The best Christmas markets for 2025
Written by
Emma Harrison
•
5 min read
What are the best Christmas markets in Europe?
From Copenhagen to Cologne and everywhere in-between, where are the best places to enjoy Europe’s finest Christmas markets that are straight out of a fairytale storybook?
Whether you want to ice-skate, indulge in some mulled wine or simply just browse some amazing crafts or try sone delicious festive fare, a trip to a Christmas market is high on any travellers wish list.
If you are planning a pre-Christmas break, why not add visiting one of Europe’s most captivating Christmas markets to your travel planner?
The supercool city of Copenhagen is home to several Christmas markets, but we can’t help but think that the Christmas market at the famous Tivoli Gardens is particularly special, so be sure to add it to the ‘See & Do’ section on your Copenhagen Pinboard.
Whether you favour skating under the 500,000 twinkly fairy lights or riding the festive ferris wheel that will reward you with the most amazing views of the city, you are guaranteed to have the most incredible time at the hygge Copenhagen Christmas market.
Budapest Christmas Market
Budapest boasts several Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm. The festive season in Budapest is predominantly centered around St. Stephen’s Basilica where you can find a skating rink, over 150 vendors selling handicrafts, food and gifts and more.
The Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market is embellished with nativity scenes, handicrafts and a giant fir tree.
Each market is full of mouthwatering Hungarian delicacies like chimney cakes and lángos, so make sure you add a visit to the Christmas market to your travel planner.
TOP TRAVEL TIPS
The Germans always serve up the most fantastic Christmas markets and the Cologne Christmas market is full of Yuletide cheer and is renowned not just for being one of the best Christmas markets in Germany, but the whole of Europe.
Centered around the iconic Cathedral, this Christmas market has everything you'd expect from a picture-postcard classic Christmas market, Glühwein, twinkling lights, delicious snacks and more.
Chock-full of charming houses, picturesque streets adorned with colourful lights, make sure you try one of the delicious drinks that are served in cups shaped like Santa’s boots - totally insta worthy!
There are so many other incredible Christmas markets to check out, from Verona in Italy to Riga in Latvia, which Christmas market is on your must-visit list?
