The 20 best Christmas markets in Europe in 2026 (with dates)
Wooden stalls, mulled wine and squares full of lights: these are the most-voted Christmas markets in Europe for 2026, with dates and tips to help you choose yours.
- 20 markets
- All of Europe
- 2026 dates
- Nov – Jan
- Perfect for a city break
- The best Christmas market in Europe in 2026 is Craiova (Romania), followed by Zurich and Riga.
- The ranking comes from the European Best Destinations vote: 803,258 travellers from 179 countries.
- For a first time, Vienna, Prague or Cologne; with kids, Craiova, Lisbon or Valkenburg; as a couple, Zurich, Bruges or Piedmont.
- We tell you what to eat at each market: from German Glühwein and Lebkuchen to Hungarian kürtőskalács or Prague’s trdelník.
- Watch the dates: in Germany most markets close on 23 or 24 December.
- Markets20
- Number 1Craiova
- Votes803,258
- OpenMid-Nov
- Close24 Dec – Feb
- Ideal stay2–3 days
How this ranking was made
Every winter, hundreds of European cities fill their old towns with wooden stalls, ice rinks and lights. To choose the best Christmas markets in Europe we based it on the annual vote by European Best Destinations, in which 803,258 travellers from 179 countries took part this year, choosing from more than 1,500 entries.
The tradition goes back a long way: Advent markets were born in the Middle Ages in Germany and Austria, when towns held fairs before winter to stock up. That’s why some of the oldest are still there, like Dresden’s, held since 1434.
We’ve also added what matters to us when we travel: 2026 dates, what makes each market special, which kind of trip it suits best and what to eat at each one, because half the experience is at the food stalls.
Lights, wooden stalls and Christmas pyramids: the essence of Europe’s markets.
Which Christmas market to choose for your trip
| Type of trip | Markets | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First timeClassics | Vienna, Prague, Dresden, Nuremberg, Cologne | Tradition, monuments and very easy logistics for a weekend. |
| With kids | Craiova, Lisbon, Debrecen, Valkenburg | Ferris wheels, Santa’s sleigh, ice rinks and parades. |
| As a couple | Zurich, Bruges, Govone and Asti | A lake, medieval canals or castles among vineyards. |
| Best lights | Riga, Montbéliard, Craiova | Millions of bulbs and giant installations. |
| Something different | Ravenna Gorge, Valkenburg | A market under a viaduct in the Black Forest or inside caves. |
2026 ranking: the 10 most-voted Christmas markets
These are the ten markets at the top of the 2026 vote. Dates are those announced by each city; if it says “TBC”, check the official website before booking.
#1 · Craiova (Romania)
14 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 · Where: Mihai Viteazul Square, in front of the Town Hall. The big winner of 2026. Craiova goes all out with a panoramic Ferris wheel, Santa’s flying sleigh and millions of lights inspired by The Nutcracker. Ideal if you’re travelling with kids.
What to try: vin fiert (Romanian mulled wine), freshly baked covrigi and cozonac, the Christmas walnut sweet bread.
#2 · Zurich (Switzerland)
19 Nov – 23 Dec 2026. The Wienachtsdorf by the lake and the Illuminarium light show. An alpine, elegant and very romantic atmosphere.
What to try: raclette melted to order, Tirggel (Zurich’s typical honey biscuits) and a Glühwein with lake views.
#3 · Riga (Latvia)
27 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 · Where: Cathedral Square (Doma laukums). Striped stalls in Cathedral Square, a light trail through the parks and lots of knitwear to beat the Baltic cold.
What to try: karstvīns (mulled wine), piparkūkas gingerbread biscuits and grey peas with bacon, a very Latvian dish.
#4 · Lisbon (Portugal)
TBC · Where: Eduardo VII Park. Wonderland Lisboa is a big Christmas park with a Ferris wheel, ice rink and market. And the mildest weather in the whole ranking.
What to try: roast chestnuts, Christmas bolo rei and a shot of ginjinha to warm up.
