begüm When Christmas time comes, Europe turns into a magical fairy-tale land. Every year, Christmas markets are set up in the most beautiful city squares, offering a unique experience to shop and fully enjoy the festive spirit. Colourful lights decorating the streets, handmade gifts, traditional treats and warm drinks… all come together to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Are you ready to discover the most beautiful Christmas markets across Europe in 2025? In this article, I share the highlights and opening–closing dates of the 2025 European Christmas markets for those who wish to explore them. If you are ready, let’s step together into Europe’s enchanting winter spirit!
When do Christmas markets open in Europe?
In Europe, Christmas markets usually start at the end of November or the beginning of December, and they continue until Christmas. The streets are decorated with colourful lights, and the cold winter air suddenly turns into a warm and lively atmosphere. In fact, the markets truly come to life at the start of December and stay open until 24 December. Some even remain open a bit longer as New Year approaches. If you visit Europe during Christmas time, you should not leave without experiencing this magical feeling. These markets, where you can shop and enjoy mulled wine, are often the most fun part of a winter holiday!
List of Christmas Markets in Europe
- 1Vienna, Austria
- 2Nuremberg, Germany
- 3Bruges, Belgium
- 4Strasbourg, France
- 5Prague, Czech Republic
- 6Budapest, Hungary
- 7London, United Kingdom
European Christmas Markets Map
The Most Beautiful European Christmas Markets
Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria, is one of the first cities that come to mind when thinking about Christmas markets. The city is especially famous for its enchanting markets set up in central locations such as Schwedenplatz and Rathausplatz. The Vienna Christmas markets transform the cold winter air into a warm and magical atmosphere, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. For 2025, the markets will be open from 15 November to 26 December.
The markets in Vienna have a postcard-perfect appearance with their elegant structures and fairy-tale atmosphere. Filled with handmade gifts, traditional Austrian treats (especially mulled wine and sweets), ice-skating rinks, and elegant Christmas decorations, these markets provide some of the most enjoyable moments of winter. In particular, the market at Schönbrunn Palace is truly enchanting, combining the palace’s grandeur and historic charm. If you are looking for a romantic winter atmosphere, the Vienna Christmas markets are definitely a must-visit.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg, Germany, is home to one of the country’s most famous Christmas markets, attracting millions of visitors every year. The Christkindlesmarkt, held in the heart of Nuremberg’s Old Town Square, is also one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. It is the perfect place to experience the traditional German Christmas atmosphere! For 2025, the market will be open from 29 November to 24 December.
Here, colourful stalls are filled with handmade toys, jewellery, mulled wine, and traditional treats such as gingerbread (Lebkuchen). You can also taste some of the world’s most delicious bratwurst sausages and lose yourself among the Christmas decorations. The Nuremberg Christmas market offers not only shopping but also a wonderful opportunity to take a step back into history.
Bruges, Belgium
At Christmas time, Bruges, Belgium, turns into a real fairy-tale town. Surrounded by medieval buildings and canals, the city welcomes visitors to its Christmas markets, which will be open from 22 November to 1 January in 2025. The markets in Bruges offer a unique experience both for shopping and for their magical atmosphere.
The markets are mainly centred around the Markt Square, where colourful stalls decorated with lights are filled with traditional Belgian food and handmade gifts. It is impossible to leave Bruges without tasting its famous chocolates! You can also enjoy mulled wine and Christmas sweets while wandering among the historic buildings, which feels just like a dream. To make the experience even more special, a boat tour on the canals allows you to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere of Bruges in the most magical way. If you are looking for a fairy-tale Christmas experience, Bruges is the perfect place!
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, France, is home to some of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. The Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik, a tradition dating back to 1570, offers an unforgettable experience for everyone visiting the city. For 2025, the Strasbourg Christmas market will be open from 22 November to 30 December.
Known as the “Capital of Christmas”, the city truly deserves this title. The markets in Strasbourg are set up against the stunning backdrop of the Strasbourg Cathedral, perfectly reflecting the festive spirit. Here, you will find traditional handmade gifts, mulled wine, delicious French specialities, and Christmas decorations filling the streets. Wandering through the city’s narrow streets, you can also enjoy exploring the small boutiques and historic shops, which make the experience even more delightful. During this magical time of the year, as you discover the city step by step, you will be completely immersed in the Christmas spirit. Strasbourg is truly an ideal destination for visiting Christmas markets.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, Czech Republic, is one of the cities that offers a truly enchanting atmosphere at Christmas time. For 2025, the Prague Christmas markets will be open from 30 November to 6 January. The most famous markets are set up in central locations such as the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, and walking among the medieval buildings makes you feel as if you are in a fairy-tale world.
The Christmas markets in Prague are decorated with colourful stalls full of handmade gifts, traditional Czech food, and warm drinks. Here, you can taste the famous Trdelník pastry, drink mulled wine, and try soups that will warm you up on cold winter days. In harmony with the city’s historic character, the streets are filled with lights and decorations that draw you into the Christmas spirit at every corner. Visiting the Prague Christmas markets is a wonderful opportunity not only to shop but also to discover the city!
Budapest, Hungary
At Christmas time, Budapest, Hungary, takes on a truly special atmosphere, and the city’s markets turn the cold winter air into a warm and joyful experience. For 2025, the Budapest Christmas markets will be open from 10 November to 1 January. The most famous market in the city is at Vörösmarty Square, where you will find colourful stalls filled with traditional Hungarian food, handmade gifts, and warm drinks.
At the Christmas markets in Budapest, you can shop while listening to traditional Hungarian music such as the violin and enjoy local street food like the famous gulyás soup (Hungarian stew) and lángos (fried bread). Tasting Hungarian chocolates and mulled wine is also an essential part of the experience. The markets set up near Andrássy Avenue and Buda Castle combine perfectly with the city’s stunning beauty, offering visitors a magical Christmas atmosphere. If you want to discover Hungarian culture in the festive spirit, the Budapest Christmas markets are just for you!
London, United Kingdom
At Christmas time, London, United Kingdom, turns into a real sea of lights. The city’s Christmas markets offer a magical atmosphere during this special time of the year. For 2025, the London Christmas markets will be open from 10 November to 2 January. Among the most famous markets in London are the Southbank Centre Winter Market, Winter Wonderland Hyde Park, and the market at Leicester Square.
The Christmas markets in London are filled with stalls offering traditional handmade gifts, mulled wine, and Christmas sweets, as well as ice-skating rinks and decorations covered with colourful lights. Winter Wonderland Hyde Park especially creates the feeling of a large amusement park, while the Southbank Centre Winter Market offers a calmer and more elegant atmosphere. Every corner of London during Christmas reflects its own festive spirit, and wandering through the streets among the city’s iconic landmarks will leave you with unforgettable memories. If you are in London during Christmas, you should definitely visit these markets and let yourself be carried away by the amazing festive atmosphere!
We have now come to the end of this article. See you again in the next ones!
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