Strasbourg, France

Start in Strasborough, undoubtedly the capital of Christmas—the whole city a big magical Christmas playground. As the November chill settles over the city, it awakens in a dazzling display of decorations, sounds of carolers, and lighted walkways connecting markets spread across numerous squares—from Broglie to Cathedral, Castle, Kléber, Fish Market, Temple Neuf, Saint-Thomas, Benjamin Zix, et al. Chalets or stalls line the historic streets, offering artisanal crafts, fragrant mulled wine, and not-to-be-missed local Christmas delicacies like Choucroute and Bredele, The majestic cathedral stands sentinel, its Gothic spires glowing in the winter twilight. Each corner reveals a new wonder, from handcrafted toys to shimmering decorations, making Strasbourg a magical destination.

Chrìstkìndelsmärik on Place Broglie is, of course, the traditional Christmas market, first held in 1570 and one of the oldest in Europe. In 1871, after being held in various locations in the city, the market took up permanent residence here.

November 27, 2024, to December 27, 2024

Immortalise your visit to Strasbourgh by taking a photo under the famous Chrìstkìndelsmärik arch, where the scent of cinnamon mingles with the flavours of Alsace: sauerkraut, tarts flambées and other specialities.

Metz, France

The Christmas market in Metz is a captivating celebration that transforms the historic city into a winter wonderland. One of the largest in France, it is spread across five main locations, each brimming with festive charm. At Place de la République, be stunned by a central Christmas tree and nativity scene, alongside an ice rink and a delightful Christmas pyramid. The market boasts over 30 wooden chalets offering an array of artisanal crafts, delicious local delicacies, and holiday treats. Place Saint Louis, known for its medieval architecture, is where the original market began, while Place d’Armes invites guests to enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel. With its blend of history, culture, and festive spirit, Metz embodies the true essence of the holiday season.

November 24, 2024 to December 30, 2024

Go to Place de Chambre where you’ll see about twenty heated see-through bubbles that form the igloo village and Sentier des Lanternes or lantern-lit path which sits on the Moselle River.

Brussels, Belgium

In Brussels, the annual Winter Wonders market envelops the city in holiday magic. The Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, transforms into a stunning festive scene with a Ferris wheel, twinkling carousels, curling and ice-rinks for skating—highlighted by a majestic Christmas tree adorned with shimmering lights and filled with the joyful sounds of music. If you are a chocolate lover, the market is a double whammy—sampling decadent artisanal chocolates at vibrant stalls becomes a way of life. Gorging on freshly-made Belgian waffles, crispy on the outside and fluffy within, drizzled with rich chocolate, while watching a captivating sound and light show, is delightful and you can spend hours immersed in the enchanting atmosphere.

November 21, 2024 to December 26, 2025

The shopping streets in Brussels have special lights during Christmas festivities, as part of Brussels by Lights. This year, the project includes 168 streets and a new interactive geocaching trail, Eikosis. The city centre's shopping streets can be explored on two fun 1.5-hour walks.

Nuremberg, Germany

One of the world's oldest Christmas markets, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, with the stunning Gothic St. Lorenz Church as the backdrop is enchanting. With the wooden booths of the ‘little city of wood and cloth’ overflowing with handmade ornaments, nutcrackers, and sweet treats like Lebkuchen and Spekulatius, the market is a wonderland of laughter, carols, Rauschgold angels, colourful stars and the delicious scent of Bratwurst. Savour them, sip on Glühwein, soak in the joyful atmosphere, and be sure to catch the children’s lantern parade on December 12 at 5:45 p.m.

November 29, 2024 to December 24, 2024

Nuremberg Rostbratwurst, only as thick as a finger, are prepared the traditional way on an open beech wood fire. Always order the Franconian way: “Drei im Weggla–Three in a bun.”

Munich, Germany

The magnificent backdrop of Neues Rathaus or the New Town Hall is the stage for the iconic Munich Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt. With roots dating back to the 14th century, the market found its permanent place in the heart of the city in 1972 as the Münchner Christkindlmarkt. When the 25-metre-high Christmas tree with 3000 candles shines in all its glory, the mulled wine wafts its scent and angel hair glitters, pre-Christmas magic fills the centrepiece of Munich. Bustling with holiday spirit and the sound of bells, meandering through the stalls, overflowing with local delicacies and handcrafted gifts, the market is an experience like no other. Indulge in Lebkuchenherzen, those heart-shaped gingerbread cookies decorated with icing, sample Bratwurst, sizzling on the grill, and in the warmth of the market filled with laughter and cheerful chatter simply fill yourself with festive cheer. A few steps away from Marienplatz, visit Germany's largest Kripperlmarkt at St. Peter’s, a treasure trove for nativity scenes, figurines, and accessories, each standl offering items ranging from grand oriental displays to charming alpine miniatures.

