The Christmas spirit is filling the streets of Europe. Find out how to choose the best one, what to bring, how to choose the right mulled wine and where to go in 2025 to save money

In mid-November, Europe turns into a complete Christmas fairy tale: city squares explode with lights, the air is filled with the aroma of cinnamon and mulled wine, and tourist streets are filled with hundreds of festive attractions.

How to choose the perfect fair among all this variety? We tell you.

Travel without worries - take out travel insurance before going to the fairs. Medical expenses coverage, assistance with delays and compensation for lost luggage. Insurance for adults and children will help you feel calm. Protect yourself and enjoy the holidays without unnecessary worries.

How to choose the perfect Christmas fair?

Travel expert Maren Schullerus from GetYourGuide, who has visited over 60 Christmas markets around the world, has some advice on how to choose the perfect Christmas market:

- The best time to avoid the crowds

“A weekday, mid-December, around 4 p.m.,” advises Maren. At this time, it’s already dark and atmospheric, but there are significantly fewer tourists.

- For those who want peace and romance

Try the less popular markets. For example, in Hamburg there is an alternative Christmas market called Santa Pauli – with a burlesque-style show and a cozy “adult” atmosphere.

How to choose the right souvenir at the market?

The expert advises paying attention to three things:

- Stalls where photography is prohibited are often owned by local craftsmen.

- Real craftsmen can tell you in detail about the process of creating the product;

- You are allowed to hold the item in your hands and look at it before buying.

This way you will avoid factory souvenirs and support local artisans.

What to bring to the Christmas market?

- Warm clothes - at some fairs the temperature drops to -15°C;

- Take hand warmers;

- A bank card and cash (some sellers only accept cash, and ATMs charge a commission).

How to choose a quality mulled wine?

Look for a drink with the label "Winzer-Glühwein". This is mulled wine made from local wine. Advantages: better taste, less risk of hangover, support for local winemakers.

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe 2025

According to Europe's Best Destinations:

- Zurich, Switzerland - Zurich's Wienachtsdorf (Sechseläutenplatz).

- Vienna, Austria – Wiener Christkindlmarkt.

- Strasbourg, France – Christkindelsmärik.

Cheapest European city for a Christmas trip

Riga’s Old Town, fairytale atmosphere and delicious Latvian food make it the most affordable city for a Christmas trip in 2025.

Costs for basic holiday shopping (in US dollars):

- Four cups of coffee – 14.60 USD.

- Two full dinners for two with a bottle of wine – 168.77 USD.

- Two round-trip tickets from the airport to the city center – 9.12 USD.

- Four glasses of mulled wine – 18.26 USD.

- Four desserts (stolen, gingerbread, cakes) – 15.97 USD.

Total weekend expenses:

- Trip for two – approximately 705.49 USD.

- Solo travel – about 352.75 USD.

For comparison:

- Copenhagen for two – 1340.82 USD.

- Vienna – 1176.54 USD

Luxembourg is one of the best countries to celebrate Christmas

Despite its small size, Luxembourg gives tourists the atmosphere of a real winter fairy tale:

- a compact, walkable city;

- completely free public transport throughout the country;

- Winterlights 2025 festival (11/21/2025 – 01/01/2026);

- a spectacular Ferris wheel on Constitution Square;

- local delicacies and authentic winter markets;

- nearby – the majestic Vianden Castle.

The best time to travel is December

For active walks and warmer weather, late spring and summer are suitable.

European Christmas markets in 2025 offer something for every taste: from the premium holiday towns of Zurich to the budget and very charming Riga.

To get the most out of your experience, choose the fairs that suit your vacation style, come at the right time and remember to bring warm clothes, cash and, of course, the right mulled wine.

Planning a trip abroad? Our guide will show you step by step how to apply for a tourist visa: from filling out the application to going through an interview. You will learn about visa fees, necessary documents and useful life hacks for travel. Get clear instructions and peace of mind before your trip - so that the journey is easy and enjoyable!

Let us 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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