Advises

Christmas Markets in Europe – The Best Holiday Markets and Locations

by Iryna Savina0

Christmas Markets in Europe – schedule of holiday markets 2025/2026 in Paris, Brussels, Prague, Krakow, Nuremberg, Tallinn, Vienna, Bolzano.

At the end of November, Europe opens its Christmas markets. This is the time to spend the pre-Christmas weekend and immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere of a European Christmas.

I advise you to read: Top 10 budget Christmas markets in Europe

Paris – Christmas on the Champs-Élysées

Every year, on Christmas Eve, Paris is decked out in thousands of lights so that Parisians and tourists can experience the magic of the passing year. From mid-November, festive illuminations illuminate the streets of the French capital and offer a magical journey to the land of Christmas. Head to the Champs-Élysées, where the scents of cinnamon and fir, mulled wine and gingerbread waft along the rows of illuminated trees. There are several Christmas markets in Paris, but you can’t miss them: in La Défense, Notre Dame or the fair near the Eiffel Tower.

What to taste and buy: spend time for a few days like a Parisian – sip hot mulled wine, warm your hands with balls of roasted chestnuts, taste delicious sausages and cheeses to warm up, drink a royal kir – a cocktail made of champagne and blackcurrant liqueur.

When: 15 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
www.parisdiscoveryguide.com

The best Christmas Markets in Paris 2025:

  • Notre Dame Christmas Market: Here you will find more than 40 masters of art, fashion, accessories and gastronomy, all “made in France”! When: November 29 – December 25, 2025, Monday – Thursday: from 10:00 to 20:00. Friday – Sunday: from 10:00 to 21:00.
  • Abbesses Montmartre Christmas Market: It will allow you to buy local products. When: November 25 – December 31, 2025. Every day from 11:00 to 20:00
  • La Défense Christmas Market: This is the largest Christmas market in Paris with over 300 stalls. This is where special meetings with Santa Claus take place. November 14 – December 29, 2025. Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Alsatian Christmas Market: Located at Gare de l’Est, you can find traditional Alsatian products such as gingerbread, pretzels, chocolate, etc. Date to be confirmed.
  • Les Féeries d’Auteuil: This is the most family-friendly of the Parisian Christmas markets, with its choirs, nativity scenes, flea market and even a show.
  • Trocadero Christmas Village on the Champs-Elysées: It consists of around a hundred chalets with traditional products, as well as an ephemeral ice rink where you can skate with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
  • Tuileries Christmas Market: Previously held on the Champs-Élysées. You will find restaurants, numerous stalls with local products and a fairground. November 16, 2025 to January 1, 2026, daily from 11:00 to 23:45
  • Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market: In addition to the stalls, you will find carousel-like attractions in the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville.
  • Saint-Germain des Prés Christmas Market: This also offers entertainment for children and adults.

The hotels in Paris city center:

Guide to the districts of Paris – where to book accommodation for tourists

Nuremberg – Germany’s oldest Christmas market

The tradition of Christmas markets first emerged in Germany in the fourteenth century. It was during these days, during Advent or the Christmas Lent period, that big shopping usually took place. Nuremberg hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany every year – the Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt.

What does Christmas look like in Nuremberg? Organ and instrumental music sounds in the churches, a nativity scene exhibition is held on Spitalgasse, and a collection of old market stalls can be seen in the town hall. The air is filled with the tempting smells of mulled wine and rum punch, roasted almonds, Nuremberg sausages and gingerbread. When the Nuremberg Christ appears on the balcony of the Church of Our Lady to open the Christmas season, it is a joy for adults and children. In the evenings, lantern processions take place throughout the city, you can ride an old stagecoach, and Christmas in Nuremberg will remain in your memory for a long time.

What to taste and buy: sweet almonds, local sausages, Nuremberg gingerbread – lebkuchen, traditional Christmas decorations of all shapes and sizes: Christmas tree toys, Rauschgold gold foil angels, Zwetschgenmännle – plum men and other festive food.

