Best Christmas Markets

Cheap deals on Christmas Markets 2026

Wondering what to get your other half for Christmas this year? Or maybe you fancy a cheeky little gift from you to you? 🎁 Well move over and put your big coat on, because our Christmas Market Breaks are where it's at. You'll have all the buzz of a city break combined with twinkling lights, authentic stalls and - most importantly - all the festive food, from homemade fudge to hearty goulash and those big juicy sausages. These are just a few of our cheap city break deals for the festive season, and the good news is - they're all within walking distance of the markets! Merry Chrimbo 🎄

Where to find the Best Christmas Markets in Europe

In case you weren't in the loop, we’ve got the inside scoop on the best European Christmas Markets - and yes, we’ll take you right there. So, you can quit the endless scrolling and searching for the perfect festive getaway now. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine, and that sweet scent of roasted chestnuts. From the canals of Amsterdam to the charm of Vienna, the buzz of Budapest and beyond - we've got city breaks that land you right in the middle of the festive action. Literally. We've handpicked these showstoppers because they're just a stroll away from the fun. You're welcome.

Where to find the Best Christmas Markets in the UK

Who said you can’t find a banging Christmas market right next door? If you’re not up for jet-setting across Europe for your bratwurst and glühwein fix, don’t sweat it - we'll fly you to a Christmas market quicker in less time than it takes to watch a game of Rugby. From the magical vibes of the Edinburgh Christmas Markets to the old-school charm of London’s festive stalls, there’s no need to go too far for that Christmassy buzz. Grab a mince pie and have a nosy 🥧

Top Destinations with the Best Christmas Markets

If you're looking for the best destinations with Christmas Markets, then we've got you covered. These beauts more than deliver when it comes to old town charm, traditional stalls and big ol' Christmas trees. Let the festivities begin!

Hotels near the Prague Christmas Markets

When it comes to holidays to Prague, treating yourself to a cheeky little December escape to see the Christmas Markets is a must. The Old Town Square transforms into a whole winter wonderland, decked out with wooden stalls selling handmade gifts, glittering ornaments, and - obviously - loads of delish local food. These markets are even open on Christmas and New Year's, so there's literally no excuse to miss them! Wrap up and prepare for some proper festive fun, complete with live music, carol singing and ice-skating. We recommend doing that before you hit the mulled wine stands, though.

Why should I go to Prague Christmas Markets?

Prague's Christmas markets are basically a fairy tale come to life, with Gothic spires, cobblestone streets, and that massive tree in Old Town Square that looks like it's been nicked from Narnia. The markets here are proper authentic without feeling touristy, plus the Czech beer and trdelník (those cinnamon chimney cakes) are ridiculously cheap compared to Western Europe. Oh, and Prague's stunning year-round, but add snow and twinkling lights? Chef's kiss.

🍽️ Best food to try: Klobása - Prague's version of a bratwurst, slathered in your sauce of choice and served in a toasted bun.

🍷 Best drink to try: Punč (or 'punch' to you and me), made with alcohol, sugar, lemon and spices for a Christmassy tipple with a twist.

Prague is one of the biggest destinations on our Christmas markets line-up, with several markets that all open in late November and run into the New Year:

🎄 Old Town Square Market: late November 2026 to early January 2027, the biggest and most photographed.

🎄 Wenceslas Square Market: late November 2026 to early January 2027, slightly smaller but equally festive.

🎄 Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky): late November to late December 2026, known for artisan craft stalls.

🎄 Na Kampě Square: late November 2026 to early January 2027, the prettiest location (on a small island under the Charles Bridge).

Prague’s Christmas markets pop off right in the heart of the Old Town and Wenceslas Square – all fairy lights, Gothic spires, and stalls stacked with chimney cakes, wooden toys, and festive feels for days. 🎄❄️

Hotels near the Vienna Christmas Markets

If you've got your eye on a holiday to Vienna to wrap up the year (literally 🎁), then the Christmas Markets are where it's at. They're scattered all across the city, so wherever you head you'll be spotting cosy stalls selling sweet treats and trinkets. Think cute Christmas villages, an ice rink for a cheeky skate (feat. the obligatory Insta pic), and big, fluffy trees strung with lights. It's like wandering through a cheesy Netflix Christmas movie, only you probably won't find Vanessa Hudgens lurking around the corner (unfortunately).

