Europe’s best Christmas markets
Discover these 5 European holiday spots
A bit of early Christmas shopping can go a long way, especially in Europe. To secure your spot onto Santa’s list, we recommend that you check out the following five must-see markets.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is always dazzling during the most wonderful time of year, and its Christmas market only adds to its winter wonderland. Although it has been ranked as one of the best cities in the world on more than one occasion, the Viennese Dream Christmas Market by City Hall is in a whole other ballpark.
From mid-November to December, taste delicious holiday pastries that are locally made, ride a reindeer with the kids, and go around in endless circles on an old-fashioned carousel. On the weekends, show up in numbers to sway to the melody of Christmas carols being sung by internationally renowned choirs.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Christmas in Tivoli is highly anticipated every year and visited in great numbers. Day or night, this Nordic Christmas market is best known for its theme park decorated with dazzling Christmas lights—more than 500,000 fairy lights that is. Tourists from all over the world gather at this market on a yearly basis to enjoy its amusement park and to take advantage of its highlight: Danish treats like pancake puffs with powdered sugar, honninghjerter (honey heart cookies), and more. Visits begin in mid-November and go on until the end of the year.
Munich, Germany
Experience the most iconic Christmas market in Munich, the Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz, the city’s main square. This market boasts about 140 vendors and 4,000 spectacular lights adorning its giant tree. Munch on warm chestnuts, gingerbread cookies and bratwurst as you make your way through this epic market. Visits begin in late November and last until Christmas Eve.
Stockholm, Sweden
Enjoy a very Scandinavian Christmas in Stockholm with the fairytale-like Stortorget Christmas market in its Old Town, featuring traditional red market stalls, handicrafts and delectable treats like saffron buns. Visits begin in late November and last until a few days before Christmas.
Zurich, Switzerland
Discover Zurich’s famed Christkindlimarkt inside the main railway station, with its tree covered in Swarovski crystals, handcrafted ornaments, a Northern Lights show and more. Visits begin from mid-November and last until Christmas Eve.
What's next?
Visit Europe this winter with our tour and Flight & Hotel packages. Is the cold not your thing? Find out where you could be spending your next summer here or discover our numerous Caribbean vacation packages.