18 of the best Christmas markets in Europe – and where to stay
Christmas markets in Europe form the perfect setting to get into the holiday spirit, with the sweet aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon spice and the echo of Christmas jingles in the air, and market stalls full of festive fare.
Home to the some of the world’s most beautiful cities, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the preamble to the festive season in Europe. As the nights draw in, we highlight the best European Christmas markets to explore this year.
Our comprehensive guide to the best Christmas markets in Europe includes information on opening dates and what to buy at each market. It features traditional favourites such as the Bath Christmas market, and those in Germany and France, as well as unsung spots in Spain, Portugal and beyond.
Here are the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2018.
1. Prague – for Wenceslas
We like a good king like Prague-born Bohemian Wenceslas. Particularly one renowned for braving a harsh winter journey to help the poor on the Feast of Stephen (which celebrates Saint Stephen - the first Christian martyr). He deserves credit and Wenceslas Square, where one of Europe’s top festive markets takes place, was named after him in Prague. A true royal legend.
Where to stay: Alchymist Prague Castle Suites
This intimate hotel offers seven sumptuous rooms and luxurious suites in a great location right below Prague Castle. The richly restored historic interior, spread over three floors, is as noble as it gets, with palatial hallways lit by crystal chandeliers, and a handsome dark oak staircase.
Read the full review: Alchymist Prague Castle Suites
2. Hungary – for chimney cake
We like Christmas cake. But the Hungarians like it even more. They sell chimney cake (kürtőskalács) – dough wrapped around a pole, baked, coated in sugar and cinnamon – at their festive markets. Explore one of its oldest and most traditional - the Budapest Christmas fair on Vorosmarty Square in the heart of the city - as well as the Budapest Basilica Christmas Fair for lots of handmade crafts and chimney cake.
Where to stay: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
The Kempinski's Living Room offers a comfortable space in which to relax, with sofas, bookshelves and a virtual fireplace that genuinely conjures the atmosphere of a cosy lodge. Rooms are light and spacious, decorated in classic cream and gold tones, with Art Deco touches.
Read the full review: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
3. Lisbon – for bolo rei
Who else likes Christmas cake? The Portuguese. Crazy for it. Probably – if you mean bolo rei king cake, a seasonal pastry stuffed with fruit. You can try it at the Natal E Na Fil festive market in Lisbon.
Where to stay: Santiago de Alfama
Located in the oldest part of the capital. Santiago de Alfama's 19 rooms are all different, while celebrating the best of Portugal, from the modern art on the walls to the Claus Porto soaps in the bathrooms. A brilliant blend of authenticity – from flagstones to stucco work – and luxury.
Read the full review: Santiago de Alfama
4. Dresden – for the Striezelmarkt
Things the Germans love, in order: 1) Winning at all the sports you like. 2) Winning at the sports you don’t like. 3) Festive markets. The Striezelmarkt has been a fixture in Dresden since 1434 – and will be back again in December. Taking place on Altmarkt Square, the handmade goods on offer are said to be excellent, but we all know most people go to enjoy a warming cup of glühwein.
Where to stay: INNSIDE Dresden
This hotel in Dresden's Baroque old town centre features stylish décor and luxurious rooms that invite you to linger. Balconies overlook a central atrium below a glass roof, with inner walls finished in the style of historic façades on the Neumarkt.
Read the full review: INNSIDE Dresden
5. Frankfurt – in Birmingham
So it’s 2001. You’re a mover and shaker in Birmingham. You’re setting up a festive shopping event in the city. What do you call it? Frankfurt Christmas Market. No way that’s confusing. Still, it’s really popular.
Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest German market held outside Germany and Austria. Visitors can soak up the village atmosphere in Victoria Square while enjoying a range of German fare – from mulled wine and beers to meats and pastries. The Christmas Craft Fair next door extends onto Chamberlain Square, featuring various handmade gifts from local artists.
germanchristmasmarketbirmingham.com
Where to stay: Saint Pauls House
An air of relaxed style, bonhomie and independence chimes with a peaceful setting in the heart of the rejuventated Jewellery Quarter. The sofa seats in the hotel reception, where old books hang on metal frames, have been cleverly fashioned with bus-seat fabric.
Read the full review: Saint Pauls House
6. Leeds - for more German inspiration
Christkindelmarkt, a German Christmas market set in the heart of Leeds at Millennium Square, offers over 40 stalls and delicacies including bratwurst sausages, goulash and schnitzels and carousel rides. There are free children's activities every Sunday between 11am and 1pm, including face painting and games. Look out for winter wonderland princesses and other costumed characters. The Ski Hutte bar in an alpine chalet-style setting aims to create an apres ski-inspired atmosphere with music.
Where to stay: Dakota Deluxe
This glamorous urban retreat in the heart of Leeds is a mainly couples’ affair with cosseting decor in moody colours, excellent food, and complimentary minibars in some rooms and suites. Luxury furnishings in muted colours include soft throws, lots of plump cushions, thick comforters and high-quality linen on beds.
