If there’s a time of year I love most in Europe, it’s when the festive decorations come out in full force. This list of top Christmas Markets in Europe (by country) are some of the most incredible places to experience the charm.
Christmas markets in Europe is an old tradition that has been taking place for many years. Many of the towns and cities set up these festive markets where you can shop local artisan goods, sip on spiced wine, and try some Christmas treats.
I’ve seen a few over the year and I’m already eyeing a few on this list of top Christmas Markets in Europe (by country).
Top Christmas Markets in Europe (by Country)
Austria Christmas Markets
Vienna Christmas Market
Dates: 17th November 2018 – 26 December 2018
Salzburg Christmas Market
Dates: 22 November 2018 – 6th January 2019
Belgium Christmas Markets
Brussels
Dates: November 30th 2018 to January 6th 2019
Ghent
Dates: December 7th 2018 to January 6th 2019
Bruges
Dates: November 23rd 2018 to January 1 2019
Croatia Christmas Markets
Zagreb
Dates: December 2nd 2018 to January 6th 2019
Czech Republic Christmas Markets
Prague
Dates: December 1st 2018 to January 6th 2019
Denmark Christmas Markets
Copenhagen
Dates: November 16th to December 22nd 2018
England Christmas Markets
London Winter Wonderland
Dates: November 22 2018 – January 6 2019
Manchester
Dates: November 09 to December 22nd 2018
Estonia Christmas Markets
Tallin
Dates: November 24th 2018 to January 6th 2019
France Christmas Markets
Amiens
Dates: November 23rd to December 31st 2018
Colmar Christmas Market
Dates: 23 November 2018 – 30 December 2018
Metz
Dates: November 18th to December 30th 2018
Montbeliard
Dates: November 24th to December 24th 2018
Paris
Dates: Late November to Early January 2019
Strasbourg Christmas Market
Dates: 23 November 2018 – 30 December 2018
Germany Christmas Markets
Aachen
Dates: November 23rd to December 23rd 2018
Cologne
Dates: November 26th to December 23rd 2018
Dresden
Dates: November 28th to December 24th 2018
Gerdarmenmarkt in Berlin
Dates: 26 November 2018 – 31 December 2018
Nuremberg Christmas Market
Dates: November 30 – December 23
Hungary Christmas Markets
Budapest
Dates: November 27th 2018 to January 2nd 2019
Italy Christmas Markets
Bolzano
Dates: November 22th to January 6th 2019
Milan
Dates: December 2018
Trento
Dates: November 24th to January 6th 2019
Netherlands Christmas Markets
Amsterdam
Dates: November 29th to January 20th 2019
Spain Christmas Markets
Barcelona (one at Sagrada Familiar and another at Santa Lucia
Dates: Late November to January dates to be confirmed.
Madrid
Dates: Late November to January dates to be confirmed.
Seville
Dates: Late November to January dates to be confirmed.
Sweden Christmas Markets
Stockholm
Dates: November 24th to December 23rd 2018
Switzerland Christmas Markets
Basel
Dates: November 22nd to December 23rd 2018
Bern
Dates: December 1st to December 24th 2018
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1. Book Your Accommodations
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2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
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I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
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For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
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I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
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Xx,
Jessica
