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Visiting the Christmas markets in Europe means getting excited again, discovering traditions and being surprised by the unique flavours. If you plan a getaway break this winter, enjoy the welcoming atmosphere between wooden huts, aromas of cinnamon and fairy lights.Carla Catalán
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By Carla Catalán
Lover of communication and digital marketing, with a curious soul and wanderlust. She believes that every destination has a story that deserves to be told, and that every story can inspire a new adventure.
Christmas markets in Europe 2025 are back with all their magic: lights, tradition and winter charm that makes every city truly fairy-tale. Tour Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Vienna or Prague and explore celebrations with unique traditions.
Lose yourself in all the most important Christmas markets in Europe and enjoy an authentic Christmas experience full of flavours, handicrafts and a festive spirit. Between wooden huts, Christmas trees, attractions, live music and the smell of fresh cookies.
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Where do the traditions for Christmas markets come from?
The first markets emerged in the 14th century in Germany and Austria. One of the oldest and most famous is the Striezelmarkt in Dresden which first appears in registers from 1434. Another of the most iconic markets is that of Vienna, which already existed in 1298 although the modern format came later.
Originally, these markets were winter fairs designed to supply the town with supplies before the arrival of the cold. Little by little, they began to be linked with Advent and Christmas.
Christmas markets in Germany: the cradle of tradition
Germany is the cradle of Christmas markets, where history, culture and a festive spirit turn the squares into fairy-tale settings. German markets are not only offer handicrafts and cuisine, but also unique experiences that attract millions of visitors every year.
Christmas markets in Dresden: the oldest market in Germany
Striezelmarkt is more than just a market. Most of the products on sale come from Saxony and reflect a strong bond between local traditions, regional crafts and typical cuisine. Book your hotel in Dresden and enjoy this Christmas.
As the German saying goes, “Weihnachten OHNE Striezelmarkt ist wie Schnee OHNE Kälte”, Christmas without the Striezelmarkt is like snow without the cold. Held from November 26 to December 24, 2025.
Christmas markets in Bremen
At Christmas Bremen becomes a fairy-tale destination full of lights with the aroma of cinnamon and almonds and a most welcoming atmosphere. Christmas markets offer typical sweets, unique gifts and magical experiences in northern Germany. If you're looking for the perfect accommodation for your getaway, find the best hotels in Bremen near the Christmas market.
- Bremer Weihnachtsmarkt - From November 24 to December 31, 2025.
- Schlachte-Zauber - From November 24 to December 23, 2025.
- Findorffer Winterdorf - From November 7, 2025 to February 2, 2026.
Christmas markets in Berlin
Explore Berlin and immerse yourself in the magic of the German capital this Christmas. Discover some of the most iconic Christmas markets in Berlin where every corner tells a story. Get in the Christmas spirit as if Father Christmas had decorated the city with his magic touch. To make the most of the experience and be close to the action, choose to book your ideal hotel in Berlin near the main Christmas markets.
- Gendarmenmarkt (Beblplatz) - From November 24 to December 31, 2025.
- Rotes Rathaus ("Christmas Time") - From November 24 to December 30, 2025.
- Charlottenburg Palace - From November 24 to December 28, 2025.
Christmas markets in Munich
Enjoy Christmas in Munich! Where tradition and charm bring life to the local markets. Visit the historic Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz and smaller medieval-style attractions.
Discover the magic of Christmas in Munich, where every street and square is like a fairy-tale destination from The Nutcracker Kingdom, full of lights, music and winter charm.
- Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz - From November 24 to December 24, 2025.
- Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt - From November 28 to December 24, 2025.
- Märchen Bazar in Olympiapark - From November 27 to December 28, 2025.
Christmas markets in Düsseldorf
In winter, Düsseldorf is full of Christmas magic. The lights illuminate the streets and the aroma of mulled wine makes the city truly magical.
The markets are located in the most important streets in the city. Each of them has its own charm, with lit-up booths and handmade gift stalls. And if you are a fan of the Christmas spirit or Shrek, you must not leave without trying a gingerbread cookie. Although this is neither howling nor running, it nevertheless tastes like Christmas in every bite.
- Altstadtmarkt - From November 20 to December 30, 2025.
- Weihnachtsmarkt Burgplatz - From November 20 to December 30, 2025.
- Engelchen-Markt - From November 20 to December 31, 2025.
Christmas markets in Frankfurt
Warm lights, wooden huts and unique aromas make Hamburg feel like a Christmas story. The city is home to numerous markets, each of them with its own different style. From the most traditional to the most creative.
- Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt am Rathausmarkt - From November 25 to December 23, 2025.
- Fleetinsel Weihnachtsmarkt - From November 25 to December 23, 2025.
- Santa Pauli - Kiez Weihnachtsmarkt - From November 18 to December 23, 2025.
Christmas markets in Hamburg
Warm lights, wooden huts and unique aromas make Hamburg feel like a Christmas story. The city is home to numerous markets, each of them with its own different style. From the most traditional to the most creative.
- Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt am Rathausmarkt - From November 25 to December 23, 2025.
- Fleetinsel Weihnachtsmarkt - From November 25 to December 23, 2025.
- Santa Pauli - Kiez Weihnachtsmarkt - From November 18 to December 23, 2025.
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Christmas markets in other cities in Europe
Outside Germany, Christmas fills Europe with lights, music, sweet aromas and decorated gazebos. From Vienna to Prague or Manchester to London, each city celebrates in its own way, but with just as much magic and tradition. Traveling in Christmas time means treating yourself to an unforgettable getaway break.
Christmas markets in Vienna
Vienna becomes a fairytale destination for Christmas. The Austrian capital lights up its streets and squares as its markets fill the city with sweet aromas, Christmas carols and decoration that makes every walk an unforgettable experience. In addition to enjoying the Christmas stalls, the Rathausplatz market also allows visitors to skate in the large outdoor ice rinks, ideal for all ages.
- Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market - (11/06/2025 - 01/06/2026) From November 6, 2025 to January 6, 2026.
- Vienna Christmas Market in Rathausplatz - From November 14 to December 26, 2025.
- Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz - From November 21, 2025 to January 6, 2026.
Christmas markets in Prague
At Christmas, Prague is full of history, light and tradition. The markets are surrounded by Gothic and Baroque architecture, creating a picture-postcard image at every corner. They offer handicrafts, typical cuisine and an ideal ambience for the holidays. The market in the Old Town Plaza also has an ice rink for kids where they can have fun skating in a family environment.
- Old Town Square - From November 29, 2025 to January 6, 2026.
- Wenceslas Square - From November 29, 2025 to January 6, 2026.
- Plaza de la Paz - From November 22 to January 6, 2025
Christmas markets in London
In December, London becomes the most magical place . There are lights everywhere, as if they were part of the Love Actually set, with the aroma of cinnamon and chocolate, and Christmas markets with unique decorations. The Christmas markets are perfect for enjoying Christmas in the British style, with mulled wine, churros and lots of magic. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park also has a great ice rink for skating with the family in the Christmas spirit.
- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park - From November 14, 2025 to January 1, 2026.
- Leicester Square Christmas Market - From November 9, 2025 to January 2, 2026.
- Christmas by the River on London Bridge - From November 11, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
Christmas markets in Manchester
Plan your Christmas break in Manchester! Streets and squares with charming lighting, the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked sweets and stalls with shelves full of gift ideas.
- Manchester Christmas Markets - From November 7 to December 22, 2025.
- A Taste of Christmas (Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens) - from November 22, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
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What dates are the markets held on?
Christmas markets usually start at the end of November and last until December 24, although in many cities they last until the end of the year or Kings’ Day. Some, like the ones in Vienna, London or Hamburg, are still open in January, ideal for saying goodbye to Christmas.
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What is typical food in Christmas markets?
Food is one of the biggest attractions of the Christmas markets. Between the lights, booths and Christmas carols, the aromas invade everything. Glühwein, a spicy wine, is one of the biggest attractions, served from decorated cups that many people collect. There are also alcohol-free options such as Kinderpunsch or hot chocolate.
But it’s not all about drinks. As for food, the markets offer authentic local delicacies:
- German sausages (Bratwurst) on crusty bread.
- Storey , sweet bread with candied fruit.
- Trdelník , a type of sweet dough roll roasted on fire and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.
- Gingerbread cookies , a must-see in any market.
- Roast chestnuts , crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for combatting the cold.
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6 tips for your trip
Visiting Christmas markets is magical, but you have to be ready to enjoy them to the full. Here are some tips for your getaway break this Christmas. Because it’s never too late to feel like a child and never too adult to stop believing in the magic of Christmas.
❄️1. Wrap up warm
It seems obvious, but in many cities, in the afternoon, the temperatures fall. Wear thermal clothing, gloves, a hat and comfortable and waterproof shoes. Not all Christmas roads are full of lights and carols ... Sometimes they are just made of ice and slippers!
🗓️2. Check dates before traveling
Dates may vary depending on the city. Check the dates on official websites to find out if the markets are open for your dates.
💵3. Carry cash
More and more stalls are accepting credit cards, but many markets only take cash. It’s better to be prepared... you don't want to experience your own home alone experience, but you’ll want to version: "no euros and no gingerbread cookies".
🚌4. Use public transport
In large cities it’s best to take the metro, tram or bus. They are usually very crowded at Christmas and public transport is generally efficient and comfortable.
🏨5. Book accommodation in advance
Markets attract thousands of tourists, so book as soon as possible to get the best price and location. Enjoy Christmas as you deserve: with all the markets just a step away and without having to use Google Maps with your gloves on.
📷6. Don't hurry
Every market has its charm. Don’t run, just enjoy yourself. It’s those little moments that create the true magic of Christmas.
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