By fusing centuries-old customs with contemporary celebrations, Europe’s Christmas markets in 2025 offer a sparkling festive mood. Town squares throughout the continent are filled with wooden chalets, sparkling lights, hot mulled wine, and handcrafted goods from mid-November to late-December, and sometimes into January. Here is a list of the most enchanted locations for this season:
Cologne, Germany
With over 160 stalls selling gingerbread, bratwurst, glühwein, and artisanal goods, it spans the Rhine and the Cologne Cathedral. The market is open from November 25, 2025, until December 23, 2025.
Nuremberg, Germany
From the Friday before Advent until December 24, take in the famous Christkindlesmarkt. Approximately two million people visit each year because of its medieval charm, Nürnberger sausages, and renowned Christkind opening ceremony.
Vienna, Austria
festive spirit across the city, from the Ferris wheel and ice rink at Rathausplatz to the craft booths at Schönbrunn and Stephansplatz. Cozy tradition and elegance are brought by the Advent Basilica lights and Das Rathausmarkt.
Prague, Czech Republic
With a tall tree, the historic Týn Church as a backdrop, Czech delicacies like klobása and trdelník, ice rinks, and classical music, Old Town Square becomes a winter wonderland.
Brussels, Belgium
From November 29 to January 5, “Winter Wonders” expands throughout Grand Place and the surrounding area, offering more than 200 chalets, nightly light displays, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, waffles, chocolates, and beer.
Strasbourg, France
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, which takes place from November 24 to December 24, is one of the biggest and oldest in Europe, with more than 300 stalls tucked away around its fanciful cathedral.org+3
Other captivating locations are Colmar, France, which is surrounded by half-timbered streets, and Budapest’s Basilica market, which offers warm baths and laser light displays (November 26–December 29). In addition, Edinburgh, Scotland is not to be missed during December for the Christmas markets and the New Year’s celebrations (Hogmanay), which are one of the best in the world.
Europe’s Christmas markets in 2025 provide something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a modern extravaganza, historical grandeur, or a fairy tale setting. Enjoy the culinary and cultural treasures of each location, make reservations in advance, and enjoy the seasonal charm.
In this article, we will give you out list of the best European Christmas markets in 2025 to check out.
Christmas Markets in Vienna, Austria in 2025
In 2025, Vienna will host a number of charming Christmas markets to commemorate the holiday season, all set against the city’s rich cultural heritage and imperial architecture.
Rathausplatz (Christmas World in Vienna)
This big market, the crown jewel of Vienna’s holiday season, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from November 14 to December 26, 2025 (closed on December 24 at 6:30 p.m.). With more than 150 wooden chalets, guests may explore the illuminated Rathauspark, take in the famous “Tree of Hearts,” eat roasted chestnuts and glühwein, and skate on the park’s enormous ice rink until the beginning of January. Crafts, family workshops, carousels, and more can be found in this joyous wonderland.
Christmas Village at Stephansplatz
Located next to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, open everyday from November 7 to December 26 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (with modified hours around Christmas). Amid the Gothic splendor of the church, some 40 artisan stalls provide fine Austrian goods and delectable food.
Market of Maria-Theresien-Platz
With expanded weekend hours, this exquisite market is open from November 13 to December 31 between the Natural History and Art History Museums. In a culturally diverse setting, visitors may enjoy live music, seasonal shopping, about 70 vendors, and a majestic mood.
Karlsplatz (Art Advent)
This eco-friendly, family-friendly market, which is open everyday from 12 to 8 p.m. from November 21 to December 23, focuses on organic food and artisan craftsmanship. This is a sanctuary for ethical shoppers with about 70 carefully chosen booths, live workshops, and farm-animal areas.
Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace
This small market, which runs from November 15 to December 31, has about 40 stalls and is set against the palace’s Baroque splendor. Under the sparkling palace lights, enjoy fine crafts, delectable refreshments, and a calm atmosphere.
Market at Schönbrunn Palace
This family-friendly attraction, which opens early from November 8 to January 6, has over 100 booths, an ice rink, a carousel, and curling. It’s the ideal location for a royal vacation.
Advice for a joyful visit:
* For a more sedate stroll, go throughout the week or during the day, particularly in festive locations like Rathausplatz.
* Although most shops take cards, bring cash. After drinking glühwein, don’t forget to return the deposit mugs.
* Evenings in Vienna can get cold, so dress warmly with layers, gloves, and a scarf.
