The Christmas season in Europe brings a festive charm that transforms towns and cities into dazzling winter wonderlands. With twinkling lights, wooden stalls selling handcrafted treasures, the smell of mulled wine, and the sound of holiday carols, European Christmas markets are some of the most magical destinations in the world. With the Christmas season being round the clock in 2 months, here’s a roundup of the top Christmas markets to visit in 2025-26!

1. Liseberg Christmas Market, Gothenburg, Sweden

Dates: November 15 – December 30, 2025

Liseberg Amusement Park in Gothenburg is transformed into a spectacular Christmas wonderland each winter. With over 5 million sparkling lights, this is one of Scandinavia’s largest Christmas markets. Visitors can enjoy traditional Swedish delicacies, browse through stalls offering handmade gifts, and take a ride on the park’s attractions, including the iconic ice skating rink. The Christmas market at Liseberg is perfect for families, featuring Santa’s workshop, cozy cafés, a Christmas tree maze with Christmas lights, fire pits and carols playing throughout the amusement park. Stalls are set up serving hot chocolates and waffles. 

Must-try: Swedish glögg (mulled wine) paired with gingerbread cookies. Cannot miss the Warm up with “julmust,” a traditional Swedish Christmas drink with saffron buns.

2. Copenhagen Christmas Market, Denmark

Dates: November 15 – December 31, 2025

Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens hosts a fairy-tale Christmas market with a distinct Scandinavian charm. The amusement park is transformed into a winter wonderland, with thousands of twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and traditional Danish decorations. Visitors can enjoy festive rides, hot drinks, and Nordic treats while walking through the park’s illuminated paths. It’s a perfect family-friendly market with a warm, cozy ambiance.

Must-try: Æbleskiver (Danish pancake balls) served with jam and powdered sugar.

3. Vienna Christmas Markets, Austria

Dates: November 14 – December 31, 2025

Vienna is home to several Christmas markets, with the main one being at Rathausplatz, in front of the city’s stunning town hall. This market is like stepping into a fairy tale, with over 150 stalls selling ornaments, gifts, and Viennese delicacies. Ice skating rinks and a children’s workshop add to the family-friendly fun. Another notable market is the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, where the setting adds an extra touch of elegance to the festive spirit.

Must-try: The Viennese “punsch” (spiced punch), a hot drink with a mix of wine, rum, and fruit juices.

4. Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany

Dates: November 29 – December 24, 2025

Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is an iconic German Christmas market set in the picturesque Hauptmarkt square. Known for its strict tradition of selling only handmade products, this market exudes authenticity. The opening ceremony, led by the Christkind (a childlike angel figure), is a breathtaking spectacle. The market boasts around 180 stalls offering Nuremberg bratwurst, gingerbread, and mulled wine.

Must-try: The famous Nuremberg Lebkuchen (gingerbread), a sweet treat often spiced with cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

5. Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia

Dates: November 22, 2025 – January 7, 2026

Tallinn’s Christmas market is often voted one of the best in Europe, with its medieval setting making it truly unique. Located in the Town Hall Square, this market offers an intimate and cozy atmosphere, surrounded by historic buildings and snow-capped rooftops. The market is known for its authentic Estonian handicrafts and traditional food. The towering Christmas tree, a tradition since 1441, stands proudly in the center of the square.

Must-try: Blood sausages served with sauerkraut, a traditional Estonian Christmas dish and chocolate mini pancakes with hot mulled wine is a not to miss combination.

6. Munich Christmas Market, Germany

Dates: November 27 – December 24, 2025

Munich’s Marienplatz is the heart of the city’s main Christmas market, one of the oldest in Germany, dating back to the 14th century. The market offers a beautiful blend of Bavarian traditions with stalls selling wooden toys, glass ornaments, and local specialties. The highlight of Munich’s market is the stunning backdrop of the New Town Hall, which towers over the festive scene. There’s also a Kripperlmarkt (Nativity market) nearby, offering beautiful Nativity figures.

Must-try: Enjoy a steaming mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) or Feuerzangenbowle (a flaming version of mulled wine with a sugarloaf).

7. Other famous Christmas Markets

A. Striezelmarkt, Dresden, Germany [Dates: November 27 – December 24, 2025]

As one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt dates back to 1434. This traditional market is famous for its enormous Christmas pyramid, Stollen fruitcake, and a cozy holiday atmosphere. 

B. Colmar Christmas Market, France [Dates: November 23 – December 29, 2025]

Nestled in the Alsace region, Colmar’s Christmas market feels like stepping into a French winter fairy tale. Be sure to explore the indoor food market, where you can sample local Alsace wines and Flammekueche (a flatbread with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon).

C. Prague Christmas Market, Czech Republic [Dates: November 30, 2025 – January 6, 2026]

Prague’s Old Town Square is transformed into a magical wonderland during the Christmas season. The main market is located in the heart of the Old Town, with a giant Christmas tree dominating the square. Visitors can enjoy live performances, hearty Czech food, and buy handcrafted gifts from the many stalls. Trdelník, a sweet, chimney-shaped pastry dusted with cinnamon sugar and often filled with whipped cream or ice cream is a must try.

D. Budapest Christmas Fair, Hungary [Dates: November 23, 2025 – January 1, 2026]

Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful in Central Europe. Don’t miss the light show projected onto the St. Stephen’s Basilica during the evenings. Kürtőskalács (chimney cake), a sweet, spiral-shaped dough grilled over an open fire, topped with sugar and cinnamon is a must try.

E. Brussels Winter Wonders, Belgium [Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 5, 2026]

Brussels hosts one of the largest Christmas festivals in Europe, known as Winter Wonders. Spread across several locations in the city, the market includes a gigantic Ferris wheel, an ice skating rink, and over 200 chalets selling everything from Belgian chocolates, waffles to crafts. The city’s Grand Place is the highlight, with its majestic Christmas tree and sound-and-light show that brings the historic square to life.