Best Christmas Markets in Europe & the UK for 2026
Few things capture the spirit of the season like a European Christmas market: wooden chalets, the smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and old squares glowing with lights. Whether you’re planning a festive city break or just dreaming, here are the markets worth knowing about. Most open from late November until just before Christmas; always check official dates before you book.
Strasbourg, France: the Capital of Christmas
Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. The city calls itself the Capital of Christmas, and it earns the title: markets spread across several squares, the cathedral towers over the main one, and the half-timbered houses of Petite France are strung with lights.
See our Strasbourg Christmas market print · Strasbourg Petite France print
Vienna, Austria: imperial elegance
Vienna’s tradition of December markets stretches back to the Middle Ages. Today the market in front of the City Hall (Rathausplatz) is the best known, with an ice-skating trail through the park, while Schönbrunn Palace hosts a more elegant market in its courtyard.
Salzburg, Austria: the home of Silent Night
Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt fills the squares around the cathedral, with Hohensalzburg Fortress lit up above. Just outside the city, in Oberndorf, “Silent Night” was performed for the first time on Christmas Eve 1818.
See our Salzburg Christmas market print
Nuremberg, Germany: the Christkindlesmarkt
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt on the Hauptmarkt is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, with a history going back to at least the 17th century. Each year it is opened by the Christkind, and the stalls are known for gingerbread (Lebkuchen), Nuremberg sausages and the little prune figures called Zwetschgenmännle.
See our Nuremberg Christmas poster
Cologne, Germany: markets beneath the cathedral
Cologne has several Christmas markets, but the most dramatic sits right at the foot of the twin-spired cathedral, with a canopy of lights strung over the stalls. Warm up with a mug of Glühwein and wander on to the old town markets nearby.
See our Cologne Christmas print
Kraków, Poland: a medieval square aglow
Kraków’s market fills the Main Market Square, one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, beneath the towers of St Mary’s Basilica. Listen out for the bugle call played from the tower every hour, and try oscypek, the smoked mountain cheese grilled at the stalls.
See our Kraków Christmas print
Bruges, Belgium: a fairytale by the Belfry
In Bruges the market spreads across the Markt, the main square overlooked by the medieval Belfry, with a smaller market on Simon Stevinplein. Canals, cobbles and Belgian chocolate make it one of the most romantic winter city breaks in Europe.
See our Bruges Christmas poster
Prague, Czech Republic: a fairytale square
Prague’s Old Town Square, with its giant tree in front of the Gothic Týn Church, is one of the most photographed Christmas scenes in Europe. Try trdelník, the sugar-dusted spit cake sold at almost every stall.
Budapest, Hungary: markets and thermal baths
Budapest’s main markets sit in Vörösmarty Square and in front of St Stephen’s Basilica, where a light show plays across the facade. Combine a market evening with a soak in one of the city’s outdoor thermal baths.
Copenhagen, Denmark: hygge at Tivoli
Tivoli Gardens, open since 1843, transforms into a winter wonderland with lights, rides and market stalls. It’s the essence of Danish hygge.
Lyon and Ljubljana: festivals of light
Lyon’s Fête des Lumières, held around 8 December, began in 1852 when residents lit candles in their windows; today the whole city becomes a light festival. Ljubljana’s “Festive December” fills its riverside with lights and stalls beneath the castle.
Closer to home: the best UK Christmas markets
Edinburgh: Princes Street Gardens, with the castle above and Hogmanay to follow. Edinburgh print
York: the St Nicholas Fair winds through the medieval streets near the Shambles. York print
Bath: chalets around the Abbey and Roman Baths. Bath print
Bring the magic home
Our Christmas market collection captures six of these cities in their festive best: Strasbourg, Salzburg, Nuremberg, Cologne, Kraków and Bruges, each in a snowy winter scene. A print of a Christmas market city makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who’s visited, or a lovely way to remember your own trip. Personalise it free with the date you went.
Frequently asked questions
What is the oldest Christmas market in Europe? Strasbourg’s (1570) is one of the oldest continuously held; Dresden and Vienna also claim very early origins.
When do European Christmas markets open? Most open in the second half of November and run until about 23 December; some continue to New Year.
What’s the best Christmas market in the UK? Edinburgh, York and Bath are among the most popular.