Why should I go to Vienna Christmas Markets?

Vienna doesn't do anything by halves, and their Christmas markets are no exception – we're talking over a dozen markets scattered across one of Europe's most elegant cities, with the Rathausplatz one being the absolute daddy of them all. You'll get classical music drifting through the air (it's Mozart's home turf, after all), proper Austrian pastries that'll ruin your January diet plans, and enough Glühwein to keep you toasty through the coldest December evening. Plus, the Viennese know how to do Christmas – they've been at it since the 13th century, so they've had a bit of practice.

🍽️ Best food to try: Bauernkrapfen - Vienna's take on a doughnut, stuffed with jam for an extra sugar hit.

🍷 Best drink to try: Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch), made from a combo of tea, spices, sugar and a spirit or two - served piping hot.

There are several Christmas markets across the city, with the main ones running from mid-November to late December:

🎄 Christmas Market at Schloss Schönbrunn - early November 2026 to early January 2027
🌟 Christkindlmarkt at Rathaus - mid-November to late December 2026
🕯️ Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung - mid-November to 23rd December 2026
🏰 Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace - mid-November to late December 2026

Vienna’s Christmas markets are scattered all over the city like festive confetti – from the iconic Rathausplatz and swanky Schönbrunn Palace to twinkly spots in Belvedere and Spittelberg, it’s a full-on winter wonderland at every turn. 😍✨

Hotels near the Berlin Christmas Markets

Nothing screams 'festive' quite like a Christmas holiday to Berlin. With over 60 markets popping up all over the city in November and December, you'll be in full festive mode before you've even had chance to remember if you packed your Christmas jumper. From artisanal craft stalls to glitzy winter wonderlands and swanky rooftop bars, there's something to tickle everyone's fancy. The city oozes old-town charm too, with all of its architecture lit up brighter than the Blackpool Illuminations. You heard it here first, folks. Berlin holidays might just make the perfect xmas prezzie!

Why should I go to Berlin Christmas Markets?

Berlin's got over 60 Christmas markets, which means you can basically market-hop your way around the city like some kind of festive pub crawl (but with Bratwurst instead of pints). Each market's got its own vibe – there's the posh one at Gendarmenmarkt, the alternative one at Kulturbrauerei, and everything in between. The food's incredible, the vibe's buzzing, and you can knock out all your Christmas shopping whilst simultaneously stuffing your face with Kartoffelpuffer. Win-win.

🍽️ Best food to try: Aside from the obvious bratwurst, we recommend Kartoffelpuffer for a veggie option. It's a fried potato pancake (think crispy hashbrown vibes) topped with either garlic or apple sauce. Major drool.

🍷 Best drink to try: Eierpunsch - the German take on eggnog, made with egg yolks, white wine, spices, vanilla, citrus, rum, and topped with a big dollop of whipped cream. Trust us on this one, it's like drinking a big glass of apple strudel.

The Berlin Christmas Markets start as early as the end of October - perfect for the lead-up to Chrimbo! Check them out on the dates below:

Winter World on Potsdamer Platz - late October - late December 2026
Christmas Market on Alexanderplatz - late October - late December 2026
Christmas Market at Berlin City Hall - late October - late December 2026
Christmas Market on Gendarmenmarkt - late October - late December 2026

The Berlin Christmas Markets are sprinkled all around, including at Charlottenburg Palace, the old town in Spandau, the Humboldt Forum Schloßplatz and a few more locations. Just be sure to check the dates of the specific places you fancy, because they might vary a smidge!

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Best Christmas Markets For...

Not sure which Christmas market to pick? We've done the hard work for you.

Best for First-Timers: Prague 🎄

If you've never done a Christmas market before, Prague's your safest bet. The Old Town Square market is absolutely stunning (Gothic spires, massive tree, proper fairy-tale vibes), it's pleasantly affordable compared to Western Europe, and the whole city's compact enough that you won't get lost. Plus Czech beer and trdelník are cheaper than a meal deal back home, so your wallet stays happy whilst you get the full festive experience.

Best for Foodies: Budapest or Vienna 🍽️

Can't decide between Hungarian chimney cakes and goulash in bread bowls (Budapest) or Austrian pastries and schnitzel sandwiches (Vienna)? Honestly, you can't go wrong with either. Budapest wins on price and pure street food chaos, Vienna wins on elegance and variety. Both will have you loosening your belt by day two. If you want cheap and cheerful, go Budapest. If you want refined and classy, go Vienna.

