Mulled wine under thousands of lights, the scent of gingerbread and old towns straight out of a storybook: a Christmas market city break is one of the best trips of the year – and most of them are only a short flight away.
We have picked the eight Christmas markets that are worth a trip of their own: from the classics in Vienna and Nuremberg to hidden gems like Zagreb, which has been voted Europe’s best Christmas market several times.
For each market you will find the expected 2026 dates, what to eat and drink, and how to avoid the crowds. Note: many organisers only confirm their dates in the autumn – check the exact opening times shortly before you travel.
1. Vienna: Christmas Market at the Rathausplatz
In Advent, Vienna turns into one big stage, with around a dozen markets across the city. The best known sits in front of the illuminated City Hall, expected to run from 13 November to 26 December 2026. For a more romantic, quieter mood, head to Spittelberg with its Biedermeier houses, or to the market in front of Schönbrunn Palace, which stays open until 6 January.
Try: punch instead of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and Kaiserschmarrn. Tip: visit on a weekday early evening, when it is much calmer. Everything for your trip is in our Vienna travel planner.
→ See Schönbrunn Christmas market & concert
2. Nuremberg: Christkindlesmarkt
The Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 24 December on the Hauptmarkt – officially opened by the Nuremberg Christkind from the balcony of the Frauenkirche.
There is no plastic tat here, only craftsmanship: gold-foil angels, prune figures and wooden toys. Don’t miss three Nuremberg sausages in a bun and real Elisen gingerbread.
→ See Nuremberg Christmas market tour
3. Strasbourg: the “Capital of Christmas”
Strasbourg calls itself the “Capitale de Noël” – and rightly so. Its Christkindelsmärik is considered France’s oldest Christmas market and is expected to spread across around a dozen squares in the old town from 27 November to 24 December. The giant Christmas tree stands on Place Kléber.
Try: bredele (Alsatian Christmas biscuits), tarte flambée and white vin chaud. Tip: nearby Colmar, with its half-timbered lanes, makes a perfect second day.
→ See Strasbourg Christmas market tour
4. Prague: Old Town Square
In front of the Týn Church and the Astronomical Clock stands one of Europe’s most atmospheric Christmas trees. The Old Town Square market is expected to run from late November to 6 January 2027, with a second big market on Wenceslas Square.
Try: trdelník (chimney cake), Prague ham from the spit and medovina (honey wine). Prague is also one of the most affordable places on this list – ideal for a weekend.
→ See Prague Christmas market tour
5. Budapest: Vörösmarty Square & the Basilica
Budapest has two top markets: the classic one on Vörösmarty tér and the one in front of St Stephen’s Basilica, where a light show plays across the façade. Both are expected to open from mid/late November and stay open until New Year.
Try: kürtőskalács (chimney cake), lángos and forralt bor. Our tip: end the evening in a thermal bath – Széchenyi and Gellért are open all winter.
→ See Budapest Christmas market tour
6. Zagreb: Advent in Zagreb
The hidden gem on this list: Advent in Zagreb has been voted Europe’s best Christmas market several times. Instead of a single market, the whole city centre is transformed – from Ban Jelačić Square and Zrinjevac Park to the Upper Town. It usually runs from late November to early January.
Try: fritule (small doughnuts), grilled sausages and kuhano vino. Prices are noticeably lower than in Vienna or Salzburg.
7. Salzburg: Christkindlmarkt at the Cathedral
Between the Cathedral and the Residenzplatz, with Hohensalzburg Fortress above, stands one of Austria’s most beautiful markets. It is expected to open around 19 November and stay open until New Year. Around 5 December, Krampus runs bring fearsome figures through the streets.
Tip: for something special, book an Advent concert at the fortress – or visit the quieter Advent market in the Hellbrunn Palace park.
→ See Advent concert at the fortress
8. Copenhagen: Christmas at Tivoli
Tivoli – one of the oldest amusement parks in the world – becomes a sea of lights in Advent, with Christmas stalls, rides and hundreds of thousands of bulbs. It usually opens from mid-November to early January.
Try: gløgg and æbleskiver (little pancake balls). Copenhagen is the priciest destination on this list – but you get pure hygge in return.
Tips for your Christmas market trip
Book early: hotels in Vienna, Nuremberg and Strasbourg are often fully booked weeks ahead on Advent weekends. Midweek is much cheaper and quieter.
Mug deposit: almost everywhere you pay a deposit for your mulled wine mug – return it or keep it as a souvenir.
Dress warmly: open squares get cold quickly in the evening. Layers and sturdy shoes are a must.
Carry some cash: most stalls take cards, but smaller ones don’t always.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Christmas markets open in 2026?
Most of the big markets open between mid and late November. Nuremberg starts on 27 November 2026, Vienna is expected to open as early as 13 November.
Which Christmas market is the cheapest?
Zagreb, Budapest and Prague are much cheaper than Vienna, Salzburg or Copenhagen – for hotels as well as food and drink.
Which Christmas markets are open after 24 December?
Prague, Budapest, Zagreb, Salzburg and Copenhagen usually stay open until New Year or early January, as does the market at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
* This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a commission – at no extra cost to you. Dates subject to change, as of October 2026.