Picture you’re standing in a cobblestone square, breath visible in the crisp December air, holding a steaming cup of mulled wine while thousands of twinkling lights dance overhead.

The smell of roasted chestnuts and gingerbread mingles with pine, and somewhere nearby, a choir is singing carols that make everything feel exactly like Christmas should.

That’s the magic of European Christmas markets.

And while there are hundreds scattered across the continent, some stand head and shoulders above the rest.

We’ve done the research, checked the dates, and compiled the definitive list of 2025 Christmas markets that deliver that once-in-a-lifetime festive experience.

From a market wrapped around WWII ruins in Berlin to a 455-year-old tradition in Strasbourg, here are the ten European Christmas markets you absolutely need to visit this year.

1. Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche Christmas Market — Berlin, Germany

Source: berlin.de

There’s something profoundly moving about celebrating Christmas beside a bombed-out church tower.

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church stands as Berlin’s most powerful reminder of wartime destruction — and wrapping a glittering Christmas market around its ruins creates a contrast that’s both haunting and hopeful.

This is where history meets modern Berlin.

The market sits at Breitscheidplatz, the bustling heart of the city’s west, with over 170 wooden stalls selling handmade ornaments, traditional toys, and glass art. A 7-metre Christmas tree towers over everything, and on New Year’s Eve, fireworks light up the sky at 6 pm, 8 pm, 10 pm, and midnight.

It’s one of the most photographed Christmas scenes in Europe — and one of the longest-running markets in Berlin, staying open until January 4th, when most others have packed up.

• Location: Breitscheidplatz, Charlottenburg District, directly beside Zoologischer Garten station
• Dates: November 24, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Sun-Thu 11 am - 9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am- 10 pm
• Transport: S+U Zoologischer Garten (direct access)

Highlights

This year, UGREEN is participating in the Christmas market festivities. To make your visit even more memorable, UGREEN is bringing a full lineup of festive activities, gifts, and on-site experiences to the Gedächtniskirche Christmas Market. Whether you’re recharging your phone, taking seasonal photos, or trying your luck at one of the booth’s games, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday spirit.

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What to Eat & Drink

Classic Glühwein (mulled wine), Bratwurst straight off the grill, gingerbread, and candied fruit. For something heartier, try the mushroom stir-fry or a proper German steak sandwich.

Pro tip: This is one of the rare Berlin markets that stays open through Christmas and New Year. The annual charitable mulled wine sale supports the Berlin Red Cross “Wärmebus” for homeless people — a lovely tradition that makes your Glühwein taste even better.

2. Vienna Christmas Dream & Christkindlmarkt — Vienna, Austria

Source: vactionscript.com

Vienna doesn’t do Christmas markets. Vienna has Christmas experiences.

The Rathausplatz market transforms the square in front of Vienna’s Gothic City Hall into something that feels genuinely royal. The illuminated Rathaus becomes your backdrop, over 100 stalls spread across the square, and Europe’s largest connected outdoor ice rink winds through the adjacent park.

This tradition stretches back to 1296, when Albrecht I granted Vienna the privilege of holding a December market.

Today, it draws nearly 3 million visitors who come for the heart-shaped decorations, the magical “Heart Tree” light show, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts elegant and festive.

• Location: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna, in front of Vienna City Hall
• Dates: November 14 – December 26, 2025
• Admission: Free (ice skating is separate)
• Hours: Daily 10 am - 10 pm (Dec 24, 10 am - 6:30 pm)
• Transport: U2 to Rathaus station, or tram lines 1, 71, D to Rathausplatz/Burgtheater

Highlights

Every half hour from dusk until 9 pm, watch a glowing heart travel from the Rathaus to the Heart Tree, slowly illuminating it in a magical display. Live Advent singing happens Friday through Sunday (3:30 pm - 7 pm), and brass bands perform at the Christmas tree daily from late November through December 23rd.

What to Eat & Drink

Austrian Glühwein, Punsch (fruity spiced punch with a kick), roasted chestnuts, and Lebkuchen. Vienna’s market also offers organic and vegan options — surprisingly progressive for such a traditional setting.

Pro tip: Go late afternoon for the perfect balance: dusk light, fewer crowds than evening, and time for a Mozart concert afterwards. The ice rink stays open until January 6th if you miss the market itself.

3. Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik — Strasbourg, France

Source: Travel Enjoy

When a city calls itself the “Capital of Christmas,” it better deliver. Strasbourg does.

