A brief history lesson on Christmas markets in Europe: The continent’s once-humble holiday markets are believed to have sprouted from simple stalls in German-speaking regions, where locals stocked up in medieval times on goods to stay warm and fed during the frigid winter season. There’s debate around which Wintermärkte, or “winter market,” was first: Dresden’s dates back to the 15th century, when it opened for one sole day on Christmas Eve, while Nuremberg’s internationally famous Christmas market—now one of Germany’s largest—has roots dating back to 1628.
Today, you’ll find thousands of Christmas markets in Germany alone, with everywhere from capitals like Vienna to tiny alpine towns in the Italian Dolomites and port cities in Scandinavia hosting their own versions that veer from charming and traditional to as elaborate as a theme park—and, in some cases like Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, held at them. From late November until January, central squares crowned by light-strung cathedrals and storybook towns across Europe transform into scenes as picturesque as a snow globe with wooden chalets doling out holiday sweets and warm mulled wine poured into collectable glühwein mugs—the ultimate souvenir.
Here, we’ve narrowed down 28 of the best Christmas markets in Europe, in no particular order, from famous favorites to smaller, more under-the-radar finds (if you want to check off multiple, a Christmas market cruise is one of the easiest ways). From over-the-top ice rinks and carnival rides to Disney-esque light shows and performances, these are some of the best spots to spend Christmas in Europe—and where to stay within a short stroll of the market stalls.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Jessica J. Lee and Jessica Chapel.