Best for Market Hoppers: Berlin 🎪

With over 60 Christmas markets scattered across the city, Berlin's basically a festive pub crawl but with schnitzel instead of shots. You can do the posh one at Gendarmenmarkt in the morning, the alternative one at Kulturbrauerei in the afternoon, and the traditional one at Charlottenburg Palace in the evening. Different vibes, different food, same brilliant atmosphere. Perfect if you get bored easily or just really, really love Christmas markets.

Best for Romance: Bruges or Salzburg 💕

Bruges is basically a medieval Christmas card come to life – canals, cobblestones, chocolate shops, and fairy lights everywhere. It's proper romantic without trying too hard. Salzburg gives you Alpine backdrop, Mozart vibes, and snow-capped mountains, which is next-level date territory. Both are smaller and more intimate than the big city markets. Both will have you holding hands and pretending you're in a Richard Curtis film. You're welcome.

Best on a Budget: Krakow or Budapest 💰

Eastern Europe's your mate here. Krakow's got one of Europe's biggest medieval squares transformed into a winter wonderland, and you can do it on about half the budget of Vienna or Berlin. Budapest's similarly brilliant for your bank balance – you'll get change from a tenner after goulash, chimney cakes, and several mulled wines. Both cities are stunning, both markets are magical, both will leave you with money for actual Christmas presents.

Most Authentic: Nuremberg 🏰

If you want proper old-school German Christmas market vibes without the Instagram influencers, Nuremberg's the real deal. The Christkindlesmarkt has been going since the 1500s and they're dead serious about keeping it traditional – no tat allowed, strict rules on what can be sold, and the whole thing feels like you've stepped back in time. This is where Lebkuchen (that protected gingerbread) comes from, and they're not trying to be trendy or cool, they're just doing Christmas the way it's been done for centuries. Proper authentic German Christmas market experience. Respect.

Best for Partying: Berlin or Cologne 🍻

Let's be honest, some Christmas markets are more booze-focused than others. Berlin's got the variety (60 markets means 60 different mulled wine recipes to "try"), whilst Cologne's got the local Kölsch beer flowing alongside the Glühwein. Both cities know how to have a good time, both have markets that stay open late, and both will have you singing Christmas carols with strangers by 9pm. Just pace yourself, yeah?

Best for Families: Vienna or Edinburgh 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Vienna's Christmas markets are massive on the family-friendly stuff – ice skating trails, carousel rides, puppet shows, and enough sweet treats to keep the kids hyped up until New Year. Edinburgh's got the big wheel, fairground rides right in Princes Street Gardens, and that castle backdrop makes every photo look epic. Both cities are proper safe, both markets are well-organized, and both have enough activities to tire the kids out before bedtime. Winner.

All your Christmas Market Holiday Questions - Answered

Christmas markets are outdoor festive fairs that pop up in town squares and city centres across Europe (and increasingly the UK & Ireland) throughout November and December. They're basically loads of wooden stalls selling Christmas decorations, handmade gifts, festive food and drink – think mulled wine, bratwurst, gingerbread – all set up around a massive Christmas tree with fairy lights everywhere. Started as medieval winter markets where people would stock up on supplies before the harsh winter, but now they're more about soaking up the festive atmosphere, stuffing your face with European delicacies, and pretending you're shopping for presents when really you're just buying yourself another mulled wine.

Most Christmas markets kick off in late November – usually the last weekend of November, around 28th-29th. Some keen beans like Vienna and Innsbruck start mid-November, whilst others wait until December 1st. The majority run until December 23rd or Christmas Eve, then shut down because everyone's at home eating Quality Street and arguing with their relatives. A few markets (mainly in Prague and Vienna) stay open through to early January, which is brilliant if you need to escape the post-Christmas family tension. Basically, your sweet spot for visiting is late November through mid-December – markets are fully up and running, but you've dodged the absolute mental Christmas shopping chaos.