This is Europe’s oldest Christmas market, established in 1570 — that’s 455 years of perfecting the festive experience. The market spreads across the Grande Île (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), with 13 distinct markets weaving through timber-framed streets and culminating at the cathedral square.

The star of the show?

A 30-metre Christmas tree at Place Kléber — the tallest decorated tree in Europe — which comes alive every hour with a spectacular light and music show. Strasbourg blends French elegance with German tradition, and the result is pure Christmas magic.

• Location: Place Broglie, Cathedral Square, and 11 other locations across Grande Île
• Dates: November 26 (2 pm) – December 24, 2025 (6 pm)
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Daily 11:30 am - 9 pm
• Transport: TGV from Paris (1h 50), Eurostar via Paris from London (5-6 hours)

Highlights

Walk through the illuminated “Porte des Lumières” (Door of Lights) at rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Poissons for the official entrance to the Capital of Christmas. The OFF Market offers a sustainable alternative with shipping container stalls and eco-friendly gifts.

What to Eat & Drink

Vin chaud (mulled wine), Bredele cookies in every flavour imaginable, Fortwenger gingerbread, pretzels, and flammekueche (Alsatian tarte flambée). The food here might be the best of any European market.

Pro tip: Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. Car traffic is banned from Grande Île during the market — arrive by train. Combine with Colmar (30 minutes by train) for the ultimate Alsace Christmas experience.

4. Colmar Christmas Markets — Colmar, France

Source: Luxtripper

If Strasbourg is the Capital of Christmas, Colmar is its fairy-tale cousin.

This small Alsatian town might be the most photogenic Christmas destination in Europe. Colourful half-timbered houses line narrow medieval streets, canals reflect thousands of twinkling lights, and six themed markets spread across the old town like something from a storybook.

Colmar has been voted “Europe’s Best Christmas Market” — and when you’re standing in Little Venice watching a children’s choir sing carols from traditional flat-bottomed boats, you’ll understand why.

• Location: Old Town — Place des Dominicains, Petite Venise (Little Venice), Place Jeanne d’Arc
• Dates: November 25 – December 29, 2025
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Mon-Thu 11 am - 7 pm, Fri-Sun 10 am - 8 pm
• Transport: Direct trains from Strasbourg (30 min, ~€15), TGV from Paris (2.5 hours)

Highlights

Six distinct markets, each with its own character. The Gourmet Market stays open until January 4th with a Ferris wheel offering views over the illuminated town. Kids can post letters in the giant Santa mailbox at Little Venice — and actually receive replies.

What to Eat & Drink

Vin chaud (try both red and white versions), Bredele cookies, Kugelhopf (ring-shaped sweet bread), and foie gras. For something unique, look for Nut’Alsace — small Alsatian cookies you won’t find elsewhere.

Pro tip: Downtown Colmar closes to vehicles during the market. Use the P+R Bleylé parking with free shuttle service. Weekday mornings offer the most peaceful strolling — weekend evenings are magical but packed.

5. Prague Old Town Square Christmas Market — Prague, Czech Republic

Source: visitcroatia.com

Gothic spires, astronomical clocks, and one of the most dramatic Christmas backdrops on the planet.

Prague’s Old Town Square transforms into something cinematic every December. A towering Christmas tree (26 metres this year, from the Ústí nad Labem region) stands against the dark silhouettes of the Church of Our Lady before Týn, while smoke, lights, and the sound of bells create an atmosphere that feels genuinely medieval.

USA Today readers voted it among the world’s most beautiful Christmas markets. CNN Travel agrees. And with the market running until January 6th, Prague offers one of the longest festive seasons in Europe.

• Location: Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), between the Astronomical Clock and Church of Our Lady before Týn
• Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 6, 2026
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Daily 10 am - 10 pm (food stalls until midnight)
• Transport: Metro to Staroměstské náměstí (A line) or Můstek (A/B lines)

Highlights

The Christmas tree lights up with an hourly audio-visual show set to music. Live folklore performances and Christmas carols run daily from 4 pm to 7 pm. Climb the Old Town Hall Tower for a panoramic view of the entire glittering market below.

What to Eat & Drink

Svařené víno (Czech mulled wine), trdelník (the ubiquitous spiral grilled pastry), hot mead, Prague ham, and roasted chestnuts. Everything here is 100% BIO and compostable — even the cups.

Pro tip: For a more local, less crowded experience, visit Náměstí Míru market instead (opens November 20th). Weekday mornings at Old Town Square are your best bet for avoiding the masses.

6. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland — London, United Kingdom

Source: licenseglobal.com

This isn’t a Christmas market. This is a full-scale winter theme park.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland spreads across 350 acres with over 150 rides and attractions. There’s the UK’s biggest outdoor ice rink (wrapped around a Victorian bandstand), roller coasters, circus shows, and yes — a traditional Christmas market too.

Now celebrating its 18th year, Winter Wonderland attracts 2.5 million visitors annually. It’s young, energetic, and brilliantly over-the-top.

• Location: Hyde Park, Westminster — entrances at Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, and Knightsbridge
• Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 1, 2026
• Admission: Off-peak free, Standard £5, Peak £7.50 (attractions extra)
• Hours: Daily 10 am - 10 pm (closed Christmas Day)
• Transport: Tube to Marble Arch (Central), Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly), or Knightsbridge (Piccadilly)

Highlights

New for 2025: Luminarie Lane, a premium marketplace with an Italian-designed light installation. The Magical Ice Kingdom features 500 tonnes of ice and snow. Cirque Berserk: IGNITE! promises the most thrilling circus show yet. The 70-metre Giant Wheel offers unbeatable London skyline views.

What to Eat & Drink

Bavarian beers and bratwurst in the Bavarian Village, mulled wine, and street food from London’s best vendors. New this year: Jingle Bell Bistro, a street food market designed specifically for kids.

Pro tip: Book tickets in advance for weekends and school holidays — this one sells out. The Five Peaks Pass gives fast-track access to the five biggest rides. Arrive early to fit in more attractions.

7. Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market — Copenhagen, Denmark

Source: tivoli.dk

The world’s second-oldest amusement park transforms into a Nordic fairy tale every winter.

Tivoli Gardens has been creating Christmas magic since 1843. During the festive season, over 70,000 ornaments and 1,000+ decorated trees fill the park, while five million lights create that distinctly Scandinavian winter glow. CNN named it one of the world’s best Christmas markets.

It feels like stepping into a Hans Christian Andersen story — which makes sense, given you’re in Copenhagen.

• Location: Tivoli Gardens, Vesterbrogade 3 — directly opposite Copenhagen Central Station
• Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (closed December 24)
• Admission: Paid entry required (check Tivoli website for current prices)
• Hours: Daily 11 am - 10 pm (Fri - Sat until 11 pm)
• Transport: Copenhagen Central Station (directly opposite)

Highlights

Around 60 wooden market stalls, an ice skating rink, all park rides open, and the Tivoli Youth Guard marching band performing daily. Santa visits daily at the Open-Air Stage. New productions for 2025 include “Tinkas Juleeventyr” musical and “The Snow Queen” ballet.

What to Eat & Drink

Gløgg (Danish mulled wine) served with almonds and dried fruit, æbleskiver (fluffy pancake balls with jam and powdered sugar), and flæskesteg (roast pork sandwich with crispy skin). Book a proper julbord (Christmas buffet) at one of the park restaurants for the full experience.

Pro tip: Visit after 4 pm when the lights switch on — the park transforms completely. Weekday afternoons (Tuesday to Thursday, 2 - 6 pm) offer smaller crowds. Opening day (November 14th, 6 pm) features the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

8. Brussels Winter Wonders — Brussels, Belgium

Source: poferries.com

The Grand-Place light show alone is worth the trip.

Every evening, Brussels projects a spectacular 3D sound and light show onto the Gothic façades of its UNESCO-listed Grand-Place. It’s jaw-dropping. Add to that a 2.5km trail of markets connecting the city’s most beautiful squares, over 250 wooden chalets, and nearly 2.5 million annual visitors, and you’ve got one of Europe’s biggest Christmas celebrations.

Unlike most European markets, Brussels stays open through Christmas and New Year — perfect if your schedule doesn’t align with traditional advent dates.

• Location: Grand-Place, Place Sainte-Catherine, Marché aux Poissons, Place de Brouckère
• Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• Admission: Free (ice skating €10 adults, €5 children)
• Hours: Daily 12 pm - 10 pm (Dec 24 & 31: 12 pm - 6 pm)
• Transport: Brussels-Central Station (5 min walk to Grand-Place), Eurostar direct from London

Highlights

The Grand-Place light show runs hourly Sunday-Thursday, every 30 minutes Friday-Saturday (5 pm - 10 pm). A life-size Nativity scene with real animals sits beside the towering Christmas tree. The Ferris wheel at Marché aux Poissons offers city views, and ice skating/curling runs at Place de Brouckère.

