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Festive Dusseldorf Christmas Market Break: Hotel & Return Flights
Top Destinations for Christmas Markets in the UK and Europe
Christmas markets are like little pockets of festive magic, full of lights, laughter, and the smell of sweet treats. From fudge and festive mugs to live music and hand-knitted goodies, each market brings its own merry madness. Some are full-on funfair chaos, others are all about tradition, but they all leave you grinning from ear to ear.
Feeling overwhelmed by choices? Don’t worry, we’ve put together a list of top Christmas markets to help you find one that feels just right.
Where is the best Christmas market in Europe?
Europe bursts into festive magic each holiday season, with twinkling lights, cosy stalls and a joyful atmosphere in every corner. From historic squares to charming streets, each city celebrates Christmas in its own unique way. With plenty of great festive break deals available, experiencing these enchanting markets has never been easier. Here are the best Christmas markets to visit this year:
- Cologne: Cologne’s Christmas markets are famous for their setting against the Gothic Cologne Cathedral. Visitors can explore multiple markets, enjoy mulled wine, gingerbread and artisan gifts while soaking in the city’s festive spirit.
- Prague: Visiting Prague’s Christmas market feels like stepping into a snow globe, with the Gothic spires of Old Town Square creating the perfect holiday backdrop. Wooden stalls glow with lights, offering Czech crafts, mulled wine and sweet treats like trdelník. For all the must-see stalls, treats and traditions, explore our Prague Christmas Market guide.
- Vienna: Vienna’s Christmas markets are renowned for their elegance, particularly the Christkindlmarkt outside the Rathaus (City Hall). The city shimmers with fairy lights, and you can enjoy handmade gifts, spiced punch, classical music, baroque architecture and ice skating beneath twinkling lights. Explore our Vienna Christmas Market guide for more details.
- Bruges: During Christmas, Bruges resembles a romantic winter postcard. The medieval centre hosts cosy stalls selling Belgian chocolates, lace and warm waffles, all set along cobbled streets and canals. Its smaller scale creates a calm, intimate atmosphere ideal for couples or those seeking a slower festive pace. For more detailed information, browse our Bruges Christmas Market guide.
- Berlin: Berlin boasts over 60 Christmas markets, each with its own character, from traditional crafts at Gendarmenmarkt to ice skating and carousels at Winter World on Potsdamer Platz. This vibrant city mixes festive tradition with modern flair, offering gourmet street food, live performances and local crafts. Check out our Berlin Christmas Market guide for detailed information.
- Budapest: Budapest’s Christmas markets light up the city with a mix of tradition and charm. The main markets, set against historic squares, offer Hungarian crafts, hearty street food, mulled wine and ice skating, making it a must-visit festive destination. For the best tips, highlights and festive treats, take a look at our Budapest Christmas Market guide.
- Strasbourg: Often called the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg dazzles with its huge Christkindelsmärik and historic timber-framed buildings. Expect lights, local Alsatian treats, handcrafted decorations and a truly immersive festive atmosphere.
- Tallinn: Tallinn’s medieval Old Town becomes enchanting during the holidays. Its Christmas market features wooden stalls, festive lights, local handicrafts and warming drinks, all within a storybook-like setting perfect for families and romantics alike.
Which UK city has the best Christmas market?
When it comes to festive cheer, the UK has plenty of Christmas markets worth visiting, each with its own character. You can also check out our exclusive deals to make your visit even more enjoyable. Here’s a look at the most popular markets and why they’re so special to visitors:
- Edinburgh: Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is running across East and West Princes Street Gardens, George Street and St Andrew Square. With more than 70 stalls, classic rides, an ice rink and glowing lights beneath Edinburgh Castle, it creates a true winter wonderland. Explore our Edinburgh Christmas Market guide for more details.
- Birmingham: Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market fills Victoria Square and New Street with traditional German food, handmade gifts and festive music. As the UK’s biggest German-style market, it’s packed with glühwein, bratwurst and lively holiday energy. Discover more in our Birmingham Christmas Market guide.
- York: York’s St Nicholas Fair lines the historic centre with wooden chalets offering Yorkshire crafts, seasonal treats and warm drinks. Its cosy lanes, music and charming festive corners make it ideal for a relaxed Christmas experience. Visit our York Christmas Market guide for more information.
