Top 10 Christmas Market Cities in Europe You Need to Visit
Are you planning a Christmas market trip to Europe this year, but you’re not sure which cities to visit? I’ve visited over 40 Christmas markets across seven countries. And today I am ranking my top 10 Christmas market cities I think you should visit. If you’re new here, hi. I’m Brenda from Bon Voyage Brenda, my channel where I share my best travel tips and tricks with you. And today I am ranking my top 10 Christmas market cities I think you should visit. For anyone who doesn’t know what a Christmas market is, they are these magical winter Christmas fairs that are set up usually in the old town squares of cities across Europe. They happen in big cities and small villages alike, and they are one of the most magical things that you can experience in the Christmas season. They are one of my favorite ways to experience Europe and one of my favorite places on earth. What I love most about the markets is the atmosphere. walking through them actually feels like you’re walking through Christmas. It’s completely unescribable and everybody has to experience it at least once in their life. So, I hope that you’re planning your trip this year and I want to help by telling you my favorite cities to visit for Christmas markets. Coming in at number 10 is Nuremberg, Germany. Nuremberg is one of the oldest cities in Germany and it has one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. It’s very iconic, full of so many different stalls, so much food, live entertainment. It’s honestly a complete wonderland. The city has a few Christmas markets spread across it, but the main one is the Chris Kindlem. I would recommend spending at least one day in Nuremberg to get the full experience. Some of these Christmas markets do get really crowded, especially on the weekends, so that’s something to keep in mind. Number nine is Strawburg, France. Strawber is often called the capital of Christmas and it really earns the name. The main market Chriskindle market at Place Bragil is one of the oldest in Europe. And what makes the city special is that the markets are spread throughout the entire old town making everything look festive. Place Cathedral is a highlight with stalls around the cathedral selling ornaments, crafts, mold, wine, and artisan favorites like brittle cookies and ralet. As you walk through the narrow streets, make sure to look up. The lights and decorations draped across the half-timbered buildings make the whole city feel like a Christmas movie set. Strasburg has a cozy storybook atmosphere and is one of the most charming places to experience the holidays. I recommend spending at least 2 days here. Number eight is Prague. I’ve been to the Christmas markets in Prague twice and I would gladly go back again. The city already has this Gothic oldworld feeling and the markets match that vibe perfectly. The main market in Oldtown Square is right under the astronomical clock and the Spires of the Tin Church. You’ll find wooden stalls with ornaments, mold wine, pastries, and the classic turtleneck chimney cakes. It looks especially magical after dark. The food, lights, and setting make it one of the most atmospheric Christmas destinations in Europe. I recommend spending 2 days here. Number seven is Budapest. Budapest has some of the coziest and most beautiful Christmas markets in central Europe. One of the highlights is the market in front of St. Stephan’s Basilica. At night, the basilica lights up with a festive projection show and the whole square feels like a holiday postcard. You’ll also find markets at Fisherman’s Bastion and Bar Smarty Square. Between the handmade gifts, mold wine, chimney cakes, and savory Hungarian food like goulash and lingos, there’s plenty to try and explore. Budapest is also known for its bath culture, and soaking in a thermal bath after a day at the markets is the perfect way to warm up. Don’t miss it. I recommend spending at least 2 days exploring Budapest. Number six, we’re going back over to Germany to Cologne. Cologne has seven main markets spread throughout the city, each with their own theme. There’s also a little train that you can ride around to all the Christmas markets. My favorite one is the Christmas market in front of the cathedral. And even though this is a huge city and really popular and this was the biggest main market, it never felt overcrowded. All of the markets that we visited were wonderful and they were all completely different. I recommend spending 2 days in Cologne to explore all of the different markets. Number five is Kumar. Kumar is one of the most enchanting towns in France, and its old town feels like a real life fairy tale. In fact, it’s said to have been the inspiration for the village in Beauty and the Beast. The Christmas markets here are spread across several squares, each with its own charm. But in each you’ll find wooden stalls with Alsatian specialties like brittle cookies and mold wine. Don’t miss the little Venice area where the canals are lined with half-timbered houses lit up with festive decorations. It’s one of the most pictures spots for a photo. As you wander the streets, make sure to look up at the lights and garland strung between the buildings. It’s magical. With its cozy markets, local treats, and storybook setting, Kar is a Christmas destination worth savoring. I recommend spending at least one day here. Coming in at number four is Overnight. Overnight is a charming village in France’s Alsace region. It’s just a halfhour train ride from