Christmas markets in Europe

Vienna’s Christmas markets are romantic, sprawling across the city’s squares and boasting an array of artistic displays among the stalls.

• Runs November 13 to December 26, 2026 at the Rathausplatz (City Hall)
• Features a winding ice-skating rink, illuminated at night
• See the “Tree of Hearts” and floating light displays
• Head to the Karlskirche church to see the market dedicated to art
• Visit the Old Viennese Market at Freyung, dating to 1772
• Try Punsch, served in the market’s new collectible mug each year

Explore Cologne’s Christmas markets for their many unique themed villages, artisan stalls, and light displays.

• Runs November 16 to December 23, 2026, by the cathedral
• See the Cathedral Market and its massive tree, breathtaking at night
• Visit the Heinzels Winter Fairytale Market, inspired by house gnomes
• Wander the Harbor Market by the water, see ship-sail-esque stall roofs
• Try Eierpunsch (egg punch) served in collectible mugs

Visit Strasbourg's dazzling markets to try French mulled wine and stroll its lavishly decorated streets.

• Running November 27 to December 24, 2026 across several squares
• Spot the massive decorated tree in Place Kléber, with hourly shows
• Stroll the heart of the markets in Place Broglie
• Shop for handcrafted goods at Place du Château 
• Try mulled wine, fresh pretzels, and local Bredele Christmas cookies

Watch Prague’s dramatic streets transform into a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, massive trees, and artisan markets.

• Main markets run November 28, 2026, to January 6, 2027
• Shop Old Town and Wenceslas square markets, with tree light shows
• Explore the Náměstí Míru market for a quieter local experience
• Sip on hot chocolate near the Charles Bridge at Kampa Island Market
• Try bramboráky, fried potato pancakes with garlic and marjoram

Join Budapest’s festive flurry and enjoy light shows, craft stalls, and local food chalets.

• Running mid-November through Jan. 1, 2027
• Ice skate and see the Advent Feast light show (Szent István tér)
• Shop for handicrafts in Vörösmarty Square Market, the city’s oldest
• Find a cozy, local vibe at the Óbuda Christmas Fair 
• Try classic Kürtőskalács, a sugar and cinnamon spiral pastry

Find vintage holiday charm and rich German tradition at Nuremberg’s Christmas market.

• Runs November 27 to December 24, 2026
• Explore the main Hauptmarkt market, with up to 180 stalls
• Visit the children’s market for its carousel, steam train, and workshops
• See the international booths of the Sister Cities Market
• Sample Nürnberger Lebkuchen, a gingerbread loaded with nuts and spices