Discover the 10 Most Magical Christmas Markets in Europe 2024

Are you dreaming of a fairy-tale Christmas holiday in Europe? Explore the most magical Christmas markets in Europe for 2024! From enchanting streets filled with twinkling lights to cozy wooden chalets offering festive treats, these European Christmas markets will transport you to a winter wonderland.

Whether you're looking for traditional Christmas markets in Germany, romantic Christmas markets in France, or the best Christmas market destinations in Europe, we have selected the top 10 for you to experience an unforgettable holiday season.

Get ready to discover the best Magical Christmas markets in Europe, perfect for a Christmas vacation filled with festive charm, local crafts, and holiday spirit.

Book your activities and tours in these exceptional destinations as well as your accommodation at the best price for a magical Christmas.

1. Zurich - Switzerland

From 21st November to 23rd December 2024

THE ZURICH “WIENACHSDORF” AT BELLEVUE

The first Christmas market is said to have taken place as early as 1384. Switzerland cannot look back on such a long tradition, but that is precisely what makes the Zurich Christmas market at Bellevue so magical. Voted by worldwide travellers as the Most Magical Christmas Market in Europe, it has captivated visitors from all over the globe.

But how did the Christmas Village become one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe in such a short time?

Lovingly decorated + community = unique Christmas magic.

Lovingly decorated: on the historic Sechseläutenplatz square in front of Zurich Opera House and in the center of the city, the Christmas market has been set up in the form of a village for almost 10 years. Winding alleyways lead past lovingly decorated huts and cozy squares. Countless Christmas trees line the way, with a huge Christmas tree forming the centerpiece in the village center, all under a sea of lights. These playful decorations and loving details, combined with a great touch of love and spirit of the times, enchant young and old alike.

The people of Zurich have contributed to the Wienachtsdorf—precisely because the Wienachtsdorf at Bellevue has such a young history, the citizens of Zurich, together with the Wienachtsdorf, created a new tradition that the city of Zurich had been missing until then: a place of warmth where the pre-Christmas season can be celebrated in community, a magic that Zurich can no longer be imagined without. The community of vendors has also grown and become part of the Wienachtsdorf—countless concept stores with exquisite products or pop-ups with the finest food have established themselves in Zurich over the years, creating something new.

Grown out of the community, contemporary, modern, beautiful, delicious, original, and with great attention to detail—but not run-of-the-mill—Wienachtsdorf has quickly established itself as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

 Opening dates: From 21st November to 23rd December 2024. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Zurich.

 Where to stay:  "Baur au Lac" combines historic charm with modern luxury.

2. Tallinn - Estonia

From 22th November to 27th December 2024

Voted the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe, Tallinn’s Christmas Market appeals to travellers from all over the world in search of authenticity, charm, tradition and wonder. This Magical Christmas Market seems to come straight out of a fairy tale.

With its little train, chalets and of course real snow, Tallinn’s Christmas Market is one of the Most Magical Christmas Markets in Europe.

The Tallinn Christmas Market delights everyone with its coziness, historical buildings and long traditions. 

Book your flights to Tallinn as well as your accommodation and your tours and activities in Tallinn such a "Tallinn: Sunset Dinner Cruise".

 Opening dates: From 22th November to 27th December 2024. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Tallinn.

 Where to stay:  "Hestia Hotel Barons Old Town" in the heart of Tallinn.

3. Craiova

From 15th November 2024  to 5th January 2025

This year discover the joy of childhood and visit Craiova Christmas Market, one of the Most Magical Christmas Market in Europe.

With an exceptional cultural program, entertainment for young and old, an ice rink ranked among the most beautiful Ice Skating Rinks in Europe, amazing Christmas cottages that seem to come out of a fairy-tale, the Most Beautiful Christmas Tree in Europe and among the most beautiful Christmas lights in Europe, Craiova is simply Magical at Christmas.

An all year round destination, Craiova is simply spectacular at Christmas.  Here you will find concerts, Santa's creative workshops, the highest ferris wheel in Romania and food stands with delicious Romanian traditional cuisine. 

Book your flights and your accommodation at the best prices in Craiova and discover the Most Magical Christmas Destination this winter. Let yourself be carried away by the fairy tale atmosphere of Craiova at Christmas time. 

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

 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.

4. Vienna - Austria

From 13th November to 23rd December 2024

Vienna with its many Christmas markets, spread all over one of the most romantic cities in Europe, is the perfect destination for a Magical Christmas in Europe. What we like in Vienna is its Christmas decorations which seems to come out of a fairy tale. 