- London: London’s Christmas markets spread across the city, from Hyde Park Winter Wonderland to the Southbank and Covent Garden. With seasonal food, rides, ice skating and endless gift stalls, the capital delivers festive magic in every corner. Explore our London Christmas Market guide for more details.
- Bath: Bath Christmas Market surrounds Bath Abbey with more than 180 chalets selling artisan gifts, local crafts and festive snacks. The lights, music and Georgian backdrop make it one of the country’s most picturesque festive settings. See our Bath Christmas Market guide for more information.
- Winchester: Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market offers a charming mix of artisan stalls, seasonal treats and live entertainment set against stunning architecture. Its high-quality stalls and atmospheric setting make it a favourite for festive shopping. Explore our Winchester Christmas Market guide to learn more.
- Glasgow: Glasgow’s Winter Wonderland brings festive fun to St Enoch Square and Glasgow Green, offering rides, stalls, seasonal food and a lively festive atmosphere. With attractions like an observation wheel and winter village, it’s ideal for families and friends. Check out our Glasgow Christmas Market guide for details.
- Manchester: Manchester’s Christmas Markets are spread across ten central locations, featuring more than 270 stalls, street food, gifts and festive attractions. With music, rides and a vibrant holiday atmosphere, it remains one of the UK’s most loved festive destinations. Read our Manchester Christmas Market guide for more information.
Festive Christmas Market FAQs
What is the biggest Christmas market in Europe?
The biggest Christmas market in Europe is the Cologne Christmas Market in Germany. Spread across several themed markets, it features more than 150 stalls offering handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, mulled wine and classic seasonal treats. Its impressive size and variety make it one of Europe’s most visited Christmas destinations.
What is the most famous Christmas market in Europe?
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt in Germany is often considered the most famous Christmas market in Europe. Known for its centuries-old traditions, charming wooden stalls and famous treats like Lebkuchen and grilled sausages, it attracts visitors from all over the world seeking an authentic festive experience.
What is the oldest Christmas market in Europe?
The Dresden Striezelmarkt in Germany is the oldest Christmas market in Europe, dating back to 1434. Named after “Striezel,” a traditional German fruitcake, it offers historic charm, traditional crafts and festive entertainment, making it one of Europe’s most iconic seasonal markets.
What is the oldest Christmas market in the UK?
The Lincoln Christmas Market is the oldest Christmas market in the UK, first held in 1982. Set against the stunning Lincoln Cathedral, it has grown to include more than 200 stalls, blending British festive charm with traditional German market influences.
Which country has the best Christmas markets?
Germany is widely considered the country with the best Christmas markets, thanks to its long traditions, impressive city-wide celebrations and famous markets in Cologne, Munich, Nuremberg and Dresden.
Which Christmas markets have ice rinks?
Many popular Christmas markets across Europe feature ice rinks, adding extra winter fun to your festive visit. Cities such as Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Budapest and Strasbourg often include large seasonal rinks near their main markets. In the UK, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London, Edinburgh’s Christmas Market and Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens all offer festive ice skating experiences alongside their stalls, food and entertainment.
What to expect at the Christmas markets?
- Food & drink: Enjoy bratwurst, churros, pies, and local favourites like Belgian waffles or currywurst. Warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate, or spiced cider.
- Unique gifts & handmade crafts: Browse stalls filled with hand-knitted scarves, wooden toys, candles, jewellery, and festive décor. Ideal for picking up meaningful, artisan-made gifts.
- Live music & carols: Choirs, brass bands, and local performers bring festive cheer. The music adds a cosy, traditional atmosphere as you explore.
- Festive rides: Many markets feature carousels, Ferris wheels, and mini festive trains. Great fun for families, just keep some cash handy for ride tickets.
- Ice skating: Outdoor rinks add a magical touch. Whether confident or wobbly, skating under fairy lights is a must.
- Meet Santa: Kids can visit Santa’s grotto, often complete with elves and festive props. Many include a small gift or photo opportunity.
- Workshops & special events: Look out for wreath-making, gingerbread decorating, or storytelling sessions. These hands-on extras make the visit even more memorable.