The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets

We’re excited to present our list of the most beautiful Christmas Markets! Around the world, many countries transform during the Christmas season. Streets and squares adorned with lights, glittering storefronts, colorfully decorated Christmas trees, and an abundance of red and green capture the spirit of Christmas. The aroma of cinnamon and gingerbread from sweet shops and the sound of Christmas songs make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale world. Christmas Markets are among the best places to truly experience the Christmas and New Year spirit. Let’s discover the most beautiful Christmas Markets from around the globe!

Over 180 countries are waiting to be explored for their charming Christmas Markets! Travel with Yolcu360’s car rental options to discover these markets worldwide!

What is a Christmas Market?

Particularly in European countries, one of the essential features of Christmas time is the Christmas Markets. Known also as Christmas bazaars or stands, these markets are believed to have first been set up in 1384 in Bautzen, Germany. Not only in Europe, but Christmas markets set up in many countries around the world have become popular, partly due to the belief that exchanging gifts on the day of Jesus Christ’s birth is more significant and special than on other days.

Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th in the Christian faith, marks the birth of Jesus Christ. December 24th is known as Christmas Eve. Christmas markets usually start setting up around four weeks before this day, a period known as Advent. They typically begin in late November and remain open until Christmas Eve, though some countries may have markets open until December 30th or 31st.

Christmas and Christmas Eve are significant religious holidays for Christians, leading to many shops and stores being closed on these days. Similarly, on New Year’s Eve, December 31st, most shops and cafes close in the afternoon. If you’re planning a trip abroad for the New Year, this is important to keep in mind.

Christmas markets are usually set up in the central squares of the cities or the main squares of towns and villages. These markets typically sell Christmas-themed food and drinks, gifts, and decorations. Each Christmas market has its own specific visiting hours. Now, let’s take a look at some of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets.

Basilica Christmas Market – Budapest, Hungary

Topping our list of beautiful Christmas markets is the Basilica Christmas Market, chosen as Europe’s best Christmas market for the second time in 2022. This market is set up in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in Hungary’s capital, Budapest. The area, with its fabulous Christmas atmosphere, also features a large ice rink. Every year, the market hosts various light shows, open-air concerts, and musicals, and has hundreds of different stalls. At these stalls, you can find handicrafts, homemade foods, and many gift items. When visiting the Basilica Christmas Market, you must try “Szaloncukor,” a traditional Hungarian candy made specifically for Christmas, and it also makes a great gift to take home. Also, don’t leave without trying the “Kurtoskalacs,” a sweet made of stacked mini cakes, and “Langos,” a traditional fried dough.

Old Town Square Christmas Market – Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, a city enchanting with its Baroque and Gothic architecture, becomes even more magical during Christmas. Although several Christmas markets are set up around the city, the most famous is the Old Town Square Christmas Market, located right next to the Astronomical Clock Tower. The combination of the market with the surrounding Medieval houses and a 25-meter-tall Christmas tree creates a scene straight out of a movie. The wooden stalls sell a variety of products, from hand-embroidered tablecloths to traditional Czech instruments, gingerbread biscuits, and hot wines. In the Old Town Square Christmas Market, you must try the traditional Czech sausages and Tredelnik dessert.

Wiener Christmas Market – Vienna, Austria

Vienna, split by the Danube River, attracts many with its Baroque architecture, rich cultural fabric, and romantic atmosphere. The city maintains this magical atmosphere during Christmas, hosting numerous Christmas markets. The Wiener Christmas Market is among the most popular. Known for activities for both children and families, it features traditionally dressed street performers, choirs, entertainment programs, and street theaters. The market, also hosting a 3,000 square meter ice rink, is made even more impressive by the surrounding Habsburg Palace. When visiting the Wiener Christmas Market, don’t miss the freshly baked “Pretzels.” Also, make sure to check out the handmade soaps, perfumes, and other gift items in the stalls extending into the city’s old and narrow streets.

Red Square Christmas Market – Moscow, Russia

The Christmas excitement is also palpable outside Europe, in countries like Russia. The Red Square Christmas Market, set up in Moscow’s famous square near the Kremlin Palace and St. Basil’s Cathedral, attracts significant attention each year. The stalls, open from early morning, offer a range of items from antique gifts to handcrafted art decorations. You can also encounter vendors offering different liqueur samples. When visiting the Red Square Christmas Market, we recommend checking out the “Ghzel” ceramics, unique to Russia.

Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market – Berlin, Germany

Germany, the country where Christmas markets first started, naturally hosts some of the best. The Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market, set up in the square of Berlin’s largest palace, is perhaps the most impressive and nostalgic of all the Christmas markets. The market, surrounded by Baroque and Rococo style buildings and next to an orangery, looks like something out of a fairy tale. You can find Christmas decorations, small Christmas trees, wooden toys, and many other gift items in the hundreds of stalls within the market. Also featuring a small amusement park and fairground area, don’t forget to try the “Gluhwein,” a classic German hot wine.

Place Kleber Christmas Market – Strasbourg, France

Of course, Strasbourg, known as the “Capital of Christmas,” makes our list of the most beautiful Christmas markets. The Place Kleber Christmas Market, set up in Kleben Square, remains open not only until Christmas Eve but also into the early days of the new year. The market area, with a 35-meter-tall Christmas tree and thousands of Christmas decorations and lights, hosts many fun moments. The tradition of leaving gifts for the homeless under the Christmas tree, a practice from the past, continues today at the Sharing Fair set up next to the tree, where local products are sold to benefit those in need.

Fira de Santa Llucia Christmas Market – Barcelona, Spain

Last but not least on our list of beautiful Christmas Markets is the Fira de Santa Llucia Christmas Market, set up in front of Barcelona Cathedral since 1786. This lively and entertaining market, the most famous Christmas market in Spain, is a must-visit. Be sure to try the famous Spanish dessert “churros” and delicious “tapas” here. Also, don’t miss the flamenco concerts and juggling shows. At Fira de Santa Llucia, you can find handicrafts, New Year decorations, and second-hand items.