Colmar, France: A Fairytale Christmas
When: November 24 to December 29
Website: christmas.alsace
Just over two hours from Paris, Colmar transforms into a fairy-tale town during Christmas. With six markets in the Medieval town center, wooden chalets offer artisan crafts, gourmet food, and the renowned Alsatian wine. Enjoy the charm of children’s choirs singing carols on illuminated boats in the “Petite Venise” district.
Prague, Czech Republic: A Magical Backdrop
When: December 2, 2023, to January 6, 2024
Where: The Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square
Website: pragueexperience.com
Prague’s cobbled streets and elaborate architecture create a magical Christmas setting. The Old Town Square hosts the country’s most impressive market, featuring local crafts, wooden toys, and traditional food against the backdrop of stunning architecture.
Berlin, Germany: Festive Extravaganza
When: November 27 to December 30, 2023
Where: Alexanderplatz
Website: berlin.de
Berlin, with over 100 Christmas markets, shines during the festive season. The Alexanderplatz Christmas market is a highlight, offering the scents of Bratwurst, gingerbread, and mulled wine in this popular square.
Budapest, Hungary: Festive Marketplace
When: November 24 to December 31, 2023
Where: Vorosmarty Square
Website: budapestikaracsony.hu
Vorosmarty Square in Budapest transforms into a festive marketplace with traditional delights. Experience the scents of honey cookies, mulled wine, and cinnamon while enjoying live shows and music on two outdoor stages.
Embark on a festive journey and explore the enchanting Christmas markets of Europe.
Vienna, Austria: Elegant Winter Wonderland
When: November 11 to December 26, 2023
Where: Square in front of the City Hall
Website: austria.info
Vienna transforms into a festive wonderland with snow-covered streets and enchanting Christmas markets. Four markets offer glühwein, chestnuts, and spicy Christmas cookies. Witness the Advent windows of the Rathaus decorated by local artists and the magical tree illuminations in the Rathauspark.
Gdańsk, Poland: Romantic Christmas Market
When: November 23, 2023, to January 1, 2024
Where: Targ Węglowy, Tkacka, and Bogusławskiego streets
Website: bozonarodzeniowy.pl
Gdańsk’s Yuletide fair, considered Poland’s most beautiful Christmas market, transforms the historical town square into a winter wonderland with over 120 stalls offering unique gifts, decorations, and regional foods like pierogi.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Tivoli Gardens Illumination
When: November 17 to December 31, 2023
Where: Tivoli Gardens
Website: tivoli.dk
Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen becomes an illuminated wonderland during Christmas. With ice skating rinks, Santa sleighs, markets, and festive treats like gløgg and æbleskiver, it’s a magical experience. Explore the Swedish Christmas atmosphere in nearby Malmö.
Cologne, Germany: Cathedral Christmas Market
When: November 23 to December 23, 2023
Where: Roncalliplatz by the Cologne Cathedral
Website: koelnerweihnachtsmarkt.com
Cologne’s Cathedral Christmas Market, in front of the iconic cathedral, offers a fairy-tale experience with more than 100 stage performances, Christmas swing music, sing-along concerts, and gospel, making it one of Germany’s delightful Christmas destinations.
Frankfurt, Germany: Historic Christmas Market
When: November 27 to December 21, 2023
Where: Römerberg, St Paul’s Square, Main Quay, Hauptwache, Friedrich Stoltze Square
Website: frankfurt-tourismus.de
Dating back to 1393, Frankfurt’s Christmas market is one of Germany’s oldest and most popular. With a fairytale backdrop at Römerberg, hot apple wine, a historic carousel, and a towering Christmas tree, it promises a festive experience in the heart of the city.