The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

From Zagreb to Berlin – in today’s article I will show you the 10 most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe! In these places you are guaranteed to feel the spirit of Christmas …

There is nothing better than sweetening the Advent season at Christmas markets . Warm punch, soup made from bread dough, hot baked potatoes – oh, I could just feast my way through the stands for hours. Fortunately, there are enough Christmas markets in Europe with a magical atmosphere. From the world-famous Nuremberg Christmas market to the insider tip in Colmar – I’ll introduce you to the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe!

Christmas market in Zagreb

When you think of Christmas markets, the Croatian capital Zagreb may not immediately come to mind. The small town is absolutely magical, especially during Advent, and definitely worth a visit.

From Vienna you only need four hours by car to Zagreb, where you can visit the beautiful Christmas market on Josip-Jelačić-Platz or the popular Christmas market in Park Zrinjevac already pay a visit. In the middle of the center you will find numerous stalls with handicrafts, Croatian delicacies and of course delicious punch. But the real highlight is the Kapulica & Lampioni Lantern Festival, where visitors raise hundreds of colorful lanterns – a great sight that shouldn’t be missed. Incidentally, the Zagreb Advent market has been voted the most beautiful in Europe for three years in a row. If you want to convince yourself of this, you still have some time. Some of the Christmas markets in Zagreb are open from December 1st, 2019 to January 6th, 2020.

Christmas market in Strasbourg

According to handbagpicks, the Christmas market in Strasbourg stretches across the entire city center and inspires with a dreamy atmosphere. Almost all the buildings in the city center are bathed in glowing light – the highlight is the large Christmas tree on Place Kléber , which is festively decorated every year. The oldest Christmas market in France has over 300 stalls – everything from sweet treats to savory dishes and creative handicrafts is on offer. If you want to pay a visit to the huge Christmas market, you can do so between November 23rd and December 30th this year.

Christmas market in Nuremberg

Let’s come to one of the most famous Advent markets in Europe: the Christmas market in Nuremberg ! Every year around two million visitors from all over the world make a pilgrimage to the Bavarian city north of Munich to experience the unique atmosphere for themselves. In addition to numerous stands with traditional Christmas decorations and delicious gingerbread, there is also a colorful entertainment program here. The Christmas market has existed since 1628 and is one of the oldest in Germany. It is ceremoniously opened every year by a Christ Child, who is chosen beforehand by online voting. This year you can visit the Nuremberg Christmas Market from November 30th to December 24th.

Christmas market in Brussels

The Plaisir d’Hiver market in the center of Brussels is probably the most beautiful Christmas market in Belgium! It stretches for a total of more than two kilometers and offers more than 200 stands. No matter whether you are looking for gifts, spend a cozy evening with friends or just want to feast – everyone gets their money’s worth here! In addition to a Ferris wheel, there is also a large ice rink where you can let off steam. Special highlight: culinary specialties from over 20 nations and cultures are sold at the Christmas market. That makes the Plaisir d’Hiver market the most multicultural Christmas market in Europe. If you want to feel the magic in downtown Brussels, you can stop by between November 30th and January 6th.

Christmas market in London

If you have never been to London at Christmas time, you should make up for it as soon as possible, because the British metropolis will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland in December ! Whether on Oxford Street, Picadilly Circus or Hyde Park – there is a Christmas atmosphere everywhere in the city.

Hyde Park in particular attracts numerous visitors every year, as there is not only a large Christmas market here, but also an ice rink and a circus show. A special highlight is the 60 meter high Ferris wheel, which offers a breathtaking view of the London skyline. Entry to the park is free, but you have to buy a ticket for the various attractions. The Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is open for young and old from November 22nd to January 6th this year.

Christmas market in Berlin

The German capital Berlin attracts in winter with numerous impressive Christmas markets that leave nothing to be desired. The market in front of Charlottenburg Palace , which shines in glistening light, is particularly romantic . In addition to traditional handicrafts, there are numerous stalls with gingerbread, mulled wine and fried potatoes.

The special thing about this Christmas market is the light installation that bathes the castle building and the surrounding area in festive light. For the little visitors there is also a separate area with a mini roller coaster, a train and a ferris wheel. The Christmas market in front of Charlottenburg Palace is open from November 26th to December 26th this year.

Christmas market in Colmar

The Christmas market in Colmar is without a doubt one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France, even if it is no longer a real insider tip. The many stalls in front of the listed half-timbered houses in the old town beckon with numerous specialties from Alsace and, of course, festive Christmas decorations.

The unique atmosphere comes into its own especially in the evening, when only the street lamps and the decoration of the houses light up the sky. Those who want to experience the magic of Christmas in Colmar can take a trip to the city in Alsace between November 23rd and December 30th.

Christmas market in Leipzig

The Leipzig Christmas Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in Germany. There are a total of 250 stalls with all kinds of delicacies and handicrafts. A special highlight is the free-standing Advent calendar – with its around 857 m² it takes up an entire house facade and conjures up a great new picture with its colorful windows every day until the big party.

The market in Leipzig is a great experience, especially for the little ones: There is a Christmas consultation hour as well as a fairytale forest to discover. In addition, of course, there are many rides and an elf workshop where you can do a lot of great things yourself. This year the Leipzig Christmas Market is open from November 27th to December 23rd.

Christmas market in Paris

Christmas time in the city of love – can it be even more romantic? Paris shines in a particularly magical glow in December and is the ideal destination for a pre-Christmas getaway. If you travel to Paris in December, you can look forward to the Marché de Noël in the Jardin des Tuileries.

The city’s largest Christmas market offers over 100 chalets with French specialties, wine and, of course, gifts. There are also several rides and an ice rink – so the full Christmas program! If you want to experience La Magie de Noël up close in Paris, you should travel to Paris between November 24th and January 6th.

Christmas market in Tallinn

Finally, I have a real insider tip for you in the Baltic States – do you already know the Christmas market in Tallinn? The Christmas market on Rathausplatz offers a truly idyllic atmosphere and could have sprung from a fairy tale. Snow-covered wooden huts, discreet fairy lights and of course a large Christmas tree – this sight immediately makes you feel Christmas. On New Year’s Eve, a large stage is even set up here, where live performances take place. This year the Talline Christmas Market is open from November 16 to January 7.