Christmas markets can soon become tacky as tinsel on a radiator, so we’ve compiled a list of those that prioritize artisanal products and independently-run food sellers while still adding just the perfect amount of seasonal sparkle. The Christmas enthusiasm pervades the throng, but if you want to haggle without the crowds, we recommend going on opening day, when the news hasn’t traveled beyond the local community – you’ll have first dibs on things, and vendors will be glad to see you after days of setting up. Christmas markets are an excellent excuse to book a winter city holiday, complete with hot toddies, cozy pubs, and boutique hotels. Here are the greatest Christmas markets in Europe to visit in winter 2024.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, known as France’s ‘capital of Christmas’, exudes a festive vibe across the city. Visit the city’s historic heart, Grande-Île de Strasbourg, and meander amid the half-timbered houses and gingerbread streets, all decked out in ribbons, super-sized ornaments, pine garlands, and even teddy bears on Le Tire-Bouchon restaurant (beware the snap-happy throng). The city’s cultural influences are similar to those of France and Germany, given it is located on the border. Follow the aroma of fried onions to Place des Meruniers, where you may sample the Alsatian specialty flammekueche (or tarte flambée), as well as fresh pretzels, crepes, truffles, spaetzle (egg noodles), and knackwurst (sausage).
Ghent, Belgium
During the Christmas season in Ghent, you can take the tram or bus for free every Sunday, but this twinkling city is best experienced on foot, especially when you want to stop at every other chalet-style booth. Gentse Winterfeesten has less lights and frills than other of Germany’s Christmas markets, but its location beneath St Bavo’s Cathedral and Gravensteen is what sets it apart. Fill bags with cuberdon (‘little nose’) chocolates for last-minute gifts, or enjoy a nostalgic spin on the ancient ferris wheel for a new viewpoint.
Brussels, Belgium
The Winter Wonders Market is situated on Brussels’ historic Grand Place. The market has a variety of activities and attractions, such as an ice rink, a ferris wheel, and a spectacular light display. Visitors may browse kiosks selling Belgian delights like as chocolates, Belgian waffles, and Belgian fries (which are not originally French). The market has local craftsmen selling handcrafted lacework, pottery, and beautiful wood carvings.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam constantly transforms after dark, and its love of theatre intensifies throughout December – literally, with over 100,000 lights reflected in the canals. Just as high-energy skaters round the tree in the center of the ice rink, the market revolves around Museumplein, which is located beneath the stunning Rijksmuseum. There’s an Alpine lodge with beer-soaked tables, competitive curling, a fairy-lit carnival, a labyrinth, and even Coca-Cola’s souped-up seasonal ‘Christmas Caravan’ decked out with cabochon lights.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Over a thousand dazzling lights fill Copenhagen’s Christmas market at Tivoli Gardens. The market has a large range of vendors selling Nordic decorations, cozy knitwear made from local wool, and Danish-designed pottery and glassware. Look for vendors serving classic aebleskiver, spherical pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with a dab of raspberry jam. Pair with a mug of warm gløgg, a spicy mulled wine accompanied with roasted almonds and raisins. Stalls serve smørrebrød (open sandwiches with herring, roast beef, or pickled vegetables) and Danish pastries, such as flaky buttery wienerbrød.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm’s Stortorget Julmarknad Christmas market, held along the cobblestone medieval lanes of Gamla Stan since 1837, features solely native Swedish craft, such as wooden figures, hand-knit woollens, and exquisite ceramics, displayed over 40 red-painted wooden stalls. Try the saffron-flavored Lucia buns, a Swedish delight popular on December 13th as part of the St. Lucia’s Day celebrations, served with warm, scented glögg. Other vendors provide heartier fare such as meatballs with lingonberry sauce and gravlax, and there are lots of pepparkakor – Swedish gingerbread cookies.
Reykjavik, Iceland
If you desire a unique holiday experience, Christmas in Iceland is rich with folklore and enjoyment. You won’t find Santa at the market, but 13 Yule Lads and their fabled Yule Cat amuse the crowd by pulling pranks and causing havoc. Head to Ingólfstorg Square in the old district for the main market and bustling ice rink, or walk around the corner to see the Oslo tree on Austurvöllur, which is lit on the first Sunday of Advent. Look for kiosks offering piparkökur (gingerbread) and books for Jolabokaflod, an Icelandic tradition in which books are exchanged as gifts on Christmas Eve. If you’re lucky enough, you could even see the Northern Lights.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s Christmas market, unlike other of Europe’s larger events, is a more intimate gathering. What makes it more wonderful is the new snow, actual icicles on the trees, and flakes falling from the sky. Under a blanket of white, Town Hall Square is converted into fairy-lit wooden cottages offering glögi (a fruitier variation of gluhwein), Nordic knitwear, decorations, crackers, and souvenirs. Because it is not extremely touristic, you will see people relaxing after work and doing their own Christmas shopping here as well.
Berlin, Germany
The pedestrianised cobblestone alleyways of Berlin’s western suburb, Old Town of Spandau, form the backdrop for the city’s largest Christmas market. A large spangled tree in the market square, a medieval market beside St Nikolai church, and a bowler-hatted ‘Leierkastenmann’ playing his barrel organ are all traditional elements. This year, there will be a new ice skating rink, 400 specialty vendors, and a live-animal nativity scene. There is usually a sprinkling of snow throughout December.
Vienna, Austria
If you’ve ever visited one of Vienna’s coffee shops, you’ll know that the Austrian city does ‘cosy’ very well. The smoky aroma of roast chestnuts and baked potatoes wafts around City Hall Square’s Christkindlmarkt in December, and young kids will especially enjoy the Tree of Hearts, carousels, and creative cookie and candle-making lessons in Rathaus. A trendy market sells handmade gifts and handcrafted items in the courtyard of Schönbrunn Palace, which is stunningly large.