Official website of the Best Destinations in Europe.

Best Christmas Markets in Europe

2023

Discover your selection of the Best Christmas markets in Europe (ranking based on +374,000 votes of worldwide travellers).

 

Want to make the most of your holidays? Discover the 100 most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, the sunniest Christmas Markets, the most beautiful Christmas trees, the Best Christmas Lights but also the best Christmas Markets in GermanyUKFrancePolandSwitzerlandItalyBelgiumThe Netherlands

 

Select the “free cancellation option” and book your accommodation & your Christmas activities today to enjoy the best Christmas deals.

 

 


1. Budapest - Advent Feast at the Basilica

Hungary

budapest-best-christmas-market-in-europe-2022
Copyright: Advent Feast at the Basilica

 

It is for the third time elected Best Christmas Market in Europe! The Advent Basilica, winner of the Best Christmas Market in Europe award 2020-2021-2022, is without doubt one of the most beautiful Christmas fairs in Europe

 

Where love takes your hand - with this slogan, the Advent Basilica, Budapest's uniquely beautiful Christmas fair, opens its doors again. From 24th November to 31st December 2023 (TBC), until the first day of the new year, in front of St. Stephen's Basilica in one of the most impressive, beautiful and breathtaking squares of the Hungarian capital.

 

True to the tradition of this year's 12-year-old Advent Basilica, it promises a unique festive atmosphere around 120 domestic craft exhibitors, real gastronomic adventures, heart-warming programs with so much more surprises. The real, authentic Christmas spirit will move again into the heart of Budapest into the St. Stephen square! 

 

As Christmas is the holiday of love and caring, organizers felt needed to include several charity organizations into their program, thus living up to their motto and to Christian values by helping the less fortunate and those in need.    

 

Book your flights, accommodation, tours and activities in Budapest such as a night cruise with champagne and discover THE most beautiful Christmas market in Europe.

 

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your stay in Budapest at the best price.

 

Opening dates: From 24th November to 31st December 2023 (TBC)

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Budapest and your transfer.

 

Where to stay: Kempinski Hotel  Corvinus situated close to Saint Stephen’s Basilica. Probably the best hotel in Budapest. 

 

For smaller budgets Meininger Budapest Great Market Hall is one of our top picks in Budapest.

 


2. Gdansk

Poland

gdansk-best-christmas-market-europe
Copyright : Visit Gdansk

 

The Gdańsk Christmas Fair is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Poland. You elected it on the podium of the best Christmas markets in Europe, making it the most voted Polish Christmas market since the creation of this competition in 2009.

  

The amazing ambience of the Christmas Fair is mostly created by its unique and mood-setting scenery. The Three Wise Men, angels and saints look at you from Angel Mill, high above. You can ride a horse or take a spin on a fabulous Venetian carousel or find a moment of solace at the Holy Family Shrine.

 

During the Fair, the streets of the historic heart of Gdańsk turn into a Christmas town. Yuletide decorations, stalls with remarkable products and an extensive artistic program ensure that everyone finds something for themselves here. 

 

The Fair  feature 155 stalls with unique gifts, decorations and treats. There is regional products based on carefully preserved family recipes: unique handicrafts, home decorations, natural cosmetics, warm winter accessories and spices to keep you warm.

 

Book your flights, accommodation and tours and activities at the best prices in Gdansk such as a "Gdansk: City Sights and History Guided Walking Tour."

 

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation at the best price in Gdansk.

 

Opening dates: From 24th November to 23rd December 2023 (TBC)

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Gdansk Airport.

 

Where to stay: "Radisson Blu Hotel". The Christmas Market is 700m away".

 


3. Craiova

Romania

metz-christmas-market
Copyright © Primaria Craiova

 

This is the first year that a Romanian Christmas market has joined the podium of your best Christmas markets in Europe. With an exceptional cultural program, entertainment for young and old, an ice rink, amazing Christmas cottages and among the most beautiful Christmas lights in Europe, Craiova offers the best of Christmas in a family atmosphere.

 

For a successful event, Craiova Municipality has distributed the various Christmas events, markets, the ice rink, the concerts, creative workshops, food stands in four different places in the city. They are linked together by magical illuminations (over a million led bulbs) making Craiova not only one of the best Christmas Market in Europe but also the best Christmas Lights Destination in Romania.

