White snow falling on the roofs of wooden stalls, decorated with hundreds of sparkling lights. The scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts drifting through city streets. Frozen fingers wrapped around a cup of a warming drink. The sound of live music blending with the laughter of other visitors. All of this creates the magical atmosphere of Christmas markets — a must-do ritual for every Christmas lover.
Need some inspiration for this year’s Christmas market tour? We’ve teamed up with the travel platform Worldee to bring you a list of nine Christmas cities that are sure to enchant you with their fairy-tale atmosphere and fill you with childlike wonder and holiday magic. Which ones will you add to your Christmas bucket list?
1. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is without a doubt one of the most popular Christmas destinations — and for good reason. Shimmering lights and sparkling decorations hanging from historic buildings turn one of Europe’s most beautiful cities into a perfect Christmas fairytale. During the festive season, Vienna hosts plenty of smaller Christmas markets (up to 20 in total), but the most famous one on the main square, Rathausplatz, is an absolute must-see.
In addition to Christmas decorations, the stalls offer plenty of sweets, roasted nuts, traditional natural cosmetics, handmade candles, and wooden toys. Snow is not uncommon in Vienna, so be sure to grab a warm punch or freshly fried doughnuts — they'll definitely warm up your hands.
► How to spend 4 days in Vienna
The best Christmas markets in Vienna
- at Rathausplatz
- at Maria-Theresien-Platz
- by Belvedere Palace
- at Schönbrunn Palace
- at Karlsplatz
2. Dresden, Germany
The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is the oldest Christmas market in the world, with a tradition dating back to 1434, when locals would buy meat there for their Christmas feast. On over 100 stalls forming a magical Christmas village at Altmarkt Square, you’ll find traditional treats like Christmas stollen, handbrot, various sausages, and of course mulled wine. You can have it served in a colorful mug that also works as a collectible — each year the design is completely different.
When visiting Dresden, be sure to check out some of the other 11 Christmas markets as well — they’re usually less crowded with tourists, giving you more space to enjoy the glowing lights that decorate the city and its charming streets.
► How to spend 1 day in Dresden
Best Christmas markets in Dresden
- at Altmarkt Square
- in the courtyard of Stallhof
- by Frauenkirche Church (at Neumarkt Square)
3. Strasbourg, France
With its traditional medieval architecture and cobbled streets, it’s no wonder Strasbourg proudly bears the title of France’s “Capital of Christmas.” Strasbourg takes holiday decorations to the next level, transforming the entire city each December into a breathtaking spectacle and unique experience that transports you back to the 16th century. They’ve likely had plenty of practice — the most famous Christmas market, located by the Strasbourg Notre-Dame Cathedral, is one of the oldest in Europe.
At the stalls, you’ll find traditional treats from the Alsace region, where French and German cuisine blend — such as the onion and bacon tart tarte flambée, pretzels with various toppings, and the local version of white mulled wine.
The best Christmas markets in Strasbourg
- by the Notre-Dame Cathedral
- at Kléber Square
- at Place Gutenberg
- at Broglie Square
- at Place de Château
4. Tallinn, Estonia
The Christmas market in Tallinn won the title of the most beautiful market in Europe in 2019 — a good enough reason on its own to add Tallinn to your Christmas bucket list. The neatly arranged stalls on the charming town square may not make it one of the largest markets you can visit in December, but it will surely enchant you with its cozy, authentic, and uniquely festive atmosphere. Estonia also boasts a long-standing tradition — the Christmas tree has been displayed here regularly since 1441.
► How to spend 4 days in Tallinn
The best Christmas markets in Tallinn
- at Raekoja plats Square
5. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest definitely deserves the attention of every Christmas lover — especially its main Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square. It’s the perfect opportunity to try traditional Hungarian dishes, such as the classic Hungarian-Jewish pastry flódni. It’s also a great place to shop for gifts, as the stalls are filled with handmade items from local artists.
► How to spend 3 days in Budapest
The best Christmas markets in Budapest
- at Vörösmarty tér Square
- by St. Stephen’s Basilica
- in the Pest district
6. Brussels, Belgium
The Christmas markets in Brussels are among the brightest of all. In addition to thousands of lights spread across the city, they feature a nightly light show set to music — a hallmark of the markets at Grande-Place. And if that’s not tempting enough on its own, don’t forget that Belgium is famous for its waffles and chocolate pralines, which you’ll definitely find at more than 250 wooden Christmas stalls.
► How to spend 2 days in Brussels
The best Christmas markets in Brussels
- at Grande-Place Square
- at Marché aux Poissons Square
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
It’s no surprise that Denmark, the birthplace of the cozy hygge lifestyle characterized by warm drinks and fuzzy socks, has some of the most magical Christmas markets in Europe. The best way to soak in the Christmas atmosphere is at the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, which transforms every December into a snowy, illuminated fairy tale. At the stalls, you can buy wooden toys, handmade ceramics, various decorations, and, of course, those cozy woolen socks as souvenirs.
The best Christmas markets in Copenhagen
- at Tivoli Gardens amusement park
- at Hojbro Plads Square
- at Kongens Nytorv Square
- at Nytorv Square
8. Kraków, Poland
The Christmas market at Rynek Główny Square is the largest and most popular market in Poland. It’s no surprise — the square is adorned with many beautiful medieval buildings like St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall, and the Town Hall Tower, each worth a visit on its own. Combined with traditional decorated stalls filling the air with the scent of mulled wine and pierogi, Kraków becomes a destination you can’t leave off your Christmas travel list.
► How to spend 3 days in Kraków
The best Christmas markets in Kraków
- at Rynek Główny Square
9. Bratislava, Slovakia
We mustn’t forget our dear neighbors from Slovakia. The Christmas markets in Bratislava also deserve our attention. You can admire the charming red-and-white rooftops from the Old Town Hall tower, where the entire Main Square spreads out before you like a panorama. When hunger strikes, satisfy it with traditional Slovak sausages, gypsy roast, potato pancakes (lokše), or bread with “lard and onions.” To warm you up, mulled wine, punch, or mead will surely help.
► How to spend 1 day in Bratislava
The best Christmas markets in Bratislava
- at Main Square
- at Franciscan Square
- at Hviezdoslav Square
Wherever you go to Christmas markets this year, don’t forget to save your memories on Worldee. With your ISIC card, you get a free Premium account on the Worldee app. The entire ISIC and Worldee team wishes you a joyful and relaxing Christmas.