Vienna in 2025 provides a lavish fusion of opulence and intimacy throughout the holidays, ranging from elegant castle settings to secret artisan retreats. Vienna’s Christmas markets offer a memorable celebration, whether you choose to skate under the Rathaus lights, enjoy a drink at Stephansdom, or embrace eco-friendly holiday shopping.
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Christmas Markets in Cologne, Germany in 2025
In 2025, Cologne’s Christmas markets will provide a joyous mosaic of custom, fantasy, and riverbank beauty. The following are the main points:
Market at the Cathedral (Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom)
* When: mid-November to December 23, 2025 (e.g., opening Nov 17).
* Location: Cathedral at Cologne’s Roncalliplatz
* Stalls: approximately 150 wooden chalets with mulled wine, organic treats, and handicrafts
* Features include more than 100 free stage events, a 25-meter festive fir, and a starlit canopy over the area.
* Extras: a sustainable event with ISO certification; face painting and Punch & Judy performances for children Monday through Thursday
The Winter Fairytale of Heinzel
* Heumarkt dates are November 24 to January 7, 2026 (alter markt shuts on December 23).
* Where: Heumarkt & Alter Markt
* Family-friendly, with themed alleyways, wood-carvers, a carousel, an ice rink on Heumarkt, and seasonal lights, the atmosphere is based on the local gnome folklore.
* Enjoy puppet shows, skating, and unique regional cuisine as a tip.
Angel Market (Neumarkt)
* November 20–December 23
* Ambiance: heavenly décor with stars and fairy lights; angels on the prowl distribute candy
* Food options include flammkuchen, hot drinks, and modern cuisine.
Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt, or the Harbour Christmas Market
* Dates: November 14–December 23; becomes the market for the new year December 26–January 1
* Location: Riverside with 70 sail-tent stalls next to the Chocolate Museum
* Highlights include an actual wooden ship offering mulled wine, a 48-meter Ferris wheel, and pirate shanties.
Market at the Stadtgarten
* Feeling: An alternative, artistic scene in the park of the Belgian Quarter
* Offerings: Eco-friendly glühwein, live music, and rotating craft vendors—a local favorite
Insider advice:
* To avoid weekend crowds, schedule trips for midweek or early evenings.
* Neumarkt, Heumarkt, and Cathedral are grouped together, and all marketplaces are walkable (within about 30 minutes).
* Public transportation (such as the U-bahn and trams) is strongly advised.
* Bring cash (most vendors take cards, but cash is preferred); wear warm clothing for walks and outdoor skating.
Christmas Markets in Nuremberg, Germany in 2025
In 2025, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt will provide a captivating exploration of centuries-old holiday customs. From November 28 to December 24, this famous market is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (it closes early on Christmas Eve at 2 p.m.).
Over 180 festively decorated wooden stalls create a “little city of wood and cloth” against the medieval backdrop of the Hauptmarkt and Frauenkirche. It is filled with traditional German craftsmanship, such as wooden toys, gold-foil angels, and nativity scenes, as well as delectable foods like Nuremberg bratwurst, Elisenlebkuchen gingerbread, Spekulatius, and roasted almonds.
The Christkind, clad in white and gold, gives a moving preamble from the Frauenkirche balcony as the market begins, urging guests to embrace their inner children: “You men and women who were once children… be children again.”
The main market is surrounded by important additions:
* The Ferris wheel, carousel, steam train, and kid-friendly crafts are all part of Hans-Sachs-Platz’s Kinderweihnacht.
* The Sister Cities Market on the Rathausplatz features international goods, such as Scottish whiskey cake and Kharkiv dolls, with the money raised going to partner communities.
* Local Franconian treasures such as honey, jams, and beeswax products can be found at the Original Regional Market, which is close to St. Sebald.
* The dramatic Feuerzangenbowle “village” serves rum-flamed mulled wine in a nostalgic atmosphere and has the largest punch bowl in the world (9,000 L).
Rich blueberry glühwein, WinterWärmer spiced beer, Kartoffelpuffer, and traditional glühwein served in collector mugs—each year’s design is prized by guests—are among the gourmet highlights.
This market, which receives around two million people annually, is a joyous hub that combines international culture, medieval elegance, family entertainment, and gastronomy. To minimize crowds, schedule your visit during midweek or early in the morning. Don’t forget to bring cash, warm clothing, and an extra mug for your Glühwein!