 

What is amazing in Craiova are the Christmas cottages, magical painted and original carved with different characters from fairy tales by the most talented artists from Romania. The city creativity and audacity of the whole concept of Christmas Market transforms Craiova into a unique and amazing Christmas destination for everyone.

 

Book your flights and your accommodation at the best prices in Craiova and discover one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations this winter. Let yourself be carried away by the fairy-tale atmosphere of Craiova at Christmas time. 

 

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation at the best price in Craiova.

 

Opening dates:

From 17th November 2023 to 8th January 2024 (TBC)

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Craiova.

 

Where to stay: "Hotel Splendide 1900". Located in the heart of Craiova.

 


4. Vienna

Austria


vienna-best-Christmas-market-in-Europe
Copyright: Muellek

Usually, from mid-November to Christmas, Vienna’s prettiest squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The aroma of Christmas bakery items and hot punch creates a pre-Christmas atmosphere. 

 

One of the most well-known Christmas Markets is the traditional "Vienna Magic of Advent", which turns the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land. Christmas gifts, tree decorations, sweets and warming drinks are awaiting you as well as a carousel and craft fun Christmas Workshops for kids. The trees of the surrounding City Hall park are festively decorated and radiate in a sea of lights - a Viennese experience, you'll definitely don't want to miss! 

 

Another hot spot before Christmas is the cultural and Christmas market in front of Schönbrunn Palace. It offers sheer romance in front of an imperial backdrop, and is converted into a New Year's market after Christmas. The atmospheric market offers traditional handicrafts, hand-made Christmas decorations, Christmas concerts and an extensive children's program, including Christmas workshop..

 

Opening dates: From 18th November to 26th December 2023 (TBC)

 

Nearest airport: Book your flights to Vienna and your transfer.

 

Where to stay: Boutique Hotel Das Tigra is a family-run hotel with a very central location in a quiet street.

 


5. Montbeliard

France

Montbeliard-christmas-market-france
Copyright Max Coquard - BestJobers

 

Montbéliard is in the top 5 of the Best Christmas Market in Europe and on the first position of the most beautiful Christmas market in France. World famous for the beauty of its illuminations, this Christmas market is traditional and authentic. Located in Franche-Comté (Eastern France), the town of Montbéliard – well known for its hospitality- turns into a pure enchantment a few weeks before Christmas.

 

During the time of Advent, Montbéliard revives the tradition of Württemberg and organizes a Christmas market like no other with 140 lovely stalls full of authentic and high quality items. Taking a stroll down the illuminated streets, the visitors may taste the delicious gastronomic products from Montbéliard and France, marvel at the variety of art and crafts, dance to the music and the sound of choral songs.

 

Book your flights and accommodation at the best price for an unforgettable Christmas in Montbéliard.

 

 

 

Opening dates: From 25th November to 24th December 2023 (TBC)

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Basel (1h), Strasbourg (1h30), Metz-Nancy (2h30).

 

Where to stay: Ibis Style Montbeliard, perfect for a 2-night stay. 

 


6. Essen

Germany

Essen Christmas Market
Copyright Visit Essen

 

It is the Best Christmas market in Germany and in your top 5 of the Best Christmas markets in Europe!

 

When fragrant mulled wine warms your hands, the smell of freshly roasted almonds fills the air and a festive glow hangs over the entire Essen city center, it can only mean one thing: The Essen International Christmas Market has started again. From November 17 to December 23, look forward to one of the largest and most beautiful markets in the country, which will make your pre-Christmas season that much more beautiful and magical.

 

The Christmas market stretches all over the city center, and you only have to walk a few steps to get from square to square. The centerpiece is Kennedyplatz. Here you can stroll relaxed along the stalls under a twinkling net of lights and be inspired by the variety of goods. As the name promises, the traders come from around 190 countries all over the world. 

 

Unlike many other Christmas markets in Germany, the organizers in Essen still attach great importance to the fact that you will receive gifts and beautiful things and not just consumables at the majority of the festively decorated stands. 

 

Book your flights to Dusseldörf (20 min by car, 30 by public transport), your accommodation in Essen as well as your tours and activities in Essen

 

Opening dates: From 17th November to 23rd December 2023.

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Dusseldorf (20 min by car, 30 min by public transport).

 

Where to stay: "Hotel Essener Hof". Stay in the heart of Essen.

