Christmas in Europe: 10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe to Visit in 2025
Christmas in Europe is nothing, but magic – twinkling lights, mulled wine, cheerful music and smiling faces everywhere. Whether you're travelling with family, friends or as a couple, Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets will instantly put you in the festive spirit. Here are 10 of the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2025 that you shouldn't miss.
1. Berlin, Germany – Christmas Magic at the Gendarmenmarkt
Location: Bebelplatz (relocated due to construction work)
Dates: 24 November – 31 December 2025
Berlin is one of the top destinations when it comes to the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. The former Gendarmenmarkt, now at Bebelplatz, is the embodiment of festive elegance. Enjoy the smell of roasted almonds and try specialities such as Berlin currywurst, potato pancakes or hot apple wine. The atmosphere here gets particularly romantic in the evening when musicians and choirs perform on stage.
2. Paris, France – Marché de Noël de La Défense
Location: Esplanade de La Défense
Dates: 20 November – 27 December 2025
Paris turns into a sparkling winter wonderland at Christmas time. The city’s largest Christmas market, the Marché de Noël de La Défense, delights visitors with over 150 market stalls. Here you will find everything from French specialities to handmade gifts and festive decorations. Children will enjoy an ice rink and a carousel.
Try crêpes, raclette and vin chaud as you stroll through the modern glass towers of La Défense. Christmas in Europe has rarely been so stylish!
3. Cologne, Germany – Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral
Location: Roncalliplatz
Dates: 24 November – 23 December 2025
One of Germany’s most beautiful Christmas markets and perhaps one of the best Christmas markets in Europe – is set against the impressive backdrop of Cologne Cathedral. More than 150 lovingly decorated stalls offer handicrafts, jewellery and delicious local specialities.
Be sure to try Rhenish potato pancakes with apple sauce and the famous Cologne mulled wine. Children would love the fairy-tale train and the large nativity scene with real animals. And the huge, illuminated Christmas tree makes for a perfect photo opportunity.
4. Vienna, Austria – Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz
Location: Rathausplatz
Dates: 14 November – 26 December 2025
The Vienna Christmas Market is undoubtedly one of the top Christmas markets in Europe. The magnificent baroque architecture and sparkling Christmas lights create an incomparably romantic atmosphere here.
The air is filled with the scent of punch, vanilla crescent cookies and baked apples. Children will love decorating gingerbread cookies, while couples can skate around the ice rink on Rathausplatz. Every hut here is decorated by hand, which makes this market one of the most traditional Christmas markets in Europe.
5. Prague, Czechia – Old Town Christmas Market
Location: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square
Dates: 29 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
In Prague, the towers of the old town sparkle in a sea of lights during the festive season. The market on Old Town Square is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, while Prague itself is one of the most atmospheric European Christmas destinations.
Try Czech specialities such as trdelník (chimney cake) and svařené víno (mulled wine) while listening to traditional choirs. And don’t miss the highlight of this market - a large stage with live music and performances.
6. Budapest, Hungary – Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square
Location: Vörösmarty tér
Dates: 8 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
Budapest is a real insider tip for anyone looking for the best winter markets in Europe away from the tourist crowds. The market on Vörösmarty Square impresses with traditional crafts, fairy lights and Hungarian specialities.
Enjoy langos, goulash in bread loaves and Hungarian mulled wine. In the evening, the façade of the Gerbeaud House gets illuminated with 3D projections – a highlight of the evening. While there, take a walk along the Danube promenade, Christmas lights make the building look especially magical.
7. Essen, Germany – International Christmas Market
Location: City centre around Kennedyplatz
Dates: 14 November – 23 December 2025
Essen is known for its International Christmas Market, which attracts visitors from all over Europe. More than 250 stalls from over 20 countries offer delicacies and handicrafts from around the world.
Here you can try Italian cannoli, Finnish flambéed salmon or Spanish churros – in culinary terms, this market is a little European festival. This place is a heaven for shoppers!
8. Birmingham, United Kingdom – The Cathedral Square Craft Market
Location: Cathedral Square
Dates: 7 November – 24 December 2025
The Christmas Cathedral Square Craft Market is a truly charming market, where local artists and craftspeople gather in the lovingly decorated surroundings of the cathedral.
Here you’ll find unique items such as handmade ceramics, jewellery, wooden toys and modern Christmas decorations. Mulled wine, festive hot drinks and hearty snacks from small local vendors keep you warm and well fed.
Live music and street performers create a relaxed atmosphere – ideal for couples or families who want to enjoy a more personal Christmas break. It’s a wonderful stop for anyone planning European Christmas market break this winter.
9. Edinburgh, Scotland – East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market
Location: East Princes Street Gardens
Dates: 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Christmas is celebrated in style in Edinburgh. From castle to squares to medieval alleyways, the city is transformed into a winter wonderland.
The market offers Scottish specialities such as haggis balls, hot toddies and fudge. In addition to the stalls, there is an ice rink, a Ferris wheel and a magical maze of lights. The festive atmosphere continues until the famous Hogmanay, the spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration. Edinburgh is one of the best Christmas city breaks in Europe for couples and families alike.
10. Krakow, Poland – Christmas Market on the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
Location: Main Market Square in the Old Town
Dates: 29 November – 6 January 2026
This Christmas market in Krakow is considered one of the most romantic Christmas markets in Europe. The Old Town, with its Gothic towers and colourful lights, creates a fairytale backdrop.
Here you will find handmade wooden toys, pottery and traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi and oscypek (smoked cheese). Visitors find the nativity scenes being particularly impressive.
Whether you’re drinking mulled wine at the Cologne cathedral, sampling French cheese in Paris or strolling through Edinburgh in the Scottish snow, European Christmas markets are a feast for all the senses. Each one tells its own story and shows how diverse and magical Christmas in Europe can be.
Book your stay at Leonardo Hotels and experience Europe’s best Christmas market holidays now.
