10 magical European Christmas markets to visit this year

When December hits Central Europe, days shorten and temperatures drop, but Christmas markets begin to pop up everywhere, from big cities to small towns. City squares are transformed into a Christmas fairy-tale world of lights, roasted chestnuts, and incense. Although there are similarities across markets, each one has its own feel and its own specialties. We never tire of them. Here are 10 of our favourite Christmas markets across Central Europe.

Staroměstské Náměstí Vánoční trh, Prague

At Prague's main Christmas market, food and craft stalls are organized in the shadows of the surrounding Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Staroměstské Namesti (Old Town Square). This Christmas market is perhaps one of Europe’s youngest, but you would never guess it given its atmosphere and popularity. It's easy to fill up on svařák (hot spiced wine) and sausage while being consumed by the ambience and magical glow of the surroundings. If you get cold, go down one of the side streets in the old town to warm up with a beer or two in a cozy Czech pub.

Pay a visit to Prague on: The Best of Eastern Europe

Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt, Vienna

The origins of the Viennese Christmas Market date from 1296, when Emperor Albrecht I granted citizens the privilege of organizing a Dezembermarkt (December Market). Today, the main Christmas market on the Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square) in Austria's capital is just one of more than a dozen Christmas markets scattered throughout the city, but it's the biggest and most iconic. Locals and tourists take in the Christmas spirit while choosing handmade ornaments for the Christmas tree and warming their hands with mugs of glühwein (mulled wine).

Soak up the Christmas spirit on: Christmas in Central Europe, Berlin to Vienna

Festa della Befana, Rome

Set in the heart of the Italian capital, Rome, Festa della Befana at Piazza Navona brings timeless charm to the festive season. Built atop the ancient Stadium of Domitian, this grand square transforms into a lively European Christmas market filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and the scent of roasted chestnuts lingering in the air. Stalls overflow with handmade ornaments, delicate ceramics, and traditional toys, while local artisans tempt visitors with classic Italian sweets like torrone (nougat) and panettone.

A colourful vintage carousel spins at the centre, surrounded by families and street performers adding to the carnival-like atmosphere. The highlight comes on January 6, when the kind witch Befana visits, bearing gifts for children, a cherished Italian tradition. From early December through Epiphany on January 6, Piazza Navona's Christmas Market captures Rome at its most enchanting: warm, welcoming, and full of holiday spirit beneath the glow of its glittering Christmas tree.

Dip into the magic of Rome’s Christmas markets on: Christmas in Italy: Rome to Venice

Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, Munich

Munich's Christmas Market at Marienplatz (St Mary's Square) was the first Christmas market we ever visited in Europe, so it will always hold a special place in our hearts. Set in the German city's medieval square, it’s also Munich's oldest. This Christmas market was where we first encountered Räuchermänner ("smoking men"), carved wooden figures that represent every type of profession. Burn a cone of incense inside and watch a plume of smoke emerge from the mouth for endless amusement. Don't forget to check out the nativity scene crafters and manger stalls between bites of your bratwurst.

Get into the German Christmas spirit on: Christmas in Central Europe, Vienna to Berlin

Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg

Nuremberg's Christmas market is the big one in Germany. It's the largest in the country and takes up the entire square of Nuremberg's Old Town. Dating from the mid-16th century, it's also one of Europe's oldest, and tradition still runs deep, from the grand opening by the Christkind, a golden-robed angel who welcomes visitors from the church balcony, to the scent of roasted almonds and sizzling bratwurst filling the air.

Although some may say it has become a bit commercialized over the years, it's still great fun and features an atmosphere that’s impossible not to get swept up in. Wander between red and white striped stalls selling hand-carved ornaments and Nuremberg's famous lebkuchen (gingerbread), or warm your hands on a mug of glühwein as carolers sing nearby. If you’d like to escape the crowds, head to the Kinderweihnacht (Children's Christmas Market) to watch — or join — kids baking cookies and crafting decorations.