 


7. Valkenburg

The Netherlands

valkenburg-best-christmas-markets-in-Europe
Copyright: Valkenburg

 

The rumour goes that Santa actually comes from Valkenburg aan de Geul…You see, as days get shorter, Valkenburg – in the ever so enchanting Heuvelland region in de Southern part of the Netherlands – transforms into a cosy and delightful Christmas town. From 17 November 2023 until 7th January 2024 (TBC) the small town of Valkenburg, situated on the river Geul in Zuid-Limburg, turns into ‘Kerststad Valkenburg’. In 2022 Valkenburg can call itself European City of Christmas. In Valkenburg – immersed in a magical atmosphere, with a paradise of twinkling lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees – you see, smell, hear and taste Christmas in everything and there are numerous things to do!

 

Book your flights to Maastricht, your accommodation at the best price in Valkenburg and visit the most beautiful Christmas market in the Netherlands

 

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Valkenburg.

 

Opening dates:  From 17th November 2023 to 7th January 2024 (TBC).

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Maastricht (20 min), Liege (40 min), Cologne (1H). 

 

Where to stay: Hotel Janssen. Guests love their nice breakfast  and the helpful staff.

 


8. Madeira

Portugal

madeira-best-christmas-markets-in-Europe
Copyright Visit Madeira

 

Incredible throughout the year, Madeira and Porto Santo are simply magical for the end of the year celebrations. Imagine two islands of rare beauty adorned with a thousand lights to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

 

The traditions of this island, the climate, the local gastronomy and the main events of this festivity, will surely surprise you. Madeira, a Portuguese island, celebrates to the fullest the arrival of Christmas season, with a traditional Christmas market, held in Avenida Arriaga central walkways, at the heart of its main capital – Funchal.

 

Discover the variety of products in display, exotic flowers and other traditional souvenirs, while experiencing and tasting some of the typical delicacies and drinks of this season, while enjoying the merriment and a very welcoming ambience. Partake in the glee of this season festivities, enjoy the daily activities and entertainment shows, such as Christmas Carols and performances by folklore groups.

 

In the mist of this charming ambiance pay a visit to the Blandy’s Wine Lodges, taste and discover the history behind the iconic and awarded Madeira Wine.

 

Funchal Municipal Garden, grants you the chance to admire Christmas decorations, a venue that invites toddlers to discover hideaways, while playing and having fun in this Christmas setting.

 

Book your flights to Funchal and your accommodation in Madeira at the best price and treat yourself to activities and tours in Madeira such as a Levada Walk or a Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise.

 

Opening dates:  From 1st December 2023 to 7th January 2024.

 

Nearest airport: Book your flights to Funchal and your transfer.

 

Where to stay: Castanheiro Boutique Hotel”. The Christmas Market is 400m away.

 


9. Govone & Asti 

Italy

govone-christmas-market-italy
Copyright magicopaesedinatale.com

 

Govone can proudly bear the title of the most beautiful Christmas market in Italy. This event, created by enthusiasts, is the most important Christmas event in Italy

 

"Magico Paese di Natale” takes place in the little village of Govone, on the hills of Langhe-Roero, the wine region in Piedmont – Unesco World Heritage Site. In winter time, the entire village of Govone turns into the magic kingdom of Santa Claus, with a lot of cultural and gastronomic attractions.

 

There is the wonderful Christmas market, with artisans selected all over Italy. There is a Street Food area and a Magic Kingdom Wine shop, where visitors can find all the traditional local delicacy. But the unique experience  is obviously the amazing musical show of Santa Claus, hosted every day in the scenographic Savoy royal castle of Govone.

 

Book your flights to Turin (1h15) as well as your accommodation in Govone for an unforgetable Christmas in Italy. Select the "free cancellation" option and plan your next winter vacation without obligation.

 

Opening dates: From 11th November to 17th December 2022 (TBC - only the weekends).

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Cuneo (1h by car or public transport from Govone) or Turin Airport (1h15).

 

Where to stay: Castello di Guarene. Offering a spa with an indoor pool and a restaurant. 

 


10. Madrid

Spain

madrid-christmas-market
Copyright: Mattia Bicchi

 

The fair gathering antiques, artworks and collectibles is coming back to Madrid once again this year with more than 12,000 items. Collectors will find thousands of reasons to visit Madrid Christmas Market: vintage pieces from the 1960s to the 1980s, archaeological pieces, paintings and miscellanea.

 

Also, you’ll find pieces of furniture from different styles and periods, such as tables, chairs, stools, trunks, mirrors, home bars, lamps, desks, etc.

