Trip Ideas Holiday Travel Christmas Travel 10 Festive Christmas Markets in Europe To Visit Here are 10 of the best Christmas markets in Europe. By Alison Fox Alison Fox Instagram Twitter Alison Fox is a journalist whose work regularly appears in Travel + Leisure. She has also written for Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and amNewYork. She focuses on travel news and feature stories based on personal experiences and interviews. Born in Brooklyn and a lifelong traveler, she developed a love for exploring the world at an early age and hopes to visit every country. * Traveled to 50+ countries * Received a master's degree in journalism from Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University * Received a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 3, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Adri/Getty Images As European countries continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Christmas markets around the continent may be affected. This list will be updated regularly to include what is currently open. Colorful rows of glittering fairy lights surrounding charming cobblestone streets with small wooden figurines ready to come home in your suitcase — it sounds like a dream. The holiday season is one of the best times to go to Europe with the festive spirit in full swing and the cold weather just mild enough to walk around. And Christmas markets, found in towns large and small, are one of the best ways to soak it all in. Drink mulled wine and nibble on petite cookies as you meander around the stalls and chalets from Strasbourg to Berlin to Amsterdam and beyond. Stuff your suitcase with figurines made of prune in Germany and collect tartan Christmas ornaments in Scotland. These are 10 of the best Christmas markets in Europe, by country. Some markets might be a little different this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, but many are coming back (in some form) for the season. Related: More holiday travel ideas Germany ullstein bild/Getty Images Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market Marvel at the fairy lights that illuminate this historic market in Germany's capital city. Shop traditional blown glass, wood carvings, and more. Head to the heated tents for some food and fill up on Bavarian treats. On New Year's Eve, be dazzled by the fireworks from the celebratory tents, ringing in the new year with cheer. Please note, masks are mandatory at the market according to the German 2G rule. When: Nov. 22 to Dec. 31 Where: Berlin, Germany France Getty Images Strasbourg Christmas Market Miles of fairy lights illuminate this city along the Rhine River as its Christmas market dates back to 1570 — Strasbourg used to be part of German Rhineland. Shop wooden toys and blown glass candles from the more than 300 market stalls where you can find the perfect souvenir. After, dig into some Alsatian bredele (traditional small cookies), or foie gras in true French fashion. When: Nov. 26 to Dec. 26 Where: Strasbourg, France Christmas Market at La Défense This market is the biggest in the Paris area, with more than 300 chalets showcasing crafts and thousands of square feet of merry decorations, all underneath the Grande Arche de la Defense. After a long day of shopping, go ahead and indulge in some cheese — you are in France, after all. When: Nov. 25 - Dec. 29 Where: Paris, France United Kingdom Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park Sip hot chocolate topped with marshmallows or mulled wine in London's Hyde Park as you shop for candle votives, ornaments, crafts, and gourmet food. After shopping, go ice skating or choose from different roller coasters before going to meet Santa. When: Nov. 19 to Jan. 3 Where: London, England Edinburgh's Christmas Load up on sweets with cinnamon and sugar chimney cakes and cotton candy at this joyous celebration in the Scottish capital as you shop for hand carved wooden candle holders and Tartan Christmas ornaments. Later, spend a few hours in Santa Land where you can ride the Candy Cane Bungees and bumper cars. When: Nov. 20 to Jan. 4 Where: Edinburgh, Scotland Austria Getty Images Salzburg Christmas Market This historic market dates as far back as the 15th century and turns the area at the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress and around the cathedral of Salzburg into a winter wonderland with 95 different exhibitors. Breathe in the smell of hot chestnuts and mulled wine as you wander the charming market. When: Nov. 18 to Dec. 26 Where: Salzburg, Austria Spain Mario Guti/Getty Images Plaza Mayor Christmas Market Pick up Belen figures to make your very own nativity scene as well as intricate ornaments to decorate with at this centrally located Madrid market. While there, soak up the history of this large plaza, dating back to when King Philip II moved his court to Madrid. When: Nov. 26 to Dec. 31 Where: Madrid, Spain Italy Flavio Vallenari/Getty Images Piazza del Duomo Market Stroll underneath the gothic-style cathedral of Milan's Duomo with a warm drink in hand as you browse the charming stalls and small huts set up in long rows. Shop Italian cheeses and Yuletide souvenirs as you take in the spirit of the city, making it the perfect way to cap off a day of sightseeing. When: Dec. 1 to Jan. 6 Where: Milan, Italy Netherlands ROBIN UTRECHT/Getty Images Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs This "winter paradise" is a sport and entertainment dream with Christmas spirit and seasonal delicacies built right in. Try your hand at a game of curling, have a snowball fight with real snow, or go tubing. Later, warm up by roasting marshmallows on the fire or heading to the Christmas cinema for a nostalgic Christmas movie. When: Dec. 19 - Jan. 3 Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit