Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2025 — Jolly Holidays with INFOBUS

Holidays are jollier when you know where to go for festivities. And INFOBUS is here to help you — we’ve compiled the list of the best Christmas markets in Europe 2025. Find out where to go, when the major markets open, and what to do to get the most out of your trip. 

Top 10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe 

The Christmas season brings so much joy and feasting — you can find markets, fairs, themed parks, and other attractions in most European hubs. Popular destinations compete for the title of the most Christmassy city in Europe and do their best to make the yuletide jollier and merrier for everyone. Here’s the list of the top 10 best Christmas markets in Europe in 2025. 

Strasbourg Christmas Market, Strasbourg, France 

The Strasbourg Christmas Market is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. This market earned Strasbourg the title “Capital of Christmas.” The market is spread around the city and comprises eight separate markets with unique themes and attractions. You can head to The Off Market, At the foot of the Grand Sapin, The Dock of Delights, Christkindelsmärik, and other markets, located close to each other. 

They offer unique food options, including spaetzle, gingerbread, pretzels, and authentic dishes. There are also many shops and vendors, selling holiday gifts, crafts, and local goods. You can shop for Christmas presents at Designers’ Market, Oz – Arts and Crafts Market, and Artisan Craft Market. Don’t forget to check out Grand Sapin, Enchanted Forest, and Illuminated Advent Wreath. 

📅 When: November 26 – December 24, 2025 

📍 Where: Strasbourg, France 

Liseberg Christmas Market, Gothenburg, Sweden

This Christmas market brings so much joy to Gothenburg. Liseberg Amusement Park transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights and holiday attractions. Shimmering lights, stunning decorations, mulled wine, spices, and seasonal flavors — Liseberg Christmas Market has it all. 

The park features the Winter Market, where you will find stalls with food, hot drinks, and seasonal treats. There’s also an ice rink with the Blossa Ice Bar — skate and get drinks right on the rink. Come to the Tyrolean Market to browse gift stalls, enjoy live music, and experience a festive atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the Old-fashioned Christmas with its holiday wreaths, decorated trees, and delicious scents. Finally, explore the real wonderland — Tomtebyn, Santa’s Village. The Elves’ Cottage, Santa’s Workshop, the Main Square, and the Elves’ Adventure — all the magical things to make you giggle and laugh. 

📅 When: November 15 – December 30, 2025 

📍 Where: Liseberg Amusement Park, Gothenburg, Sweden 

Schönbrunn Christmas Market, Vienna, Austria 

This is one of the major Vienna Christmas markets, where the yuletide atmosphere feels jollier than ever. Every year, Schönbrunn Palace turns into a wonderful Christmas fairy tale. The location in front of the palace is just as magical as it is cozy. The market focuses on arts, crafts, and children. There are more than 99 stalls with different crafts. You can find candle makers, chocolatiers, toymakers, ceramists, and other artisans. 

The market is also popular for delicious seasonal food — dumplings, donuts, churros, strudel, crepes, brownies, and many more. It’s also family-friendly with plenty of themed attractions, including a Ferris wheel, carousels, an ice rink, a play area, and a Lindt chocolate section. The Schönbrunn Christmas Market is great for festivities and fun — the square sparkles with thousands of lights, creating a magical and glowing holiday atmosphere. 

📅 When: November 6, 2025 – January 6, 2026 

📍 Where: Schönbrunn, Vienna, Austria

Old Town Square Christmas Market, Prague, Czech Republic 

Prague Christmas markets are among the top-rated winter destinations in Europe. The Old Town Square Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe — a dreamy atmosphere, a Gothic architectural backdrop, charming stalls, and outstanding decorations. Historic Old Town Square transforms into a fabulous holiday feast with wooden huts offering various crafts, food, drinks, and themed gifts. 

The market features a Christmas tree, live music, and traditional decorations. You can enjoy stunning views from the observation bridge and soak up these fantastic vibes. Make sure to try seasonal treats, including mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, dumplings, and traditional trdelník. This market offers fantastic photo opportunities, so grab your camera and pose with your loved ones in front of the marvelous Christmas tree. 

📅 When: November 29, 2025 – January 1, 2026 

📍 Where: Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic 

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, Cologne, Germany 

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market welcomes visitors with a family-friendly atmosphere, themed attractions, and old-fashioned decorations. Imagine: the Cologne Cathedral with its Gothic grandeur beside a decorated Christmas tree, fabulous stalls, and holiday tunes. 

Come and explore over 100 free events, culinary treats, handicrafts, gifts, and mulled wine. Vendors offer all kinds of goods, including arts, jewelry, food, German pretzels, and decorations. Cheerful crowds gather around a giant Christmas tree, sip hot cocoa, and sing popular songs. To enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere, consider going on weekdays. If you plan a trip in December, don’t miss out on Germany Christmas markets — that’s where Christmas feels merry and jolly.

📅 When: November 17 – December 23, 2025 

📍 Where: The Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany 

East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market, Edinburgh, Scotland 

The East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market is one of the best Edinburgh Christmas markets, offering a bustling holiday wonderland with iconic stalls and buzzing vibes. Browse cozy chalets and search for unique gifts, handicrafts, seasonal treats, and hot drinks. The market is one of the most popular European Christmas markets for its attractions, iconic location, and festivities. 

Stroll along the Traditional Christmas Markets and find various themed presents, enjoy delicious street food, and soak up the fantastic smells of cinnamon, gingerbread, wine, and chocolate. The market also features the Around the World Starflyer, a giant 80-metre-tall tower with breathtaking views of the city skyline. If the StarFlyer sounds too exciting for you, opt for a more peaceful attraction like the LNER Big Wheel, which provides just as wonderful views from its weatherproof pods. 

📅 When: November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026

📍 Where: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland 

Münsterhof Christmas Market, Zurich, Switzerland 

There are many Switzerland Christmas markets worth visiting, but the Münsterhof Christmas market is one of the most iconic holiday destinations in Europe. It’s modern and elegant — a glimpse into an upscale Christmas celebration in Switzerland. The market is held in the Münsterhof square, right next to the Fraumünster Church. Historic buildings and traditional guild houses turn into an enchanting market with themed stalls and events. 

Local businesses offer a wide range of high-quality products, including artisanal goods, crafts, treats, and decorations. With its culinary highlights and seasonal drinks, the market is ideal for both children and adults. There are also workshops, readings, and concerts to make your visit unforgettable. This is a perfect destination to admire the beauty of Zurich, explore local goods, and celebrate the yuletide with joy. 

📅 When: November 20 – December 24, 2025 

📍 Where: Münsterhof Square, Zurich, Switzerland 

Marienplatz Christmas market, Munich, Germany

Among the top German Christmas markets, the Marienplatz Christmas market is one of the oldest and most popular options. Its traditional ambiance makes the holiday season feel cozy and cinematic. The gem of the market is a giant Christmas tree with over 2,500 lights, sparkling like a beacon. The city hall on the Marienplatz adds its Gothic charm, so the atmosphere is straight from the screen. 

There are so many things to do — start with the Kripperlmarkt, where you can find 10 stalls offering nativity set-ups. It’s a popular German tradition to set up nativity scenes, so the stalls provide figures, lanterns, angels, and more. Next, enjoy live music from the Town Hall balcony or listen to the Carols under the Christmas Tree, participate in the Krampus Run, and let your children make a candle at the Heavenly Workshop. This is definitely one of the best Munich Christmas markets for its magical atmosphere, plenty of activities, and romantic location. 

📅 When: November 24 – December 24, 2025

📍 Where: Marienplatz, Munich, Germany 

La Défense Christmas Village, Paris, France

While looking for the best Paris Christmas markets, make sure to check out the largest and most popular holiday destination in the area. La Défense Christmas Village gathers visitors from around the world to bring a classy Christmas celebration to everyone. Shining lights, wooden chalets, cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and outstanding decorations — this is what Paris offers in La Défense during the holiday season. 

The top market’s highlights include over 250 chalets with local and international crafts, 6 giant tents with raclette, crepes, tartiflette, hot drinks, and other treats, and 3 restaurants for upscale dining. There are themed rides, a decorated Christmas tree, the Village Square with DJs and gospel choirs, and the La Defense Christmas Ice Skating Rink. Don’t miss out on perfect photo ops, including a hot air balloon and Santa. 

📅 When: November 13 – December 28, 2025

📍 Where: La Défense, Paris, France

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London, England 

Hyde Park has set a new standard for London Christmas markets, returning with its Winter Wonderland market in 2025. This is a real gem in London, where you can find all the possible holiday attractions, decorations, treats, gifts, and more. The Christmas Market offers traditional chalets with crafts and goods. There are plenty of options for food and drinks, including Jolly Hog, Bavarian Village, Street Food Village, Jingle Bell Bistro, The Sleigh-By, The Market Square, and more. 

Explore the Magical Ice Kingdom, featuring hand-carved sculptures of giant trolls, a griffin, a sea monster, and many others. Enjoy ice skating at The Ice Rink by Priority from O2, the largest open-air ice rink in the UK. Attend Zippos Christmas Circus, Ice Sculpting Workshop, the Elves’ Workshop, and “Cirque Berserk: Ignite” show. There are plenty of themed rides too, including The Giant Wheel, Christmas Tree Ride, Blizzard, The Time Machine, and Snow Jet. 

📅 When: November 14, 2025 – January 1, 2026 

📍 Where: Hyde Park, London, England 

Travel to Christmas Markets with INFOBUS 

The holiday season is always packed with events, festivals, and markets. The best Christmas markets in Europe 2025 are waiting for you, so choose your destination and set off on a new adventure. 

INFOBUS is here to help you travel wherever you want. We offer hundreds of trip options from top-rated carriers across Europe. There are bus, train, and flight tickets for your convenience. Browse our holiday deals, compare prices, and choose what works best for you. Buy tickets with INFOBUS and have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Hop on the INFOBUS sleigh… Ho ho ho… 

FAQ 

What country has the best Christmas markets in Europe?

Almost all major hubs host Christmas markets during the yuletide. The best Christmas markets in Europe are in Scotland, Germany, Austria, France, England, and the Czech Republic. These countries turn into a magical feast of lights, food, drinks, and themed attractions. 

What city in Europe is the most Christmassy?

One of the most Christmassy cities in Europe is Edinburgh. Edinburgh Christmas markets are popular for their Gothic charm, old-fashioned style, and lovely decorations. The city sets a festive mood and offers many options to enjoy your trip. 

Is Strasbourg worth visiting for Christmas?

Yes, Strasbourg is definitely worth a Christmas trip. Its market is enchanting and unique, with hundreds of stalls, fabulous attractions, and delicious food. The city has earned the title “Capital of Christmas” for a reason. 

What is the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe?

Marienplatz Christmas market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, offering a romantic location, elaborate decorations, and a classy ambiance. There are wonderful photo ops, themed events, and a giant Christmas tree. 

What European city is best to visit in December?

If you’re looking for a trip to holiday markets, we suggest going to London, Strasbourg, Gothenburg, or Edinburgh. These cities host some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, featuring unique attractions, stunning decorations, open-air activities, and more. 

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