Discover the 10 most magical Christmas markets in Europe in 2025 – from the fairy-tale streets of Tallinn to the sparkling squares of Salzburg. The atmosphere of mulled wine, carols and thousands of lights create a real winter magic. Find out where to feel the spirit of the holiday, how to plan a stress-free trip and prepare with the “Travel Guide” and insurance from Visit World

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When winter covers Europe with a lace of snow, and the streets are filled with the aroma of cinnamon, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts - the most magical time of the year begins. The cities we know from our travels turn into living fairy tales: with lights, music, a choir of carols and a miracle that comes to life right in the squares.

This year, we invite you on a festive journey through Europe - from the snow-capped Italian hills to the ancient towns of the Baltics - to the 10 most charming Christmas markets of the 2025 season, according to Europe's Best Destinations.

Travel without worries - insure your vacation.

Even the most magical winter journey can bring surprises: a delayed flight, a lost suitcase or a cold while walking through the snowy streets.

Get travel insurance from Visit World – it covers medical care abroad, unforeseen expenses and guarantees peace of mind on any trip.

Asti-Govone, Italy – Piedmont’s Magical Christmas Village

- When: November 15 – December 21, 2025

- How to get there: Fly to Turin, then drive about an hour along the scenic road to Asti.

A true winter wonderland unfolds amidst the vineyards of Piedmont – Il Magico Paese di Natale, or the Magical Christmas Village. Asti hosts Italy’s largest Christmas market: over 130 wooden chalets with artisanal crafts, gastronomic delicacies and wines from the region.

In nearby Govone, in a UNESCO World Heritage castle, children meet Santa, and guests can join the “School of Elves” and experience the true magic of childhood.

Ravenna Gorge, Germany – A Feast Among the Rocks and Pines

- When: Weekends 28–30 November, 5–7, 12–14, 19–21 December

- How to get there: Fly to Basel or Stuttgart, then take the train to Hinterzarten.

Deep in the Black Forest, under the arches of a 40-metre viaduct, one of the most atmospheric fairs in Europe takes place. Illuminated chalets stand among the pine trees, bonfires warm travelers, and choirs sing carols under the stars.

This is a place where nature and tradition intertwine, creating a unique Christmas magic.

Tallinn, Estonia – A Medieval Fairytale in the Snow

- When: 21 November – 27 December 2025

- How to get there: Tallinn Airport is just 15 minutes from the centre.

On the cobbled streets of the Old Town, under the Gothic spires, one of the oldest Christmas trees in Europe shines - the first was installed here back in 1441.

The Tallinn Fair is a magical combination of tradition and comfort: warm woolen mittens, honey gingerbread, hot mulled wine and horse-drawn sleighs gently gliding through the snow.

Kaunas, Lithuania - Baltic winter with warmth in the heart

- When: November 23, 2025 - January 4, 2026

- How to get there: Book flights to Kaunas Airport, which is 20 minutes from the center.

A more intimate but extremely cozy fair in Kaunas enchants with its sincerity. Here, the main Christmas tree turns into a real art installation, and everything around smells of honey dough and hot honey. Folk music, ice sculptures and genuine smiles create a real Christmas spirit without any frills – simple, beautiful, homely.

Zagreb, Croatia – A city that shines with joy

- When: November 29, 2025 – January 7, 2026

- How to get there: Book flights to Zagreb Airport, then drive 20 minutes to the city center.

Advent in Zagreb is not just a fair, but a whole celebration that encompasses the entire city. Parks, squares, light tunnels, music and ice rinks – it seems that every corner breathes joy.

Here you want to get lost among the lanterns, taste Croatian sweets and just watch how the Christmas lights envelop the old town.

Warsaw, Poland – Christmas under the cover of baroque facades

- When: November 25, 2025 – January 6, 2026

- How to get there: Book flights to Warsaw Chopin Airport; 20 minutes by taxi or bus to the Old Town.

Warsaw’s Castle Square looks like a movie set during the holidays. The Christmas market here is filled with the aromas of dumplings and spiced beer, the glow of lanterns and the sound of bells.

Woolen slippers, amber ornaments, gingerbread hearts – everything is made with soul.

Wernigerode, Germany – A town from the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale

- When: November 21 – December 22, 2025

- How to get there: Book flights to Hanover or Leipzig, then take the train to Wernigerode.

Nestled in the Harz Mountains, Wernigerode is a town that seems to have stepped out of a children’s book. Half-timbered houses, the aroma of roasted almonds and a majestic castle on a hill that guards the festive city below.

Everything here – from the decor to the music – is designed to remind you that a miracle is just around the corner.

Salzburg, Austria – Christmas in Mozart’s City

- When: November 20, 2025 – January 1, 2026

- How to get there: Book flights to Salzburg Airport, 15 minutes from the city center.

Against the backdrop of baroque facades and the snow-capped Alps, the music that Mozart once wrote resonates. The old-fashioned Christmas market near the cathedral is one of the oldest in Europe. Here, glass ornaments, candles and the legendary Mozartkugeln sweets are sold.

Snow falls gently on the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and it seems as if the picture has come to life.

Vilnius, Lithuania – Warming Light

- When: Late November 2025 to Early January 2026

- How to get there: Book flights to Vilnius Airport, 15 minutes by taxi or shuttle to the Old Town.

Vilnius’ Cathedral Square turns into a sparkling town in winter with wooden stalls, folklore performances and ice sculptures.

The Christmas tree here is a real art object that makes it into European rankings every year. And most importantly – sincerity: Lithuanian delicacies, mead wine, carolers with lights dancing in the dark.

Bratislava, Slovakia – Cozy Christmas under the castle

- When: November 21 – December 31, 2025

- How to get there: Book flights to Bratislava Airport or Vienna Airport (1 hour by train).

A small but surprisingly atmospheric fair on the main square of Bratislava beckons with the aroma of mulled wine and potato pancakes. Above the entire city is a view of the castle, illuminated by warm lights, and snowflakes slowly falling on the roofs of wooden chalets.

Time slows down here, and the holiday feels real.

Each fair is a separate story, full of aromas, light and childish emotions. Europe in winter is a place where traditions come to life, and travelers believe in miracles again.

So it's time to plan your trip: book tickets, tours, accommodation and plunge into a world where Christmas lasts not just a few days, but a whole fairy tale.

Planning a trip to Europe? Get ready with the “Travel Guide” from Visit World.

To make your holiday travels stress-free, use the step-by-step guide that will help you easily apply for a tourist visa. In it you will find:

- full instructions - from filling out the application form to the interview;

- information about the visa fee and application processing time;

- sample documents and photos of a tourist visa;

- tips and life hacks for a comfortable stay in the country.

The guide was created by Visit World experts so that you can plan your trip with confidence - without mistakes and unnecessary worries.

Reminder! Winter in Europe is a time of magic, lights and the aromas of mulled wine. Read here which Christmas markets in Europe 2025 have been recognized as the most beautiful according to Europe’s Best Destinations: top 10 places to spend Christmas in Europe.

Photo – Mole24.it