Germany's the undisputed champion and birthplace of proper Christmas markets – they've got hundreds of them and have been doing it for centuries. Berlin, Cologne, Nuremberg, and Dresden are all top-tier. But Austria gives them a run for their money with Vienna's elegant markets and Salzburg's Alpine charm. Czech Republic (Prague) and Hungary (Budapest) are brilliant if you want something equally magical but cheaper on the wallet. For something different, try Belgium (Bruges) or Sweden (Stockholm). Honestly though, they're all good – it depends whether you want full-on German Christmas vibes, Austrian sophistication, or Eastern European charm. Can't really go wrong with any of them.

Layer up like you're going on an Arctic expedition because European Christmas markets in December are absolutely Baltic. Think warm coat (proper winter one, not your autumn jacket), scarf, gloves, hat – the full works. Wear comfortable waterproof boots because you'll be standing around on cobblestones or in snow for hours. Thermal leggings under your jeans aren't embarrassing, they're smart. And bring a crossbody bag or backpack with zip pockets because pickpockets love Christmas markets (sorry to ruin the magic). Also, you'll be drinking mulled wine, so maybe wear clothes you don't mind getting red wine on. Just saying.

So much food. Too much food. Every market's got regional specialities, but you'll find: German sausages (bratwurst, currywurst), roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, potato pancakes, pretzels, roasted almonds, crepes, waffles, churros, and various forms of melted cheese. In Hungary you get goulash and chimney cakes. In Prague there's trdelník and Czech sausages. In Austria it's schnitzel sandwiches and Bauernkrapfen (doughnuts). Belgium does waffles and chocolate. Basically, forget your diet, embrace the carbs and sugar, and start planning your January gym membership.

Absolutely. Most Christmas markets are mega family-friendly with carousel rides, mini trains, puppet shows, and sometimes even a visit from Santa (or Krampus if you're in Austria, which might traumatise them – Google it). Kids love the hot chocolate, candied almonds, gingerbread, and running around in the festive atmosphere. That said, markets can get absolutely rammed on weekends and evenings, so if you've got little ones, visit during weekday mornings or early afternoons when it's quieter. Also, markets serve a lot of alcohol and can get quite boozy later in the evening, so earlier visits are better for families.

Yes, one hundred percent yes. Christmas markets are proper popular, and hotels near city centres get booked up months in advance – especially for weekends in December. If you're planning a trip for early December, book by September/October to get decent prices and locations. Left it late? You might still find something, but it'll either be expensive or miles away from the markets. Booking early also means you can actually choose where you stay rather than taking whatever's left. Trust us, you don't want to be trudging back to a hotel an hour away after drinking five Glühweins. That's why all our recommended hotels on our Christmas Market Breaks page are picked to be close to the markets.

Nearly all of them shut down by Christmas Eve (24th December) at the latest. Christmas Day itself? Markets are closed because even the Germans take a day off to eat their family's body weight in food. A few markets in Vienna and Prague stay open through to early January, but they'll still be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. If you're planning to visit during the actual Christmas period, check specific market dates because most wind down by the 23rd. The sweet spot for visiting is early-to-mid December when everything's in full swing.

Hit and miss, to be honest. Bigger stalls in major cities (especially in Germany and Austria) often take cards now, but loads of smaller stalls are still cash-only. Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary? Definitely bring cash. Even in places that do take cards, cash is faster and easier – you don't want to be stood there waving your contactless around whilst a massive queue forms behind you. Take out cash when you arrive (airport or city centre ATMs) and budget about €50-100 per day depending on how much food and drink you're planning to consume. Also bring coins for toilets because European public loos aren't free.

A decent-sized city market like Prague's Old Town Square or Vienna's Rathausplatz? You could easily spend 2-3 hours just wandering, eating, drinking, and shopping. If you're hitting multiple markets in one city (like Berlin or Vienna which have loads), factor in a full day. For a proper Christmas market break, aim for a long weekend – fly out Friday evening, full day Saturday, full day Sunday, fly back Monday. That gives you time to see the markets, explore the city, and not feel rushed. Plus you'll need the full weekend to recover from all that mulled wine and bratwurst. Don't try to do it all in one evening – you'll miss half the magic.