Christmas Markets in Prague, Czech Republic in 2025
Prague’s Christmas markets in 2025 combine Czech charm, festive lights, and Gothic architecture to transform the city into a wintry fantasy. Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), which is open everyday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from November 29, 2025, to January 6, 2026, is the center of the activities. Over 100 wooden chalets are anchored by a tall Christmas tree with thousands of LED lights, set against the backdrop of the Astronomical Clock and Týn Church. Anticipate regional specialties such as warm svařák (mulled wine), langoš, palačinky, klobása (Czech sausage), and trdelník (chimney cake). The enchanted ambiance is enhanced by a music-accompanied lighting ceremony every night.
Wenceslas Square, which is only a five-minute walk away, will have its festive market every day from November 29, 2025, to January 6, 2026. It has rows of lit booths selling mead, mulled beverages, ice skating, and folk crafts (such as glass and straw ornaments). This lengthy stretch beneath the National Museum combines urban sophistication with seasonal cheer.
Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), which is smaller but packed with local flair, is open from November 25 to December 24 and offers regional delicacies and artisan products. A quieter, more lovely experience may be had at the picturesque market on Na Kampě, which is located between the Vltava and Charles Bridge and runs from November 29, 2025, to January 1, 2026. Additionally, Peace Square and Tyl’s Square, which are well-liked by the locals, have festive kiosks.
Outside of the booths, folk ensembles, carol singers, live music, and seminars provide a sense of community warmth on the cold nights. Prague’s markets place a strong emphasis on sustainability by using eco-friendly materials and biodegradable cups.
In 2025, Prague creates a festive cycle that is beloved by locals and tourists alike by fusing traditional Czech cuisine, including as honey mead, gingerbread, potato pancakes, and mulled wine, with the illumination of medieval squares. Experience the enchantment of Christmas in this legendary city by following the lights from Old Town Square via Wenceslas to Na Kampě for a memorable holiday promenade.
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Christmas Markets in Strasbourg, France in 2025
In 2025, Strasbourg, France—often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas”—will host one of the most enchanting and significant holiday markets in Europe. It combines Gothic grandeur and half-timbered Alsatian charm with more than 300 wooden chalets grouped on the squares of Grande-Île.
Hours and Dates
The markets are open every day from approximately 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (soft openings on the 27th) from November 27 to December 27, 2025, with early closures and holiday disruptions around Christmas. Please take note that on Christmas Day and the day after, some markets are closed.
Centerpieces and Sites
* Place Kléber: Surrounded by charity-supporting “Village du Partage” chalets, this location is home to a magnificent 30-meter-tall natural Christmas tree.
* Christkindelsmärik (Place Broglie & Cathedral Square): Strasbourg’s premier market, which has been around for 450 years, features live performances, crafts, and food such as crepes, pretzels, and spaetzle.
* Le Quai des Délices: gourmet restaurant serving local pastries, wines, and beers.
* Small Producers’ Market (Louise Weiss): organic items, farm-house goods, music, and workshops.
* OFF Market (Place Grimmeissen): Recycled goods vendors in repurposed containers highlight sustainability
Joyful Ambience
In addition to carousels, ice rinks, kid-friendly circus-style installations, nightly music, and choirs beside the cathedral, you can anticipate sparkling lights on ancient facades along Rue des Orfèvres and Hallebardes.
Delicious Foods
Savor Alsatian delicacies, such as gingerbread, pretzels, choucroute garnie, flammekueche, vin chaud (red or honey-white mulled wine), and bredele cookies.
Tips for Visitors
* For more peaceful walks, go on midweek mornings.
* During market hours, only pedestrians are permitted in the historic center. Please bring warm clothing; cash is preferred.
Strasbourg’s Christmas markets in 2025 include a diverse array of customs, tastes, and illuminations, making them ideal for romantic walks, family get-togethers, and cultural exploration. Are you going to be there? I can assist with top stalls, transit, and hidden treasures!
Christmas Markets in Berlin, Germany in 2025
The 2025 Christmas markets in Berlin provide a lively blend of custom, contemporary style, and joyous celebrations throughout the city’s varied neighborhoods:
Potsdamer Platz’s Winterwelt
A vibrant winter sports park with a 12-meter toboggan slide, ice skating, and Eisstockschießen is open from October 31 to December 31, 2025. More than 2.5 million visits are anticipated. Under sparkling lights, bratwurst, mulled wine, and roasted almonds are served at adjacent wooden stalls. Families and fun-lovers will love it.
