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Top European Christmas Markets Attractions
- Taste traditional Austrian sausages at the Vienna Christmas Market
- Shop the stalls and purchase local crafts and souvenirs
- Go ice skating or ride a Ferris wheel
- Drink glühwein (mulled wine)
- Enjoy traditional singing and dancing
- Watch a nativity scene put on by local acting groups
- Visit Christmas markets along the Danube and Rhine rivers
European Christmas Markets Tours & Travel Guide
European Christmas Markets Attractions & Landmarks Guide
What are Christmas Markets in Europe?
Christmas markets originated in German-speaking parts of Europe in the late Middle Ages. The first recorded Christmas market was the Vienna December Market in 1298. Early markets sold meat, decorations, and crafts, and often featured singing and dancing.
Today, there are Christmas markets all over Europe, from neighborhood markets in small villages to world-famous holiday destinations. They continue to serve as a place for people to gather, shop, and celebrate the holidays.
Will Christmas Markets Be Open in 2020?
This year has been full of uncertainties, closure both local and international and plans have changed or been canceled all together. This may leave you wondering, what about Christmas markets? Will they be open. The simple answer is yes and no. Some Christmas markets are open to visitors and many others, unfortunately, are not. Here are some of the top European Christmas markets you can visit in 2020 and their safety protocols.
Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland: A stunning winter destination, this Switzerland Christmas market has nearly 200 stalls selling all things Christmas from spices to decorations. There are many family friendly activities including gingerbread decoarting and train rides. The market has yet to include Covid-19 safety protocols which suggest there may not be any. Consider your own health risks before visiting.
Christmas in Tivoli, Copenhagen, Denmark: This market is a magical destination. The grounds are decorated with 500,000 fairy lights and on December 13 more than 100 girls walk through the gardens with candles for a very Christmas-y feel. This destination is perfect for families, couples and solo travelers alike. The market has put safety protocols in place to combat Covid-19 which includes visitors booking their time of arrival before visiting, sanitizing stations and distance markers scattered throughout and guests will be required to wear masks.
Viennese Dream Christmas Market, Austria: Full of festive spirit, Viennese Dream Christmas Market has reindeer rides, a ferris wheel and stunning Christmas decorations. There are over 150 stalls selling tasty holiday treats and the famous Tree of Hearts is a must-see. Safety precautions have been added this year due to Covid-19 including mandatory masks.
Top 10 European Christmas Markets
Due to Covid-19, not all of these markets will be open in 2020. Each destination will be updated with current information on whether they will be open this year or not.
**Note: Situations are constantly changing during the pandemic so be sure to check with the market's website before traveling.
Nuremberg, Germany - Christkindlesmarkt is likely the most famous Christmas market in the world. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine and gingerbread while browsing the hundreds of stalls. Cancelled due to Covid-19.
Vienna, Austria - Vienna’s famous Magic of Advent fair features ice skating, cookie-making, and a Ferris wheel. Open in 2020.
Bath, United Kingdom - About 2 hours outside of London, Bath is known for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. Almost all vendors at the Bath Christmas Market sell goods made in Britain and about 80 percent of vendors are local to the area. Cancelled due to Covid-19.
Salzburg, Austria - While slightly less well-known than Vienna’s market, the Salzburg Christmas Market is worth a visit for its location at the historic Salzburg cathedral and the Hohensalzburg fortress. Cancelled due to Covid-19.
Prague, Czech Republic - Prague’s Old Town is known for being a great place to spend Christmas. Cathedrals, lights, snowfall, and a giant Christmas tree transform this capitol city into something out of a storybook. Cancelled due to Covid-19.
Tallinn, Estonia - The first known Christmas tree was displayed in Tallinn in 1441. Over 600 years later, Tallinn was voted European Best Destinations’ “Best Christmas Market of 2019”. Open in 2020.
Colmar, France - The historic French city of Colmar lights up for the holidays. The entire town is filled with wreaths, Christmas lights, and street vendors for the month of December. Cancelled due to Covid-19.
Edinburgh, Scotland - Edinburgh’s market is especially exciting for children, who can enjoy a Christmas tree maze, a train ride, and a 108-foot Ferris wheel. Cancelled due to Covid-19.
Stockholm, Sweden - Taste reindeer meat and glögg (mulled wine) in Sweden’s historic Old Town. Open in 2020.
Oslo, Norway - Oslo’s Christmas market features an ice skating rink and hundreds of stalls. This market is famous for its food, from caramel apples to smoked salmon. Open in 2020.
What to Expect
Depending on when you visit, the markets can be packed with locals and tourists. If you are trying to avoid crowds, consider visiting in late November or early December. In general, the closer to Christmas Day you visit, the more crowded the markets will be.
Remember that these markets are traditionally outdoors-- Christmastime in most places in Europe is very cold, so dress warmly!
What Can You Buy at European Christmas Markets?
Generally, you can buy souvenirs, crafts, religious objects, and traditional delicacies at Christmas markets in Europe. Many markets feature items created by local vendors. What you might find at a Christmas market will depend on where you are; for example, you might find handcrafted wool tartan scarves in Scotland or lebkuchen (gingerbread) cookies in Germany.
Food and drink at European Christmas markets
European markets usually offer a variety of traditional dishes, so visiting one is a great way to try the local cuisine. German Christmas markets are known for their bratwurst and gingerbread cookies.
In some countries in Northern Europe, such as Estonia and Norway, you can try reindeer meat. Christmas-themed treats and candies are common, and markets throughout Europe offer mulled wine and local liquors.
River Cruises to see Christmas Markets in Europe
The Danube River and the Rhine River are popular river cruises for seeing Christmas markets in Europe. On the Danube, visitors can disembark at Vienna, Melk, Salsburg, Passau, Regensburg, and Nürnberg. The Danube once connected the Roman Empire, and the cities along its banks are filled with beautiful architecture and cultural history.
The Rhine River flows through Germany, France, and Switzerland. Markets along the Rhine include Koblenz, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Basel, and Lucerne. Aboard a river boat, travelers can experience traditional meals and holiday events, as well as visiting a variety of Christmas markets.
Traveling to European Christmas Markets, an FAQ
1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?
Travelstride has the widest selection of tours and tour companies. All the largest companies are on the site and most smaller local operators though we are adding new operators daily. Unlike other websites and agencies, we show you all the options, regardless of whether or not we are paid by the company.
2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?
Travelstride membership is absolutely free. You receive special benefits including saving up to $700 on select tours with top tour operators. The main requirement is to write a review after your trip to access the savings.
3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?
Yes. Travelstride has both expert reviews, written by Travelstride staff and local experts as well as traveler reviews written by people like you who have used the company and traveled to that destination.
4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?
Stride Preferred and Stride Premier are status categories to help you sort quickly through known and reliable travel companies. Since there are thousands of tour operators around the globe, Preferred or Premier badges are awarded to companies that Travelstride has determined meet the highest standards of professionalism, customer satisfaction, and quality.