If all you want for Christmas is festive fun, and to fill your belly with good food, you’ll love our Christmas Markets holidays…
‘Tis the season
The perfect picture of Christmas is crisp white snow, a roaring fire and streets lit with festive lights. So, give yourself an early present and pick a European spot to start the season right. Christmas Markets holidays are a sensory experience – the smell of churros frying, the sound of people singing and the sight of fairy lights and shopping stalls. They are THE place to get into the festive spirit, with some putting on ice rinks, light displays and local concerts, too.
Trying new traditions
Everyone’s got their own take on Christmas. In Norway, Christmas Eve’s spent hiding broomsticks around the house, and the table is full of pork belly and meatballs. Sweden celebrates with giant straw goats and in Finland, you have a Joulusauna, AKA a Christmas sauna. Festive trips abroad are the perfect way to embrace a new Christmas culture.
A win for last-min shopping
There are only so many hours one can handle the Oxford Street Christmas chaos… Forget fighting London’s Karens for the last giant panettone, they haven’t tasted the ones sold at the Milan Christmas markets… Market stalls here are loaded with everything from local food to handmade gifts, beating the high street any day for the most unique and thoughtful present ideas. Plus, you can bet no one else has bought the same thing, and you get an amazing holiday in the process – win-win.
Christmas markets in Europe
Soak up the festivities in style at our pick of the best Christmas market destinations.
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Popular Christmas market stays
Your guide to Christmas markets in Europe
Plan your next Christmas market break
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Christmas market FAQs
Many Christmas markets around the world tend to start in mid-November and carry on until at least Christmas day, but depending on where you head, some will stay open with mulled wine pouring until the new year. For the best market experience, plan a trip in early December when the action is in full flow.
We’ve rounded up our pick of the best spots and the best markets for you – head to our Inspire homepage and find the relevant destination blog to swat up on your festive destination knowledge.
Some of the most popular Christmas Markets holidays in Europe are Vienna in Austria, Berlin in Germany, Strasbourg and, of course, Paris in France, Budapest in Hungary and Prague in the Czech Republic. But popular doesn’t always mean the best! Some smaller markets are great to avoid the crowds – Krakow in Poland is a great shout. It’s completely up to you, but you can’t go wrong with a European capital city.
Yes, there are several Christmas markets that are ideal for families with children. Vienna has horse-drawn carriage rides and a petting zoo, while Cologne has a specific children’s area with games, and Strasbourg has a carousel and train ride for little ones.
That depends on where you go! But you can typically count on lots of smoked meat, cheeses and even traditional pies and pastries. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, chocolate, gingerbread and roasted nuts are practically a given, too. Don’t forget the drinks – think mulled wine, regional beers and hot chocolate. Extra marshmallows optional
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