Discover the Best Christmas Markets for Families in Europe 2024

Experience the magic of the best Christmas markets for families in Europe this holiday season. These top Christmas destinations are perfect for creating unforgettable memories with your children and offer a wide range of magical activities for all ages. Enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with twinkling lights, charming stalls, and the delightful aroma of seasonal treats.

From enchanting skating rinks to lively Christmas parades, these markets provide the perfect backdrop for a family Christmas getaway. Participate in creative workshops, where children can craft their own holiday decorations or gifts, and indulge in delicious holiday snacks like roasted chestnuts and gingerbread cookies. Discover unique Christmas gifts and handmade crafts that are perfect for sharing the joy of the season.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Christmas Ice Skating Rinks, Best Christmas Lights in Europe, Best Sunny Christmas Destinations, Most Beautiful Christmas Trees in Europe as well as the Best Christmas Markets in the United Kingdom, Best Christmas Markets in Germany, in France, Austria, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Italy, The Netherlands,...

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities and tours and visit the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe.

1. Metz - France

From 24th November to 30th December 2024

This year discover the Best Christmas Market for Families in Europe: Metz Christmas Market. Get into the spirit of the festive season and enjoy the warmest of welcomes as you visit the Christmas markets on Metz’s six main squares.

See the ice sculptures at the Frozen Fairyland, then warm up cold hands around a hot spicy drink or mulled wine.

Let the illuminations chase away the dark winter days, and enjoy traditional treats like the merry-go-round, a walk through the magic forest or take the chance to stock up on gastronomic Christmas essentials at the city market hall.

Book your flights as well as your accommodation and visit the Best Christmas Markets with Children in Europe.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Ski Resorts in France, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in France, Best Beaches in France, Most Amazing Castles in France, Best Places to Visit in France as well as the Best Things to do in France. 

 Opening dates: From 24th November to 30th December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Metz Airport or Strasbourg Airport (1h30).

 Where to stay:  "La Citadelle Metz MGallery" for guests who enjoy luxurious accommodation.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Metz.

2. Dubrovnik - Croatia

From 29th November 2024 to 5th January 2025

Visit Dubrovnik Christmas Market, one of the Best Christmas Markets for Kids in Europe and one of the Best Christmas Markets in Croatia with Zagreb Christmas Market. The uniqueness of Dubrovnik is visible in the month of giving when yhe city organizes a Christmas Fair.

There will be Christmas cookies and sweets, roasted candied almonds, candied orange peels ˝arancini˝, traditional Dubrovnik sweets like the quince cheese ˝kontonjata˝, and other delicacies that are prepared for this festive time. 

During your stay do not miss to visit the Best beaches in Croatia, Best Hidden Gems in Croatia and the Most Amazing Castles in Croatia. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your tours & activities in Croatia and discover the very best of Croatia.

 Opening dates: From 29th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (To Be Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Dubrovnik and your transfer.

 Where to stay: "Boutique Hotel Stari Grad". The Christmas Market is 100m away.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Dubrovnik.

3. Vienna - Austria

From 13th November to 23rd December 2024

 Vienna is with no doubt one of the Best Christmas Markets for Families in Europe and the Best Christmas Market in Austria. One of the most well-known Christmas Markets is the traditional "Vienna Magic of Advent", which turns the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land.

Christmas gifts, tree decorations, sweets and warming drinks are waiting for you and have fun Christmas workshops for kids. The trees of the surrounding City Hall are festively decorated and radiate in a sea of lights - a Viennese experience, you will definitely not want to miss!

Book your flights to Vienna, accommodation at the best price, your tours and activities in Vienna such as a Christmas & New Year Concert in St. Peter's Church and your transfer from the airport.

During your stay discover the Best Ski Resorts in Austria, Best Hidden Gems in Austria, Most Beautiful Castles in Austria, Best Nature Wonders in Austria as well as the Best Places to Visit in Austria and Best things to do in Austria.

 Opening dates: From 13th November to 23rd December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Vienna, accommodation, tours and activities. 

 Where to stay: "Sofitel Vienna" in the very heart of the city.

4. Craiova - Romania

From 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025

This year visit Craiova Christmas Market, 3 times awarded among the Best Christmas Markets in Europe, and discover one of the Best Christmas Markets for Families in Europe.

Craiova is a city of creative and generous people, with amazing old buildings and green spaces, good vibe and fascinating traditions and gastronomy. Craiova which is an all year round destination is simply spectacular at Christmas.

For a successful event, Craiova Municipality has distributed the various Christmas events, markets, the ice rink, the concerts, creative workshops, food stands in four different places in the city – Mihai Viteazul Square, Old Center (Piața Frații Buzești), William Shakespeare Square and Doljana Fountain area.

 Opening dates: From 15th November 2024 to 5thJanuary 2025 (Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Craiova.

 Where to stay: "Hotel Splendide 1900". Located in the heart of Craiova.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Craiova.

5. Nottingham - UK

From 7th November to 31st December 2024

This year visit one of the Best Christmas Destinations for Families in Europe. Christmas returns to Nottingham with the largest event in the East Midlands! Best of all entry to Nottingham Winter Wonderland is FREE!! Featuring your favourite rides, bars and shopping spots from previous years, this is the perfect place to soak in the Christmas spirit.

