Explore Europe’s Timeless Christmas Markets
Every year, it seems as if December arrives before we know it, and the holiday season can feel like it’s just around the corner. To get into the festive spirit early, visiting one of Europe’s long-established Christmas markets is a perfect way to kick off your celebrations. Stroll through charming streets with a mulled wine in hand, snack on gingerbread, and start your holiday shopping.
Here are some of the best winter wonderlands to visit in late November and throughout December:
Dresden, Germany
Dates:November 26 – December 24
Located in eastern Germany near the Czech Republic border, Dresden is known for its Baroque Zwinger Palace, gothic Frauenkirche church, and Semperoper opera house. If you’re looking for a Christmas market steeped in tradition, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt should be at the top of your list. Dating back to 1434, it’s Germany’s oldest Christmas market and takes place in Altmarkt square. With 240 stands, it’s also home to the world’s largest Erzgebirge Christmas pyramid, a towering wooden structure over 14 meters tall that displays hand-carved figures and scenes. Don’t forget to try the famous stollen.
Nearby, the Medieval Christmas Market at Stallhof offers another unique experience. This market is set in one of the world’s few originally preserved jousting sites, complete with knights and festive stalls.
Arras, Hauts-de-France, France
Dates:November 28 – December 30
Hauts-de-France, France’s northernmost region, is a great destination for a Christmas trip. The Village de Noel market in Arras transforms Grand’Place, a picturesque square, into a festive hub. Located just over an hour from Calais, it’s an ideal weekend getaway. Visitors can enjoy around 140 stalls, an ice rink, and local produce and crafts.
The town itself is worth exploring, with its striking Flemish architecture and a 75-meter Gothic belfry that has UNESCO status. It was rebuilt after World War I and offers panoramic views from the top. Nearby, independent shops and historical sites like The Carrière Wellington museum and Les Boves tunnels provide additional attractions.
Vienna, Austria
Dates:November 14 – December 23
Vienna’s Christmas markets offer a variety of experiences. The Viennese Christmas Market in front of the town hall is well-known, but locals often prefer the Spittelberg Christmas Market. Located in the artistic Neubau district, this market features cobblestone streets and 19th-century buildings. What makes it unique is its focus on sustainability, with fair trade, regional, organic, or vegan food options.
Beyond the market, the area offers cafes, trendy restaurants, and world-renowned museums like the Leopold and mumok. For a broader experience, consider visiting the Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace or the Viennese Christmas Market Freyung, which has been running since 1772.
Lausanne, Switzerland
Dates:November 20 – December 31
Nestled on the banks of Lake Geneva, Lausanne offers stunning lake views, snowy mountain peaks, medieval streets, and a 12th-century Gothic cathedral. The Bô Noël Christmas market is one of seven in the city, known for its authentic festive atmosphere, local gastronomy, and family-friendly activities like a large Ferris wheel and sledging.
On November 22, the Opening Banquet invites visitors to board the Little Enchanted Train and enjoy a Christmas meal prepared by local restaurateurs (registration opens October 22). Lausanne is also the “Olympic capital,” home to the International Olympic Committee Headquarters, Olympic Park, and the Olympic Museum.
Ghent, Belgium
Dates:December 4 – 31
Ghent, a historic city in northwest Belgium, is known for landmarks like St Bavo’s Cathedral and Gravensteen Castle. During the holidays, the main squares of Sint Baafsplein and Sint Veerleplein transform into vibrant Christmas markets with over 150 wooden huts.
The city takes its decorations seriously, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the streets. Families will enjoy an ice rink, carousel, and castle visits, while adults can relax at the pop-up Winter Bar inside the castle walls. The castle, the only remaining medieval castle with a moat and intact defense system in Flanders, is illuminated with lights and music during the season.
Prague, Czech Republic
Dates:November 29 – January 6
Prague hosts several Christmas markets, with the 12th-century Old Town Square being the main attraction. Each year, a different region of the country selects the Christmas tree, and the square features Czech food, arts, and crafts, including sword making. Try the trdelnik, a sweet pasty, hot mead, and famous Prague ham.
The square is also home to the Baroque St Nicholas Church, the Rococo Kinský Palace, and the 15th-century astronomical clock. If snow falls, Prague can feel like a fairy tale, making it an ideal time to visit Prague Castle. Peace Square hosts a smaller market outside the neo-Gothic Basilica of St. Ludmila, offering a more community-focused experience.
