Discover the Most Authentic Christmas Markets in Europe

Explore the most authentic Christmas markets in Europe in 2024, where tradition meets festive charm.

These traditional Christmas markets offer a truly authentic Christmas experience, filled with handcrafted Christmas gifts, mulled wine, and a heartwarming Christmas atmosphere.

Whether you're wandering through historic town squares or cozy alpine villages, these markets transport you to a world of timeless holiday traditions.

Visitors will enjoy artisan crafts, local delicacies, and beautifully decorated stalls, making these authentic Christmas markets perfect for families, couples, and travelers seeking a genuine festive experience.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Christmas Ice Skating Rinks in Europe, The Most Beautiful Christmas Lights, Best Christmas Markets for Families, Best Christmas Parades as well as the Most Beautiful Christmas Trees and the Most Sunny Christmas Destinations in Europe. 

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

1. Riga - Latvia

From 29th November 2024 to 2nd January 2025

Riga has been voted as the Most Authentic Christmas Market in Europe! 

Be fascinated by the Christmas light trail this year in Riga! See for yourself how these places transform with illuminations when you step into this winter wonderland. Take a walk through Opera Square, Bastejkalns, and Kronvalda park where you will experience and learn about different Latvian fairytales. The music that accompanies these tales and trails will create new memories to never forget. 

There is no better time to visit Riga than in this winter! Why? Riga’s Christmas market in the very heart of Riga’s OId Town in Doma square is back and has a lot to offer to visitors.

What’s the most important criteria that makes the difference for Christmas markets? Mulled wine, aromas of cinnamon, ginger, and roasted almonds filling the air are in every city, but special Riga’s atmosphere and vibe is unique and unrepeatable, as well as cities architecture, cultural life, cuisine, and parks.

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

 Where to stay: "Hilton Garden Inn". Stay in the heart of Riga.

 Opening dates: From 29th November 2024 to 2nd January 2025.

2. Vienna - Austria

From 13th November to 23rd December 2024

Vienna is with no doubt one of the Most Authentic Christmas Markets 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.

3. Basel - Switzerland

From 28th November to 23rd December 2024

The Basel Christmas market is one of the Most Authentic Christmas Markets in Europe.

Basel has a deep-rooted tradition as Switzerland’s most beautiful and largest Christmas city, and is well worth a visit every year. Not only the well-preserved Old Town is radiant in the warm Christmas light, but the shops and the facades of many buildings glitter with a golden glow. 

A magnificent Christmas tree stands on Münsterplatz, with ornaments by the well-known decorator Johann Wanner.

Book your flights, accommodation and tours and activities at the best prices in Basel such as a private tour with a local.

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

 Opening dates: 28th November to 23rd December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Basel Airport.

 Where to stay: "Hyperion Hotel Basel", just a short walk from the Old Town; it offers a sauna and a fitness center.

4. Budapest - Hungary

From 15th November 2024 to 1st January 2025

The city of Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe at Christmas. Each year, the city invests in the decoration of the most beautiful monuments, the most beautiful arteries but also trams, public places. Budapest is really magic at Christmas and its Christmas Market is for sure one of the Most Traditional Christmas Markets in Europe.

If you are looking for an authentic place where you can still find the spirit of Christmas, forget London and Paris and discover Budapest at Christmas. The magnificent Christmas tree in front of the Hungarian Parliament is a perfect starting point for strolling around Budapest and marveling at the beauty of the decorations and illuminations of the Hungarian capital. 

Book your flights and accommodation at the best price as well as your tours and activities in Budapest such as a "2-hour Danube cruise with live music".

 Opening dates: From 15th November 2024 to 1st January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Budapest. 

 Where to stay: "Kempinski Budapest" situated in the real heart of Budapest. 

5. Lille-France

From 20th November to 29th December 2024

This year visit one of the Most Traditional and Authentic Christmas Markets in Europe.

In the heart of winter, Lille sparkles and glows with joie de vivre! With the wave of a magic wand, the city takes on a festive atmosphere and welcomes you to a winter wonderland!

On Place Rihour, more than 80 chalets teem with gift ideas, nativity figurines, Christmas decorations and festive food. You can find regional specialities here, and you can also find arts and crafts from Poland, and Québec, as well as products from Native America. 

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 20th November to 29th December 2024. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Lille, Charleroi (1h15) or Brussels/Zaventem (1h30 by public transport).

 Where to stay:  "Moxy Lille City". Situated in the real heart of Lille.

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

6. Baden-Baden - Germany

From 21st November 2024 to 6th January 2025

This winter visit one of the Most Authentic Christmas Markets in Europe. Situated at the start of Baden-Baden’s world-famous green corridor, the Lichtentaler Allee, visitors will encounter small streets of festive stalls, where the romantic atmosphere is heightened by the thousands of shimmering Christmas lights.

The entire experience is capped with a choice program of entertainment, catering for both young and old.

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 21st November 2024 to 6th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Baden-Baden, Stuttgart (1h15) or Basel (1h30).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Alte Laterne". Stay in the heart of Baden-Baden. 

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

7. Mulhouse - France

From 22nd November to 24th December 2024

With exceptional decorations made of a unique fabric in Alsace, festive lighting and many animations, Mulhouse is definitely one of the Most Authentic Christmas Markets in Europe.

The distinctiveness of the Christmas market of Mulhouse comes from its link to its rich industrial textile history. For this 27th edition, the star will be of course this particular fabric.

Connecting authenticity and tradition, this fabric is however constantly renewed with originality and each year, a new and exclusive Christmas fabric dresses the whole city for that time of the year.

 Opening dates: From 22nd November to 24th December 2024. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Basel/Mulhouse Airport.

 Where to stay:  "La Maison Hôtel Mulhouse Centre" located in the city centre of Mulhouse. 

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

8. Dusseldorf - Germany

From 21st  November to 30th December 2024

Once the St Martins parade has made its way through the streets of Düsseldorf in mid-November, the city gears up for Christmas. The traditional Christmas market of Düsseldorf is staged individually at various locations throughout the bustling city centre. Around the Königsallee elaborately designed theme worlds are set to lead visitors on a real discovery tour.

For five weeks, over 200 huts decorated in Christmas splendour transform the city into a winter wonderland for the whole family to enjoy. 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 21st November to 30th December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Dusseldorf or Cologne (50 min).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Sir & Lady Astor". This charming boutique hotel is situated in the real heart of Dusseldorf.

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

9. 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 Most Authentic Christmas markets 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.

10. Prague - Czech Republic

From 30th November 2024 to 6th January 2025

Prague Christmas Market is one of the Most Traditional Christmas Markets in Europe. The Christmas markets in Old Town Square in the centre of Prague are the biggest project of its kind in the Czech Republic.

Grown-ups will enjoy the typical mulled wine, and all gourmet, young and old, will enjoy Czech Christmas biscuits, hot roasted chestnuts, gingerbread biscuits or typical Czech grilled sausages and skewered foods.

Book your flights, accommodation and tours and activities in Prague such as a sightseeing dinner cruise and discover the most authentic Christmas market in the Czech Republic. 

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation at the best price without obligation.

 Opening dates: From 30th November 2024 to 6th January 2025.

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

 Where to stay: "Grandior Hotel Prague", located in the ciy centre.