#5 · Debrecen (Hungary)
TBC. Ice sculptures, a family atmosphere and sweet kürtőskalács made on the spot. A little-known Hungarian gem.
What to try: freshly made kürtőskalács , lángos (fried bread) and Debrecen sausage with forralt bor.
#6 · Govone and Asti (Italy)
14 Nov – 20 Dec 2026. Piedmont at Christmas: Govone castle turned into Santa’s house and the Asti market among vineyards.
What to try: vin brulé, Piedmontese hazelnut nougat and a glass of moscato d’Asti.
#7 · Valkenburg (Netherlands)
13 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027. The most original market in the ranking: stalls inside underground marlstone caves and a Christmas parade through the town.
What to try: oliebollen (doughnuts with icing sugar), poffertjes and Dutch mulled wine.
#8 · Vienna (Austria)
13 Nov – 26 Dec 2026 · Where: Rathausplatz, in front of City Hall. The classic of classics: the Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall, Schönbrunn and Karlsplatz. A must on a first trip.
What to try: Punsch in a souvenir mug, roast chestnuts and a Kaiserschmarrn, the shredded sweet pancake.
#9 · Montbéliard (France)
21 Nov – 24 Dec 2026. The Lumières de Noël, one of the prettiest markets in France, with the historic centre full of stalls and lights.
What to try: Montbéliard sausage, melted Comté cheese and vin chaud with gingerbread.
#10 · Paris, La Villette (France)
TBC. More than 100 stalls and an international food village in the Parc de La Villette.
What to try: vin chaud, a chestnut crêpe and tartiflette, the Alpine potato and cheese dish.
From 11 to 20: more Christmas markets worth the trip
We complete the ranking with ten more markets, including some of Germany’s most traditional.
#11 · Edinburgh (Scotland)
14 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 · Where: Princes Street Gardens. Market and rides at the foot of the castle, in Princes Street Gardens. Perfect to stretch into Hogmanay.
What to try: mince pies, a whisky hot toddy and, if you dare, a haggis roll.
#12 · Madrid (Spain)
TBC · Where: Plaza Mayor. The Plaza Mayor tradition: nativity figures, turrón, joke items and the big illuminated tree.
What to try: the Plaza Mayor calamari sandwich, churros with chocolate and artisan turrón.
#13 · Winchester (England)
20 Nov – 22 Dec 2026. Wooden stalls and an ice rink next to the medieval cathedral. The most charming British market.
What to try: mince pies, roast chestnuts and hot spiced cider.
#14 · Prague (Czech Republic)
28 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 · Where: Old Town Square. Old Town Square with the Týn Church and the big tree: a fairy-tale postcard. Open until Epiphany.
What to try: trdelník, svařák (Czech mulled wine) and grilled klobása sausage.
#15 · Bruges (Belgium)
20 Nov 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 · Where: Markt square. Stalls in the Markt, illuminated canals and the Winter Glow festival. One of the longest-running.
What to try: freshly made waffles, Belgian hot chocolate and a small glass of jenever.
#16 · Dresden (Germany)
25 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 · Where: Altmarkt square. The Striezelmarkt, Germany’s oldest Christmas market (since 1434), with its giant wooden pyramid.
What to try: authentic Dresden Christstollen and the Pflaumentoffel, the little figure made of prunes.
#17 · Nuremberg (Germany)
27 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 · Where: Hauptmarkt. The traditional Christkindlesmarkt: glass ornaments, sausages and the famous Lebkuchen gingerbread.
What to try: Drei im Weggla (three Nuremberg sausages in a bun), Lebkuchen and Feuerzangenbowle.
#18 · Ravenna Gorge (Germany)
Weekends in Nov and Dec. A market under an illuminated railway viaduct in the heart of the Black Forest. Requires a timed ticket.
What to try: Flammkuchen, a slice of Black Forest gateau and the local Glühwein.