What to Eat & Drink

Belgian waffles (obviously), frites from one of the legendary stands, Glühwein, tartiflette, and raclette. The Canadian stalls at Sainte-Catherine serve poutine and maple syrup treats.

Pro tip: Avoid weekends if you can — crowds are intense. Grand-Place has no market stalls, but it’s essential for the light show. Combine with the Bruges Christmas Market (1 hour by train), which also stays open through early January.

9. Budapest Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty Square — Budapest, Hungary

Source: Budapest-travel-tips.com

Eastern Europe’s most romantic Christmas market, with a strict focus on quality.

Vörösmarty Square sits at the end of Budapest’s famous Váci utca shopping street, in front of the elegant Café Gerbeaud. The market that fills it every winter showcases Hungary’s finest folk traditions — wood carving, pottery, embroidery, lace work — all judged by a strict panel to ensure authenticity.

There’s live folk music, a miniature railway for kids, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely intimate despite the crowds. And when you’re done, the thermal baths are waiting.

• Location: Vörösmarty Square (Vörösmarty tér), District V, at the end of Váci Street
• Dates: November 14 – December 31, 2025
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Mon-Thu & Sun 11 am - 9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
• Transport: Metro M1 (Yellow line) to Vörösmarty tér (direct)

Highlights

Light projections on Café Gerbeaud’s façade, daily concerts spanning folk to jazz to world music, and a free miniature railway for children. The nearby St. Stephen’s Basilica market (5-minute walk) features an ice rink and nightly light shows projected onto the Basilica itself.

What to Eat & Drink

Kürtőskalács (chimney cake) is the signature — spiral dough grilled over charcoal and coated in sugar. Add goulash, lángos (fried dough), mangalica pork products, and forralt bor (Hungarian mulled wine). Finish with pálinka if you’re brave.

Pro tip: Card payment only — no cash accepted at vendors. Combine with St. Stephen’s Basilica market for the complete Budapest Christmas experience. The thermal baths (Széchenyi or Gellért) offer a uniquely Hungarian way to warm up afterwards.

10. Liseberg Christmas Market — Gothenburg, Sweden

Source: liseberg.se

Five million lights. Seven hundred Christmas trees. Sweden’s largest Christmas market, and possibly the most magical Nordic illumination in Europe.

Liseberg Amusement Park has been creating Christmas magic for over a century. During the festive season, the historic park transforms into a winter wonderland with multiple themed market areas, an ice rink, and rides that stay open through the cold — including a 100-year-old wooden roller coaster.

The “light waterfall” effect created by millions of white LEDs is genuinely breathtaking. Combined with real snow (usually), real reindeer, and Scandinavian design sensibility, this is Christmas done the Swedish way.

• Location: Liseberg Amusement Park, Örgrytevägen 5, Gothenburg
• Dates: November 15 – December 30, 2025 (selected dates — check website)
• Admission: Paid entry required
• Hours: Fri 4 pm - 10 pm, Sat 1 pm - 10 pm, Sun 1 pm - 8 pm (varies by date)
• Transport: Tram to Korsvägen

Highlights

Multiple themed markets: “Gammaldags Jul” (Old-Fashioned Christmas), the Tyrolean Market with après-ski vibes, and a Scandinavian design market. Around 80 rustic stalls, Santa’s Cabin, and park rides running through the season. The Liseberg Tower now features a journey through the park’s 100+ year history.

What to Eat & Drink

Glögg (Swedish mulled wine), pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies), lussekatter (saffron buns), Swedish meatballs, and reindeer sausage. Book a julbord (Christmas buffet) at one of the park restaurants for the full Swedish Christmas feast.

Pro tip: Book tickets in advance, especially for weekends. The magic really happens after 4 pm when December’s early sunset lets the lights shine. Combine with the free Haga district market (weekends) for a complete Gothenburg Christmas. Dress extremely warmly — this is Scandinavia in winter.

Final Thoughts

Each of these markets offers something different. Berlin gives you history and emotion. Vienna delivers elegance. Strasbourg and Colmar transport you to a fairy tale. Prague creates drama. London goes big. Copenhagen feels like a storybook. Brussels dazzles with light. Budapest warms with folk tradition. And Gothenburg illuminates the Nordic night.

The best European Christmas market? That depends entirely on what you’re looking for.

But whichever you choose, you’ll find yourself standing in a cobblestone square, mulled wine in hand, lights dancing overhead — and for a moment, everything will feel exactly like Christmas should.