 

Book your flights to Madrid, your accommodation in Madrid as well as your tours and activities in Madrid as a "Madrid: Live Flamenco Show with Food and Drink Options".

 

Opening dates: From 24th Nov to 31st December 2023 (TBC).

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Madrid and your transfer.

 

Where to stay: "Hotel Vincci Capitol". Stay in the heart of Madrid. 

 


11. Brussels

Belgium

Brussels Christmas Market
Copyright: VisitBrussels / E.Danhier

 

Winter Wonders is your favourite Christmas market in Belgium followed by Ghent, Antwerpen, Bruges and Liege. With its 2.5 million visitors, Winter Wonders is the unmissable end-of-year event in Brussels which, for the occasion, dons its festive costume and pulls out all the stops on the menu.

 

Capital of Europe, Brussels has also for several years been one of the Christmas capitals with Strasbourg, Budapest and Vienna. The teams in charge of this event set the bar higher every year to offer you moments of pure magic. The great classics are all awaiting you: magnificent Sound and Light shows at the Grand-Place, a majestic tree, a life-sized manger, a skating rink, magical lights and many exhibitions which dot the event and, of course, amazing Christmas markets bursting with treasures which will delight the curious and titillate the gourmets’ taste buds.

 

Book your flights and accommodation at the best price as well as your tours and activities in Brussels such as a "Brussels Chocolate Tasting Tour" and discover the best Christmas market in Belgium.

 

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your stay without obligation. 

 

Opening dates: From 24th November to 31st December 2023

 

Nearest airport: Book your flights to Brussels and your transfer.

 

Where to stay:  Hotel des Galeries. Stay in the historical heart of Brussels.

 


12. Trier

Germany

trier-christmas-market-germany

 

The Trier Christmas market is the best Christmas market in Germany but also the most Romantic Christmas market setting worldwide!

 

Now in its 43rd year, the Trier Christmas market will again be one of the loveliest in all of Germany. Set on the medieval main market and in front of the imposing backdrop of Trier Cathedral, the 95 attractively decorated booths offer a fitting framework for this wonderful event.

 

For the first time, the program for the entire family changes almost daily – from historical puppet theatre to star tenor and songsmiths. The Trier Christmas Market is often described by travel organizers as “romantic with wonderful ambience.” Germany’s only Mulled Wine Queen Sarah Schmitt is looking forward to the international guests in Trier. A large selection with delicious specialties such as the “Original Moselle Vintner Mulled Wine” and festive arts and crafts attracts visitors from all over the world. 

 

Book your flights to Luxembourg Airport (30 min by car / public transport) or Cologne (2h30) as well as your accommodation in Trier and discover the most beautiful Christmas market in Germany.

 

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your Christmas holidays in Trier at the best price.

 

Opening dates: From 24th November to 22nd December 2023.

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Luxembourg Airport (50 min by car / train) or Frankfurt (1h20).

 

Where to stay: Ibis Style Trier for its stunning location in the heart of historical Trier. 

 


13. Edinburgh

Scotland

edinburgh-best-christmas-markets-in-Europe
Copyright Edinburgh's Christmas

 

World-renowned Edinburgh's Christmas celebrations will spread the festive cheer across the Scottish capital between 25th November 2022 and 3rd January 2023. From mulled Irn Bru to vegan pigs in blankets, from Harry Potter-themed gifts to local handmade produce, the stunning Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens will offer treats for all!  Santa Land will return to East Princes Street Gardens with rides for people of all ages to enjoy, whilst Santa’s Grotto once again will take residence on Castle Street.

 

Book your flights, accommodation and tours and activities at the best price such as a ghost bus tour.

 

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation for the next edition of this Christmas market.

 

Opening dates: 24th November 2023 to 1st January 2024 (TBC).

 

Nearest airports: Book your Edinburgh flights and your transfer.

 

Where to stay: "Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile" located in the real heart of Edinburgh.

 


14. Tallinn

Estonia

tallinn-best-christmas-markets-in-Europe
Copyright snowflakediana

 

Already awarded the title of the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe 3 years ago, Tallinn has become a must-see destination at Christmas. The Tallinn Christmas Market delights everyone with its coziness, historical location, centuries-old buildings and long traditions.

