Best Christmas Markets in Europe
2014
You have been tens of thousands to vote for your best Christmas market in Europe.
Through social networks you were thousands to share this vote and make your opinion count.
Congratulations to the 10 destinations selected by travellers for the quality and reputation of their Christmas market.
Discover your ranking of the best Christmas markets for 2014 !
Strasbourg
France
It was in Strasbourg in 1570 that the very first edition of the oldest Christmas market in Europe took place, then called the "Christkindelsmärik" (market of the Infant Jesus). Since this time, Strasbourg has continued the tradition of a traditional, authentic, warm and generous Alsatian Christmas and these are all the reasons why "Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas" continues to enjoy repeated success.
2. Dresden
Germany
If you like Christmas, you’ll love Dresden! Eleven completely different Christmas markets lie right at your feet: From the very traditional to the merry medieval to the après-ski charm of the Hüttenzauber – you’ll find it all. Mmmh, can’t you already smell the enticing aroma of baked apples...?
3. BRUSSELS
3. Brussels
Belgium
Through its 2-kilometers course deploying through our historic town centre, Winter Wonders will once again be the topic of many a dream for children and adults alike. The festive atmosphere, unique ambiance, quality activities, delicious dishes, fairy-tale lighting and the discovery of other universes and cultures on offer during the event will nourish many a reverie…
4. Lille
France
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. It’s a place to dream…and to do some Christmas shopping! 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 Russia, Poland, and Québec, as well as products from Native America.
5. Nuremberg
Germany
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The enticing smells of mulled wine and rum punch, roasted almonds, Nuremberg bratwurst and gingerbread fill the air. And it’s not only tiny tots who will have their eyes all a-glow as the Nuremberg Christkind appears on the balcony of the Church of Our Lady to open the holiday season. Friday before the first Sunday in Advent is the day it all begins as she opens the world-famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt.
6. Basel
Switzerland
The Basel Christmas market at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is considered to be one of the prettiest and largest in Switzerland. During the run-up to Christmas, many events and spectacular special exhibitions in the city's museums further enrich its cultural scene. Christmas in Basel will be officially opened at 6.30 pm on 27 November 2014, when the city's Governing President, Dr Guy Morin, switches on the Christmas lights at Münsterplatz.
7. Vienna
Austria
The Christmas Markets in Vienna truly are an age-old tradition. The forerunners of the present-day events date back to the Middle Ages when in 1298 Albrecht I granted Vienna's citizens the privilege of holding a December Market or "Krippenmarkt". Since then, the character and prevalence of these markets has changed considerably. Nowadays, over 20 official Advent Markets sell a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats.
8. Cologne
Germany
Every year, the city centre of Cologne is touched by the magic of the festivities in the run-up to Christmas. When the in Cologne open their gates on the last Monday before Advent, millions of visitors from around the world delight at the goods on sale at the quaintly designed huts (or "Buden").
9. Birmingham
UK
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market has become a huge favourite with both residents and visitors to the city from all over the UK and Europe. It is now the largest outdoor Christmas Market in the country.
10. Barcelona
Spain
Christmas market has been going since at least 1786. It sets up its stalls in front of the Cathedral in the weeks leading up to Christmas and sells fir trees, decorations, garlands, mistletoe… But it's all the different objects you can buy to create the nativity scene that are the market’s biggest draw You’ll find figures, moss, cribs, fountains and the curious caganer, who appears in surprising new guises every year.
Plan your trip for Christmas
-
Hotels, Apartments, B&B...
Fresh deals every single day
Thousands reviews you can trust
-
Tours, Sightseeing & Activities
Discover Europe’s biggest collection of things to do and guided tours.
Whatever you want to do you’ll find it here.
Best Christmas Destinations in Europe
A paradise of lights and colours.
One of the prettiest Christmas markets in Switzerland.
A peaceful, calm advent atmosphere awaits you.
The ideal destination for festive city trips.
Festive lights, ice-skating and cultural programs.
Discover 5 magical markets in the historic town.
Cologne’s markets attract millions of visitors.
If you like Christmas, you’ll love Dresden!
Fall in love with the Christmas tastes of Helsinki.
The largest Christmas market in Germany.
The enticing aroma of gingerbread and mulled wine.
The first Christmas market in the UK.
Prague looks especially romantic at Christmas time.
The little town is transformed into a winter’s fairytale.
Discover the oldest Christmas market in Europe.
Santa Claus will greet children in his own home.
Vienna turns into a magical Christmas market.
A special atmosphere which must be experienced!
The biggest Christmas market in the North of France.
Share the expectation of joy and magic with us!
Christmas in Madeira Islands has a special charm.
Get into the spirit of the festive season in Metz.
160 lovely stalls full of authentic and high quality items.
One of the loveliest Christmas market in Europe.
Discover the best Christmas Markets in the UK.
Discover the best Christmas Markets in Germany.
Discover the best Christmas Markets in France.
Nostalgic carousel, air swing and a small railway.
Let yourself be enchanted by the romantic lights.
A magical world for both young and old.
Six exciting weeks of winter festivities!
60 market huts spread around the magnificent Duomo.
One of Germany’s most picturesque markets.
20 nations bring and offer their specialities.
The most beautiful Christmas trees in Europe.