November 25, 2024 to December 24, 2024

Sing along to Christmas carols amidst the lively crowd at Münchner Christkindlmarkt with well-known musicians leading the chorus.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s Christmas market in the Old Town Square, Staroměstské náměstí, is like a scene from a storybook. A towering Christmas tree, adorned with colourful decorations serves as a stunning focal point for many vibrant stalls. Savour Trdelník, a sweet pastry rolled in cinnamon and sugar, while admiring the magnificent architecture of the Týn Church. The market radiates a sense of history and warmth, and each stall filled with exquisite crafts—from intricate glass ornaments to handmade wooden toys—tells its own story. As when snowflakes began to fall (they did when I was there a couple of years ago), the enchanting scene transforms, with lights reflecting off the cobblestone streets. Another prominent market is at Wenceslas Square or Václavské náměstí, just 5 minutes away. Today, Prague is also home to over a dozen different Christmas markets, set along some of the most scenic and famous backdrops in the entire world.

November 30, 2024 to January 6, 2024

Gorge on halusky, a Czech dish combining cabbage, potato dumplings, and Prague ham

Vienna, Austria

In the heart of Vienna, Christmas lights twinkle against the city's historic architecture, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. The markets around Rathausplatz are particularly captivating, with each stall offering local crafts like hand-painted ornaments, delicate glass baubles, and the famous Viennese Sachertorte. Plastic is rare, and wood, straw, glass, ceramics and fabric dominate. As evening falls, watch thousands of lights illuminate the snow-dusted landscape, sing along with locals to festive music echoing through the square and breathe in the aroma of fried sausages, melted cheese, and goulash soup, the tang of roasted almonds and toffee apples, and the sweet fragrance of countless scented soaps and candles. While the atmosphere alone justifies a visit, the markets also make for excellent shopping.

November 16, 2024 to December 26, 2024

Munching on roasted chestnuts while listening to light classical music in a historical venue on a crisp winter evening adds a touch of pleasure to the seasonal experience.

Budapest, Hungary

The Christmas spirit in Budapest is at its most vibrant in Vorosmarty Square and Basilica. Vorosmarty Square, the city's oldest market, sits at its heart, and a delightful mix of food stalls, artisanal handicrafts, and free concerts create a festive ambience. Here, soak in the scent of traditional Hungarian treats, and sampling them take a short stroll to Advent Basilica, winner of the Best Christmas Market in Europe Award of 2019, 2021 and 2023, and without doubt one of the most beautiful Christmas fairs in Europe.

This Christmas market in front of St. Stephen's Basilica in one of the most impressive, beautiful and breathtaking squares of the Hungarian capital, which while featuring stalls and performances, presents magic through spectacular laser projections that dance across the Basilica's façade. Adding to the charm, an ice rink encircles a grand Christmas tree, inviting families and friends to glide gracefully amid twinkling lights.

November 17, 2024 to January 1, 2025

The facade of the Basilica with a monumental 3-dimensional video mapping enhances the festive

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is undoubtedly one of Europe’s finest Christmas markets, which unfolds in the heart of its medieval town—with snow-dusted rooftops and cobblestone streets creating a picturesque backdrop. Town Hall Square buzzes with wooden stalls offering handmade wreaths, local crafts, sweets, and sheepskin rugs. Brass bands and dance troupes fill the air with festive cheer, while Santa arrives on a reindeer sleigh to greet children before they whirl on the merry-go-round. Each year since 1441, Estonia's biggest Christmas tree graces the square, making it one of the continent's first displays.

November 22, 2024 to December 27, 2024

Do not miss out on Estonian Christmas cuisine—a feast of tastes ranging from black pudding and sour cabbage to gingerbread and hot Christmas drinks.

Craiova, Romania

Craiova Christmas market, recognised as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe for four consecutive years, is like immersing yourself in the joy of childhood. With exceptional cultural programmes and entertainment for all ages, Craiova boasts a stunning ice rink—celebrated as one of the most beautiful in Europe. You will be enthralled by the enchanting Christmas cottages, an original Christmas tree, crowned as the Most Beautiful in Europe, and spectacular festive lights—makes Craiova the most magical of Christmas markets. More so, this year, since the theme is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale The Snow Queen.

November 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025

Enjoy concerts, Santa's creative workshops, Romania's tallest Ferris wheel, and delicious traditional cuisine.