Discover the Best Christmas Parades in Europe: Magical Moments for Families.

Step into a world of enchantment with the best Christmas parades in Europe! These festive events are a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season, creating magical moments for families and travelers alike.

From glittering floats to dazzling lights, these Christmas parades in Europe bring joy, creativity, and holiday spirit to the streets of Europe’s most iconic cities.

Whether you’re visiting for an authentic Christmas market or to witness the festive parades, this experience will be an unforgettable part of your Christmas holiday in Europe.

Europe is renowned for its beautiful Christmas parades, which have become a cherished holiday tradition. Families, couples, and visitors from around the world gather to watch the lively processions, filled with elaborate costumes, twinkling decorations, and festive music that bring the magic of Christmas to life.

These holiday parades are designed to ignite the festive spirit and create memories that will last a lifetime. Perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the holiday charm, these parades provide an experience that captures the true joy of the season. 

Need more inspiration? Discover the most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Austria, await you.

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities and tours and visit the Best Christmas Parades in Europe.

1. Valkenburg - The Netherlands

From 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025

 This year discover the Most Beautiful Christmas Parade in Europe. The rumour goes that Santa actually comes from Valkenburg aan de Geul…You see, as days get shorter, Valkenburg – in the ever so enchanting Heuvelland region in de Southern part of the Netherlands – transforms into a cosy and delightful Christmas town.

In winter the small town of Valkenburg, situated on the river Geul in Zuid-Limburg, turns into ‘Kerststad Valkenburg’. Valkenburg can call itself European City of Christmas. In Valkenburg – immersed in a magical atmosphere, with a paradise of twinkling lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees – you see, smell, hear and taste Christmas in everything and there are numerous things to do!

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Secret Destinations in The Netherlands, The Most Beautiful Castles in The Netherlands as well as the Best Places to Visit in The Netherlands and Best Things to do in The Netherlands. 

Book your flights to Maastricht, your accommodation at the best price in Valkenburg and visit the most beautiful Christmas Parade in Europe_

 Opening dates: From 15th November 2024  to  5th January 2025. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Maastricht (20 min), Liege (40 min), Cologne (1H). 

 Where to stay: Hotel Janssen. Guests love their nice breakfast  and the helpful staff.

2. Brussels - Belgium

From 29th November 2024 to 5th January 2025

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

During your stay do not miss the Brussels Christmas Parade, one of the Most Beautiful Christmas Parades in Europe!

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 (Confirmed).

How to get there: Book your flights to Brussels.

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

3. Gdansk - Poland

From 22nd November - 23rd December 2024

It is probably one of the most beautiful Christmas Parade in Europe. A special place has been set up so that lovers can kiss under the mistletoe and hope to live a long lasting love story.

Situated in the historical centre of Gdańsk, the Christmas Fair is like a fairy tale. It captivates both visitors and locals who are most happy to spend their winter time here. The remarkable atmosphere of the Gdańsk Christmas fair is mostly created by the unique and mood-setting scenery. 

Book your flights to Gdansk, your accommodation, tours and activities at the best price such as a "Beer tasting tour".

 Opening dates: From 22nd December to 23rd December 2024 (Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Gdansk.

 Where to stay: "IBB Hotel Dlugi Targ", perfect for a 3-night stay in the heart of Gdansk.

4. Manchester - UK

From 8th November to 22nd  December 2024

The, original, biggest and - arguably - the best Christmas market in the country, Manchester Christmas Markets is one of the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe. Arriving in the city in 1999, the first Christmas market in the UK has grown every year since, now attracting more than nine millions visitors each year. 

Some 300 beautifully crafted stalls offer mouth-watering international food, drinks and finely crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of the buzzing city centre. Spread across 10 individual sites – each with distinctive own distinctive character – Manchester Christmas Markets has something to offer every festive visitor. 

Do not miss to discover its Christmas Parade, voted has one of the most beautiful Christmas Parade in Europe.