While away the hours browsing over 70 traditional, Bavarian-style stalls, searching for the perfect gift as well as sampling the delicious homemade and artisan cheeses, chutneys and chocolates on offer.

This year’s Christmas market has been expanded, with something for everyone including  plants, mead, jewellery, scents, fashion, retro style, Eco art, Lego art, Fair-trade, Continental food, local homemade stew and home accessories to offer the discerning visitor.

During your stay, visit the Best Christmas Markets in the United Kingdom, Best Castles in England, Best Nature Wonders in England, the Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in England, Best Places to Visit in England as well as the Best Things to do in England and discover the very best of England. 

 Opening dates:  From 7th November to 31 December 2024 (To Be Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Birmingham Airport (1h by car/public transport) or Manchester (2h).

 Where to stay: "Crowne Plaza Nottingham". In the heart of Nottingham.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Nottingham.

6. Madeira - Portugal

From 1st December 2024 to 5th January 2025

Madeira is one of the Best Christmas Destinations for Families in Europe. Madeira is an amazing destination all year, but if you are looking for a special place to celebrate Christmas, visit Madeira.

The traditions of this island, the climate, the local gastronomy and the main events of this festivity, will surely surprise you. Madeira, a Portuguese island, celebrates to the fullest the arrival of Christmas season, with a traditional Christmas market, held in Avenida Arriaga central walkways, at the heart of its main capital – Funchal.

Christmas lights switch-on takes place on December 1st, in Funchal. Thousands of lights glow on Christmas displays in the streets, buildings, gardens and mountains of this beautiful island. Be amazed by the creativity, harmony and vibrant colours of this attraction in Madeira.

Visit the Municipal Garden of Funchal and feel the excitement that lives in this Village. Children and adults discover the joys of a long wooden Christmas train, charming little houses, Santa’s sleigh and many other curiosities. Get your camera ready for a picture with Santa Claus!

 Opening dates: From 1st December 2024 to 5th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Funchal (Madeira) as well as your transfer.

 Where to stay:  "Castanheiro Boutique". The Christmas Market is 100m away.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Madeira.

7. Wroclaw - Poland

From 29th November 2024 to 7th January 2025

Wroclaw Christmas Market is regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Poland and one of the Best Christmas Markets for Families in Europe; it is open from mid-November to the end of December.

It is located on the “Rynek Marquet Square” but also on the "Place Solny", You will enjoy craft products, gastronomy from around the world (Alsatian, Turkish and Spanish specialties (such as Churros) but also Polish specialties.

 Opening dates: From 29th November 2024 to 7th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Wroclaw, accommodation, tours and activities in Wroclaw.

 Where to stay: "Korono Market Square" 200m away from the Christmas Market.

8. Brussels - Belgium

From 29th November 2024 to 5th January 2025

Brussels has one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe and for sure one of the Best Christmas Markets for Families in Europe. At Christmas the whole city is decorated with twinkling lights and welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Come celebrate the magic of Christmas in the capital of Belgium. Come admire the famous games of lights, taste the Belgian fabulous chocolates ! We have also selected the best activities in Brussels, as for example a Waffle Making Workshop, a Chocolate Workshop or a guided walking tour.

 Opening dates: From 29th November 2024 to 5th January 2025.

How to get there: Book your flights to Brussels.

 Where to stay: "Hotel des Galeries". In the historical heart of Brussels.

9. Tallinn - Estonia

From 22nd November 2024 to 7th January 2025

Snow is guaranteed at Christmas in Estonia. The Tallin Christmas Market is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the region and one of the Best Christmas Markets with Children in Europe. Come discover the Estonian's most famous Christmas tree surrounded by little snow huts selling food, drinks and crafts. 

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Christmas Trees in Europe, the Most Beautiful Christmas Lights in Europe as well as the Best Sunny Christmas Destinations in Europe, the Best Christmas City Breaks in Europe and the Best Christmas Ice Skating Rinks in Europe.

 Opening dates: From  22nd November 2024 to 7th January 2025. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Tallinn as well as your transfer.

 Where to stay:  "Hotel Telegraaf". The Christmas Market is 160 m away.

10. Strasbourg - France

From 27th November to 27th December 2024

Strasbourg is the capital of Christmas, often imitated but never equalled. Its Christmas Market is truly one of the Best Christmas Markets for Families in Europe. 

Strasbourg is a perfect destination to celebrate Christmas. Come and discover its traditional Christmas market and illuminations. Do not resist the temptation of pastries and treat yourself to a mulled wine in this beautiful city. 

Book your flights and accommodation at the best price as well as your activities and tours in Strasbourg such a guided tour of the Christmas market and wine tasting.

During your stay visit the most beautiful Christmas markets in France, Best Ski Resorts in France, Most Amazing Secret Destinations in France as well as the Best Castles in France and discover the best of France.

 Opening dates: From 27th November to 27th December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Strasbourg or Basel Airport (1h by car).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Rohan" 150 m from the Strasbourg Cathedral.