Christmas markets in Europe - 12 cosy markets at Christmas time

Christmas markets in Europe are what we're talking about today. We're already in November and it won't be long before Christmas markets are welcoming guests into the festive spirit. Here are some tips on 12 cosy Christmas markets in Europe.

Twelve Christmas markets in Europe

Here are 12 Christmas markets in Europe, some of which we've visited during our Christmas travels, and others where we've visited the featured city at a different time of year. All of these places organise famous Christmas markets, as well as offering many other experiences and attractions.

1. Bremen, Germany

From late November to late December, the area around the Bremen Town Hall is transformed into a magical wonderland. Here, around 170 decorated stalls, romantic Christmas lights and aromas of roasted almonds, gingerbread and mulled wine meet. What's more, Bremen is a great city, with Unesco heritage, city musicians and the cosy Schnoor district.

• Date: 21 Nov - 23 Dec 2022
• Read more about Bremen: What to do in Bremen - our 17 top tips

2. Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw's big Christmas market is organised in the square in front of the Royal Palace. A Christmas market is also organised in front of the Palace of Culture. At the markets you can find Polish crafts and sample local delicacies. The city is also lit up by the annual Warsaw Christmas Light Festival. While visiting the capital of Poland, you can also take the opportunity to visit interesting museums and enjoy good food.

• Date: 26 Nov 2022 - 6 Jan 2023
• Read more about Warsaw: Things to do in Warsaw - our top 13 tips
• Read more about the Christmas market: Warsaw Christmas market

3. Tallinn, Estonia

The Tallinn Christmas Market is organised in the Town Hall Square. The tradition of placing a large Christmas tree here has been going on since 1441. Now the market also offers traditional Estonian food and local crafts, as well as carousels and other activities. In Tallinn, you can also experience a great historical environment, as well as sights and restaurants.

• Date: 25 Nov 2022 - 8 Jan 2023
• Read more about Tallinn: Weekend in Tallinn - tips for things to do
• Don't miss out: Kadriorg Palace

4. Åland, Finland

Åland invites you to the "Åland Glitters" event during three weekends before Christmas. During these weekends you can visit both Christmas markets and various farms, which open up to visitors for the Christmas spirit.

• Date: 26-27 Nov, 3-4 Dec and 10-11 Dec 2022
• Read more about the Christmas market: About Åland Glimrar on Visit Åland

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Christmas is held at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen with thousands of sparkling lights and colourful Christmas trees. Here you will find stalls with goodies, rides, child-friendly Christmas cultures and Christmas food in Tivoli's restaurants. Copenhagen is also a cosy city to wander around, full of eateries and museums.

• Date: 19 Nov - 31 Dec 2022
• Read more about Copenhagen: 5 different things to do in Copenhagen

6. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague has several Christmas markets, the largest and most popular of which is held in the Old Town Square. The market is dominated by a large Christmas tree and around it are lots of stalls selling traditional Czech products, handmade decorations and various delicacies. Prague is also a wonderful city to explore, full of beautiful houses, theatres, unusual museums and food experiences.

• Date: 26 Nov 2022 - 6 Jan 2023
• Read more about Prague: What to do in Prague - our top 30 tips
• Read more about the Christmas market: Christmas market in Prague
• Don't miss out: Restaurants and Food Tour

7. Budapest, Hungary

There are several Christmas markets in Budapest, the most famous being the one on Vörösmarty Tér in the heart of the city. Here you will find lots of crafts, Christmas decorations and delicacies. There are also plenty of edible items to try, such as sausages, langos and 'chimney cake'. While you're in Budapest, you can check out all the beautiful houses, eat good Czech food and maybe take a dip in one of the historic bathhouses.

• Date: 18 Nov 2022 - 1 Jan 2023
• Read more about Budapest: What to do in Budapest - our 23 top tips
• Read more about the Christmas market: Christmas market in Budapest
• Don't miss out: All the wonderful Hungarian baths

8. Brussels, Belgium

The 'Winter Wonders' event is held on the Grote Markt (Grand Place) and in the centre of Brussels. Winter Wonders includes a Christmas market, an amusement park with a Ferris wheel, an ice skating rink and a sound and light show. Brussels is also an exciting city with grand buildings, cartoon characters, bars, waffles and chocolate.

• Date: 25 Nov 2022 - 1 Jan 2023
• Find out more about Brussels: 18 things to do in Brussels as a tourist
• Don't miss out: Belgian waffles

9. Poznan, Poland

The Poznan Christmas market is held in Freedom Square and features a nativity scene. On 10-12 December, there is also an international ice sculpture competition, whose entries are left until they melt. Poznan is also a city with a beautiful square and an interesting history.

• Date: 18 Nov - 27 Dec 2022
• Read more about Poznan: Things to see and do in Poznan
• Don't miss out: Baking St Martin croissants in a museum

10th Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, offers a wonderful Christmas atmosphere during Advent. You'll find several Christmas markets in the city, which is beautifully decorated and filled with Christmas lights. The markets offer decorations, crafts, toys and delicacies, and if you wish, you can try freshly made 'fritule' - a type of doughnut that is extremely popular. Zagreb also offers a wide range of historical sights.

• Date: 26 Nov 2022 - 6 Jan 2023
• Read more about Zagreb: Zagreb - sights and things to do
• Read more about the Christmas market: Christmas market in Zagreb
• Don't miss out: Good restaurants in Zagreb

11. Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg is known for its fish market, but also organises cosy Christmas markets. The largest Christmas market in the city is held in front of the town hall. In addition, there are many other things to experience in Germany's second largest city. You can check out the Reeperbahn, listen to concerts at the Elbphilharmonie concert hall or visit the 'Miniatur Wunderland'.

• Date: 22 Nov - 23 Dec 2022
• Read more about Hamburg: What to do in Hamburg - our 23 best tips
• Don't miss out: Hamburg's best restaurants

12th Riga, Latvia

Riga hosts several cosy Christmas markets. For example, you'll find a Christmas market in the Old Town, with stalls full of crafts, gifts and treats, such as gingerbread, Latvian honey or the spirit 'Black Balsam'. In the city, you can also see beautiful Art Nouveau houses, swim in spas and eat in exciting restaurants that use local ingredients in new and creative ways.

• Date: 27 Nov 2022 - 1 Jan 2023
• Read more about Riga: Sights and experiences in Riga
• Read more about the Christmas market: Christmas market in Riga
• Don't miss out: Riga's best restaurants

More tips on Christmas markets in Europe?

Do you have any other tips for nice and cosy Christmas markets in Europe? Let us know!