Christmas Markets are a common Christmas tradition held in many European countries. As the name suggests, these markets are filled with numerous stalls selling various Christmas decorations and traditional festive treats unique to each country. Some markets even offer rides like carousels and Ferris wheels.
Since the Christmas Market tradition originated in Europe, it’s no surprise that many countries there compete to hold the most festive Christmas Markets. Which European countries host the liveliest and must-visit Christmas Markets?
Christkindlesmarkt – Nuremberg, Germany
Talking about Christmas Markets is incomplete without mentioning Germany, where the tradition first began. Known as Christkindlesmarkt, Germany hosts between 2,500 and 3,000 Christmas Markets nationwide. One of the most popular is in Nuremberg, held this year from November 29 to December 24, 2024.
The Nuremberg Christmas Market is considered one of the oldest and most famous in the world. Besides stalls selling various Christmas products, visitors can enjoy music performances, concerts, church services, and lively Christmas exhibitions.
Vienna Christmas Market – Vienna, Austria
Austria is another country with a significant history of Christmas Markets. Every year, the Rathausplatz Square in Vienna transforms into one of Europe’s most famous and enchanting Christmas Markets.
Visitors can find toys that delight children, festive decorations, grand celebrations, winter clothing accessories, delicious food, sweets, and warm drinks. This market runs from November 15 to December 26, 2024.
Budapest Christmas Market – Budapest, Hungary
The oldest and most popular Christmas Market in Budapest takes place at Vorosmarty Square, the city’s heart. This market runs longer, from November 15, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
Visitors can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, admire the giant Christmas tree, taste mulled wine, try chimney cakes, and even ride a free train (for children only). Various stalls sell beautiful local crafts, including jewelry, stationery, ceramics, handmade knitwear, and unique combs.
Craiova Christmas Market – Craiova, Romania
Thanks to the Christmas Market held in Craiova, Romania ranks second as the Best Destination in Europe for the most beautiful Christmas Markets.
In 2024, the Craiova Christmas Market is divided into four themed areas: Beauty and the Beast, Santa’s Village, Traditional Christmas Area, and Star Wars Area. The market runs from November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Prague Christmas Markets – Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Christmas Market has two main locations: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, located close to each other. This market runs from November 30, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
The market features brightly decorated wooden huts filled with local crafts and traditional Czech Christmas treats. The most impressive sight is the 22-meter Christmas tree at Old Town Square, adorned with giant stars, red and gold ornaments, and 110,000 LED lights.
Gdansk Christmas Market – Gdańsk, Poland
The Gdansk Christmas Market helped Poland top the list as the Best European Destination with the Most Beautiful Christmas Market, surpassing Romania’s Craiova.
The city shines with festive lights and a majestic 17-meter Christmas tree at the market’s center. Another highlight is Moose Lucek, a talking mascot whose witty jokes and holiday spirit make him a favorite among tourists.
This year, the Gdansk Christmas Market runs from November 22 to December 23, 2024.
Brussels Christmas Market – Brussels, Belgium
The Brussels Christmas Market lasts five lively weeks, from November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025. The city’s cobblestone streets and beautiful squares come alive with Brussels Winter Wonders, a 2 km long market covered in snow, bustling bars, and pop-up restaurants.
Besides shopping, Brussels Winter Wonders offers fun activities like ice skating at Place De Brouckère and Bois de la Cambre, riding the Ferris wheel at Marché aux Poissons, and enjoying the carousel at Place Sainte-Catherine.
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market – Copenhagen, Denmark
During the holiday season, Copenhagen transforms into a winter wonderland, especially at Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, hosting a Christmas Market synonymous with the city’s festive cheer.
Every year, from mid-November to early January, the park is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, over 70,000 Christmas decorations, and more than 1,000 Christmas trees. The market has around 60 stalls offering various Christmas decorations, snacks, sweets, warm drinks, and unique Danish products.
The main attraction of Tivoli’s Christmas Market is its amusement rides, making it feel like a true playground. The market runs from November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Before you start planning your visits to these Christmas Markets, don’t forget to prepare your internet needs while abroad with an eSIM from Global Komunika.
Global Komunika offers international eSIMs for various countries, even covering multiple countries at once! So what are you waiting for? Get your internet connection ready with a Global Komunika eSIM now!
