The holiday season is often called the most wonderful time of the year, but its enchantment truly comes to life in Europe’s Christmas markets. Festive music and the aroma of spiced mulled wine fill the frosty air, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the warmth and joy of the holiday season. From the cozy streets of Prague to the grand squares of Budapest, here is a selection of five of the most extraordinary European Christmas markets.
Advent Basilica Market in Budapest, Hungary
Embrace the holiday spirit in Szent István Square at Budapest’s Advent Basilica Market, celebrated as “Europe’s Best Christmas Market” for four consecutive years. Held from Nov. 15 to Jan. 1, this enchanting market invites visitors into a festive array of heartwarming activities, culinary delights, a towering Christmas tree, countless light displays, and over 150 vendors offering handmade crafts from local artisans, ceramicists, designers, jewelers, and leather craftsmen. Be sure to catch the light show at 5:30 p.m. on the Basilica’s façade—a 14-year tradition—followed by live music from various artists, including Oti Voice & Bass, Asztrid, Osso, and gospel choirs. For more information, visit adventbazilika.hu.
Strasbourg Christmas Market in France
As Christmas approaches, Strasbourg transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland, with its streets, facades, and shop windows twinkling with festive lights and decorations. The scent of cinnamon and spices fills the air, carols echo from churches, and a 30-meter Christmas tree stands proudly in Place Kléber. Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg has captivated visitors since 1570 with the Christkindelsmärik, featuring over 300 chalets offering unique gifts, handcrafted ornaments, and traditional treats like bredle biscuits and mulled wine. From Nov. 27 to Dec. 27, Strasbourg glows with thousands of lights, creating one of the most magical atmospheres in Europe. For more information, visit www.christmas.alsace.
Prague Christmas Market in the Czech Republic
A setting straight out of a fairytale, Prague’s Christmas Market—named by US News & World Report as one of the “Best Christmas Travel Destinations”—exudes holiday magic with its sparkling decorations, the aroma of baked sweets, and the sounds of chatter filling the air. Held from Nov. 30 to Jan. 1, the main market in Old Town Square showcases Czech holiday traditions, complete with a beautiful Nativity scene. Visitors can savor kolaches (a sweet pastry) and sausages while browsing stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, holiday decor, toys, and glassware. A towering Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights, tinsel, and ornaments stands at the heart of the festivities, setting the backdrop for a magical holiday season. For more information, visit trhypraha.cz.
Craiova Christmas Market in Romania
As snowflakes dust the village, Romania comes alive with the Craiova Christmas Market. Held from Nov. 15 to Dec. 20, this festive market welcomes guests with traditional treats like cozonac (sweet bread), spiced mulled wine, and workshops showcasing handmade crafts and ornaments. Beyond the charming stalls, visitors can explore Santa’s village, meet Ol’ St. Nick, catch a glimpse of Beauty and the Beast, and stroll through gingerbread houses inspired by science fiction movies. When guests aren’t wandering the winter wonderland, they can stop and sip their mulled wine and enjoy live music from local choirs and musicians, story times, dance numbers, and seemingly endless light displays. For more information, visit www.primariacraiova.ro.
The Lumières de Noël in Montbéliard in France
The Lumières de Noël in Montbéliard, or “Lights of Christmas,” is a holiday spectacle that draws thousands of visitors from across Europe. From Nov. 23 to Dec. 24, the historic city center glows at dusk with over 100,000 sparkling lights, illuminating the cozy and enchanting atmosphere. Near the historic Saint-Martin Temple, a village of wooden chalets brims with holiday treats like foie gras, smoked salmon, flammekueche, chocolates, and spiced biscuits, along with plush winter clothing, handcrafted decorations, and one-of-a-kind gifts. The Cosy Apéro Space in Cour Beurnier invites guests to enjoy oysters, foie gras, and escargot, while the Solidarity Market on Parvis des Droits de l’Homme brings local associations together, offering regional specialties like Morbier cheese, absinthe, and gingerbread. Each evening, parades, carolers, and light shows bring extra holiday cheer to the Christkindelsmärik. For more information, visit www.lumieres-de-noel.fr.