7 best European Christmas markets

By Jeremy Rochow
Published: Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Christmas in Europe means snow-covered cathedrals, hot chocolate and colourful decorations. Here are out 7 best European Christmas markets.

1.) Prague

There are a few Christmas markets to explore in Prague, but the most famous can be found at Old Town Square.

The Old Town Square Market is known for its vibrancy, live carol concerts and dance performances. Sip spiced mulled wine while you look for gifts. Don’t miss the mouth-watering barbecued pork or trdelnik – a hot cake wrapped around a stick, rolled in cinnamon and sugar, then cooked over a grill.

Delicious trdelnik in Prague.

2.) Strasbourg

The French town of Strasbourg transforms into the capital of Christmas over the festive period, dazzling visitors and locals alike with twinkling light displays, three majestic Christmas trees and dozens of festivities. You’ll find concerts and choir performances wowing crowds along the cobbled streets well into the night.

Christmas time in Strasbourg, France.

3.) Nuremberg

Although there are several German markets that could be included in this list, Christkindlesmarkt in the medieval city of Nuremberg can put forward a worthy case for being the best in the country. Dating back to 1628, the main market in the city’s largest square, Hauptmarkt, hums with visitors enjoying the colour and music.

Mass-produced merchandise is forbidden so you’ll only find the best quality, locally made goods. As you peruse the stalls, keep warm with glasses of Glühwein and spicy grilled sausages.

You’ll only find quality, locally made goods at Nuremberg Christmas markets.

4.) Zagreb

Once upon a time, the Zagreb Christmas Market was one of Croatia’s best kept secrets, but over the past few years, the town’s festivities have grown in popularity.

Lanterns light up the avenues of trees in Zrinjevac Park, and European Square holds music events each evening.

Festivities in Zagreb, Croatia.

5.) Tallinn

If your Christmas dream is to see Santa Claus come riding into town on a reindeer-pulled sleigh, then head to the Tallinn Christmas market in Estonia. The other highlight of this market is its Christmas tree, arguably the first in Europe, which has been put up in front of the town hall since 1441.

Christmas market in Talinn, Estonia.

6.) Vienna

Vienna is one of those European cities that looks even more beautiful when covered in snow, making it the perfect place to visit during Christmas. The Viennese Christmas Market has everything from reindeer rides to an ice rink for skating and curling.

Vienna illuminated by Christmas lights.

7.) Helsinki

Helsinki might just be the only city in the world with a wood-heated sauna smack bang in the middle of its Christmas market.

This market couldn’t get any more Finnish if it tried.

Eat traditional pastries, preserves from Lapland in the north of the country, ethically produced reindeer meat and locally caught fish. While Santa Claus lives in the north of Finland, he does make a daily visit to the markets, staying in his own cottage where you can meet him.

Christmas in Helsinki, Finland.

RAA can take you anywhere

Dreaming of your next overseas holiday? Let the experts at RAA Travel take you there.

Find out more