When: 28 November – 24 December 2025
www.christkindlesmarkt.de

The best Christmas markets in Nuremberg 2025:

  • Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world. The wooden stalls of the “little town of wood and cloth” offer traditional handmade Christmas decorations as well as sweet treats such as gingerbread and Spekulatius. More than 180 market stalls are decorated for Christmas with fresh greenery and lights. Christmas nativity scenes are set up around them, with bright stars shining above them. The German Christmas capital welcomes its visitors with the famous Nuremberg gingerbread, sausages, mulled wine and a cozy atmosphere.
  • The twin-town Christmas market on Rathausplatz. Nuremberg has a city partnership with 13 cities; it has friendly relations with eight additional communities. On Rathausplatz, Nuremberg’s twin cities offer handicrafts and delicacies, and craftsmen and artisans work in the Crafts Court. The proceeds from the handmade Christmas decorations go to charities in the twin cities. Immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere and enjoy the magic of the Nuremberg Christmas Market!
  • The Children’s Market on Hans-Sachs-Platz is a Christmas town for children. There will be a large children’s program on the square and in the Sternenhaus mansion near St. Catherine’s Monastery. At the Children’s Christmas Market, young visitors can bake cookies, color Christmas baubles, write their Christmas wish list, and ride an old-fashioned carousel or Ferris wheel.

Nuremberg in winter for two days – what to see in the most beautiful Christmas city in Germany

Hotels in the Nuremberg city center:

  • Hotel Central – in the very center, 2 minutes from Hauptmarkt Square.
  • Melter Hotel & Apartments – very stylish and not very expensive hotel in the city center.
  • Oldtown Studios by dasPaul – Studio apartments with a kitchenette, for those planning to stay in Nuremberg for several days.
  • Hotel Elch – A small boutique hotel for those who appreciate pleasant service and a feeling of home.

Bolzano – Tyrolean Christmas Market

In Italy, Christmas markets are considered traditional only in the north of the country. That is, in the regions bordering Austria and Switzerland. The Christmas market in Bolzano in South Tyrol is the largest fair in Italy, which becomes one of the most popular places to relax at Christmas.

The Christmas market in Bolzano is a feast for all the senses: here you can listen to Christmas songs and music, look at the decorations on the Christmas tree and wooden houses, breathe in the frosty air and the aromas of cinnamon and pastries, and feel the festive atmosphere that surrounds and warms all families.

What to taste and buy: woolen products – mittens and sweaters, wax candles of all shapes, sweet gifts – traditional Zelten cake with candied fruits, apple strudel, homemade cookies.

When: 27 November 2025 – 6 January 2026.
Офіційна сторінка – www.mercatinodinatalebz.it

The best Christmas markets in Bolzano 2025:

  • Christmas Market in Piazza Walter. For almost a month, festive aromas fill the streets and picturesque alleys of the regional capital of South Tyrol. Even when the Signora delle Nevi – Mrs. Snowstorm – covers Bolzano with a white blanket of snow, this only enhances the atmosphere of a winter fairy tale. During the traditional opening of the Christmas market, a large Christmas tree lights up as if by magic. At the same time, the lights on the chalets and trees around the square are turned on.
  • The fair in San Genesio is a pretty village 10 km from Bolzano, reachable by car or cable car. It hosts an Advent Market with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, featuring local crafts, handmade decorations and gastronomic delicacies. An event not to be missed for children: the San Nicolo parade, which takes place on December 5th in the village of San Genesio.
  • The market in Trenatale on Ritten has a welcoming, almost nostalgic atmosphere. Just imagine the snow falling from the sky, the smell of freshly baked Christmas sweets in the air and the Christmas melodies playing in the square. The food courts in the market squares of Soprabolzano and Collalbo offer authentic and high-quality products, culinary delights that will warm your heart and stomach.
  • The Sarentino Fair awaits guests among 20 decorated wooden houses, offering traditional and artisanal products typical of the Val Sarentino valley, as well as gastronomic delicacies. Children will find a special program with creative workshops and musical events.

Market out of Bolzano

  • The Sarentino Market awaits guests among 20 decorated wooden houses, offering traditional and artisanal products typical of the Val Sarentino valley, as well as gastronomic delicacies. Children will find a special program with creative workshops and musical events.
  • Christmas magic on Lake Carezza. Only 20 minutes from the Christmas market in Bolzano, on the shores of the famous Lake Carezza in the Dolomites, you can get to a small Christmas market. A real mystical adventure awaits you: typical South Tyrolean houses are set up in the square, next to which an exhibition of ice and snow sculptures will be held. Take a walk along the path around the lake, illuminated by festive lights, to experience the incredible Christmas atmosphere in the mountains.

