Updated 22/12/2024
Christmas markets in Europe are pure magic—twinkling lights, festive treats and that cosy holiday vibe. If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, these markets are the best places to start. Grab a mulled wine and let’s explore!
For a different type of Christmas Market experience, consider a Festive River Cruise with TUI.
Set sail on a TUI Festive River Cruise and let Europe’s most charming Christmas markets come to you! Glide through twinkling towns and cities along the Rhine or Danube, stopping at iconic markets like Cologne, Vienna and Strasbourg. Picture yourself sipping mulled wine, munching gingerbread and shopping for unique gifts—all while floating in cosy, festive luxury. It’s the ultimate stress-free way to experience Europe’s holiday magic. Just unpack once, and the Christmas cheer comes to you!
Budapest, Hungary: Vörösmarty Square & St. Stephen’s Basilica
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Budapest turns into a winter wonderland during the holidays. The main Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square is a festive feast for the senses, with traditional Hungarian crafts, delicious chimney cakes (kürtőskalács) and live music. Just a short stroll away, St. Stephen’s Basilica hosts another beautiful market with a light show projected onto the church’s façade. Don’t forget to try the local goulash—it’ll warm you right up!
Paris, France: Tuileries Garden & La Défense
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The City of Lights gets even brighter at Christmas! The Tuileries Garden market, just a stone’s throw from the Louvre, is a must-see. It’s a bustling hub of French delicacies, from crêpes to cheese, plus plenty of vin chaud (mulled wine) to keep you warm. For a modern twist, check out the market at La Défense, which offers over 300 stalls in a more contemporary setting, with stunning views of the city’s skyline.
Cologne, Germany: Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
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Cologne’s Christmas market is as classic as it gets. Set against the backdrop of the towering Cologne Cathedral, this market offers traditional German treats like bratwurst, pretzels and glühwein. The atmosphere is magical, with over 150 stalls selling handcrafted goods and a giant Christmas tree in the centre of it all. It’s the perfect spot to pick up some unique gifts and soak in that festive German charm.
Vienna, Austria: Rathausplatz & Schönbrunn Palace
Package Holidays to Vienna in December with TUI
Vienna’s Christmas markets are as elegant as the city itself. The Rathausplatz market, in front of the city hall, is the largest, featuring an ice rink, a towering tree and plenty of stalls offering everything from gingerbread cookies to hand-blown glass ornaments. For a more regal experience, head to Schönbrunn Palace, where the market feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with its baroque backdrop and artisanal crafts.
Prague: Old Town Square
Package Holidays to Prague in December with TUI
Set in the picturesque Old Town Square, is one of the most enchanting in Europe. With the stunning Gothic architecture of the Church of Our Lady before Týn and the Astronomical Clock as a backdrop, this market feels straight out of a fairy tale. The square is filled with wooden huts selling traditional Czech crafts, ornaments and delicious treats like trdelník (a sweet, chimney cake) and mulled wine. The massive Christmas tree, shipped in from the Czech countryside, is a real showstopper, lit up with thousands of twinkling lights.
These European Christmas markets are guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit, offering a perfect blend of festive cheer, delicious food and unique gifts. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine in Budapest or exploring the twinkling streets of Paris, each market offers a unique and magical experience that will make your Christmas season unforgettable!
