Its the most wonderful (and freezing) time of the year
what are Christmas Markets all about, anyway?
The best Christmas markets in Europe for photos are the Christmas markets that go all out with festive cheer. Think red and green market stalls covered in snow, serving steaming hot gluhwein out of traditional Christmas mugs. But on top of that, location really matters. Many countries choose the grandest and most elaborate locations for their Christmas markets. This is why Christmas markets are some of the best places to visit in Europe in December.
When do Christmas Markets start in Europe?
If you are confused by the timing of Christmas markets and unsure how to plan your visit, I totally get it! I had the same problem when trying to organise my trips. If you have been wondering when the Christmas Markets start in Europe I am here to explain it. Firstly, you have to understand that the majority of Christmas markets are advent Christmas markets, which means they start around the beginning of advent. Advent always starts 4 Sundays before Christmas. See – travel makes us more worldy and knowledgeable. Remind your parents of this little snippet of information the next time your they are on your back at dinner about ‘wasting’ all your money on travel.
Most Christmas markets will start by holding an Advent Calendar celebration to open the Christmas markets. Furthermore, they generally will close on the 24th, before Christmas. Some open until the 1st of January and there are occasionally some that stay open longer. I have written the opening and closing dates for each Christmas market I’ve included below. Happy Christmas market hopping!
Christmas markets in Germany
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is where Christmas magic is born and bred. Christkindlesmarkt Nürnberg is one of the most popular and most famous Christmas markets in the world for a reason and world-renowned as one of the best christmas markets in Europe for photos. In a town famous for gingerbread and lebkuchen (a traditional spiced Christmas cookie), you can expect them to really go all out for Christmas. The Christmas markets here are very high quality, and include an array of different wares that are unique and varied compared to other Christmas markets. If you would like an in depth guide to all of the Christmas markets available in Nuremberg (as well as the vegan options!) head over to my post Nuremberg Christmas Market: Make The Most of Winter Magic.
Name: Christkindlesmarkt Nürnberg
Dates: 1st December 2023 until 24th December 2023
Location: Hauptmarkt,
90403 Nürnberg
Germany
Unique offering at Nuremberg Christkindlmarkt: Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt boasts the largest mulled wine (gluhwein) pot called the feuerzangenbowle, so you can really get into the Christmas spirit.
Official Website
Munich
The Munich Christmas Market at Marienplatz is one of my favourite Christmas markets in all of Europe and definitely one of the most instagrammable Christmas markets. Like most Christmas markets the scene is set by the dramatic location of the Marienplatz. With Saint Peter’s Church towering in the background and grand halls on either side of the square, it is very easy to see why Munich decided on this spectacular location to hold their biggest Christmas market. The Munich Christmas markets date back to the 14th century, so the Christmas markets are a huge part of tradition.
Name: Marienplatz
Dates: Late November 2023 until 24th December 2023
Location: Marienplatz
80331 München Germany
Unique offering at Munich Christkindlmarkt: I recommend taking a photo in front of the great Christmas tree outside the church.
Official Website
Frankfurt
When you think of the best places to visit in Europe in December, Frankfurt probably isn’t the first city that comes to mind. But I am here to convince you. Firstly, Frankfurt airport is a major European transport hub, and the busiest airport in Germany. That means it is a great starting point as it is easy to access from overseas. Secondly, Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the most instagrammable Christmas Markets I’ve been to. It is set in a very charming Old Town (yes, Frankfurt has an Old Town – it is not just for businessmen and city commuters). The ‘New Old Town’ (it was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt) central squares Römerburg and Paulsplatz make perfect backdrops and is definitely one of the best christmas markets in Europe for photos. Because it is not one of the most popular Christmas market destinations it is easy to get a photo there without 500 people vying for the same space.
Name: Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt
Dates: 21st of November 2023 until 22nd December 2023
Location: Römerburg & Paulsplatz
60311 Frankfurt
Germany
Unique offering at Frankfurt Christkindlmarkt: Vegan and lgbtqia+ friendly. The vegan options are available on their official website in English explaining what is available at each stall. Genius.
Official Website
Christmas markets in Austria
Salzburg
Set in the heritage listed Salzburg Old Town at the Dom and Residenzplatz, the Salzburg Christmas markets date back to the 15th century and are one of the oldest advent Christmas Markets in the world. Salzburg in itself is an amazing winter destination and one of the best places to visit in Europe in December with its views of the frosty alps and proximity to Hallstatt (it is an easy day-tip as it is only a 2 hour train ride away). With the stunning Christmas Market on offer as well, Salzburg might just be one of the most romantic cities I’ve visited in December. This was one of my favourite Christmas markets as it had a nice, relaxed, and comfortable vibe. The buildings in Salzburg are so beautiful and it really feels like the whole city is alive with the sound of music (sorry – I had to go there!). It is one of my top picks for best christmas markets in Europe for photos.