Soak up the Christmas spirit on: Christmas in Central Europe, Berlin to Vienna

Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy, Wrocław

Few European Christmas markets feel as magical as Wrocław's Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy in the city's picture-perfect Rynek Główny (Market Square). Framed by rows of colourful townhouses, the market in Poland fills the heart of Wrocław with festive cheer each winter season. Wooden chalets are full to the brim with handcrafted gifts, local artisan products, and festive decorations, while the air carries the scent of Polish food like sizzling kiełbasa (smoked sausage), sweet gingerbread, and hearty bigos, a traditional hearty stew.

Between bites, enjoy traditional live music, street theatre, and plenty of activities for kids that bring the city's rich traditions to life. Keep an eye out for Wrocław's famous gnome statues dressed up for the season, and don’t miss the opportunity to admire the photogenic Christmas tree, set in the heart of the square. With its food stalls, joyous energy, and storybook setting, Wrocław’s Christmas market perfectly captures the magic of the festive season in Central Europe.

Feel Wrocław's magic on: Christmas in Poland: From Warsaw to Krakow

Christmas Fair, Budapest

The Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty Square in Budapest is one of the continent's most polished and joyful festive gatherings. Set against the Hungarian capital's elegant and impressive architecture, this market combines the best of both tradition and festivity. Wooden cabins house artisan-crafted gifts such as ceramics, textiles, and folk‐art objects, all curated through an expert jury to guarantee quality.

As you wander beneath twinkling lights and breathe in the aroma of chimney cakes and hearty goulash stew, you sense how the local culture blends with the winter celebration. The square hums with live folk music, children’s workshops, and live music events on the weekend, making the event more than just shopping — it’s a full-on seasonal experience. There’s also another fantastic market at St Stephen's Basilica, which has its own ice rink, so test out your skills and try not to faceplant!

Explore Budapest’s Christmas Fair on: Christmas in Eastern Europe: Zagreb to Budapest

Hellbrunn Adventzauber, Salzburg

Just outside of Salzburg, the Hellbrunn Adventzauber in Austria transforms the baroque Hellbrunn Palace into one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in not just Europe, but arguably the world too. For nearly two decades, this enchanting event has turned the palace courtyard into a glowing forest of more than 700 conifer trees, each glittering with red baubles and an array of lights. The palace facade itself becomes a giant Advent calendar.

Visitors can browse artisan stalls filled with handmade gifts, sample Austrian specialties like roasted chestnuts and glühwein, and warm up by toasty, crackling fires. Kids will love the festive touches, from the petting zoo and mini train to the magical Krampus World, celebrating traditional Alpine folklore of the spooky half-goat, half-demon figure accompanying St Nicholas. Framed by the palace's fountains and snow-dusted gardens, Hellbrunn's Christmas Market offers an unforgettable blend of history, family fun, and fairy-tale ambience — it has to be seen to be believed.

Discover Salzburg's Christmas market on: Christmas in Central Europe, Berlin to Vienna

Weihnachtsmarkt, Florence

Florence's Weihnachtsmarkt at Piazza Santa Croce brings a touch of Germany to Tuscany, but with unmistakable Italian flair. Set before the magnificent Basilica di Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world, the square bursts with colour and festive scenes as wooden chalets line the cobblestones, brimming with gifts, ornaments, and regional treats. Inspired by traditional German markets, it offers plenty of mulled wine, strudel, and Heidelberg lebkuchen, as well as Florentine favourites like panforte (a honeyed Tuscan dessert) and handcrafted leather goods remind visitors where they are.

The lively and cheery atmosphere, with Christmas music echoing off Renaissance facades, makes this one of the most charming European Christmas markets south of the Alps. A short stroll from Santa Croce leads to the Piazza del Duomo, where a grand nativity scene and a towering Christmas tree shine nightly through December.

Live la dolce vita any time of year on: Highlights of Italy

Berlin's Christmas Markets

In the same way that Berlin doesn't have just one city centre, it also doesn't have just one main Christmas market. An estimated 60 markets are spread throughout the city, each with its own personality, specialties, and distinct atmosphere. Many of the neighbourhoods also host their own local markets for one weekend during Advent. Visit as many as you can while you’re in town. Two of our favourite Berlin Christmas markets include Gendarmenmarkt and the market at Charlottenburg Palace, both for their accessibility, as well as for a bit of tradition in a beautiful setting, especially when the sun goes down.

Soak up the Christmas spirit on: Christmas in Central Europe, Berlin to Vienna