Culture & Travel
13 May 2025The twinkling lights, decorated trees, and delicious scents wafting from festive stalls—it’s that heartwarming time of year again, when Christmas markets begin to appear despite the winter chill.
Christmas markets originally began in Germany. One of the oldest is in Dresden, with records dating back to 1434. Over the past 20 years, these markets have spread all across Europe. Whether you're sipping mulled wine, following the scent of cinnamon, or simply soaking in the magical atmosphere, these five Christmas markets across different European cities might just inspire your next holiday destination.
1. Colmar Christmas Market (November 24 – December 29)
The popularity of Christmas markets in Colmar and the surrounding villages is well deserved—and impossible to ignore. Colmar alone hosts six different markets. Some are tailored just for children, others are set among trees, and some are dedicated entirely to gourmet treats. The best part? All of them are within walking distance of each other.
Colmar’s convenient location also makes it easy to explore nearby villages during your trip. Thanks to the special Christmas Shuttle service running throughout the festive season, you can visit Eguisheim any day of the week. On weekends, the shuttle also takes visitors to the charming villages of Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Ribeauvillé—with a ticket you can simply purchase from the driver.
And if you're flying into or out of Basel-Mulhouse Airport, you might even set aside a little time to explore the Basel Christmas Market as well.
2. Budapest Christmas Market (November 18 – January 1)
Budapest is charming at any time of the year, especially with its magical nighttime lighting—but during the Christmas season, the city takes on a whole new sparkle with festive markets and ice skating. The must-visit address for the Christmas market is Vörösmarty Square, right in the heart of the city at the end of the shopping street Váci Utca.
Here, you’ll find plenty of food stalls, handmade crafts, and free concerts. If you want to try a traditional cinnamon-flavored treat, don’t miss Hungary’s beloved chimney cake—locally known as kürtőskalács.
Besides several other Christmas markets in the city, Budapest is also famous for its thermal baths. Whether during the day or in the evening, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath is a great place to unwind after exploring the markets. And if you're up for ice skating, just add City Park Ice Rink to your map—it’s a winter classic.
3. Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market, Copenhagen (November 19 – December 31)
If you're looking for a festive experience inside a theme park, Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen transforms into a Winter Wonderland as Christmas approaches—with over half a million sparkling lights, thousands of ornaments, and countless Christmas trees.
Tivoli is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, and during this season, it adopts a fully festive theme. If you happen to be there on opening day, November 19, don’t miss the lighting ceremony when all the trees come to life. In 2022, for the first time, a Christmas tree is also planned to be placed in the middle of the Tivoli Lake.
Since Tivoli is a paid-entry park, it offers much more than your typical Christmas market. With around 60 Nordic-style wooden stalls, along with rides, shows, festive events, and dining areas, you can easily spend an entire day here. If time allows, take a lovely walk around Nyhavn and climb Rundetårn for a panoramic view of the city.
4. Tallinn Christmas Market (November 25 – January 8)
If you’ve never considered visiting Estonia before and you're looking for a Christmas market that lasts well into the new year, Tallinn might be the perfect destination. Here, Christmas is celebrated on January 7 by those who follow the Russian Orthodox Church, which means the markets stay open longer than most—giving you a better chance of experiencing a snowy, storybook-style holiday.
Tallinn’s main Christmas market takes place in the Town Hall Square, where, according to tradition, Europe’s very first Christmas tree was displayed back in 1441. This makes the Tallinn Christmas tree the most historically significant in Estonia.
With carousels, a charming Christmas train, and an expanded selection of food and drink stalls planned for this year, the Tallinn Christmas Market is scheduled to be open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
5. Christmas Markets in Germany (November 23 – December 24)
When it comes to Christmas markets, Germany is in a league of its own. With a rich tradition dating back centuries, nearly every city offers its own version of a festive market during the holiday season. Rather than focusing on just one, here are a few standouts worth mentioning:
Striezelmarkt in Dresden is one of the oldest documented Christmas markets in Germany. Held in Altmarkt Square, it features enchanting wooden stalls, a beautifully lit carousel, and a Ferris wheel that all come together to create a magical winter scene.
Nuremberg’s Christmas Market is not only among the oldest but also one of the most famous in the world. It welcomes over 2 million visitors each year, making it an ideal spot for those who love the energy and excitement of festive crowds.
If you’d like to see a Christmas market set against the dramatic backdrop of a grand cathedral, then Cologne is a must. Located in the heart of the city and surrounded by historic architecture, the market near the Cologne Cathedral is filled with beautifully decorated food and drink stalls. Frequent flight connections also make Cologne an easy choice for a short holiday escape.
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