Read the full review: Dakota Deluxe
7. Manchester - for French themes
Manchester hosts several markets throughout the city, from French-themed stalls at King Street to a European market in Albert Square - a German-style market at St Ann's Square. You'll find boutiques and some great food outlets at Exchange Square, and arts and crafts at Brazennose Street with a globally-sourced selection of jewellery, leather goods and speciality foods. There are fairground rides in Cathedral Gardens and more stalls in New Cathedral Street and Market Street.
Where to stay: King Street Townhouse
Visiting King Street Townhouse is like staying with a rich friend who has extremely good taste. Everything from the furniture to locally commissioned artwork throughout the property has been sourced by the owner, and no two bedrooms are the same.
Read the full review: King Street Townhouse
8. Bath - for shopping and ice skating
This is a bumper market with over 200 stalls lining the streets of Bath around the wonderful Roman Baths and the Abbey. Nearly all the items and produce on sale are from the local area, or made by local suppliers. Ceramics and glasswear, clothes, toys and homeware are among the items on sale – as well as food and drink. When you've done enough shopping, head for the ice rink and nearby Royal Victoria Park, take a tour of the Roman Baths, or watch a performance at the Theatre Royal.
Where to stay: No.15 Great Pulteney
The loveliest street in Bath, running between Pulteney Bridge and the Holburne Museum, is home to this well appointed and imaginatively designed boutique hotel set in a Georgian Grade I-listed building. Original fittings and features are blended with quirky, idiosyncratic and creative touches, from the artworks by students at Bath Spa University to hand-blown glass lights.
Read the full review: No.15 Great Pulteney
9. Venice – for Campo San Polo
More surprising than the prices its cafes charge for a cappuccino (seriously, nearly €15, and you want a tip?) is the fact that Venice deals in Christmas markets. In its second biggest square (after Piazza San Marco) - Campo San Polo - no less. Bargains? We wouldn’t bet on it. But you will find a lovely location for festive browsing.
Where to stay: Ca Maria Adele
Ca Maria Adele takes Venetian style to gothic extreme in five statement concept rooms. An additional five deluxe rooms and two top-floor suites are equally plush, and the air of warm, welcoming urbanity in this very grown-up hotel by the church of the Salute extends into Palazzetto 113 next door.
Read the full review: Ca Maria Adele
10. Lille – in 92 minutes
Things you can do in an hour and a half: Plonk your kids in front of the Frozen film (again) or take a Eurostar to Lille, where the festive market is ace. The latter will prove to be entertaining for the whole family, offering 90 wooden chalets from which to peruse plenty of arts and crafts from Russia, Canada and Poland, while grazing on festive delicacies.
Where to stay: L'Hermitage Gantois
L’Hermitage Gantois started life in the 15th century as a charity hospice, and subsequently became Lille’s first five-star hotel. Now spread around its courtyards and gardens are two restaurants, a spa and a bar that’s as popular with locals as guests.
Read the full review: L'Hermitage Gantois
11. Paris – for Christmas in La Defense
France likes a revolution. And if staging a festive market in the business district of La Defense, under the big La Grande Arche monument, isn’t revolutionary, we don’t know what is.
The Champs-Elysées also comes into its own with Christmas illuminations in the trees, fir trees at the Rond-Point and a Christmas market in wooden chalets along its lower reaches.
Where to stay: Hôtel Bourg-Tibourg
Bourg Tibourg, located in the fashionable Marais district, is a deliciously decadent retro retreat. Expect luxurious comfort combined with exquisite interior design from Jacques Garcia. The plain frontage of the hotel belies the veritable jewellery box of tasteful opulence that awaits inside.
Read the full review: Hôtel Bourg-Tibourg
12. Glasgow – for a Burns Christmas
You want incongruous? Go to Glasgow, where Scotland’s most Scottish poet is one of the statues in George Square, scene of a key festive market. What’s Burns-talk for “and an artisan bauble, please?”.
The Glasgow Christmas Market continues at St Enoch Square and George Square, with an international array of goods and entertainment on offer, from festive craft gifts to street food and hot drinks.
Where to stay: Principal Blythswood Square Hotel
This was once the headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club during the golden age of motoring, and today a blend of classical features and bold contemporary design retains the ambiance of a private members' club. Doric columns, a huge chandelier in a central staircase, and soft furnishings in a mix of rich velvets and cosy tweeds add touches of grandeur and glamour.
Read the full review: Principal Blythswood Square Hotel
13. Vienna – for the Rathaus market
Christmas is about stereotypes. And the Christmas market which sets up station on Rathausplatz outside Vienna’s town hall has the lot. Glühwein? Yep. Ice rink? But of course. The chatter of cherubic children? Peace and joy? Hell yes.
