Top 10 Christmas Markets 2025: The Best Places to Visit in Europe This Winter

If you’re planning a winter trip to Europe, there’s a good chance Christmas markets are already somewhere on your list. And if they aren’t, they probably should be. From late November through December, city squares across the continent turn into glowing winter villages filled with lights, wooden stalls, hot wine, and more decorations than any city technically needs.

This guide to the Top 10 Christmas Markets 2025 focuses on places that combine atmosphere, setting, and overall experience — not just rows of souvenir stalls. A quick historical note before we start: Christmas markets date back to the late Middle Ages in German-speaking Europe, and some of the cities on this list have been hosting winter markets for over 500 years.

If you want one winter trip that actually feels different from the rest of the year, this is it.

Top 10 Christmas Markets 2025 in Europe

Vienna, Austria – Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market

Vienna does Christmas markets on a grand scale, and the one in front of Schönbrunn Palace is the most impressive setting in the city. The former imperial residence becomes a huge illuminated backdrop, and the market spreads across the forecourt with plenty of space to walk around. It feels elegant, spacious, and very “Vienna.”

Strasbourg, France – The Capital of Christmas

Strasbourg calls itself the Capital of Christmas for a reason. The city has been hosting markets since 1570, and during December the entire old town turns into one big festive zone. You’ll find markets around the cathedral, along the river, and tucked into smaller streets, which makes it feel more like a Christmas district than a single event.

Nuremberg, Germany – Christkindlesmarkt

This is one of the most traditional markets in Europe, and also one of the strictest. The stalls follow rules about what can be sold and how everything should look. Nuremberg is famous for its gingerbread and small sausages, and this is one of the best places to try both in a classic setting.

Prague, Czech Republic – Old Town Square Christmas Market

Prague already looks like a fairytale in winter, and the Old Town Square market sits right in the middle of it. Gothic buildings, the astronomical clock, and a massive Christmas tree make this one of the most photogenic stops on this list. It gets busy, but the atmosphere is worth it.

Copenhagen, Denmark – Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market

This one is different because it’s inside Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park that already feels like a fantasy world. At Christmas, it becomes even more theatrical, with lights, themed decorations, and very well-designed food stalls. A good choice if you want something less traditional and more playful.

Budapest, Hungary – St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market

Set in front of one of Budapest’s most impressive buildings, this market combines strong location with excellent food stalls. In the evenings, light projections often appear on the basilica, turning the whole square into a small light show. It’s compact, cozy, and easy to combine with sightseeing.

London, England – Winter Wonderland Hyde Park

This is not a classic old-town Christmas market. It’s big, loud, and more like a winter festival. You’ll find rides, shows, ice skating, and food from all over Europe. If you want something energetic and very busy, this is London’s main Christmas event.

Brussels, Belgium – Winter Wonders

Brussels spreads its Christmas market across several parts of the city, connected by light installations. You get a mix of stalls, a ferris wheel, and a lot of Belgian food involved. Waffles, fries, chocolate, and hot wine turn out to be a very convincing winter combination.

Basel, Switzerland – Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz

Basel’s Christmas market focuses more on quality than size. It’s calm, well organized, and feels more refined than many larger markets. The Münsterplatz section in particular has a very relaxed, almost village-like atmosphere.

Cologne, Germany – The Cathedral Christmas Market

Cologne has several Christmas markets, but the one next to the cathedral is the most dramatic. The cathedral is enormous, and having a market right next to it makes everything feel more impressive. It’s also a great base if you want to visit multiple markets in one trip.

When is the best time to visit?

For most destinations, late November through mid-December is the sweet spot. Earlier usually means fewer crowds. Closer to Christmas means better atmosphere, but also significantly more people. In 2025, most markets are expected to open sometime between mid and late November, with many closing just before Christmas.

Is it worth planning a whole trip around this?

Yes. Christmas markets are one of the few seasonal things in Europe that genuinely live up to expectations. They’re not just about shopping. They’re about walking through historic cities at night, warming up with something hot to drink, and seeing familiar places completely transformed.

If you’re combining cities, Vienna and Prague or Cologne and Strasbourg make especially easy and logical pairings. A trip built around the Top 10 Christmas Markets 2025 can easily become one of the most memorable European trips you’ll ever take.