace yourself, yeah?
Best for Families: Vienna or Edinburgh 👨👩👧👦
Vienna's Christmas markets are massive on the family-friendly stuff – ice skating trails, carousel rides, puppet shows, and enough sweet treats to keep the kids hyped up until New Year. Edinburgh's got the big wheel, fairground rides right in Princes Street Gardens, and that castle backdrop makes every photo look epic. Both cities are proper safe, both markets are well-organized, and both have enough activities to tire the kids out before bedtime. Winner.
First time at a Christmas market? Here's what you need to know
Cash is still king at most markets
German and Austrian markets especially are still very much cash-based. Larger stalls and some food vendors take cards now, but you'll definitely want euros in your pocket for flexibility.
The mug deposit situation
When you order mulled wine (or Glühwein, or Vin Chaud, or whatever they're calling it locally), you'll pay a deposit for the mug – usually €2-3. You get it back when you return the mug to any stall. Some people collect them as souvenirs (fair enough), but if you want your couple of euros back, keep hold of your mug.
Markets get absolutely rammed
Weekends and evenings are mental, especially in popular spots like Prague's Old Town Square or Vienna's Rathausplatz. If you hate crowds, visit weekday mornings or lunchtimes, and more than a few days before Christmas. That way you'll actually be able to browse without getting elbowed by someone's shopping bag.
You will eat too much
It's impossible not to. Every stall smells incredible, and you'll want to try everything. This is not the holiday for your January diet goals. Embrace it. Have the bratwurst. Try three different types of gingerbread. Get the cheese-covered potato thing. Live your best life.
Your accommodation matters
Being within walking distance of the main markets is absolutely worth it. You can pop back to your hotel to warm up, dump shopping, have a quick rest, and head back out. Trying to navigate public transport while carrying bags of Christmas decorations and slightly tipsy on Glühwein isn't the vibe.
The weather's going to be proper cold
We're not going to sugarcoat this – European Christmas markets in December are cold. We're talking 0-5°C during the day, dropping to -5°C or colder once the sun goes down (which is about 4pm, cheers winter). Snow's pretty common, which looks absolutely gorgeous but makes everything slippery, so decent boots are your mate (we won't mention elf and safety!)
Wrap up like you're going to the Arctic:
Think layers. Thermal underwear (not sexy, but essential), thick winter coat, scarf, gloves, warm hat, and waterproof boots with good grip. You'll be outdoors for hours, walking on potentially icy cobblestones, so trainers aren't going to cut it. Most hotels have cloakrooms if you want to dump your big coat between market sessions.
More Christmas Market dates for 2026
Christmas Market Food & Drink Guide 🍷🌭
Right, let's talk about the really important bit – the food and drink. Because let's be honest, half the reason you're going to a Christmas market is to eat your body weight in festive treats and drink enough mulled wine to forget about your overdraft. Here's what to order when you rock up to those wooden stalls.
The Drinks 🍹
Glühwein / Mulled Wine 🍷 The absolute king of Christmas market drinks. Hot red wine spiced with cinnamon and cloves, served in a mug you can keep as the world's most impractical souvenir. Pro tip: the first one tastes medicinal, the second one tastes great, and by the third one you're proposing marriage to a stranger. Pace yourself.
Punsch / Punch 🥊 Austria and Czech Republic's answer to mulled wine, but made with rum so it's stronger and sweeter. Prague's got about seventeen different flavours. The orange one's safest. The green one? That's a gamble.
Feuerzangenbowle 🔥 Germany's party trick – mulled wine with a rum-soaked sugarloaf SET ON FIRE dripping into it. Extremely dramatic, extremely boozy, extremely good for Instagram. Tastes like Christmas and bad decisions.
Hot Chocolate ☕ Not all heroes wear capes; some come in paper cups covered in whipped cream. Bruges does particularly good ones with actual chocolate shavings. Also brilliant if you're the designated driver.
Eierpunsch 🥚 German eggnog but hot. Like drinking custard in the best possible way. Sounds weird, tastes incredible. Not one for the lactose intolerant though.
The Food 🍽️
Bratwurst / Sausages 🌭 The absolute staple. Every German market has about ninety sausage stands. Served in a bread roll with mustard or just eaten straight off a napkin like a heathen. Can't go wrong with a sausage.
Kartoffelpuffer / Potato Pancakes 🥔 Crispy fried potato served with apple sauce or garlic sauce. Basically posh hash browns. Elite for soaking up all that Glühwein.
Langos 🫓 Hungarian fried bread topped with sour cream and cheese. Budapest markets do these and they're genuinely life-changing. Fills you up for about four hours.
Chimney Cakes / Trdelník 🌀 Sweet spiral pastries coated in cinnamon, often filled with Nutella or ice cream. Everywhere in Prague and Budapest. Instagram gold.
Lebkuchen / Gingerbread 🍪 Not your nan's gingerbread. German Lebkuchen is soft, spiced, often chocolate-covered. Nuremberg's is protected by EU law. You'll see them as hearts with "Ich liebe dich" on them.
Pierogi 🥟 Polish dumplings filled with potato, cheese, or meat. Krakow markets serve these with fried onions on top. Don't share them with anyone.
Goulash 🍲 Hungarian beef stew served in a bread bowl. Perfect for warming up on a freezing December evening. Comes with paprika because this is Hungary and everything has paprika.
Roasted Chestnuts 🌰 Old-school but lovely. Sold in paper cones, hot and sweet. Makes you feel like you're in a Dickens novel, which at Christmas markets is the whole vibe.
Waffles 🧇 Belgium does these best. Sometimes plain with icing sugar, sometimes with chocolate, cream, and strawberries. Belgian waffles are thicker than Dutch ones. Both are good. Eat both.
Candied Almonds 🥜 Roasted almonds coated in cinnamon sugar. Smell incredible, taste even better. You will buy a bag even if you claim you're "just browsing." They're basically crack. Delicious, legal crack.