Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2024 – Maps, Dates, Times and More

We have compiled the ultimate list of the best Christmas markets in Europe (over 140 markets in total across 30+ articles). For a long time, festive markets have been a big part of Christmas celebrations– and with our guide, you never have to worry about your journey anymore.

For your convenience, here is the list of Christmas markets:

Christmas Markets in the UK

As the festive season unfolds, the United Kingdom transforms into a winter wonderland with enchanting Christmas markets scattered across its cities.  

Southbank Centre Winter Festival Christmas Market

The Southbank Centre Winter Festival, a cornerstone of London’s Christmas Markets, offers a unique experience with its festive charm and distinctive attractions. 

• Located at Queen’s Walk, London SE1 8XX, UK
• Dates & Hours: Nov 1 – Dec 26, 2024.
  • Sun-Thu: 11 AM – 10 PM | Fri-Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM.
• The Southbank Centre Winter Festival Christmas Market is known for its unique blend of music, markets, and performances.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Step into the holiday enchantment at the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market. Wander through the bustling stalls adorned with twinkling lights, where the air is filled with the aroma of sizzling bratwurst and the joyous sounds of carolers.

• Located at Victoria Square, Birmingham B1 1BB
• Dates & Hours: Nov 1 – Dec 24, 2024
  • Mon–Thu: 11 AM – 9 PM
  • Fri: 11 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Sat: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Sun: 10 AM – 9 PM
• Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is known for being the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria.

East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market

Nestled right in the heart of Edinburgh, this market is like stepping into a Christmas wonderland.

• Located at East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh EH1 2EE
• Dates & Hours: 15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025
  • Daily: 10 AM – 10 PM
• The East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market is known for its stunning view of the castle.

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in the UK.

Christmas Markets in Germany

Prepare to be transported to a winter wonderland as we delve into the heart of Christmas markets in Germany.

Nuremberg Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt)

Welcome to the iconic Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, a timeless celebration of the holiday season. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere as you stroll through the historic market square adorned with festive decorations. 

• Located at Hauptmarkt, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany.
• Dates & Hours: Nov 29 – Dec 24, 2024.
  • Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 9 PM. Dec 24: Closes at 2 PM.
• The Nuremberg Christmas Market, known as Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt, is known for being Germany’s most popular and one of the biggest Christmas markets.

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt

Steeped in history dating back to 1434, the Striezelmarkt is the oldest Christmas market in Germany and one of the most famous worldwide. It boasts over 250 stalls overflowing with traditional handicrafts, delectable treats like the namesake “Striezel” (fruit bread), and festive ornaments.

• Located at Altmarkt Square, 01067 Dresden, Germany.
• Dates & Hours: November 27 to December 24, 2024
  • Daily: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Opening Day: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Christmas Eve: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is renowned for being the oldest Christmas market in Germany and one of the most popular in the world.

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market

Welcome to the magical Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, where festive joy radiates in the shadow of the iconic cathedral. Wander through the enchanting stalls, adorned with twinkling lights, and experience the heartwarming atmosphere. 

• Located at Roncalliplatz, Roncallipl., 50667 Köln, Germany.
• Dates & Hours: Nov 18 – Dec 23, 2024
  • Sun-Wed: 11 AM – 9 PM | Thu-Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM​
• The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is known for being set against the backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral.

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in Germany.

Christmas Markets in France

Let the romance of the holiday season come alive as we traverse the charming Christmas markets of France.

Tuileries Christmas Market (La Magie de Noël)

Where can we discover the magic of Christmas in Paris if not at the Tuileries Christmas Market, also known as La Magie de Noël? 

• Located at the Tuileries Garden 75001 Paris.
• Opening from November 18, 2024 – January 7, 2025
• Daily: 11 AM – 12 AM
• The Tuileries Christmas Market, La Magie de Noëlnation is known for being set against a stunning backdrop of the Tuileries Gardens.

Place de la Cathédrale Christmas Market

Place de la Cathédrale is a beautiful and festive market located in front of the iconic Strasbourg Cathedral.

• Located at Place de la Cathédrale, Strasbourg, France
• Open from Nov 22 – Dec 24, 2024 | Daily: 11:30 AM–9 PM
• The Place de la Cathédrale Christmas Market is known for its stunning views of the Strasbourg Cathedral. 

Lyon Christmas Market

The Lyon Christmas Market is a magical place to experience the festive spirit. It is a great place to do your Christmas shopping, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and simply soak up the festive atmosphere.

• Located at Place Carnot, 69002 Lyon, France
• Nov 22 – Dec 24, 2024
  • Sun-Thu: 10:30 AM – 8 PM | Fri-Sat: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
• The Lyon Christmas Market is known for being one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in France. 

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in France.

Other Christmas Markets in Europe

Embark on a festive journey through the diverse Christmas markets that expands on the European landscape.

Immerse yourself in the multicultural festivities, savoring the distinctive traditions that make each Christmas market a special and memorable experience.

The Deutscher Weihnachtsmarkt Sofia

In the heart of Sofia, Bulgaria, the Deutscher Weihnachtsmarkt stands as a beacon of German holiday tradition.

• Located in the City garden, 1000 Old City Center, Sofia.
• Dates & Hours: Nov 17 – Dec 22, 2024 | Daily: 11 AM – 9 PM
• The Deutscher Weihnachtsmarkt Sofia is known and is famous for mixing Bulgarian and German holiday traditions.

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in Sofia.

Castle Square Christmas Market

Step into a fairytale at the heart of Old Town! Over 100 stalls overflow with handcrafted decorations, regional treats, and warming drinks like mulled wine.

