Best European Christmas Markets to Visit in 2024

Our top 10 European Christmas markets 

Looking for some inspiration? Discover our top 10 European Christmas markets for 2024… 

Vienna Christmas markets 

Vienna is magical at Christmas, with grand buildings providing the backdrop to snow-topped market stalls.  

With a picture-perfect location next to the City Hall, Rathausplatz Christmas Market is one of the city’s most famous spots. A dedicated area for little ones makes it one of the best European Christmas markets for families, too. Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is also a must-visit with its countless stalls and spectacular setting. 

Whilst you’re there, why not hop on a ferry from Vienna to Bratislava and experience their Christmas markets too? See below! 

Bratislava Christmas markets  

Bratislava is beautiful at any time of the year but especially at Christmas where charming squares buzz with people and twinkling lights brighten up the streets.  

Head to Main Square and Hviezdoslavovo Square and you’ll see what the fuss is all about. Festive huts take over the squares, serving up Slovakian street food and traditional crafts. There’s also an ice-skating rink and live music performances too.  

London Christmas markets  

If you don’t fancy venturing far, London is a great shout. Although the capital has its fair share of markets, we’d recommend heading to Southbank. The Christmas markets in London Southbank are some of the best, with the riverbank undergoing a magical festive makeover.  

There are also plenty of trains available to London from the rest of the UK, making it a convenient choice. Or if you’re travelling overseas, there’s ferries available including the Guernsey to Portsmouth route. From here, it’s just a short train ride to London.  

Nuremberg Christmas markets 

Home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, Nuremberg puts on quite a show at Christmas.  

Dating back to the 17^th Century, the Bavarian city’s Christkindlesmarkt is rich in history - perfect for those looking for a more traditional Christmas market. Get lost in wooden booth-lined alleys, sampling everything from gingerbread to bratwurst. 

Located in the Old Town’s medieval square, Hauptmarkt, the market is beautiful too, with Frauenkirche’s gothic architecture looming in the background.  

And if you fancy visiting the Munich Christmas markets whilst you're in Germany, they’re only a short train or car ride away. 

Bruges Christmas markets  

Whether you fancy ice skating under the stars or sampling world-famous waffles, the Christmas markets in Bruges are guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.  

Located just a short stroll from one another, Grote Markt and Simon Stevinplein are the city’s main markets, with numerous chalets adorned with decorations.  

Bruges markets are also one of the best European Christmas markets to get to via ferry. You can jump aboard a ferry from Hull to Zeebrugge, which is less than a half an hour’s drive from Bruges. Alternatively, you can also catch a ferry from Dover to Dunkirk or from Dover to Calais. From there, it’s just a short drive to Bruges. 

Copenhagen Christmas markets 

A short flight to Copenhagen and you’ll be immersed in a Christmas wonderland.  

The Danish city has an abundance of markets but the ones at Tivoli Gardens tend to the spotlight. And with festive wooden huts offering Danish delights and an ice-skating rink creating a magical atmosphere, it’s no wonder.  

Fancy extending your trip? Why not take a ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo and discover another winter wonderland? 

Tallinn Christmas market 

Tallinn is perfect for a festive weekend away. Blankets of snow turn the red-rooftop town white creating a real winter wonderland.  

Its Christmas markets are equally as beautiful with fairy lights and garlands decorating wooden huts, selling everything from gingerbread cookies to mulled wine. 

Whilst you’re there, why not take the short ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki and discover what neighbouring Finland has to offer too? 

Lille Christmas markets 

Thanks to its great transport connections, Lille is one of the best European Christmas markets to get to.  

You can hop on a ferry from either Dover to Calais or from Dover to Dunkirk. Once you've arrived, Lille is just a short drive or train ride away. Alternatively, you can catch a direct train from London St Pancras International.  

And when you’re there, a charming Christmas market awaits on Place Rihour. From a giant Ferris wheel to gingerbread-filled stalls and Santa’s chalet, it’s seriously magical.  

Budapest Christmas markets  

Our list wouldn’t be complete with the Budapest Christmas markets. Bringing all the festive feels to the city since 1998, Vörösmarty Square’s Christmas market won’t disappoint.  

From handcrafted gifts to Hungarian delicacies, it’s all happening here. Got room for one more? Try the Basilica Christmas market too.  

Cologne Christmas markets 

It probably comes as no surprise that Germany is home to some of the best European Christmas markets.  

Cologne pulls out all the stops at Christmas. With many festive markets scattered throughout the city, you’ll be spoiled for choice. However, Roncalliplatz is home to one of the best. Nestled next to the famous Cologne Cathedral, it’s got that fairytale setting spot on. Other must-visit markets include the magical Nicholas Village and the Winter Fairytale market with its beautiful ice rink.  

Getting to Cologne is super easy, too. You can get a train from London to Cologne via Brussels. Or, if you’re travelling by ferry, sail from Newcastle to Amsterdam   . ..... which is just over 3 hours’ drive away.  .

Ready to feel festive? Discover all our ferry routes here.