Strawburg, making it a perfect side trip. I always think you should include smaller markets along with the larger ones to escape the crowds and really experience the quaint Christmas magic these markets offer. The main Christmas market is set in place dum mare surrounded by colorful halftimbered houses that make the whole square feel festive. There are a few smaller markets as well as stalls spread throughout the town which are perfect for exploring as you duck in and out of the specialty shops and eeries. A half day is plenty of time to explore this Christmas gem and you can easily combine it with visits to some of the other charming nearby towns as well. Coming in at number three is my favorite village in Germany and that is Rotenberg Obatabber. Rotenberg Obdabber might be the most charming place I’ve ever seen. It looks like it was pulled straight out of a fairy tale. This medieval walled city is incredibly well preserved with cobblestone streets, hightered houses, and Christmas decorations that make the whole town feel magical. The Christmas market here also has some of the best food. Everything from sausages to sweet treats feels extra cozy in this setting. It does get crowded during the day, especially with day trippers, but that’s why I recommend staying overnight. I loved staying at the Hotel Eisenhut. It’s one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever stayed in. After about 6:00 p.m., the crowds do clear out and you feel like you have the whole town to yourself. That’s also when you can do the night watchman tour, which is such a fun way to experience the history of the city. Rodenberg is about an hour by train from Nuremberg, so it’s easy to add to your itinerary. I recommend spending one full day and a night here to really soak in the atmosphere. Number two is Vienna. Vienna is one of the best cities in Europe for Christmas markets, hands down, and I absolutely love it here. There are markets spread across the city, small neighborhood ones, palace markets, and big iconic ones. So, you get a totally different vibe in each spot. The best one is the market at Rott House Plats right in front of city hall. It’s huge and has everything. Tons of stalls, lights, displays, festive drinks, and even ice skating that winds through the trees like a little winter trail. It feels more like a Christmas experience than just a market. With so many markets to explore, plus the historic charm of the city, I recommend spending two to three days in Vienna to really enjoy it without rushing. My number one city for Christmas markets is also in Austria and that is Salsburg. Salsburg is one of the most beautiful Christmas cities in Europe. It feels classic, elegant, and festive all at once. The old town is surrounded by mountains and baroque architecture, and the markets here have such a traditional oldworld charm. The main one at the Cathedral Square is full of lights, music, and cozy Austrian atmosphere that just feels like Christmas. But the best part of Stalsburg for me was the Krampus run. It was honestly the most fun thing I’ve ever done at a Christmas market. The energy, the costumes, the chaos, it’s wild and unforgettable, and you don’t really experience anything like it anywhere else. Between the setting, the markets, and the Krampus festivities, Salsburg is an absolute must in December. I recommend spending at least 2 days here, and visit on December 5th for the Krampus run if you can. I hope that you found this list helpful and that it helps you decide where to visit on your Christmas market trip. Honestly, I’ve not been to any bad Christmas markets. I had fun in every city that I went to. Everything was incredible. And I know that you are going to have the best time ever because the Christmas markets are absolutely magical. Thank you so much for watching and I will see you in the next one. [Music]
Dreaming of twinkling lights, cozy mugs of mulled wine, and festive holiday markets across Europe? In this video, I’m sharing my top picks for the best Christmas market destinations—ranked based on atmosphere, food, decor, and overall experience. After visiting dozens of markets across multiple countries, I’ve narrowed it down to the most magical places to add to your winter travel plans.
Whether you’re planning a European Christmas trip, researching winter destinations, or looking for inspiration for a holiday vacation, this guide will help you discover where to find the most charming markets, authentic traditions, and picture-perfect streets.
Expect classic holiday treats, handmade gifts, beautiful lights, local specialties, and everything that makes European Christmas markets feel straight out of a snow globe.
🎄 WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS VIDEO
• Best cities for Christmas markets in Europe
• European winter travel inspiration
• Tips for planning a Christmas market trip
• Must-see festive experiences and traditions
If you love holiday travel, solo adventures, and cozy winter vibes, hit subscribe for more Christmas market guides, travel tips, and vlogs from around Europe!
#christmasmarkets #europeantravel #wintertravel #holidaytrip #solofemaletravel #traveltips
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I’m Brenda, a solo female traveler with a passion for exploring the world and helping other women feel confident about traveling on their own. Here you’ll find travel vlogs, solo travel tips, packing advice, and itineraries that make it easier to plan your own adventures.
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