Hotels in Bolzano:

  • Hotel Greif – A very cozy hotel near Piazza Walter, where the main fair in Bolzano takes place.
  • Arte Apartments – Family apartments 2 minutes from the Christmas market on Walter Square.
  • Pepper Lounge & Suite – B&B hotel in the city center with good breakfasts and a view of the Dominican Church.

Helsinki – visiting Joulopukki

Many people dream of going to visit Santa Claus at Christmas – to Finland. Here in December a real winter fairy tale reigns, and even the main character lives in this country. Finnish Santa Claus has his own name – Joulupukki, and few people know that it literally translates as “Christmas goat”. First of all, the Finns depicted the main Christmas hero dressed in goatskin. Now he looks like an ordinary European Santa Claus – fashion obliges to follow modern Christmas trends.

What to taste and buy: knitted clothes, handmade home decorations, reindeer made of wood, glass and wool, straw goats. Be sure to try joulutortta – a traditional Finnish puff pastry, sausages, hot soup with salmon and cream, and hawthorn – another relative of mulled wine.

When: 28 November – 22 December 2025
tuomaanmarkkinat.fi

The best Christmas markets in Helsinki 2025:

  • St. Thomas’s Fair – on Senate Square. The tradition of decorating Aleksanterinkatu with Christmas lights, the official Christmas street in Helsinki, dates back to 1949, when the townspeople wanted to light a candle of hope and joy in the harsh post-war years. And the main fair on Senate Square is no less magnificent – ​​more than a hundred stalls, shops and market stalls are decorated with garlands and lights. The St. Thomas’s Christmas Fair offers all visitors a wonderful selection of gifts, Christmas decorations and traditional delicacies – fish, meat and ready meals. Santa Claus visits here every day, and children can ride an old carousel for free. On the square you can feel the same anticipation of a Christmas miracle that everyone knows from childhood.
  • Vanhan Joulutori Christmas Market is a cozy Christmas market held in the Old Student House (Vanha Ylioppilastalo). It is the best market in the city for buying Christmas decorations and gifts. The café serves Finnish mulled wine (glögi), snacks and hot lunches.
  • Ornamo Design Joulu. The three-day Christmas design market will be held at the Helsinki Cable Factory. It will showcase Finnish design, fashion and ceramic art.
  • Teurastamo Christmas Market is one of the locals’ favorites. It is located in the Old Slaughterhouse (teurastamo in Finnish), a creative urban space where numerous food producers will gather: from pasta to craft chocolate, ice cream and coffee. This fun festive market offers a great mix of Christmas food and craft stalls, accompanied by fun activities, music and workshops.

Hotels in the center of Helsinki:

  • Hotel Kämp – modern hotel near Helsinki Cathedral.
  • Hotel Haven – A cozy hotel located on the shore of the South Bay near Market Square, where you can try Finnish delicacies while walking.
  • Lapland Hotels Bulevardi – A very nice 5-star hotel, located in the middle of the city center, surrounded by many restaurants and shops for shopping.

Budapest, Hungary – Advent calendar in cafe windows

The main Christmas market in Budapest is traditionally held in the center of the capital – on Vörösmarty Square. More than 150 wooden pavilions have been built here, where items of Hungarian decorative and applied art are sold: Christmas tree decorations, candles, gloves, woolen hats and hand-forged products.

An Advent calendar is traditionally decorated in the windows of the famous Budapest cafe Gerbo: every day at five o’clock in the evening, accompanied by a bright musical light show, one of the 24 windows opens. In this way, the calendar counts down, approaching the holiday of Christmas.

Traditionally, children are given a calendar for counting the days of fasting, where treats are hidden behind each piece of paper with a date. A large skating rink and special pavilions with steam trains are installed at the fair.

What to try: Kürtoszkalács – a sweet Hungarian cylindrical pastry that is baked on the grill, potato pancakes or spicy sausages with mustard. Walking along the colorful and beautifully decorated stalls, be sure to buy Hungarian Ice Wine – a dessert wine from the late grape harvest, and a slice of “Hungarian pizza” from the oven – kenierlangos.