Gendarmenmarkt’s Christmas Market
Approximately 800,000 people frequent this luxury market between November 24 and December 31. It offers live music, upscale crafts, gourmet treats, and artist demonstrations in a gorgeous historic square. At busy periods, expect to pay €2, though occasionally admission is free during the day.
Rotes Rathaus/Alexanderplatz (Berliner Weihnachtszeit)
This central market, which is open from November 24 to December 26, has about 50 stalls, a huge Christmas pyramid that serves as a snack bar and observation platform, a roller disco, and brass band performances on the weekends. In addition, the Roten Rathaus market has historical rides, an ice rink, and a Ferris wheel.
At the Humboldt Forum, the Christmas Market
This market, which takes place in the castle courtyard and Schlüterhof from November 24, 2025, to January 1, 2026, features free entrance, holiday illuminations, and family rides in addition to artists creating ceramics, wood, and glass.
Weihnachtsmarkt Märchenhafter (Jagdschloss Grunewald)
This fairy-tale-themed market, which takes place on certain weekends (including December 6 and 7), features hot chocolate, storytelling, costumed characters, and a quaint castle backdrop. Tickets are needed (around €3.50).
Local Advice:
* Always have cash on hand because most places don’t accept cards, and packing fees can mount up.
* Berlin’s famous Feuerzangenbowle, or fire punch steeped in rum, is available at numerous markets.
From ice sports and upscale handicrafts to historic charm, Berlin is a dazzlingly festive wonderland in 2025 that has something special to offer every visitor.
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Christmas Markets in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2025
Mid-November to early January, Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets 2025 offer a festive tradition with a Scottish flair. From November 14 to January 4, the main market at East Princes Street Gardens is anticipated to be open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed on Christmas Day and early on Christmas Eve). It’s the city’s famous Yuletide focal point, with about 70 to 80 chalets, Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel (46 m), and a range of food and gift stalls beneath Edinburgh Castle.
A lively playground featuring rides, helter-skelter, the Starflyer swing, and outdoor entertainment next to the Ross Bandstand is available at the West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair. With Santa’s Grotto, a maze made of Christmas trees, storytelling sessions, and engaging family activities, St. Andrew Square Winter Garden comes alive. There is an ice rink with sparkling lights and an artisan market on George Street and Castle Street, which is ideal for skating and shopping.
The Assembly Rooms art fair, which features handcrafted jewellery, prints, and ceramics, and the Summerhall Folksy Fair, which takes place on the first weekend of December and focuses on vegan food, indie crafts, wreath-making, and live carols, are examples of smaller festive markets. Additionally, from late November to December, the Royal Botanic Garden offers a light path that combines market stalls and art exhibits.
Tips: dress warmly—December temperatures in Edinburgh can drop to about 0°C with drizzle or frost—aim for weekday mornings to avoid crowds, and budget extra for meals, hot beverages, and fair attractions.
Edinburgh’s 2025 Christmas scene is pleasantly eclectic, with a mix of large attractions, quaint gardens, craft markets, and seasonal light trails—just be ready for the crowds and prices.
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Christmas Markets in Krakow, Poland in 2025
From November 24, 2025, until January 7, 2026, Kraków’s Christmas Market turns the ancient Rynek Główny (Main Market Square) into a joyous paradise. Set against the Gothic backdrop of St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall, the market features between 100 and 120 wooden chalets and is lighted by a large Christmas tree with sparkling lights.
Polish Tastes & Holiday Delights
Traditional holiday meal is available to guests, including hearty soups, pierogi, bigos, gingerbread, grilled sheep cheese oscypek with cranberry, and grzaniec galicyjski (spicy mulled wine). Additionally on display are hand-painted nativity sets that draw inspiration from Kraków’s cityscape, leather products, amber jewelry, pottery, and Bohemian glass.
Customs & Events
One highlight is the yearly Szopka nativity contest, where elaborate cribs in the Kraków style are on show starting on the first Thursday of December and then at Krzysztofory Palace. The Christmas atmosphere is enhanced with horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, live carol concerts, and charming carousels.
Extended Marketplaces
Smaller markets can be found outside the Main Square at Galeria Krakowska and Plac Wolnica in Kazimierz. All of them are free and open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with later weekend hours.