#19 · Frankfurt (Germany)
23 Nov – 22 Dec 2026 · Where: Römerberg square. Stalls in the Römerberg, with half-timbered houses and skyscrapers in the background.
What to try: Bethmännchen (marzipan sweets), Frankfurt sausages and hot cider, heißer Ebbelwoi.
#20 · Cologne (Germany)
16 Nov – 23 Dec 2026 · Where: next to the cathedral and in the old town. Several themed markets, from the cathedral market to Heinzels Wintermärchen in the old town.
What to try: Reibekuchen (potato pancakes with apple sauce) and a Kölsch, the city’s beer.
2026 calendar: dates of Europe’s Christmas markets
| # | Market | 2026 dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Craiova (Romania) | 14 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 |
| 2 | Zurich (Switzerland) | 19 Nov – 23 Dec 2026 |
| 3 | Riga (Latvia) | 27 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 |
| 4 | Lisbon (Portugal) | TBC |
| 5 | Debrecen (Hungary) | TBC |
| 6 | Govone and Asti (Italy) | 14 Nov – 20 Dec 2026 |
| 7 | Valkenburg (Netherlands) | 13 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 |
| 8 | Vienna (Austria) | 13 Nov – 26 Dec 2026 |
| 9 | Montbéliard (France) | 21 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 |
| 10 | Paris, La Villette (France) | TBC |
| 11 | Edinburgh (Scotland) | 14 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 |
| 12 | Madrid (Spain) | TBC |
| 13 | Winchester (England) | 20 Nov – 22 Dec 2026 |
| 14 | Prague (Czech Republic) | 28 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 |
| 15 | Bruges (Belgium) | 20 Nov 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 |
| 16 | Dresden (Germany) | 25 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 |
| 17 | Nuremberg (Germany) | 27 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 |
| 18 | Ravenna Gorge (Germany) | Weekends in Nov and Dec |
| 19 | Frankfurt (Germany) | 23 Nov – 22 Dec 2026 |
| 20 | Cologne (Germany) | 16 Nov – 23 Dec 2026 |
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt takes its name from Striezel, the old name for Stollen, the city’s Christmas sweet bread. Every year a giant one is baked and paraded through the market.
- Glühwein: spiced mulled wine, in a souvenir mug
- Lebkuchen: Nuremberg’s typical gingerbread
- Kürtőskalács: Hungary’s spiral-shaped sweet
Other Christmas markets in Europe we love
The ranking isn’t everything. Besides the 20 most-voted, there are classic markets that aren’t on this year’s list but that, for us, are essential on any Christmas trip around Europe:
Strasbourg (France)
26 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 · Where: Place Broglie and the whole Grande Île. France’s oldest Christmas market (since 1570) and the whole city decorated. For many, the capital of Christmas.
What to try: Alsatian white vin chaud , bredele biscuits and flammekueche.
Colmar (France)
23 Nov – 29 Dec 2026 · Where: Place des Dominicains, Place Jeanne-d’Arc and Petite Venise. Five markets in a fairy-tale town with canals. The Petite Venise one is designed for children.
What to try: kougelhopf, bredele and Alsatian gingerbread.
Salzburg (Austria)
19 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · Where: In front of the cathedral, below Hohensalzburg fortress. One of Austria’s oldest, with brass concerts from the church towers.
What to try: Bosna, Salzburg’s curry hot dog, and Mozartkugeln chocolate balls.
Budapest (Hungary)
14 Nov – 31 Dec 2026 · Where: Vörösmarty Square and St Stephen’s Basilica. Hungary’s biggest market and an ice rink in front of the basilica. And more affordable prices than in central Europe.
What to try: kürtőskalács, lángos and stuffed cabbage, töltött káposzta , with forralt bor.
Tallinn (Estonia)
20 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 · Where: Raekoja plats, Town Hall Square. Small but with unique medieval charm. They say one of Europe’s first public Christmas trees was put up here.
What to try: verivorst blood sausage with sauerkraut, piparkoogid biscuits and hõõgvein.