15 November – 31 December 2025  

The best Christmas markets in Budapest 2025:

  • The main Christmas market in Budapest is located on Vörösmarty Square. Here you can find handmade products from folk craftsmen from different regions of Hungary. Ceramics, textiles, leather, fur, art glass, wood products, forged products, jewelry, cosmetics, soap, paintings, honey, Christmas sweets, New Year’s souvenirs.
  • A market in the Obuda district (the opposite bank from Pest). Surrounded by old houses, this fair is more for townspeople than for tourists. This makes it somehow “homely”, cozy and atmospheric.
  • A market in Varosliget Park near Vajdahunyad Castle. It is very beautiful here and there are many food courts with national dishes, Christmas delicacies and winter hot drinks.
  • Another large and cheerful fair near St. Stephen’s Basilica with a magical nativity scene. There is no shortage of entertainment here in the evening: songs, music, hot mulled wine is poured and everyone is fed. Adults, after a walk through frosty Budapest, will be happy to go to the numerous baths, warm up in thermal water and watch the magically falling snow melt without reaching the water.

Hotels in the center of Budapest:

Budapest in winter – what to see in three days in the capital of Hungary

Krakow, Poland – the best Christmas market in Europe

Poland will surprise you with its variety of Christmas markets. One of the largest is traditionally held in Krakow on the Main Market Square. This is the oldest and probably the most famous Christmas market in Poland, which takes place in the enchanting scenery of the main square. In 2016, CNN recognized this fair as one of the most beautiful in Europe.

What to taste and buy: local delicacies such as oscypek – grilled sheep’s cheese, spiced nuts, boiled sweets and Galician mulled wine. Among souvenirs and gifts, it is worth paying attention to the wool products characteristic of the region.

When: 28 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
www.kiermasze.com.pl

The best Christmas markets in Krakow 2025:

  • Christmas Market on the Main Market Square – this is where the main events of the city will take place. About a hundred pavilions with a huge selection of delicacies, crafts by folk craftsmen and fun attractions await guests. Do not forget to taste wine from a barrel of “Grzańcem Galicyjskim” – Galician mulled wine. It often snows in Krakow in December, and you can feel like you are inside a snow globe. Shaking it, you can see the carriage, smell the coal smoke and burnt caramel, mixed with the spicy aroma of mulled wine. Buy obwarzanki – Krakow bagels, watch children’s carols and listen to Christmas songs, waiting for the arrival of St. Nicholas.
  • The Three Kings’ procession will take place on January 6. The procession will take three traditional routes: from Wawel Cathedral, the Salesian Village of the World Park and from Matejko Square. There will be three public meetings of up to 100 people each.

Hotels in the center of Krakow:

  • Apartments Rynek Glowny – Family apartment with a view of the Christmas market from the window.
  • Pokoje Gościnne Św. Anny -cozy hotel rooms, located 5 minutes from the Main Market Square, where the Christmas holidays are held.
  • Hotel Stary – An atmospheric hotel where you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient Krakow, located on the Main Market Square.

Krakow for free

Prague – Christmas carp and pork knuckle

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, where Christmas and New Year traditions are honored. Throughout the Czech Republic, at the beginning of December, Christmas markets are organized on squares, the streets are decorated, and the aromas of mulled wine and pastries are everywhere. Prague fairs are the largest. Old Town Square is where the largest Christmas tree and holiday market are located. A Christmas tree with the Star of Bethlehem is set up under the Town Hall Tower, which will be lit on the evening of December 2, 2025.

On the eve of St. Nicholas Day – December 5, a sweet trinity walks through the square: Santa, an angel and a devil. They give out toys and sweets to good children, and pieces of coal from the chimney to the “bad” ones. For children, mangers with lambs, donkeys, goats and other domestic animals are set up on Old Town and Wenceslas Squares, which can be fed and stroked. There are also many slides and carousels for children to enjoy.

What to eat and buy: At the market, you can try traditional Czech dishes: veprevo koleno – pork knuckle cooked on an open fire, washed down with honey beer. Try vánočka – Czech Christmas bread, a delicious braid made of sweet yeast dough. Grilled sausages with European mustard are also traditionally sold here. Handmade toys, Christmas tree toys made of beads, a clay candlestick house, a toy in the form of a mole – the hero of the cult Czech cartoon. The traditional Czech Christmas dish is carp. Please note that on each square before the holidays there are large barrels of live fish, which are sold to the last one, until everyone buys their Christmas fish for the holiday.

