Best Christmas markets in Europe

Do you already hear the bells ringing and the angels singing? Well, about time! December has officially kicked off and it is time to immerse yourself in the holiday cheer/Christmas spirit. And what better way to do that than at Christmas markets? Check out our list of Top 5 Christmas markets in Europe and find out which you should visit next!

Gdansk Christmas market

You might not expect it, but our first suggestion is the Christmas market in Gdansk, Poland. The beautiful city, located on the Baltic Sea, has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. In fact, the Gdansk Christmas market has been voted the best European Christmas market for 2024-2025, in an annual vote held by European Best Destinations. And why is that, you ask?

Well, Gdansk Christmas market has it all: illuminations, live performances, regional food and an abundance of stands with handmade gifts for you to purchase. Cozy up with a cup of mulled wine, or a deliciously spiced winter tea, and a plate of pierogi, surrounded by Christmas carols and magical Christmas decorations.

And if you’re a theatre fanatic, you’re sure to enjoy the live performances, ranging from traditional dance acts to poetry readings and acrobatics performances. One thing is for sure – the Gdansk Christmas market won’t let you leave bored!

When does the Gdansk Christmas market start?

The Christmas market in Gdansk has in fact already started. It takes place from the 22nd of November until the 23rd of December.

You can visit it at the following times:

Sunday to Thursday: 12 PM - 8 PM
Friday to Saturday: 12 PM - 9 PM

And the best of it all is that the entrance is completely free! That’s the spirit, eh?

Budapest Christmas market

Budapest, Hungary, is the home of multiple Christmas markets, smaller and bigger, but there is one that catches the most attention – Christmas market at the Advent Basilica. This is a market which has been previously voted the best European Christmas market, not once, not twice, but FOUR times in a row! It still remains one of the most popular Christmas markets across Europe.

When you’re there, you can enjoy regional foods, like the infamous Chimney cakes, and after you’ve eaten, burn those calories right off by getting out in the rink and ice skating your heart away. And if you’re in need of more entertainment, don’t worry, you can also watch people play with fire – literally. Fire dance performances are among the artistic events you can find at the Advent Basilica market.

When do the Christmas markets in Budapest start?

There’s many different Christmas markets in Budapest, but when it comes to the one and only Advent Basilica Christmas market, you can visit it from the 15th of November 2024 to the 1st of January 2025.

Here are the general opening hours:

Monday to Thursday: 11 AM - 10 PM
Friday to Saturday: 11 AM - 11 PM
Sunday: 11AM - 10 PM

Exceptions:

24th of December 2024: 11 AM - 3 PM
25th & 26th of December 2024: 11 AM - 8 PM
31st of December 2024: 11 AM - 3 AM
1st of January 2025: 11 AM - 6 PM

Just like the Gdansk Christmas market, the entrance is free of charge for everyone!

Geneva Christmas market

Another unforgettable winter experience is the ‘Noël au Quai’ Christmas market in Geneva, Switzerland. As it’s set along the shores of Lake Geneva, you can enjoy many of the market’s attractions whilst admiring the picturesque views.

Do you fancy Swiss chocolates to warm up your senses in the cold weather? Or feel like trying the iconic cheese fondue or raclette right at the source? Then think no more, Geneva Christmas market is the place to be! Round it off with the rich cultural scene and the countless sporting activities, from ice skating to skiing in the area, and you’ve got the perfect trip!

When does the Geneva Christmas market open?

You can visit the 'Noël au Quai’ Christmas market from the 21st of November up till the 24th of December.

Opening times:

Monday to Wednesday: 12 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 12 PM - 10 PM
Friday: 12 PM - 11 PM
Saturday: 11 AM - 11 PM
Sunday: 11 AM - 9 PM

Exceptions:

24th of December: 12 PM - 4 PM

Yet again, you can enter the market free of charge! It’s a gift that keeps on giving!

Cologne Christmas market

When we think about Christmas markets, Germany immediately comes to mind. As it should. There’s usually around 3,000 Christmas markets across the country. One of the places known for such festivity is Cologne. The city itself has four main Christmas markets: Cathedral, Heinzels, market of Angels and harbour Market. They are all located within reach of each other – so that you can see them all – yet, the Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral (Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom) is the most iconic one.

There you can stroll around with a cup of Kinderpunsch, snacking on your favourite German snacks, be it Currywurst, Käsespätzle or Knödel, and immerse yourself in the Christmas cheer. A nice little bonus for those environmentally conscious among us, since last year the market has been certified as a sustainable event. Need we say more?

When do the Christmas markets start in Cologne?

The Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral is open for visitors from the 18th of November until 23rd of December.

You can experience it for free:

Sunday to Wednesday: 11 AM - 9 PM
Thursday and Friday: 11 AM - 10 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 10 PM

Prague Christmas market

Last but not least on our list is the Old Town Square Christmas market in Prague, Czech Republic. As with other big cities, Prague hosts multiple Christmas markets, yet some are bigger than others. The most famous one is located on the charming Old Town Square and revolves around a beautiful Christmas tree – every day at half past the hour, the tree lights illuminate and create a light show for you to marvel at.

So if your idea of a perfect winter escapade involves endless cups of spiced mulled wine, gingerbread in many shapes and forms and regional delights you might’ve not heard of before, but are willing to try, Prague should go on your list!

And if that wasn’t enough to make you want to go, the Old Town Square market hosts some cool cultural events, such as an international advent and music festival, as well as a Prague advent meeting of choirs – needles to say the culture seeker in you will be satisfied. This market will certainly lift your (Christmas) spirit and who knows, you might walk out with a bag full of hand-made products and gifts that will put Santa to shame.

When do Christmas markets start in Prague?

The Old Town Square Christmas market in Prague has been open since the 30th of November and will remain so until the 6th of January 2025, operating daily from 10 AM to 10 PM free of charge. So if you can’t make it before Christmas, don’t worry, you can still check it off your list after the holidays, or maybe even celebrate New Year’s Eve there!

And there it is – the 5 Christmas markets you should consider for your winter getaway this year. Whichever you pick, you are guaranteed to feel the Christmas cheer, try regional food, sip on wonderfully spiced drinks, and admire Christmas decorations and illuminations. We don’t know about you, but that’s all we want for Christmas!

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