Explore Europe’s Best Christmas Markets and get into the Christmas Spirit

As summer draws to a close, it’s time to start planning another holiday! 

If you’re looking for an excuse to book a European rail trip this side of Christmas, then a visit to one or two of the biggest and best Christmas markets might just fit the bill.

Many large European cities put on these splendid markets, a combination of local arts and crafts, festive trinkets, seasonal food and drink and brilliant Christmas displays. 

And, it’s a perfect opportunity to visit the cities themselves out of season. Wander round old towns and narrow streets, see architecturally stunning buildings lit up against the night sky.

Here is a selection of our favourites to choose from:

1) Berlin Christmas Markets – Germany

November 24 – January 7 2025 – dates vary for different markets

Berlin Christmas Market

According to the official website, there are 124 Christmas markets in Berlin in 2024! Which is why it is arguably the best European Christmas market destination.

The markets are spread around the city, many themed. There are several arts and crafts markets, an LGBTQIA market, a Christmas Lights market, a sustainable Christmas market, there is even a market just for dogs! 

Check out the Winter Market at the Wendenschloss Lido where you can watch winter games, such as curling, while sipping on your glühwein.

Our Cologne and Berlin holiday gives you a full two days in Berlin, as well as the chance to check out the markets in Cologne (see below)

2) Basel Christmas markets – Switzerland

28 November – 23 December

Basel Christmas markets

The Christmas market in Basel, the biggest in Switzerland, is set against the backdrop of the Old Town, making it one of the most beautiful in Europe too.

Spanning two picturesque locations – Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz – it offers everything from handmade ornaments to gourmet treats. Along with the ubiquitous mulled wine, you can get every type of Christmas delicacy – from the local Basel Lackerli – a type of gingerbread – to waffles, raclette and fondu.

Don’t miss the huge Christmas tree in Münsterplatz.

Combine Basel with Strasbourg’s markets (see below) with our ready-made holiday itinerary.

3) Ghent Christmas market – Belgium

5 December – 31 December

Ghent at Christmas

The Ghent Christmas market, one of TMR’s favourites, is nestled in the heart of the city’s medieval center. With over 100 stalls lining the cobbled streets, you can find unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious seasonal treats.

Local breweries serve up a selection of craft beers and steaming cups of glühwein, adding to the scent of pine as you wander around. The market offers family-friendly attractions like an ice rink and a Ferris wheel.

Add a visit to the nearby 12th-century castle, with its panoramic views of Ghent’s twinkling lights, for an extra touch of Christmas magic.

This itinerary includes Cologne with Ghent for a festive extravaganza!

4) Graz Christmas market – Austria

22 November – 24 December

Graz, Austria – Christmas markets

Graz’s UNESCO – listed Old Town is the setting for an array of Christmas markets and festive events during advent, the ‘5th season’.

There is a labyrinth of 17 themed markets, from Winter Wonderlend on Mariahilferplatz square, to Hauptplatz, the main market, where huge advent themed projections are displayed onto the town hall. Discover the Ice nativity scene, a nativity trail and the huge ice rink as well as an Advent Festival and other cultural shows and displays.

You can visit Graz as part of our Austrian Explorer holiday, and take in the markets in Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck.

5) Strasbourg Christmas market – France

27 November – 27 December 

Christmas markets in Strasbourg

No list of Europe’s best Christmas markets is complete without Strasbourg – it’s not called ‘The Capital of Christmas’ for nothing!

Strasbourg hosts over 300 – yes, 300 – Christmas markets! And the tradition of Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570! Today, you’ll find beautifully decorated wooden chalets and facades, and the centerpiece, a towering Christmas tree at Place Kléber, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations.

Every kind of craft, trinket, festive food and drink is available, with Alsace favourites like sausages, bredele cookies, spiced mulled wine and the fruity kugelhopf. 

Visit Strasbourg and Basel on our Christmas markets focused holiday.

6) Cologne Christmas market – Germany

18 November – 5th January – dates vary for different markets

Cologne’s Christmas markets

Cologne is one of the most famous European Christmas market destinations – and for good reason. Its many markets have plenty to offer – including the Market of Angels, with glowing stars and fairy lights in the trees. Harbour Market – next to the Chocolate Museum – has a maritime theme – think brightly lit ships, sea shanties and pirates!

Once Christmas is over, it turns into a New Year market – indeed, many of  Cologne’s markets continue on into the New Year. don’t miss the main market, in front of Cologne’s magnificent twin-spired cathedral.

We’ve put together an itinerary combining Cologne’s markets with a visit to Ghent – see above.

7) Copenhagen Christmas market – Denmark

15 November – 5th January

Copenhagen at Christmas

Head to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen for a very glittery, Nordic Christmas market – where a the gardens are decorated with 70,000 baubles and over 1000 trees filled with lights!

Wooden houses are covered in pine branches and Santa himself is taking up residence, together with his reindeer. Over 60 stalls offer an array of Christmas goodies, including the regional favourite, glögg – cinnamon spiced wine.

You can find other markets in the city, including Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv, enjoy live music or take a ride in a horse and carriage – all of which capture the essence of ‘hygge’ – a Danish expression conveying a feeling of warmth, cosiness and contentment!

Take our Copenhagen to Stockholm by rail holiday during the festive season to experience the markets.

8) Montreux Christmas market – Switzerland

21 November – 24 December 

Santa and his reindeer flying over Montreux

We couldn’t leave Montreux out of this list, with its flying Santa and reindeer! Montreux’s Christmas market is set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Geneva, with French mountains in the distance. And yes, Santa flies across every day! 170 illuminated chalets host sellers, craftspeople and restaurants offering the best of the region.

Nearby Chateau de Chillon, on the lakeside, puts on medieval entertainment and craft workshops for an added historical touch. For an extra holiday treat, take a scenic train ride to the Rochers de Naye mountain to visit Father Christmas in his grotto.

Visit Montreux via Interlakken with the Goldenpass to experience its festive market.

9) Brussels Christmas market – Belgium

29 November 29 – 5 January 

Brussels Christmas market

One of Europe’s finest, the Brussels Christmas market can be found at the Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons.

The Grand Place is part of the Winter Wonders, a sprawling event where you’ll find market chalet stalls, a ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds, curling and an ice-rink.

This is a great market for foodies – with vendors selling flagship Belgian chocolates and beers as well as a myriad of other sweet and festive treats. 

Our Christmas markets holiday to Brussels with Bruges is the perfect choice for a short hop across to the continent.

10) Prague Christmas market – Czech Republic

30 November – 6 January 

Prague Christmas markets

Our final recommendation for 2024 is Prague – surely one of the most spectacular Christmas market locations in Europe.

Its Old Town Square is a truly historic setting – the market is surrounded by architectural delights –  the Old Town Hall, Church of Our Lady before Týn, the Baroque Church of St Nicholas, the Rococo Kinský Palace and the Gothic House at the Stone Bell. The market features a huge Christmas tree, plenty of stalls selling traditional Czech wares, live music and entertainment.

To visit the city at its festive best, choose our Prague without flying trip.

In need of more inspiration? We’ve listed the best Christmas markets in Italy, and compiled a top ten Christmas markets in Europe. Or, browse our collection of winter holidays by rail.

Don’t delay – trains will book fast for the festive season. Get in touch to discuss your holiday to Europe’s best Christmas markets by train today!

Christmas market dates were compiled through internet research in September 2024 and should be used as a guide only. If you are booking a trip specifically to visit a market, it’s worth checking the dates before you book.