Krampus is basically anti-Santa from Austrian and German folklore – a half-goat, half-demon creature who punishes naughty children whilst Santa rewards good ones. In early December (around 5th-6th), Austrian cities like Salzburg and Innsbruck have Krampus parades where people dress up in terrifying demon costumes and run through the streets with chains and sticks, scaring the absolute life out of everyone. It's mental. If you've got young kids, maybe avoid Krampus nights. If you like weird European traditions and don't mind being mildly traumatised, it's actually brilliant fun. They're not actually going to hurt you (probably), it's all part of the festive tradition. Very different from what we're used to in the UK, but that's the point.

This is a tricky one. The markets themselves are outdoors on cobblestones or uneven ground, which isn't ideal for wheelchair users. Bigger, modern markets in major cities are generally better with wheelchair access – wider paths between stalls, ramps where possible. Smaller, older markets in medieval town squares? Much harder. Vienna and Berlin markets tend to be more accessible. Prague's Old Town Square is cobblestones everywhere, which is challenging. If accessibility is important, contact the specific market or your hotel beforehand to check what facilities they have. Also consider visiting during quieter times (weekday mornings) when crowds are thinner and it's easier to navigate.

Christmas Market Food & Drink Guide 🍷🌭

Right, let's talk about the really important bit – the food and drink. Because let's be honest, half the reason you're going to a Christmas market is to eat your body weight in festive treats and drink enough mulled wine to forget about your overdraft. Here's what to order when you rock up to those wooden stalls.

The Drinks 🍹

Glühwein / Mulled Wine 🍷 The absolute king of Christmas market drinks. Hot red wine spiced with cinnamon and cloves, served in a mug you can keep as the world's most impractical souvenir. Pro tip: the first one tastes medicinal, the second one tastes great, and by the third one you're proposing marriage to a stranger. Pace yourself.

Punsch / Punch 🥊 Austria and Czech Republic's answer to mulled wine, but made with rum so it's stronger and sweeter. Prague's got about seventeen different flavours. The orange one's safest. The green one? That's a gamble.

Feuerzangenbowle 🔥 Germany's party trick – mulled wine with a rum-soaked sugarloaf SET ON FIRE dripping into it. Extremely dramatic, extremely boozy, extremely good for Instagram. Tastes like Christmas and bad decisions.

Hot Chocolate ☕ Not all heroes wear capes; some come in paper cups covered in whipped cream. Bruges does particularly good ones with actual chocolate shavings. Also brilliant if you're the designated driver.

Eierpunsch 🥚 German eggnog but hot. Like drinking custard in the best possible way. Sounds weird, tastes incredible. Not one for the lactose intolerant though.

The Food 🍽️

Bratwurst / Sausages 🌭 The absolute staple. Every German market has about ninety sausage stands. Served in a bread roll with mustard or just eaten straight off a napkin like a heathen. Can't go wrong with a sausage.

Kartoffelpuffer / Potato Pancakes 🥔 Crispy fried potato served with apple sauce or garlic sauce. Basically posh hash browns. Elite for soaking up all that Glühwein.

Langos 🫓 Hungarian fried bread topped with sour cream and cheese. Budapest markets do these and they're genuinely life-changing. Fills you up for about four hours.

Chimney Cakes / Trdelník 🌀 Sweet spiral pastries coated in cinnamon, often filled with Nutella or ice cream. Everywhere in Prague and Budapest. Instagram gold.

Lebkuchen / Gingerbread 🍪 Not your nan's gingerbread. German Lebkuchen is soft, spiced, often chocolate-covered. Nuremberg's is protected by EU law. You'll see them as hearts with "Ich liebe dich" on them.

Pierogi 🥟 Polish dumplings filled with potato, cheese, or meat. Krakow markets serve these with fried onions on top. Don't share them with anyone.

Goulash 🍲 Hungarian beef stew served in a bread bowl. Perfect for warming up on a freezing December evening. Comes with paprika because this is Hungary and everything has paprika.

Roasted Chestnuts 🌰 Old-school but lovely. Sold in paper cones, hot and sweet. Makes you feel like you're in a Dickens novel, which at Christmas markets is the whole vibe.

Waffles 🧇 Belgium does these best. Sometimes plain with icing sugar, sometimes with chocolate, cream, and strawberries. Belgian waffles are thicker than Dutch ones. Both are good. Eat both.

Candied Almonds 🥜 Roasted almonds coated in cinnamon sugar. Smell incredible, taste even better. You will buy a bag even if you claim you're "just browsing." They're basically crack. Delicious, legal crack.