Christmas markets in Europe in 2023 - 12 tips

It's time for Christmas markets in Europe in 2023! Are you travelling somewhere in Europe or planning a trip? Here you can find some great Christmas markets in Europe in 2023.

Christmas markets in Europe in 2023

During this dark time of year, a lit-up Christmas market can be a great place to enjoy a crowd and shop for delicacies or gifts. Here are some popular Christmas markets in Europe in 2023.

1. Christmas market in Tallinn, Estonia

The Christmas market in Tallinn has a long history, with a traditional Christmas tree dating back to 1441. During the Christmas market you will find lots of stalls selling crafts, Christmas decorations and delicacies. There is also a programme of entertainment for young and old.

• Was: Town Hall Square, Tallinn
• When: 1 December 2023 - 7 January 2024
• Read more about Tallinn: 10 things to see and do in Tallinn

2. Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt, Nürnberg, Germany

Germany's Nuremberg is famous for its Christmas market, with more than 200 stalls with striped roofs. You'll find plenty of traditional crafts and there's also a big focus on food, including Nuremberg Rostbratwürste sausages and spekulatius almond cookies.

• Was: Main square, Nuremberg
• When: 1 - 24 December
• Read more about Nuremberg: Medieval feel in Nuremberg

3. Christmas markets in Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is always a great city to visit, especially at Christmas time. There are several Christmas markets in the city, filled with crafts, decorations and delicacies. For example, you can try the hot drink called 'punch' or the pastry 'trdelnik'.

• Was: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square
• When: 2 December 2023 - 6 January 2024
• Read more about Prague: 30 things to see and do in Prague

4. Christmas market in Riga, Latvia

In the historic part of Riga you'll find the Cathedral Square, where the Christmas market has been held since the 16th century. It sells ceramics, jewellery, clothes and Latvian delicacies. For example, you can try the alcoholic drink Riga Black Balsam, which has a distinctive flavour.

• Was: Cathedral Square, Riga
• When:  3 December 2023 - 7 January 2024
• Read more about Riga: 9 things to see and do in Riga

5th Vienna Christkindlesmarkt, Vienna, Austria

The Wiener Christkindlsmarkt is one of Europe's largest and most historic Christmas markets. Here you will find more than 150 different stalls selling Christmas decorations, clothes, jewellery and toys. The atmosphere is enhanced by a large Christmas tree, a life-size nativity scene, a maple tree with glowing hearts, and children's activities such as ice skating and an old-fashioned carousel.

• Was: Rathausplatz, Vienna
• When: 10 November - 26 December 2023

6. Christmas market in Krakow, Poland

Every year a large and popular Christmas market is organised in the main square Rynek Glowny in Krakow. At the market you can shop for Christmas presents or try local Polish food and drink. There is also a programme of music and performances.

• Was: Rynek Glowny Square
• When: 24 November - 26 December 2023
• Read more about Krakow: Krakow - Poland's historical gem

7. Christmas at Tivoli in Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen hosts a variety of Christmas markets, one of which is the one at Tivoli. Every year in December, Tivoli is transformed into a magical place with lights, stalls, delicacies and much more. Of course, you can meet Santa Claus too!

• Was: Tivoli, Copenhagen
• When: 17 November - 31 December 2023
• Read more about Copenhagen: 5 different things to do in Copenhagen

8. Christmas markets in Hamburg, Germany

The most famous Christmas market in Hamburg is the one organised outside the city hall. It features a large Christmas tree and lots of stalls selling crafts and delicacies. However, this is not the only Christmas market in the city, there are also a whole range of other markets to discover.

• Was: Hamburg City Hall, Hamburg
• When: 27 November - 23 December 2023
• Read more about Hamburg: 23 things to see and do in Hamburg

9. Winter Wonders in Brussels, Belgium

The "Winter Wonders" event, organised in and around the Grote Markt in the centre of Brussels, includes a Christmas market with 200 stalls, carousels, a Christmas tree and a sound and light show. In addition, you can of course take the opportunity to taste Belgian waffles and other goodies.

• Was: Grote Markt (Grand Place), Brussels
• When: 24 November - 31 December 2023
• Find out more about Brussels: 18 things to see and do in Brussels

10. Christmas market in Zagreb, Croatia

Croatia's capital Zagreb knows how to get into the Christmas spirit. Here you'll find plenty of lights and stalls selling everything from handicrafts to clothes and jewellery. Don't forget to try the popular 'fritula' pastry.

• Was: Ban Josipa Jelačića Square and King Tomislav Square
• When: 2 December 2023 - 7 January 2024

11. Christmas market in Turku, Finland

Two Christmas markets are organised in Turku, Finland. The Christmas market in the Old Town Square spreads the Christmas spirit over four weekends. In the square you can find crafts, delicacies and performances with music and theatre. Turku's new Market Square also has a market with a carousel, shopping and food experiences.

• Was: Old Stortorget and Turku's new Market Square
• When: Old Market Square: 25-26 November, 2-3 December, 9-10 December and 16-17 December 2023, Turku's new Market Square: 25 November to 22 December 2023.
• Read more about Turku: 25 things to see and do in Turku

12. Christmas market in Budapest, Hungary

There are several Christmas markets in Budapest, the most famous being the one on Vörösmarty Tér in the centre of the city. Here you will find lots of crafts, Christmas decorations and delicacies. You can also taste things like sausages, langos and 'chimney cake'.

• Was: Vörösmarty Tér, Budapest
• When: 24 November - 31 December 2023
• Read more about Budapest: 23 things to see and do in Budapest

More tips for Christmas markets in Europe in 2023?

Do you have any other tips for nice and cosy Christmas markets in Europe in 2023? Let us know!

The photos in the article are partly our own, and partly photos from the Pixabay and Unsplash image banks.