European Christmas Markets Guide

Merry Christmas!

European Christmas Markets

Your complete Guide to navigating Europe at christmas!

I’ve visited the European Christmas Markets every year for the past decade! And with the growing popularity of these markets there are a few things you should know so that you can plan out a thoughtful and fun itinerary!

This guide contains all my best Xams market tips, intinerary hacks, and personal recommendations!

Start your trip here!

Grab the Goole Map!

I spent a lot of time find the best Christmas markets in each European city I visited! Don’t miss a maket and grab one of my pre-pinned maps here!

Berlin Paris Lisbon

Famous Christmas Market Food by Country

Germany

bratwurst + sauerkraut

Austria

kaiserschmarrn

Czechia

trdelník

Hungary

lángos

Switzerland

fondue in a bread bowl

Poland

pierogi

Belgium

sugar-dusted waffles

italy

apple fritters
  • Gingerbread and candy stall at a Christmas market, decorated like a gingerbread house with festive lights and a cheerful snowman painting.
  • Tall wooden Christmas pyramid structure with candles and nativity figures in Bamberg’s holiday market, surrounded by closed market stalls.
  • A charming white stall at a Paris Christmas market displaying a variety of French cheeses, cured meats, and other delicacies. The booth is adorned with festive decorations and fairy lights, with a small sign promoting "Le Gâteau à la Broche" in front. Bare trees and holiday-themed stalls are visible in the background.
  • A person holding a black cup with gold lettering that reads "Marché de Noël Notre Dame de Paris 2024" in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral, with Christmas market stalls and festive decorations in the background.
  • A charming Parisian café decorated with festive Christmas garlands, red ornaments, and golden baubles, set along a cobblestone street.
  • A festive Christmas bar decorated with garlands and lights at the Humboldt Forum Christmas Market, with the Berlin TV Tower visible in the background.
  • A glass mug of hot cider with snowflake patterns, held up against the backdrop of festive tents and glowing lights at the Britz Castle Medieval Christmas Market.
  • A group of people gathered around wooden tables under small covered stalls with Viking-themed decorations, set in a cobblestone courtyard at a Berlin Christmas market.

    • Itinerary Planning

    Planning Tip: Christmas Market Itinerary

    The key to a great Christmas market itinerary is to not be too ambitious with your schedule. It’s tempting to cram in as many cities as possible, but the real magic happens when you slow down.

    Give yourself time to wander, sip mulled wine without rushing, and soak in the atmosphere. Aim for 2–3 nights per city, and try to group destinations that are well connected by train or short flights. Trust me, less is more when it comes to enjoying the festive season in Europe.

    Best Christmas Market Tips

    drink order

    mulled wine, obviously

    favorite Market

    Strasbourg, France

    always bring

    Cash!

    Best Time to Visit

    Mid-December

    Must Try Market Food

    German-bratwurst

    Always Pack

    Gloves and Power Bank

    Don’t Forget

    Coins for the toilet

    Accomodations

    Book 8-10 weeks out!

    Read More:

    Christmas Market Posts

    Most‑Asked FAQs: European Christmas Markets

    Most markets run from late November through December 23–24. A few stay open until early January in larger cities. Check official sites for exact dates.

    So many people might not agree with me, but I feel like the Cologne Christmas market is fairly overrated as it is beyond crowded and much of what you can find is so commercialized. I would choose smaller cities, like Bremen Germany instead.

    Enjoy glühwein (mulled wine), bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, lebkuchen, stollen, chimney cakes, langos, cinnamon buns, and regional sweets. Anything “healthy” is harder to come by, but you can find more vegan and vegetarian options these days.

    Most open-air markets are free to enter. Fees may apply for indoor attractions, shows, ice rinks, or castle‑based markets.

    Many stalls are cash-only. Keep euros handy, especially for drinks that require a refundable mug deposit (“pfand”).

    Women Only Small Group Tour

    France Christmas Market Tour!

    Are you a woman dreaming of visiting the France Christmas Markets but have no one to go with? Join this exclusive small group tour to the Christmas markets in Paris, Strasbourg, Colmar, and Riquewihr.

    Learn more
    A person holding a black cup with gold lettering that reads "Marché de Noël Notre Dame de Paris 2024" in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral, with Christmas market stalls and festive decorations in the background.