More than 25 Christmas markets pop up on picturesque squares across the city. Visitors enjoy hot punch, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and stalls selling Christmas decorations and gifts for all ages. The gaudiest of markets, with the biggest Christmas tree, is Christkindlmarkt in front of the Rathaus (City Hall), and opens from mid-November. The best markets with quality fare are Altwiener Christkindlmarkt on Freyung and Weihnachtsmarkt Schloß Schönbrunn. Both offer local handicrafts, homemade goodies and live carol singing.
Where to stay: Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design
This property manages the delicate act of keeping the original flair of the building, with its high, stuccoed ceilings, spiral staircase and cage lift intact, while winging its way into the 21st century with streamlined interiors, sleek, ultramodern furnishings, backlighting, pops of bright colour, and contemporary art with a nod to the hotel's wine theme.
Read the full review: Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design
14. Seville – for winter warmth
We adore Seville. It has oranges and beautiful Moorish buildings, and the sun never really bothers to leave for winter. Oh, and it has the Navideño Mercado de Artesanía de Sevilla, held under its “giant mushrooms”, the Metropol Parasol monument. Specialising in artisan crafts, the market is located in the trendy Alameda de Hercules neighbourhood, with a thriving late-night crowd at its bars.
Where to stay: Hotel Ateneo Sevilla
Stuffed with antique baroque furniture, silver, tapestries, paintings and curios is this hotel on a quiet but central plaza, brimming with character and history. Luxurious bedrooms with theatrical wardrobes and regal beds plus a spacious patio with classical trompe d’oeil give a grand yet welcoming feel.
Read the full review: Hotel Ateneo Sevilla
15. Guernsey – for winter wind
We’re not saying Christmas shopping in the Channel is a bad idea, as you’ll have a handful of quirky places (like the Christmas Shop at the Folk & Costume Museum and The Victorian Shop on Cornet Street) to browse. But we are saying you may need an extra jumper if you opt for the festive bonanza on Market Square in Guernsey capital St Peter Port. May be windy.
Where to stay: Bella Luce
A picturesque Norman manor house converted into an elegant boutique hotel just a short stroll from the rocky cove of Moulin Huet Bay in leafy St Martins. Come for gin tastings, spa treatments and a two AA-Rosetted menu of Guernsey fish and foraged ingredients.
Read the full review: Bella Luce
16. Copenhagen – for Christmas in hell
Is there anywhere twinklier than Copenhagen at Christmas? We doubt it: in the run-up to the big day the Danish capital gets seriously sparkly with fairy lights, candles and braziers of hot coals. The city’s biggest festive market is held at Tivoli, where more than half a million lights guarantee a magical Christmas setting after dark. Follow your nose to find snow-capped booths offering an array of seasonal specialities from hot chocolate and mulled wine to home-made doughnuts and sugar-roasted almonds.
Where to stay: Sanders
his graceful boutique hotel is refined yet relaxed, with luxurious rooms, a great little cocktail bar and a convenient location at the heart of the city. Finishes are high end, with bespoke furniture, plush fabrics and tastefully earthy paint shades, and there’s a harmonious blend of influences.
Read the full review: Sanders
17. Tallinn – for late Christmas
Far be it from us to criticise Estonia’s timekeeping. We are just pointing out that the festive market on Raekoja Plats in Tallinn continues into the New Year, as the Russian Orthodox Church rules January 7 to be Christmas Day. Tardy.
But the offering here are nonetheless festive, with its most celebrated feature being the Christmas tree, which has been set up in Tallinn’s Town Hall Square since 1441, making it the first ever Christmas tree to be displayed in Europe. Visitors can explore traditional Estonian Christmas cuisine, including black pudding and sour cabbage as well as gingerbread and other Christmas classics.
Where to stay: Schlössle Hotel
the Schlössle offers five-star luxury in a beautifully restored 13th-century merchant's house in one of the quieter quarters of Tallinn's Old Town. The preserved wooden ceiling beams in the sumptuous lobby area emphasise the sense of history, a theme that continues into a garden annex and the atmospheric cellar Stenhus Restaurant.
Read the full review: Schlössle Hotel
18. Berlin – for Christmas solidarity
One of Berlin’s best Christmas markets is held on the exact square where a terror attack happened back in 2016. What’s the German for “carry on regardless”? Visitors can choose from some 50 or so Christmas markets in the city, offering traditional festive wares, seasonal delicacies, fairground rides and ice-rinks.
Where to stay: Orania.Berlin
Though leaning more towards urban chic than stately opulence, this Berlin hotel is similarly set up around the idea of culture and music – hence the grand Steinway piano, stage and excellent sound equipment in the main lobby area – as well as a literary salon upstairs.
Read the full review: Orania.Berlin
Getting there
See our collection of the best Christmas tours and winter sun getaways to get you there, and our expert's guide to saving money on short-haul flights.