When: 29 November 2025 року – 6 January 2026
www.prazsketrhy.cz

The best Christmas markets in Prague 2025:

  • The fair on the Old Town Square is the largest in the Czech Republic, where in addition to a large number of stalls, there will be a large decorated Christmas tree and a stage with an interesting program. 11/29/2025 – 01/06/2026. The Christmas tree will shine with Christmas lights – November 30.
  • Christmas market on Wenceslas Square – 11/29/2025 – 01/06/2026. The fair is only the lower part of Wenceslas Square, due to the fact that the square is undergoing reconstruction.
  • The fair on Republic Square – a traditional festive assortment, treats, decorations, wreaths, candles, toys, nativity scenes, confectionery, art products and more. 11/295 – 12/30/2025
  • Christmas market in Prague Castle – a Christmas tree, food and souvenir stalls among historical decorations. 29.11.2025 – 06.01.2026
  • Ploša Miru – 20.11 – 24.12.2025.
  • Tylovo náměstí – 26.11 – 24.12.2025.
  • Christmas Market on Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrady – date for 2025 not yet known.
  • Anděl Market – traditional holiday assortment, treats and more, 24.11 – 24.12.2025

Hotels in the center of Prague:

  • Clementin – apartments on Old Town Square near the Orloj Clock, where the main Christmas tree of Prague is set up every year.
  • Jalta Boutique Hotel – A cozy boutique hotel near Wenceslas Square – a place for walks and Christmas nativity scenes in Prague.
  • Hotel Golden Key Prague Castle – hotel near Prague Castle.

Christmas markets in Czech Republic towns

Dresden – Virgin Stollen and the largest Christmas cake

It was from Germany that the tradition of organizing festive fairs before Christmas originated, and then spread throughout Europe. On Christmas Eve, thousands of garlands are lit on the streets and squares of Dresden, and 11 Christmas markets start operating at the same time. One of the oldest fairs in Europe, founded in the 15th century – the Striezelmarkt, is held here. This year, the Dresden fair will present residents and guests of the city with wonderful gifts for the 591 time, enveloping them in the aroma of fresh pastries, spices and pine needles.

During Advent, a large-scale festival of the unique Dresden baking tradition is traditionally held at the Striezelmarkt. A traditional stollen pie weighing several tons is baked here. Then it is carried through the historical part of the city Altstadt, accompanied by Stollenmädchen – “Stollen Maidens”, after which it is solemnly cut on the Striezelmarkt and sold. The proceeds go to charity.

What to taste and buy: handmade Saxon pottery, Meissen porcelain, wooden ornaments, paper Christmas stars, traditional stollen cake.

When: 26 November – 24 December 2025
dresden-weihnachten.info

The best Christmas markets in Dresden 2025:

  • Stritzelmarkt Square – Sparkling lights and children’s eyes, the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread, carols. The 588th Dresden Stritzelmarkt is the oldest Christmas market in Germany. Here you can see and buy products and art made of ore wood, Lusatian blue-printed fabrics, Moravian stars. 26.11 – 24. 12.2025.
  • Christmas market on Prager Strasse. This Dresden Christmas market on the most famous shopping mile has been called “Dresdner Winterlichter” since 2012. Get to know regional dishes and sparkling holiday lights: every evening the 15-meter Christmas tree is fantastically illuminated and accompanied by music. Two historic carousels and sweet surprises will enchant the little ones. 30.11 – 23. 12.2025
  • Christmas market in the Frauenkirche. Around the Frauenkirche and on Münzgasse, ceramics, glass art and lace from Vogtland await you., and a shining eight-meter pyramid! Every day, Santa Claus will visit the magical market from 4:00 p.m. to bring every child a surprise. 26.11 – 24.12.2025
  • Medieval Christmas in the Dresden Palace. Professional craftsmen offer their products for sale, jugglers and minstrels take you on a journey through time. There are also culinary delights on sale here and a public bath where up to eight people can enjoy a hot bath even in the cold. 27.11 – 23.12.2025.
  • Advent on Neumarkt Square – Opposite the famous Frauenkirche, you can get to know the work of historic craft guilds: bell foundries, engravers, watchmakers. Visit a chocolatier, discover handmade toys. And taste classic Dresden Christmas delicacies that melt in your mouth, while church choirs and carolers create a festive atmosphere. 27.11.2025 – 05.01.2026.