Kraków (Poland)
27 Nov 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · Where: Rynek Główny, next to the Cloth Hall. One of the most beautiful squares in Europe, often snowy. Combine it with the Cloth Hall to warm up.
What to try: grilled oscypek cheese with cranberry jam, pierogi and grzaniec.
Copenhagen (Denmark)
13 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 · Where: Tivoli Gardens. Rides, a frozen lake and around 60 stalls. You have to pay to enter the park, but with kids it’s well worth it.
What to try: æbleskiver (round doughnuts) with gløgg, mulled wine with raisins and almonds.
Munich (Germany)
20 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 · Where: Marienplatz, in front of City Hall. Live music with alpine horns, toasted almonds and Pfeffernüsse spiced biscuits.
What to try: candied almonds, gebrannte Mandeln, a Bratwurst and Pfeffernüssebiscuits.
Zagreb (Croatia)
28 Nov 2026 – 7 Jan 2027 · Where: King Tomislav Square and around the cathedral. One of Europe’s most award-winning Advent markets: ice rink, concerts and sweets like licitari honey biscuits.
What to try: fritule (little doughnuts), grilled sausages and kuhano vino.
Barcelona (Spain)
26 Nov – 23 Dec 2026 · Where: Plaça de la Seu, in front of the cathedral. The Fira de Santa Llúcia, since 1786: nativity figures, the tió and the caganer. Our home-town market.
What to try: neules wafers and turrón, followed by a xocolata desfeta (thick hot chocolate) in a Gothic Quarter café.
What to eat at Europe’s Christmas markets
Besides what we recommend trying at each market, these are the classics you’ll find at almost every stall. A tip: eat standing up at the stalls and save the restaurant for another day, because that’s where the atmosphere is.
Glühwein and vin chaud
Spiced mulled wine from Germany, Austria and Alsace. It’s usually served in a souvenir mug that you can return or keep.
Lebkuchen and Stollen
Nuremberg’s gingerbread and Dresden’s Christmas sweet bread, perfect to take home as gifts.
Kürtőskalács
The Hungarian spiral sweet, roasted over the fire and coated in sugar and cinnamon. A must in Budapest and Debrecen.
Grog and trdelník
In Prague, the hot rum and lemon drink, and the famous rolled pastry.
Läckerli and fondue
At Swiss markets, Basel’s spiced biscuits and cheese fondue to warm up.
Grilled sausages
Bratwurst in Germany, Bosna in Salzburg or klobása in Prague: the cheapest, warmest snack for dinner among the stalls.
Chestnuts and candied almonds
The smell of every market. A paper cone of roast chestnuts or gebrannte Mandeln to nibble as you stroll.
Raclette and melted cheese
In Switzerland, Alsace and eastern France, melted cheese over potatoes or bread. Perfect when the cold bites.
Licitari and honey biscuits
The decorated heart-shaped biscuits typical of Zagreb, also great as souvenirs.
Some cities have unique celebrations worth fitting into your trip:
- Gouda (Netherlands): the Night of Candles, on 11 and 12 December 2026, with the square lit only by candles
- Montreux (Switzerland): Santa “flies” in his sleigh over Lake Geneva every afternoon of the market
- Nuremberg: the schoolchildren’s lantern parade up to the castle
How to plan your Christmas market trip
The key is planning ahead and choosing your dates well. These are our four steps:
- 1Check the calendarFirst of all
Not all of them stay open until January. In Germany they usually close on 23 or 24 December, while Prague, Craiova or Bruges carry on until New Year, Epiphany or even February.
- 2Book central accommodation2–3 months ahead
Sleeping near the old town saves you cold journeys and lets you see the lights at dusk. Prices rise the closer it gets to December.
- 3Secure special ticketsIn advance
Some markets have limited capacity: Ravenna Gorge, in the Black Forest, requires a timed ticket booked in advance.
