The Best European Christmas Markets To Visit in 2023

It’s that time of year again when the air is chilly, the leaves are falling, and Christmas tunes are being played on repeat. For many people, this means one thing: it’s time to head to a European Christmas market! These markets are a beloved European tradition and offer something special during the holiday season. From festive decorations to delicious food and drinks, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy at a Christmas market. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable way to celebrate Christmas this year, here are some of the best European markets to check out this season.

Best Christmas Markets in Europe This Year: Dates and Destinations

The Most Beautiful European Christmas Markets to Visit

There is no shortage of amazing destinations to visit in Europe, especially on Christmas. With such a vast choice, here’s our selection of the best European Christmas markets.

Prague Christmas Markets

The main markets in Prague are Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, but there are also the smallest markets all around the city. During the Christmas markets in Prague, you can taste the famous Czech beers, also in the Christmas version, or drink some good mulled wine (svařené víno or svařák).

When: The Prague Christmas Markets are open daily from 26th November 2022 to 6th January 2024.

Where to eat in Prague: When in Prague, go to U Buldoka, a traditional pub where you can eat traditional Czech dishes and drink Czech beers on a budget. Artistic café is another good local spot for eating and drinking, and the same is Lokal, where you can have the best of Czech traditional food at reasonable prices.

Budapest Christmas Markets

If you’re looking for a festive and charming Christmas market, check out the Budapest Christmas markets. There are several markets located throughout the city, all of which are full of beautiful decorations and delicious food and drinks. Be sure to try some of the Hungarian specialties, like goulash or chimney cake.

One of Budapest’s most popular Christmas markets is the Vorosmarty Square market. This market is located in the city’s heart and is full of charming stalls, festive decorations, and delicious food and drinks.

When: The Budapest Christmas Markets are open daily from 18th November 2022 to 1st January 2024.

Where to eat in Budapest: If you’re in Budapest, you need to pay a visit to 21 Magyar to taste some of the most famous traditional Hungarian dishes prepared in a modern way and to Százéves Étterem, Budapest’s oldest inn; Regős Vendéglő is a great choice if you’re looking for traditional yet inexpensive food.

Stockholm Christmas markets

The Stockholm Christmas markets are a must-visit for anyone visiting the city during the holiday season. There are several markets located throughout the city, all of which are full of beautiful decorations and delicious food and drinks. Be sure to try some of the Swedish specialties, like glögg (a hot spiced wine) or gingerbread cookies.

The Old Town’s Christmas market is a must, but there are Christmas markets all over Stockholm which is even more fascinating because of the snow and the cold. Look at the in-depth Christmas Markets guide from VisitStockholm for more info and check our guide to the things to do Stockholm.

When: The Stockholm Christmas Markets are open daily from 20th November 2022 to 23rd December 2023.

What to eat in Stockholm: Try the Julbord, the Christmas buffet with all the most typical dishes of the season.

Copenhagen Christmas markets

Copenhagen is well known because it’s expensive, and this doesn’t change during the Christmas markets, which are huge and attractive. There are different markets all around the city. One of Copenhagen’s most popular Christmas markets is the Tivoli. This market is located in the city’s heart and is full of charming stalls, festive decorations, and delicious food and drinks. Try some Danish specialties, like gløgg (a hot spiced wine) or smørrebrød (Danish open-faced sandwiches).

When: The Copenhagen Christmas Markets are open daily from 18th November 2022 to 31st December 2022.

Where to eat in Copenhagen: Eating on a budget is quite impossible in the city, but you can at least enjoy local places such as Schonnemann, Mikkeller, and Ida Davidsen for the smørrebrød.

Vienna Christmas Markets

From the middle of November until the new year, in Vienna, every square becomes the location of a Christmas Market with ice rings, good food, mulled wine, handmade products and toys, and many concerts and events. Read more about the Christmas Markets in Vienna on the official website for all the information.

When: The Vienna Christmas Markets are open daily from 18th November 2022 to 23rd December 2022.

Where to eat in Vienna: Eat at the famous Justice Ministry Canteen, where the food is good and reasonably priced, and do not miss a visit to Schnitzelwirt on Neubaugasse, where you can eat the traditional wiener schnitzel, a boneless cut of veal, doused in egg, rolled in breadcrumbs and then fried.