Other markets

  • The Augustusmarkt stretches from the Goldenen Reiter to the Dreikönigskirche. It is a walking Christmas market where Danish Glögg, Finnish Piparkakut, Swedish Julskinha, Christmas Bredele from Alsace and Italian Pandoro are sold under the white and gold illuminations of the pagodas on the main street and in the festive baroque quarter. 27.12.2025 – 05.01.2026 (except 24-26 December and New Year’s).
  • Dresden Fair “Dresdner Hüttenzauber” on Postplatz. Curling, after-work parties, après-ski, disco, food, drinks and celebrations. The large Christmas market takes place in the middle of the central Postplatz square – great fun for families and young people. There are two restaurants, a bakery and a children’s area on over 2,000 square meters. In the middle is a magical hut for large Christmas parties – celebrations take place here every day. –29.11 – 31.12.2025.

Hotels in the center of Dresden:

Vienna – a Christmas dream

At the middle of November, 2.5 million lights are lit on the streets and squares of Vienna, and the most beautiful squares of Vienna are transformed into fairy-tale Christmas markets. It is here, in the center of Vienna, that the largest and most popular Viennese fair begins to operate – Christkindlmarkt, also called the “Viennese Christmas Dream”. At the entrance to the fair, visitors are greeted by an arch decorated with candles several meters high.

There are about 150 wooden stalls on the square, where you can buy gifts for the whole family, New Year’s decorations and handmade items. The aromas of candied fruits and roasted almonds, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine spread from the stalls everywhere, which magically attracts tourists from all over the world. Here, children are shown performances in street nativity scenes, at master classes they learn to bake cookies and help prepare gifts for parents and grandparents. Classical music concerts can be heard on every large square in Vienna. And on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, choirs from different countries perform Christmas carols in the main hall of the Town Hall.

What to taste and buy: crystal angels, sugar gingerbread and the signature Viennese crescent-shaped cookies – Vanillekpferl.

When: 14 November – 26 December 2025
www.wien.info

The best Christmas markets in Vienna 2025:

The Christmas Village in the Old Hospital Complex is a favorite spot for families and locals alike. A small steam train rides around the children’s area, while adults enjoy a game of ice skating, a Bavarian version of curling that is played by families or friends.

After the Christmas and New Year festivities end, the “Viennese Ice Dream” opens on the Christkindlmarkt on January 19th – a huge ice rink that will run until the beginning of March, so everyone can skate.

  • Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz – 10.11.-26.12.2025
  • Maria Theresa Square – 15.11.-26.12.2025
  • Belvedere Palace – 17.11.-26.12.2025
  • Vienna University Campus (Altes AKH) – 10.11.-23.12.2025
  • Advent in the Liechtenstein Garden Palace – 17.11.-23.12.2025
  • Old Viennese Christmas Market Freyung – 17.11 – 23.12. 2025
  • Fair near Schönbrunn Palace – 18.11.-26.12.2025
  • Karlsplatz Square – 24.11.-23.12.2025
  • Spittelberg District – 16.11.-23.12.2025
  • Stephansplatz Square – 10.11.-26.12.2025
  • Christmas Market near the Opera (Mahlerstraße 6) – 23.11.-23.12.2025

Hotels in the center of Vienna:

  • Pension a und a – inexpensive guesthouse near Stephansplatz and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
  • Hotel Daniel Vienna – a modern hotel near Belvedere Park, where a large-scale fair will be held at Christmas.
  • Vienna-apartment-one Schmidgasse – family apartments for 4 people near Town Hall Square, where the Christkindlmarkt is held every year.

Three days in Vienna – where to go and what to see

Strasbourg – Alsatian Christmas

Strasbourg has declared itself the French “Capital of Christmas”. The Marché de Noël in Strasbourg has been held since 1570 and is the largest and oldest in France. The atmosphere that reigns in Strasbourg is unique. Before the opening of the Christkindelsmärik – the Alsatian name for the Christmas market – the entire historic center of Strasbourg is decorated with festive lighting and Christmas decorations.

With the arrival of night, real magic begins: shop windows twinkle, decorations shine on the facades, the smells of spices and cinnamon bring back childhood memories, and the sounds of Christmas carols flow from the depths of the churches. The ice rink at the foot of the Cathedral will delight children and adults. Concerts and light shows are also held here: fir wreaths, golden stars, figures of angels and Santa Claus appear on the facades of houses. On the opening day of the fair and every day at 4:30 p.m., a ceremony with a colorful Christmas light show takes place around the main Christmas tree. Thousands of lights and glowing balls are lit on the square and the Christmas tree.