• Located at Castle Square, Warsaw, Poland
• Dates & Hours: Nov 17 – Dec 22, 2024 | Daily: 11 AM – 9 PM
• The Castle Square Christmas Market is renowned for its towering Christmas tree, having live performances, a carousel, and charming wooden stalls.

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in Warsaw.

Museumplein Christmas Market

Museumplein Market is a festive haven nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, offering a delightful blend of holiday cheer and vibrant market ambiance.

• Located at Museumplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• Dates & Hours: Nov 22 – Dec 26, 2024 | Daily: 11 AM – 10 PM
• The Museumplein Christmas Market is known for being near major museums, this market provides a cultural experience alongside festive shopping. 

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in Amsterdam.

Skansen Christmas Market

Skansen is an open-air museum located in Stockholm. The museum features a variety of historical buildings and exhibits, including a traditional Swedish Christmas village and Christmas market.

• Located at Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden.
• Dates & Hours: November 25 – December 24, 2024
  • Daily: 10 AM – 4 PM
• The Skansen Christmas Market is known for being located at the world’s oldest open-air museum. The market features stalls selling traditional Swedish food and drink, as well as Christmas decorations and gifts.

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in Stockholm.

Vörösmarty Square Chistmas Market

Let’s turn our attention to the Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square. We’ll look at how to get there, its opening hours, and why it’s a must-visit during the holiday season.

• Located at Vörösmarty tér, 1051 Budapest, Hungary.
• Dates & Hours: November 15, 2024 – December 31, 2024
  • Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Weekends: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• The Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market is famous because it’s at Vörösmarty Square near the Danube River.

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in Budapest.

Helsinki Christmas Market

The Helsinki Christmas Market stands as a major seasonal attraction in the city. Essential details such as its location, accessibility, and operational hours are crucial for planning a visit.

• Located at Senate Square in 00170 Helsinki, Finland.
• Dates & Hours: November 29 – December 22, 2024
  • Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• The Helsinki Christmas Market is known for being centrally located in Senate Square. It offers a unique blend of traditions, making it an intriguing destination for holiday enthusiasts.

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in Helsinki.

Mercado de Navidad de la Plaza Mayor

The Mercado de Navidad de la Plaza Mayor is the most famous Christmas market in Madrid. It is located in the heart of the city, in the historic Plaza Mayor Square.

• Located at Plaza Mayor, s/n, 28012 Madrid, Spain
• Dates & Hours: November 28 – December 31, 2024
  • Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday to Sunday and holidays: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• The Mercado de Navidad de la Plaza Mayor is known for its wide variety of Christmas products, including nativity scenes, decorations, toys, and food. It is also known for its festive atmosphere, with live music and entertainment.

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in Madrid.

Place De La Constitution: Wantermaart

Let’s explore the magic of Wantermaart at Place De La Constitution, a highlight of Luxembourg’s Christmas markets.

• Located at Constitution Square, 2 Bd Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1116 Ville-Haute Luxembourg.
• Dates & Hours: November 24, 2024 – January 7, 2025
  • Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Open: Sunday –  Thursday, from 12 pm to 9 pm, Fridays – Saturdays, from 11 am to 10 pm
• The Place De La Constitution: Wantermaart is known for having chalets gathered every year under the statue of Gelle Frä.

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in Luxembourg.

Piazza Navona Christmas Market

Let’s explore the Piazza Navona Christmas Market one of the highlights of Rome’s Christmas scene. 

• Located at ​​ Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.
• Traditionally operates from December 8 to January 6, open daily from 10 am to 1 am on weekdays and until 2 am on weekends.
• Open from 10 am until 1 am during the week, on the weekends, from 10 am until 2 am
• The Piazza Navona Christmas Market is known for being set against the backdrop of Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and Saint Agnes Church.

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in Rome.

Mercatino di Natale Christmas Market

The largest and most popular Christmas market in Milan, this festive event features over 60 stalls selling a variety of Christmas products, including decorations, ornaments, nativity scenes, and Befana stockings. Visitors can also indulge in delicious seasonal treats and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

• Located at Piazza Duomo, Milan, Italy
• Dates & Hours: December 1, 2024 – January 6, 2025
  • Daily: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• The Mercatino di Natale Christmas Market is known for its iconic view of the Duomo. It offers a festive atmosphere and a stunning location to celebrate the holidays.

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in Milan.

The Dublin Castle Christmas Market

Immerse yourself in the festive charm of Dublin Castle Christmas Market. Nestled in the heart of the city, this market offers a magical experience with its array of stalls, twinkling lights, and seasonal delights.

• Located at Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin, Ireland.
• Dates & Hours: Nov 28 – Dec 18, 2024, from 12 PM to 9 PM daily.
• The Dublin Castle Christmas Market is known for offering artisan products produced by local Irish artists. The market also boasts festive food stalls and live entertainment.

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in Dublin.

Christkindlmarkt Christmas Market

In the heart of Vienna, the Christkindlmarkt awaits, a must-visit destination during the festive season.  Known for its unique charm, we will also uncover what makes this market especially interesting.

• Located at Rathausplatz in the heart of Vienna.
• Dates & Hours: November 15 – December 26, 2024
  • Daily: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Christkindlmarkt is the biggest and most popular Christmas market in Vienna. It has a reputation for its exquisite handcrafted items, festive decorations, and unique gastronomical delights, making it a captivating destination for visitors worldwide.

Here is our full article on the Complete List of Christmas Markets in Vienna. 

Final Thoughts

We’ve journeyed through the best Christmas markets in Europe. Each one, a unique blend of culture, tradition, and holiday cheer. So, if you’re in Europe during the festive season, make sure to visit at least one of these markets. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Have a happy holidays!