November, 14 2022 ( Updated October, 27 2023)
Between Christmas dinners, gifting and carols, there is a much-awaited Christmas tradition that draws thousands of visitors to various gorgeous cities all over Europe.
The European Christmas markets are that something special that you find nowhere else in the world during the festive season. With their enchanting combination of wooden chalets, regional food, ice-skating rinks, and unique themes, these Christmas markets make European cities captivating winter destinations for friends, families and travellers looking to soak up some culture on vacations.
Below, we have rounded up some of the most awesome on-the-radar Christmas markets in Europe for the festive edition 2023!
A magical view of the Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb
The Advent Festival of Zagreb has won the “Best Christmas Market” for 3 years in a row by European Best Destinations from 2016-2018. So, what makes the Zagreb Christmas market special?
It is the market’s retro feel and special themes that vary from year to year. Combined with the vintage feel of the medieval upper town, you straight away fly into the 70s at the Christmas market in Zagreb. With a giant ice-skating rink and craft stalls that are perfect for picking up unique Christmas presents; the main market is spread out in the beautiful Ban Jelačić Square. But there are dozens of other markets all over the city to enjoy and explore.
Mulled wine and hot chocolate, which are a staple at any Christmas market in Europe, will keep you warm in Zagreb too. But it is the traditional goodies like the spicy sausage, Sarma (Serbian stuffed cabbage), Fritule (chocolate-covered fritters) and plum brandy that makes the market truly unmissable. While there, also discover the capital of Croatia beyond its Christmas markets by visiting the National Theatre that hosts Christmas-themed plays like “The Nutcracker” and ”A Christmas Carol” in the WWII Grič Tunnel!
When: 2nd December 2023 - 7th January 2024
Location: Ban Jelačić Square
Where to stay: Accommodations in Zagreb
The magical Grote Markt in Bruges during Christmas
The romantic city of Bruges displays an equally romantic atmosphere during Christmas, when it gets prettier and more atmospheric. Once the Christmas markets adorn its two squares: the famous Grote Markt, where the Belfry is located, and the Simon Stevin Plein, which is visited more by the locals, the city becomes the perfect venue to enjoy the festivities of the season.
Also called the Winter Glow 2023, the Christmas markets in Bruges are full of stalls flooding with scrumptious regional food, like the classic Belgian waffles, Glühwein (hot wine), Jenever and irresistible traditional sweets like Cuberdons or Neuzeres (cone-shaped Belgian candies that look like little noses) and the delicate Nougat cake. If you are there with a special someone, then ice-skating at the Minnenwater (nick-named the Lake of Love) or exploring the picturesque labyrinth of the canal system of Bruges is where everything becomes like a fairytale.
When: 24th November 2023 to 7th January 2024
Location: Grote Markt and Simon Stevin Plein
Places to stay: Accommodations near Bruges
The mythical Krampus that starts roaming the streets of Merano during Christmas
More Austrian than Italian in its vibes, the spa city of Merano has one of the most unique settings.
The Merano Christmas market is a series of twinkling chalets backed by snowy mountains and Merano’s rejuvenating Terme with 15 indoor pools. The market offers so many goodies, from crafts and accessories to mulled wine and yummy Südtirol cakes, that visitors are spoiled for choice. But beware the Krampus, who roam these Christmas markets and might scare you out of nowhere, even when you are enjoying a wine or a hot chocolate!
Besides the main Christmas markets, Merano has many other markets like the textile, jewellery, ceramics and glass markets that are ideal for those who prefer traditional gifts. Plus, from the 1-10 December, some markets will be set up inside the medieval Castle Tyrol, which usually has an entry ticket but, on these days, you can enter the castle for free!
When: 24th November 2023 to 6th January 2024
Location: Kurhaus, Castle Tyrol and Theatre Puccini
Where to stay: Accommodations in Merano
The beautiful reflections of Christmassy facades lighting up the Ljubljanica
Being true to its reputation of being a green tourist destination, the Christmas Markets in Slovenia also promote sustainable travel. Amidst the enchanting atmosphere of Christmas lights and lanes of traditional stalls, the Ljubljana Christmas market supports sustainable travel by supporting small and local businesses and promoting the policy of zero waste while travelling.
The Ljubljana Christmas market is set along the embankment of the Ljubljanica, in the main square of the city, the scenic Prešeren Square. There are many specialities of the market which make it one-of-its-kind: The Land of Ice, an event of ice and snow sculpture; Magical Forest, a creative workshop on eco-friendly Christmas decor; Organ grinding; the Slovenian classic, Honey Schnapps (a honey-flavoured liquor) and ice-skating on the Ice Fantasy Ljubljana at Park Zvezda.
This year, Ljubljana's festive season will also feature open-air concerts and performances, with a unique universe-themed light display by artist Zmago Modic as the standout attraction, offering a one-of-a-kind experience. If you are looking for something more to do in the city and close by, then check out our guide to Ljubljana, the magical Lake Bled, or a skiing trip to Kranjska Gora.
When: 1st December 2023 to 2nd January 2024
Location: Prešeren Square
Where to Stay: Accommodations in and around Ljubljana
Lugano’s enchanting Christmas winter park
If a shorter trip out to a city is what you are planning, then Lugano, the Swiss city with a Mediterranean flair is where you want to be!
Located on the southern end of Switzerland, Lugano Christmas Markets come into swing when the Christmas lights in the city are turned on for the first time on December 1. The market is set in two squares, the renaissance Piazza della Riforma and Piazza Manzoni, as well as along the high-end shopping street, Via Nassa. Expect to find unique handcrafted gifts and kiosks serving local fare like bratwurst, pretzels, sausages and potatoes au gratin, which can be topped off with traditional Italian Christmas food!
When: 30th November 2023 to 24th December 2023
Location: Piazza della Riforma, Piazza Manzoni and Via Nassa
Where to stay: Accomodation in Lugano
Tip: If it is your first time in Lugano, then head to these extremely picturesque locations: Gandria and the prettiest village in Switzerland, Morcote.
A wintry Christmas atmosphere in Chamonix
Celebrate the festive season in Chamonix with its enchanting Christmas Market, a delightful experience for all. Explore the market's charming alleys and be captivated by local artisans' craftsmanship. Discover an array of products, from Haute-Savoie specialties to Christmas decorations and unique gifts.
Amid the wooden chalets, an array of offerings, including confectionery, chocolates, regional products, wines, and more await, meanwhile Christmas parades add a magical touch to the celebrations. The market is situated in the pedestrianized center of Chamonix, with stalls and chalets adorning streets and squares like Avenue Michel Croz, Place Balmat, and Quai d’Arve. Embrace the joy of the season with a Christmas train to explore the town, and a larger-than-life Father Christmas collecting children's letters. Chamonix truly shines during its Christmas market.
When: 15th December 2023 to 31st December 2023
Location: Avenue Michel Croz, Place Balmat, Quai d’Arve
Where to stay: Accommodations in Chamonix
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