Name: Salzburg Christkindlmarkt
Dates: Starts on the 17th of November and closes on the 1st of January 2024
Location: Residenzplatz
5020 Salzburg
Austria
Unique offering at Salzburg Christkindlmarkt: Salzburg Christkindlmarkt has the best labelled vegan offerings I have seen at a Christmas Market including ‘cheesy’ stuffed pretzels.
Official Website
Vienna
This is my personal favourite city for Christmas markets. Vienna has so many beautiful locations that transform into backdrops for Christmas markets, however the Viennese Dream Christmas Market is the biggest and grandest. The beauty of the Viennese neo-gothic Rathaus City Hall architecture combined with the tinkle of fairy lights is a sight that everyone must see once in their lives. Another great location that makes for an unforgettable winter night is the Christmas Market on Stephansplatz, which is a smaller and more intimate Christmas market that features the beautiful iconic cathedral.
Name: Viennese Dream Christmas Market
Dates: 21st of November 2023 until 24th December 2023
Location: Rathauspl
1010 Wien
Austria
Unique offering at Viennese Dream Christmas Market: The Rathaus City hall is usually open with different events running such as crafts for kids. It is a great place to duck in and warm up when it gets too cold.
Official Website
Name: Christmas Market on Stephansplatz
Dates: 21st of November 2023 until 24th December 2023
Location: Stephansplatz
1010 Wien
Austria
Unique offering at Christmas Market on Stephansplatz: Make sure you visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which is located at the square.
Official Website
Christmas Markets in Czech republic
prague
Prague has two main Christmas markets at Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square and Prague Castle, but in my opinion the Christmas market at the Old Town Square is the most picturesque. When the Christmas markets do start in Europe, Prague’s are the ones that many people flock to. They can get quite packed and busy during the night, and the temperatures can be quite cold. I recommend going in the afternoon to get the best photos.
Name: Old Town Square Christmas Market
Dates: Late November 2023 until the first week of January 2024
Location: Old Town Square
Staroměstské nám
110 00 Josefov
Czechia
Unique offering at Old Town Square Christmas Market: The Christmas installation in the middle of the market is a great photo opportunity. There is always a bit of a line and it is very busy, so it is best to arrive early.
Official Website
Name: Prague Castle Christmas Market
Dates: Late November 2023 until the first week of January 2024
Location: St. George’s Square
III. nádvoří 48/2
119 01 Praha 1-Hradčany
Czechia
Unique offering at Prague Castle Christmas Market: Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, which is a stunning cathedral located in the square.
Official Website
Christmas markets in Hungary
Budapest
Budapest has two amazing Christmas markets that are worth visiting, the Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival at Vörösmarty Square and the Advent Feast at St Stephen’s Basilica. If you only have time for one and you’re wondering which Christmas market in Budapest is worth visiting, I would recommend my personal favourite out of the two of them, which was the Advent Fair at St Stephen’s Basilica. The Advent Feast has the St Stephen’s Basilica as the backdrop for so it is a perfect location for photos. It is also one of the most important tourist destinations in Budapest so it is a must visit.
Name: Advent Feast
Dates: 21 November 2023 until 24th December 2023
Location: St Stephen’s Basilica
Szent István tér
1051 Budapest
Hungary
Unique offering at Advent Feast: Definitely St Stephen’s Basilica! I highly recommend you go into the cathedral before enjoying the Christmas market as it is such a beautiful building.
Official Website
Name: Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival
Dates: Late November 2023 until 1st of January 2024
Location: Vörösmarty Square
1051 Budapest
Hungary
Unique offering at Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival: The Budapest Christmas Fair is very unique, as they have a wide range of quality food on offer, cooked in large food stalls that could pass as their own permanent restaurants.
Official Website
VERDICT
Verdict: It is worth visiting Europe for Christmas Markets
Even if you are someone who doesn’t usually enjoy standing outside in the freezing cold in the dead of winter, visiting Christmas markets in Europe is something I urge you to do at least once in your life. Not only are they visually specular and a new, inventive way to experience some of Europe’s most important locations, they are also steeped in important history and tradition, and offer unique insights into the countries and towns that host them.
Christmas markets are also the best place in Europe for photos during December. Plus, who wouldn’t want to visit the most instagrammable Christmas markets? They make for the perfect photos!
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