Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
The best European Christmas markets: A travel guide
Take a look at all the deals and cheap package trips to top destinations in Europe this December. At HolidayPirates, we have you covered with a variety of transport and accommodation options. Whether you're travelling alone to get in the festive mood, want a romantic trip for two or are taking the whole family, we have incredible deals for European Christmas market holidays.
Destinations for the best Christmas markets in Europe
Christmas markets are popular in many parts of Europe. New ones have sprung up in recent years as visitor numbers to the more established ones have risen. If you are looking for an authentic Christmas holiday atmosphere, then these are some top picks.
Cologne, Germany
The main Christmas market is by Cologne's impressive Gothic cathedral. However, there are also smaller ones to explore elsewhere, some overlooking the River Rhine. As well as stalls, there are plenty of street performances to entertain visitors.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna has a level of elegance in its Christmas market setup that sets it apart from other capital cities. If the idea of combining classical music with a festive break appeals, it is a good option.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Perfect for exploring the far north, this part of Finland is geared up for families as the home of Father Christmas. If reindeer sleigh rides are part of your idea of fun, then the Christmas market here is for you.
Montreux, Switzerland
With a picturesque setting next to Lake Geneva, Montreux is worth visiting at any time of year. In December, it has wintry charm, and the market has a medieval setting at Château de Chillon.
Nuremberg, Germany
The Old Town of Nuremberg has been home to a Christmas market for centuries. There are old-fashioned wooden market stalls and plenty to entertain kids and adults alike. Nuremberg is, for many, the quintessential European Christmas market destination.
Bolzano, Italy
Bolzano, the largest Christmas market in Italy, is a winter sports resort in South Tyrol. The mulled wine here has a well-deserved reputation.
Stockholm, Sweden
There are not one but two Christmas markets in Stockholm. Skansen Christmas Market is in an open-air museum, giving it an old-world feel. Gamla Stan Christmas Market is larger and just as charming, adored by locals.
Coach trips to Christmas markets in Europe
One of the best ways to obtain a cheap European Christmas market break is to book an organised coach trip. Of course, a coach trip to any European destination takes longer than flying, but you won't have to sort out transfers to the airport this way. If you intend to buy large or bulky items during your stay, then coaches are sometimes better than flying.
If you want to take lots of luggage back with you because you have bought presents to take home, flight operators may charge more. In other words, coach trips to Christmas markets in Europe tend to be more convenient. It depends on how much time you have to spare in the pre-Christmas run up, of course.
Tips for booking last-minute flights and accommodation at Christmas
Airlines often price tickets according to demand. This means that certain cities in Europe are popular in the weeks ahead of Christmas due to market visitor numbers. Simply put, you won't find last-minute deals on flights or accommodation if you want to visit some of the more established Christmas markets. For any of the best European Christmas markets, you’ll need to book several months in advance.
You can also save by heading to one of the lesser-known or up-and-coming Christmas markets Europe has to offer. Sometimes, these trips can be better since there are fewer crowds. Keep in mind, too, that you can make your Christmas market holiday cheaper by avoiding city centre hotels. If you don't mind a short walk or bus ride from your hotel, rooms a little further out are usually better value.
What can you buy at Christmas markets in Europe?
Local foodstuffs and seasonal beverages are two hallmarks of any European Christmas market. Part of the fun of heading to one is trying out the local Christmas delicacies. Of course, this differs depending on which Christmas market you choose to visit. Generally speaking, spiced sweetmeats and mulled wine recipes are big favourites, though.
In terms of gifts, local handicrafts tend to be popular. Christmas decorations, such as wreaths, are also commonplace. Some Christmas markets in Europe also specialise in traditional toys, such as wooden dolls.
FAQs about Christmas markets
Q: Can you haggle at Christmas markets?
A: Prices tend to be fixed at most Christmas markets in Europe. Market vendors operate like other retailers, so haggling won't get you far. That said, European Christmas markets are not all the same, and some stallholders may accept lower offers. Generally speaking, haggling is often acceptable for high-value items. Try at the end of the trading day when markets are least busy if you intend to haggle over pricing.
Q: Where is the best place for Christmas markets in Europe?
A: Nuremberg, Dresden, Vienna and Cologne are all very notable European Christmas markets. If you have young children, then Lapland – in Finland – is probably the best place to go. This is because its extreme north location gives it a close association with Father Christmas.
Q: Which country is best to visit for Christmas in Europe?
A: No single European country is best for Christmas markets, but most would agree that Germany has plenty to choose from. In fact, both Germany and Austria have a long-standing tradition of Christmas markets in Europe, so they're very popular. Christmas markets in Switzerland are also loved by tourists and locals alike. Sweden, France and Czechia all have great examples of Christmas markets, too.
Q: Are European Christmas markets free?
A: Most Christmas markets in Europe are free to enter. However, some European markets are ticketed events to restrict visitor numbers. These tickets sometimes come with a modest charge and, at others, can be obtained for free. Access to activities at Christmas markets in Europe, such as ice rinks, usually comes with a charge.
- Packing list for every type of breakPacking list for a city breakPacking list for a beach holidayPacking list for a winter holidayPacking list for a hiking trip
We value your privacy
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept All" you accept this and consent that we share this information with third parties and that your data may be processed in the USA. For more information, please read our .
You can adjust your preferences at any time. If you deny, we will use only the essential cookies and unfortunately, you will not receive any personalised content. To deny, .