What to taste and buy: Alsatian wines, and of course foie gras – a delicacy of French cuisine, crafts from the Alsace region, a toy stork – a symbol of Strasbourg. And also Christmas treats and gifts loved by adults and children: Christmas biscuit “bredele”, clay figures of saints for home nativity scenes, schnapps-soaked and candied fruit-stuffed pies, mulled wine and donuts.

When: з 26 November – 24 December 2025
noel.strasbourg.eu

The best Christmas markets in Strasbourg 2025:

On the same days, in addition to the main Christkindelsmärik market, several smaller markets are held in Strasbourg:

  • Marché des Bredle,
  • Couronne d’Or на Place d’Austerlitz,
  • Terroir et Artisanat – Regional craft market at Place de la Gare, where crafts by local artisans are on sale,
  • Marché des Saveurs Alsaciennes – “Aroma of Alsace” market on Place des Meuniers,
  • Comptoir des Rois Mages – Magi’s Market at Place Benjamin-Zix.

Hotels in the center of Strasbourg:

Tallinn – visiting Jiuluvan

The main Christmas market in Estonia opens annually in the heart of the old town – on Tallinn Town Hall Square. In its center stands a festively decorated Christmas tree, around which are located trading pavilions in the shape of the sun’s rays. The first Christmas tree in the world as a Christmas symbol was installed here in 1441. A distinctive feature of the Tallinn fair is a huge selection of handmade goods: felt boots and knitted sweaters, buckwheat pillows, pottery and linen items.

Among the fair pavilions is the house of the Estonian Santa Claus – Jiuluvan, which every child can enter, tell a poem and receive a treat. And for the little ones, entertainment is organized in the form of a children’s slide, a Christmas train, and a mini zoo, where kids can admire real animals: rabbits, goats, sheep, ponies, and geese.

What to taste and buy: stone souvenirs, knitted woolen things and sweaters with reindeer from the island of Saaremaa, amber jewelry, children’s toys made of wood and fabric, Vana Tallinn liqueur and sweet marzipan figurines. Merchants offer to taste the Estonian specialty – mulgikapsad blood sausages – a dish made from sauerkraut, fatty pork and pearl barley porridge. Here you can also taste gingerbread – the famous Christmas cookies, which are filled with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and almonds roasted in spices. There is nothing better to warm the soul and body than the local variety of mulled wine – hawthorn.

When: 27 November – 27 December 2025
christmasmarket.ee

Hotels in the center of Tallinn:

Brussels – mussels, waffles and chocolate

From the oldest Christmas markets, let’s move on to one of the youngest in Europe. In Brussel, the Christmas market began its work in 2002, and in 2003 it was recognized as one of the most original, for its unusual gastronomic choice. The market is located on Saint Catherine’s Square and the streets and squares adjacent to it.

About 200 stalls offer to taste mussels and clams with traditional French fries. At every step, Belgian waffles with various sauces and syrups, with fruit, cream and chocolate fillings. There are also traditional pastries and chocolate, which Belgium is famous for. At literally every step, there are shops of chocolate brands. You can try, and absolutely free of charge, everyone’s favorite treats in vans that offer to taste different types of chocolate.

What to taste and buy: chocolate sets “Sea Shells” from “Guylian“, chocolate and handmade chocolates from “Cote d’Or” and “Barry Callebaut”, lace from Flemish craftsmen, cookies in boxes “Speculoos“, Belgian beer.

When: 29 November 2025 – 5 January 2026
www.plaisirsdhiver.be

The best Christmas locations in Brussels 2025:

  • A festive market of craftsmen and contemporary artists will take place on the Saint-Jean Square on weekend, where you can buy valuable souvenirs from Belgium.
  • At four locations in the city – Square Ambiorix, Marolles, Neder-Over-Heembeek and Laeken, entertainment events are organized as part of the Christmas entertainment village – Winter Pop. Here, fun and creative events are held for young people, families and seniors: seminars, performances, master classes, concerts, dances, collective singing. Guests can enjoy various winter pleasures: ice skating, round dances around the Christmas tree, Christmas performances and evening concerts

Hotels in the center of Brussels:

Find train tickets in Europe conveniently on Trainline
Hire a car – on Rentalcars.com
Travel Medical Insurance – online on the portal HotlineFinance
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com

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Iryna Savina

View all posts by Iryna Savina →

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