- 4Combine cities by train2–3 days
Many cities are well connected: Cologne and Frankfurt, Dresden and Prague… Just make sure you spend at least one evening at each market and go on a weekday, when it’s less crowded.
What to bring to the Christmas markets
- Warm, waterproof shoes: you’ll be on your feet for hours
- Layers, a hat and a scarf
- Touchscreen gloves to take photos without freezing
- A power bank: the cold drains your phone battery fast
- Some cash: a few small stalls don’t take cards
- Travel insurance and mobile data if you leave the EU (Switzerland or the UK)
If you’re travelling to several countries, check out our discount codes before you book:
- Saily and Holafly eSIM: code CURIOSONES
- Bounce luggage storage: code CURIOSONESBOUNCE
- Fever experiences: code VIAJEROS10
Travel insurance and mobile data
If your market route takes you through Switzerland or the UK, remember that the European Health Insurance Card doesn’t cover you the same way there and EU roaming isn’t always included. We travel with Heymondo (5% off through our link) and a Holafly eSIM (code CURIOSONES) to have data in any country.
Want more ideas for your trip? You’ll find all our destinations in Europe and Spain(in Spanish).
Plan your Christmas market trip
- Excursions and guided tours: book tours, tickets and free tours in the market cities with Civitatis, with free cancellation on most activities.
- Luggage storage: if you arrive before check-in or leave late, drop your bag with Bounce and make the most of the day. Code CURIOSONESBOUNCE.
- Save when you book: with iGraal you get back part of what you spend on hotels, flights and rentals, plus a welcome bonus.
- Sports and outdoor clothing: jackets, caps and sunglasses for your hikes and trips from SIROKO. Use code VIAJEROS10 for an extra 10% off.
- Airport VIP lounges: wait for your flight in comfort, with food, drinks and Wi-Fi, in a VIP lounge with VIPLounges. Code VIAJEROSCURIOSONES saves you 5%.
More Christmas guides: if you’re looking for something closer to Spain, we have the Christmas markets in the south of France with a route from Catalonia, and if you choose Belgium, our guide to Brussels at Christmas(in Spanish).
Frequently asked questions about Europe’s Christmas markets
What is the best Christmas market in Europe in 2026?
According to the European Best Destinations vote, the best Christmas market in Europe in 2026 is Craiova (Romania), followed by Zurich (Switzerland) and Riga (Latvia).
When do Christmas markets open in Europe?
Most open between mid and late November. Vienna, Valkenburg and Craiova start in mid-November; Prague and Nuremberg at the end of the month.
How long are they open?
In Germany they usually close on 23 or 24 December. Prague, Craiova, Riga and Edinburgh, however, stay open until New Year or Epiphany, and Bruges until February.
Which Christmas market is best with kids?
Craiova, Wonderland Lisboa, Debrecen and Valkenburg: they have Ferris wheels, ice rinks, parades and themed areas for families.
What do you eat at Europe’s Christmas markets?
The classics are mulled wine (Glühwein or vin chaud), grilled sausages, roast chestnuts and spiced sweets like Lebkuchen or Stollen. Each country has its speciality: kürtőskalács in Hungary, trdelník in Prague, oliebollen in the Netherlands or raclette in Switzerland.
How much does a mulled wine cost at a Christmas market?
In Germany and Austria a Glühwein usually costs between €4 and €6, plus a deposit of around €3 to €5 for the mug, which you get back when you return it, or you can keep it as a souvenir. It’s more expensive in Switzerland and the Nordic countries.
Can you visit several markets on one trip?
Yes. Many cities are well connected by train: for example, Cologne and Frankfurt, Dresden and Prague, or Vienna with other Austrian cities. Spend at least one evening at each to see it with the lights on.
What is the oldest Christmas market in Europe?
Among the oldest are Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, held since 1434, and the Strasbourg market, France’s oldest, since 1570.
Photos: Pexels and Shutterstock. Ranking: European Best Destinations 2026. Dates: official websites of each market; check them before you travel.
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