Advice for Guests
Wear thick clothing and waterproof boots because temperatures can drop to between -5°C and 1°C. To avoid crowds, visit in the mornings or early evenings of weekdays. Weekends can be very crowded, and visitors may be surprised by the pricing of certain stalls, such as the hot dogs. Because many merchants prefer cash, bring Polish złoty.
Kraków provides a warm and inviting holiday experience in 2025 by combining regional customs, delectable food, handcrafted crafts, and captivating illumination.
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Christmas Markets in London, England in 2025
From early November to early January, London’s Christmas markets in 2025 will be a glittering celebration of Yuletide joy, fusing classic charm with modern fun.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
The biggest seasonal festival in London takes place from approximately November 20 to January 4. More than 200 wooden chalets, a Santa Land, Bavarian Village, a huge toboggan slide, the largest outdoor ice rink in the UK, family rides, and circus acts like Zippo’s Mega Dome are all to be expected. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed on Christmas Day), admission is free if you reserve a bundle or go during off-peak hours.
Leicester Square during Christmas
This market, which has around 20 chalets and a Spiegeltent, is open from early November to early January. It provides street food, handcrafted goods, and night-time cabaret performances that are ideal for pre-theatre events in the West End.
London Bridge City’s Winter by the River
With almost 70 stalls, mulled wine, curling experiences, handmade goods, and Instagram-worthy vistas of Tower Bridge, this riverfront jewel is open from mid-November to January.
Winter Market at Southbank Center
Set against the festive lights near the London Eye and National Theatre, this riverfront market offers food, beverages, and festive bars. It is open from early November until Christmas Eve and is the perfect place for a warm evening stroll.
Christmas in Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square
From early December to early January, Trafalgar Square hosts its well-known Norwegian spruce, complete with themed chalets and live carolling. Beginning in mid-November, Covent Garden comes alive with ornaments, enormous bells, street entertainers, craft booths, and cosy drink bars.
Advice for Traveling
* To ensure free admission during off-peak hours, reserve your Hyde Park rides in advance.
* Although most shops accept cards, bring cash; mugs may require a deposit.
* For more sedate trips, choose midweek or daylight hours.
* Wear warm clothing; the temperature in London can drop to as low as 8°C, and there may be frost or rain.
* Public transportation is the best option; you can reach all locations via the tube at Hyde Park Corner, Leicester Square, London Bridge, Waterloo, and Charing Cross.
London’s 2025 Christmas markets offer a dazzling fusion of lights, rides, cuisine, and music, from magnificent park spectacles to riverfront charm and festive city squares.
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Christmas Markets in Brussels, Belgium in 2025
Known locally as Plaisirs d’Hiver, Brussels’ 2025 “Winter Wonders” Christmas markets provide a festive spectacular that spreads throughout the city center from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026, daily from approximately 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (with abbreviated hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve).
Key Highlights
* The Grand Place
The square is anchored by a magnificent Christmas tree, usually a real spruce from the Ardennes that is around 20 meters tall. The medieval guild houses are transformed into a stunning canvas by an hourly (or half-hour on weekends) sound-and-light performance.
* Place Sainte-Catherine & Marché aux Poissons
There are more than 250 wooden huts around the old fish market that serve Belgian specialties including waffles, fries, smoutebollen, and mulled wine. Here, a gigantic Ferris wheel is a notable attraction. A lovely light work and a vintage carousel are projected onto the church façade at Place Sainte-Catherine.
* The location of the Bourse, Monnaie, and Brouckère
Every plaza has a variety of ice skating, curling rinks, covered terraces for hot beverages, and themed vendors. Focus is on sustainability; eco-friendly procedures and reusable tableware are used by suppliers.
Food and Crafts
Savour Belgian cuisine, such as hot chocolate, speculoos, tartiflette, meat-and-fries sandwiches, and foie gras, while perusing handcrafted items from both local and foreign artists, such as lace, chocolate sculptures, glass ornaments, and woolens.
Tips for Visitors
* Weekdays are less crowded, but evenings are wonderful.
* Keep cash on hand because tiny vendors might want euros.
* Prepare for cold weather—wearing layers is beneficial while taking walks over the 2.5 kilometers of festive festivities.
In 2025, Brussels’ Winter Wonders promises to be a vibrant, delectable, and uniquely Belgian winter experience, complete with over 250 booths, carnival rides, light displays, and sustainable projects.
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