During your stay, visit the Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in England, Best Castles in England, Best Places to Visit in England as well as the Best Things to do in England and the Best Beaches in England and discover the very best of England. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your tours & activities in the United Kingdom and visit the Most Beautiful Christmas Market in the UK.

 Opening dates:  From 11th November to 21st December 2024 (To Be Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Manchester.

 Where to stay: "Motel One Manchester". Guests can enjoy the on-site bar.

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

5. Trier - Germany 

From 22nd November to 22nd December 2024

Now in its 40th year, the Trier Christmas Market will again be one of the loveliest in all of Germany and will offer its visitors one of the Most Beautiful Christmas Parades in Europe. Set on the medieval Main Market and in front of the imposing backdrop of Trier Cathedral, the 95 attractively decorated booths offer a fitting framework for this wonderful event.

During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

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

 Opening dates: From 22nd November to 22nd December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Luxemburg Airport (30 min) or Frankfurt (2h).

 Where to stay:  "Limehome Trier Nikolaus". One of our top picks in Trier.

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

6. 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 Parades 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 5th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Craiova.

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

7. Cologne - Germany

From 18th November 2024 to 5th January 2025

Advent is the time for Christmas markets, and Cologne is no exception. From 23 November to 23 December 2023, the magic of Christmas will be felt throughout the festively decorated city. The aroma of baked apples, cinnamon biscuits and mulled wine will waft through the alleys, and many differently themed Christmas markets will invite people to stroll, shop and explore. This year discover of the Best Christmas Parades in Europe!

Cologne’s Christmas markets attract millions of visitors from all over the world every year. During your stay visit the Best Castles in Germany, Best Ski Resorts in Germany, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Germany and Best Places to Visit in Germany and discover the very Best of Germany. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Germany and visit the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.

 Opening dates: From 18th November 2024 to 5th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Cologne.

 Where to stay: "Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom" located directly opposite Cologne Cathedral.

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

8. Glasgow - Scotland

From 1st December 2024 to 7th January 2025.

Glasgow is the perfect place to visit this Christmas - stylish shopping, superb eating and drinking and a jam-packed events programme against a city centre backdrop of glittering festive lights. It is also popular for its amazing Christmas Parade.

The much-loved Glasgow Christmas Markets encompass a variety of colourful stalls, offering a selection of gifts, artisan products and global cuisine set in a festive village of rustic cabins and stalls. Whether you're shopping for a special gift or looking for a bite to eat, Glasgow’s Christmas markets will be sure to please!

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Hidden Gems in Scotland, Most Amazing Castles in Scotland and Best Places to Visit in Scotland. 

 Opening dates: From 1st December 2024 to 7th January 2025.

How to get there: Book your flights to Glasgow.

 Where to stay: "Apex City of Glasgow Hotel". Situated in the real heart of Glasgow.

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

9. Montbeliard - France

From 23rd November to 24th December 2024

Montbéliard offfers its visitors one of the Most Beautiful Christmas Parades in Europe! Located in Franche-Comté (Eastern France), the town of Montbéliard – well known for its hospitality- turns into a pure enchantment few weeks before Christmas.

During the time of Advent, Montbéliard revives the tradition of Württemberg and organizes a Christmas market like no other with 160 lovely stalls full of authentic and high quality items. Taking a stroll down the illuminated streets, the visitors may taste the delicious gastronomic products from Montbéliard and France, marvel at the variety of art and crafts, dance to the music and the sound of choral songs.

During your stay 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 23rd November to 24th December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Montbéliard or Basel/Mulhouse (1h by car, 2h by public transport).

 Where to stay:  "Ibis Styles Montbéliard". Perfect for a 2-night stay!

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

10. Dubrovnik - Croatia

From 29th November 2024 to 5th January 2025

Visit Dubrovnik Christmas Market, it has one of the Best Christmas Parades in Europe and it is 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.