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The 7 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe
The 7 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe
Discover Europe’s Most Beautiful Christmas Markets
Every year, starting in mid-November, entire streets are adorned with sparkling decorations and garlands, while charming wooden chalets line the most beautiful squares, accompanied by majestic fir trees decked with dazzling ornaments. It's the Christmas season in Europe’s most enchanting cities! Here, cozy food stalls, local artisans, and unique holiday customs await travellers eager for wonder and the chance to (re)discover cities transformed into winter wonderlands that captivate everyone.
For the 2024 season, we invite you to explore a series of unforgettable itineraries that will immerse you in the magic of this season at every stop, bringing you closer to the most beautiful Christmas markets in France and across Europe! Let us guide you through the top 7 must-visit destinations for this magical time of year.
Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas
Strasbourg’s Christmas Market is one of the oldest in the world and one of the largest in Europe, and the city is known as “the Capital of Christmas”. Since 1570, Strasbourg has embodied the very spirit of the holiday season. Every year, over three million visitors come to explore the various markets scattered throughout Strasbourg’s Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the base of its impressive Gothic cathedral—once the tallest building in the world for two centuries—to the iconic Christmas tree on Place Kléber, Strasbourg invites you to discover the rich heritage of Alsatian craftsmanship, regional cuisine, and authentic holiday traditions.
As you wander through over 300 chalets offering regional and artisanal products, surrounded by the aroma of mulled wine and the sounds of Advent melodies, let yourself be transported by the spirit of Christmas. More than just a seasonal event, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is a journey into the heart of Alsatian traditions, drawing visitors from around the world to experience this warm, authentic celebration of the holidays.
Christmas Traditions in the heart of Imperial Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, offers a romantic and enchanting Christmas experience that draws visitors from all over the world. The main Christmas market, held in front of the Town Hall, features breathtaking decorations that create a fairytale atmosphere. The stalls are filled with handcrafted ornaments and Austrian treats such as Viennese pastries, gingerbread, and mulled wine. Adding to the festive ambiance, numerous classical music concerts and choirs bring a cultural richness to the experience.
A large ice rink encircles the Town Hall, enhancing the festive spirit and making Vienna a year-end destination that seamlessly blends culture, tradition, and architectural beauty.
A Bohemian Christmas in the Heart of Prague
Situated in Old Town Square, Prague's Christmas market offers a captivating setting surrounded by Baroque and Gothic architecture. Here, you’ll find charming holiday decorations and handmade souvenirs, as well as the opportunity to try a local specialty: trdelník, a Central European pastry made from leavened dough, roasted on a wooden skewer, and coated in sugar. Immerse yourself in Bohemian Christmas traditions with carols, illuminations, and a large nativity scene. The combination of historic architecture, twinkling lights, and delicious aromas makes this market a truly unforgettable experience and a must-visit in Central Europe.
Christmas at the foot of Cologne Cathedral
Nestled beneath its renowned Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cologne’s Christmas market is one of Germany’s most beloved. Spread across the city in various themed markets, it offers unique experiences at every corner. The market by the cathedral is the most popular, with its striking decorations and towering Christmas tree, while the Angel Market enchants visitors with its shimmering lights. Sample German culinary delights like bratwursts, Christstollen, and Lebkuchen while enjoying the many open-air Christmas concerts. This is a market where holiday magic truly comes to life, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Budapest, a magical Christmas along the Danube
The crown jewel of Central Europe, Budapest’s Christmas market takes place in Vörösmarty Square from mid-November to the end of December. Set amidst historic buildings aglow with festive lights, the market brims with stalls offering Hungarian handicrafts and local delicacies like rich goulash, Hungarian strudel, and lángos, a savoury, deep-fried dough topped with fresh cream and cheese.
Known for its lively street performances, Christmas concerts, and light projections that illuminate the city’s architecture, this market radiates a unique charm. The winter magic of Budapest, paired with breathtaking views of the Danube and scenic vistas from the hills, makes this market an unforgettable experience.
Colmar: A Fairytale in Alsace
One of the most enchanting Christmas markets in Alsace—and indeed all of Europe—Colmar’s holiday market transforms this medieval town into a storybook village. Its cobbled streets sparkle under a thousand lights, and the half-timbered houses are decorated to resemble gingerbread cottages. Spread across several squares, each market area has its own unique charm and offers a selection of local crafts and Alsatian specialties. In the enchanting settings of Place des Dominicains and Petite Venise, visitors can enjoy traditional treats like tarte flambée, mannele (sweet bread figures), and bredele, the region’s iconic holiday cookies. The air is filled with Christmas music, while children and adults alike can marvel at puppet shows or glide across the ice rink. This market is a true celebration of warmth, tradition, and community, offering an immersive sensory experience that invites you to explore the rich culture of Alsace.
Traditions in Dresden: One of the world’s oldest Christmas Markets
Founded in 1434, the Dresden Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, alongside Strasbourg’s in Alsace. Set in the historic Altmarkt Square, it draws thousands of visitors annually, who are enchanted by its traditional atmosphere and unique decorations. A 14-meter-tall Christmas pyramid, a hallmark of German holiday decor, stands in the center of the square, surrounded by the remarkable historic architecture of Dresden. Visitors can savour Christstollen, a traditional German cake filled with dried fruits and marzipan, and browse the market’s many wooden chalets, which offer beautifully crafted wooden toys and ornaments from the nearby Ore Mountains region.
This historic market is a celebration of German Christmas culture, immersing visitors in the rich authenticity of age-old holiday traditions.
Embark on the Enchantment of Christmas!
This holiday season, CroisiEurope invites you to experience the festive ambiance that fills the most beautiful cities of France and Europe. Step aboard our comfortable boats and enjoy an unforgettable stay where warmth and holiday cheer reign supreme. We offer several enchanting itineraries along the Rhine, bringing you to some of the finest Christmas markets in Alsace, Switzerland, and Germany—the birthplace of so many holiday traditions. Along the Danube, discover the timeless charm of the Christmas markets in the Austrian, Hungarian, and Slovakian capitals. And across France, from Paris to Lyon, enjoy the glow of holiday lights and cozy chalets that bring smiles to visitors young and old. No matter the destination, you will be immersed in the magic of Christmas as you prepare for the holidays.
Book Your Christmas Market Cruise Now—and Win a Golden Ticket!
This November and December, join us on an exclusive Christmas market cruise for a truly magical experience. And to make it even more special, look out for one of the five Golden Tickets hidden on board! These Golden Tickets, randomly placed in five cabins on various itineraries, offer a chance to have your cruise fully refunded*.
Don’t miss out on our Christmas Market itineraries—reserve your place and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.
* Refund provided as a voucher, excluding transport and excursions. Golden Tickets are available only for the following references: MNO_OPERIB, MNA, CKC_XMAS, MNC, MNT, SKL/KLS, MNL, MNW/WMN, MVI, RMN, FAN_XMAS, and PAB_XMAS.