If you are looking for accommodation in Europe for the Christmas Markets season, check out the offers on Booking.com. You will find hotels, traditional houses, and B&Bs, and you can also read the comments from people who have already been there, check the ratings, and see photos of the place. Try Booking.com, and be sure to pick flexible accommodations to ensure you can change the reservation or cancel it at no additional cost.

The Best Christmas Markets in Germany

Germany is home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Here are some of the most popular ones to check out this season.

Munich Christmas Markets

In Munich, Christmas is big, and the celebrations change the face of the city for a month. There are a few markets around Munich, and in each, you’ll find workshops, live music, food and beer, and many events for young and adults. Be sure to try some of the Bavarian specialties, like weisswurst (a white sausage) or brezn (pretzel).

When: The Munich Christmas Markets are open daily from 21st November 2022 to 24th December 2022.

Where to eat in Munich: Eating in Munich is not a problem at all because in Bavaria food is important so if you’re in Munich for the Christmas Markets, do not miss Asam Schlössl, Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl and Augustiner am Dom for very traditional, warm and heavy yet delicious Bavarian food.

Nuremberg Christmas Markets

The Nuremberg Christmas markets are some of the most popular in Germany. The main market is located in Hauptmarkt square, and it’s full of festive decorations, charming stalls, and delicious food and drinks. Be sure to try some of the traditional German Christmas treats, like Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Bratwurst, or Glühwein.

When: The Nuremberg Christmas Markets are open daily from 25th November 2022 to 24th December 2022.

Frankfurt Christmas Markets

The Frankfurt Christmas markets are some of the most popular in Germany. The main market is located in Hauptwache square, and it’s full of festive decorations, charming stalls, and delicious food and drinks.

When: The Frankfurt Christmas Markets are open daily from 21st November 2022 to 22nd December 2022.

The Best Christmas Markets in Italy

Italy is home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The Trentino Alto Adige region is where you can find the best Christmas markets.

Bozen Christmas Markets

Located in the very north of Italy, the town of Bolzano/Bozen is the home to some of the best Christmas markets ever. The most important things you’ll find in Bolzano during Christmas are the cold weather, the stalls with food and mulled wine, lots of local producers engaging with people, events, and more. It’s a good way to explore the surrounding areas and rest in one of the many SPAs you’ll find all around you. One of the most popular Bozen Christmas markets is the Market Square Christmas market. This market is located in the city’s heart and is full of charming stalls, festive decorations, and delicious food and drinks.

When: The Bozen Christmas Markets are open daily from 25th November 2022 to 6th January 2024.

What to eat in Bolzano: Try some Bozen specialties, like canederli (a dumpling) or strudel.

Trento Christmas Markets

The Trento Christmas markets are a must-visit for anyone visiting the city during the holiday season. There are several markets located throughout the city, all of which are full of beautiful decorations and delicious food and drinks. One of the most popular Trento Christmas markets is the Piazza Duomo Christmas market. This market is located in the city’s heart and is charming.

When: The Trento Christmas Markets are open daily from 19th November 2022 to 8th January 2024.

What to eat in Trento: Try some Trento specialties, like speck (a type of smoked ham) or vin brulé (a mulled wine).

Other Christmas Markets Around Europe:

Some other popular Christmas markets around Europe include the following:

• Amsterdam Christmas Markets: 20th to 23rd December 2022;
• London Christmas Markets: 18th November 2022 to 2nd January 2024;
• Salzburg Christmas Markets: 17th November 2022 to 1st January 2024;
• Helsinki Christmas Markets: 1st December to 22nd December 2022;
• Barcelona Christmas Markets: 25th November to 23rd December 2022;
• Madrid Christmas Markets: 25th November to 31st December 2022.

If you are looking for accommodation in Europe for the Christmas Markets season, check out the offers on Booking.com. You will find hotels, traditional houses, and B&Bs, and you can also read the comments from people who have already been there, check the ratings, and see photos of the place. Try Booking.com, and be sure to pick flexible accommodations to ensure you can change the reservation or cancel it at no additional cost.

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