Winter in Europe is a time of magic, lights and the scent of mulled wine. Find out which Christmas markets in Europe 2025 have been voted the most beautiful by Europe’s Best Destinations: Top 10 Places to Spend Christmas in Europe

Every winter, Europe turns into a real winter fairy tale: cities shine with thousands of lights, the aromas of mulled wine and gingerbread fill the streets, and Christmas chalets on the squares tell stories of traditions and festive magic. This year, the rating of “10 most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe” was compiled by the authoritative tourist publication Europe’s Best Destinations, known for its expertise in the field of travel and culture.

The selection includes both well-known classic markets that attract thousands of visitors every year, and new, unusual fairs that impress with their atmosphere, architecture and gastronomic traditions. This rating will help you plan a trip and decide where to spend Christmas in Europe to feel the real festive magic, taste local delicacies and enjoy an unforgettable atmosphere.

Before you set off on your trip, be sure to take out travel insurance – it is a guarantee of safe holidays, coverage of medical expenses and peace of mind during any unforeseen situations.

1st place – Zurich, Switzerland – Weinachtsdorf

- When: November 20 – December 23, 2025

Weinachtsdorf on the Sehzeläutenplatz is a combination of Alpine charm and urban elegance. A sparkling Christmas tree, rows of chalets with artisanal souvenirs and Swiss delicacies, musical performances and light installations create the atmosphere of a real winter fairy tale. The fair is known not only for its beauty, but also for the innovative formats that have appeared during its 10 years of existence, including the modern Weinachtsallee boulevard with around 80 stalls and a bar under a dome.

- What to try: mulled wine, fondue, Swiss chocolate treats.

- How to get there: flights to Zurich airport, then 15 minutes by tram or taxi to the center.

2nd place – Vienna Christmas Market, Austria

- When: November 8 – December 26, 2025 (some markets until January 6)

Vienna is a city of imperial grandeur, where more than ten Christmas markets create a fairy-tale atmosphere. The most famous market on Rathausplatz offers an ice rink, more than 150 wooden chalets and a majestic Christmas tree. The Spittelberg market enchants with its narrow streets and handicrafts, and Schönbrunn turns into an imperial Christmas village against the backdrop of Baroque architecture.

- What to try: apple strudel, roasted chestnuts, Kaiserschmarrn, punch.

- How to get there: Flights to Vienna International Airport, then 20 minutes by train or taxi.

3rd place – Strasbourg Christmas Market, France

- When: November 26 – December 24, 2025

Strasbourg, the “Capital of Christmas”, impresses with its ancient history and festive atmosphere. The Grand Île is transformed into a sparkling Christmas village with almost 300 chalets. The Place Kléber with its majestic Christmas tree and the narrow streets of Petite France with its half-timbered houses and canals create a fairy-tale atmosphere, which is emphasized by musical performances and light installations.

- What to taste: Bredl (Christmas cookies), foie gras, vin chaud aux épices, kugelhopf.

- How to get there: Flights to Strasbourg Airport, then 15 minutes by train.

4th place – Manchester Christmas Market, England

- When: November 14 – December 21, 2025

Manchester is the modern Christmas capital of the UK. Over 220 chalets with international cuisine, British handicrafts, ice rinks, rides and the “Winter Gardens” create a festive cosmopolitan experience. The market spreads across the city – from Albert Square to Piccadilly Gardens.

- What to try: Yorkshire pudding in pita bread, grilled sausages, mulled wine, Belgian waffles.

- How to get there: Flights to Manchester Airport, then a 20-minute train ride to the city center.

5th place – Prague Christmas Market, Czech Republic

- When: November 29, 2025 – January 6, 2026

Prague embodies a fairy tale: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square with Gothic spires and Baroque facades create the perfect Christmas setting. A large Christmas tree in front of the Astronomical Clock, choirs with carols and rows of chalets with wooden toys and glass decorations immerse you in a medieval atmosphere.

- What to taste: Trdelník, klobása, svařák.

- How to get there: flights to Vaclav Havel Airport, then 30 minutes by taxi.

6th place – Dresden Christmas Market, Germany

- When: November 26 – December 24, 2025

The Stritzelmarkt is Germany’s oldest Christmas market (since 1434). Its huge 14-meter Christmas pyramid, the aroma of roasted almonds, gingerbread cookies and the backdrop of the baroque Altmarkt create an unforgettable atmosphere of traditional Christmas.

- What to try: Dresdner Stollen, Pulsnitzer Lebkuchen, Feuerzangenbowle.

- How to get there: Flights to Dresden Airport, then 15 minutes by tram.

7th place – Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia

- When: November 21 – December 27, 2025

Tallinn’s Town Hall Square is a true medieval Christmas. Snow on the cobblestones, Gothic spires, choirs singing carols, and wooden chalets with handmade crafts create a magical atmosphere. The city claims to have set up the first public Christmas tree in Europe (1441).

- What to try: Black bread with smoked fish, elk or wild boar sausages, hot hawthorn.

- How to get there: Flights to Tallinn Airport, then a 15-minute tram ride.

8th place – Bolzano Christmas Market, Italy

- When: November 28, 2025 – January 6, 2026

Walterplatz is transformed into a Tyrolean winter village: craft chalets, gastronomic delights and a mix of German carols and Italian opera create a unique atmosphere.

- What to try: bacon, apple strudel, mulled wine, dumplings

- How to get there: flights to Bolzano or Innsbruck airport (~1 hour drive).

9th place – Graz Christmas Market, Austria

- When: November 21 – December 24, 2025

Graz offers a more intimate but no less magical Christmas experience. Baroque and Renaissance squares, an ice nativity scene in front of the Landhaus and local gastronomic traditions create an authentic atmosphere.

- What to try: Styrian pumpkin soup, Schilcher mulled wine, lebkuchen.

- How to get there: flights to Graz airport, then a 15-minute taxi ride.

10th place - Gegenbach Christmas Market, Germany

- When: November 29 - December 23, 2025

Gegenbach is a small but unique market with the world's largest Advent calendar house. Chalets with Black Forest delicacies, mulled wine and medieval streets create a fabulous festive experience.

- What to try: Black Forest ham, cherry schnapps, roasted nuts, gingerbread

- How to get there: Flights to Frankfurt or Stuttgart airport, then 90 minutes by car.

When planning your Christmas markets in Europe 2025, choose from our ranking of the best Christmas markets in Europe, enjoy the atmosphere, architecture and culinary discoveries. And to plan your trip even easier and without stress, use the Travel Guide from Visit World.

Let's remind you! Christmas is a magical winter holiday that attracts with twinkling lights, decorated trees, festive food and traditions. There is no more festive place to spend this family holiday than Christmas markets. We have already talked about the 10 best Christmas markets in Europe that are worth visiting in the winter of 2025/2026. 

Photo – Freepik

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