Book your flights to Vienna as well as your accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in Vienna such as a ticket for Mozart & Strauss Concert in Kursalon Vienna.

During your stay visit the Best Christmas Markets in Austria, Best Hidden Gems in Austria as well as the Best Castles in Austria.

 Opening dates: From 11th November to 26th December 2024 (To Be Confirmed).

 How to get there: Book your flights to Vienna.

 Where to stay:  "Living Hotel Franz Joseph Kaiser" one of our top picks in Vienna.

5. Colmar - France

From 26th November to 29th December 2024

You have ranked Colmar among the Best Fairy Tale Christmas Markets in Europe. 

Indeed the city seems to have been created in the workshops of Santa Claus. The beautiful traditional half-timbered houses are colourful and look like gingerbread houses! Colmar is probably one of the most beautiful destinations in France and one of the most romantic ones for families, lovers and lonely travellers, for culture, wine tourism and  nature lovers too.

From the end of November to the end of December come enjoy Colmar’s Christmas Market, one of the Most Magical Christmas Markets in Europe.

During your stay visit the Best Christmas Markets in France as well as the Best Castles in France and Best Places to Visit in France. 

 Opening dates: From 26th November to 29th December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Basel/Mulhouse airport or Strasbourg.

 Where to stay:  "Le Colombier", located in the district of the "Petite Venise" or "Hotel Turenne" freshly renovated with excellent value for money.

6. Warsaw - Poland

From 25th November 2024 to 6th January 2025

This year discover one of the Best Fairy Tale Christmas Markets in Europe and one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Poland.

The Warsaw Christmas Market is one of the first heralds of Christmas in the city. At the end of November, next to the Old Town’s defensive walls, colourful stands appear, ushering in a season of winter attractions and entertainment.

The sounds of traditional Christmas carols and the smell of gingerbread cookies encourage us to slow down and do some Christmas shopping. Here you can find hand-decorated baubles, woollen sweaters, caps and scarves as well as regional cuisine. A cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine will warm you up in frosty weather. 

 Opening dates:  From 25th November 2024 to 6th January 2025. (To Be Confirmed).

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

 Where to stay: "Hotel Gromada Warszawa Centrum" is a 3-star hotel located in central Warsaw. 

7. Budapest - Hungary

From 15th November 2024 to 1st January 2025

The city of Budapest is a Fairy Tale Destination 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.

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. 

Small but charming, its Christmas ice rink is truly one of the most beautiful Christmas ice rinks in Europe.

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".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Budapest. 

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

8. Paris - France

From 18th November 2024 to 5th January 2025

Paris is a fairy tale destination at Christmas. Just like in London, the atmosphere at Christmas time is sweet in the streets of Paris. Each year  shops of all kinds rival in inventiveness to offer you the finest decorations and the most beautiful shopwindows. If you want to be amazed, go visit the Galeries Lafayette and their wonderful Christmas tree!

Treat yourself to a Night Cruise in Paris or select one of our best activities in Paris and book a charming hotel for a successful holiday in the city of love.

Choose from the most beautiful Christmas markets in France and experience a magical Christmas in France.

How to get there: Book your flights to Paris.

 Where to stay: "The Chess Hotel". Located in central Paris.

9. Erfurt - Germany

From 26th November to 22nd December 2024

Erfurt's Christmas Market is one of the Most Magical Christmas Markets in Europe and one of the Best Christmas Markets in Germany. Erfurt's Christmas Market is located in the medieval town of Erfurt and it seems to come out of a fairy tale. 

For magical Christmas holidays in Erfurt, book your flights at the best price as well as your hotel, apartment, B&B or guesthouse.

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

 Opening dates: From 26th November to 22nd December 2024.

 Nearest airports: Book your flights to Erfurt-Weimar, Frankfurt (2h30 hours), Berlin (2h45).

 Where to stay: The Krämerbrücke Erfurt Hotel has an excellent regional cuisine restaurant.

10. Vilnius - Lithuania

From 29th November to 29th December 2024

Vilnius has become one of the must-see destinations for travellers looking for the Most Magical Christmas Markets in Europe.

You can stroll on board the little Christmas train, buy original Christmas gifts, or taste gingerbreads, honey cakes, local cheeses or tasty pastries in the Christmas cottages that surround the magnificent Christmas tree from Vilnius which seems to come out of a fairy-tale.

Book your flights to Vilnius as well as your accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in Vilnius such as a private tour of Vilnius with a local guide.

 Opening dates: From 29th November to 29th December 2024. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Vilnius.

 Where to stay:  "The Joseph" situated in the Vilnius Old Town district