 

Every year, more than half a million people from close by and far away come looking for magic at the Tallinn Christmas Market. Children will love the carousels and Santa Claus who distributes candy in his little house to those who are better at reciting verses. You will be spoilt for choice: high-quality handicraft, practical winter accessories and all sorts of nick-nacks too; and your tummy will enjoy gingerbread and hearty Christmas roasts.

 

Book your flights, accommodation and tours and activities at the best prices in Tallinn such as an Estonian Craft Beer tasting tour.

 

Opening dates: From 3rd December 2023 to 7th January 2024

 

Nearest airport: Book your flights to Tallinn and your transfer.

 

Where to stay: "Centennial Hotel Tallinn" located in the best part of Tallinn.

 


15. Prague

Czech Republic

prague-best-Christmas-market-in-Europe
Copyright: Cge2010

 

The Christmas markets in Old Town Square in the centre of Prague are the biggest project of its kind in the Czech Republic. Set in the very heart of the city is a traditional Czech marketplace, where, in dozens of wooden stalls, merchants offer typical Christmas goods such as traditional Czech blown glass balls, products made of glass pearls or straw, hand-embroidered tablecloths, wooden toys, biscuit cutters and many other things.

 

Grown-ups will enjoy the typical mulled wine, and all gourmet, young and old, will enjoy Czech Christmas biscuits, hot roasted chestnuts, gingerbread biscuits or typical Czech grilled sausages and skewered foods.

 

Book your flights, accommodation and tours and activities in Prague such as a sightseeing dinner cruise and discover the most beautiful Christmas market in the Czech Republic.

 

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation at the best price without obligation.

 

Opening dates: From 25th November 2023 to 6th January 2024 (TBC).

 

Nearest airport: Book your flights to Prague and your transfer.

 

Where to stay:
"
Grandior Hotel Prague", located in the ciy centre. 

 


16. Dresden

Germany

Dresden-christmas-market-germany
copyright Shutterstock Editorial ecstk22

 

Glittering lights, twinkling stars, beaming children’s faces, mulled wine, the scent of gingerbread, and Christmas carols – Dresden’s Striezelmarkt boasts a unique character, despite being in its 587th year. Regional specialities, such as Ore Mountain wood crafts, Lusatian blue-printed fabrics and Moravian stars, are particularly popular. And a piece of Original Dresdner Christstollen fruit loaf in the light of the step pyramid from the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) is of course another must. 

 

Everyone who loves the typical Dresdner Stollen, the 26th Dresden Stollenfest on the 8th of December 2021 is exactly the right place to go. A big festival dedicated to the unique Dresden baking tradition, with historic pageant and giant Stollen, weighing several tonnes. The Stollen is cut up at the Striezelmarkt and sold for a good cause. The festival will also feature the “Dresdner Stollenmädchen”, the brand ambassador for Dresdner Christstollen and patron of the festival

 

Book your flights to Dresden, Leipzig (1h) or Prague (1h30), Book your accommodation in Dresden as well as your tours and activities in Dresden such as a "Dresden: Festive Christmas Concert".

 

Opening dates: From 29th November to 24th December 2023.

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Dresden, Leipzig (1h) or Prague (1h30) and your transfer.

 

Where to stay: "Hyperion Hotel". Stay in the heart of Dresden.

 


17. Manchester

United Kingdom

manchester-best-christmas-markets-in-Europe
Copyright Manchester City Marketing

 

For your next winter holiday, explore one of the UK's largest and most beautiful Christmas markets. The most original, biggest and - arguably - the best Christmas markets in the country, Manchester Christmas Markets are an ideal destination for a festive outing.

 

Arriving in the city in 1999, the first Christmas market in the UK has grown every year since, now attracting more than nine million visitors each year. Some 300 beautifully crafted stalls located across the city, offer mouth-watering international food, drinks and finely crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of the buzzing city centre. Spread across 10 individual sites - each with its own distinctive character, the Manchester Christmas Markets have something to offer every festive visitor.

 

Book your flights to Manchester as well as your accommodation and tours and activities, such as a Manchester food tour with a local guide. Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation without obligation now.

 

Opening dates: From 11th November to 22nd December 2023 (TBC).

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Manchester and your transfer.

 

Where to stay: "Motel One Manchester-Piccadilly" offering a central-city location.

 

 


18. Bruges

Belgium

bruges-best-christmas-markets-in-Europe
Copyright Kite_rin-1

The romantic city of Bruges has one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe and you are guaranteed to fall under its spell during your stay. From the end of November, the historic city centre of Bruges will be transformed into a giant Christmas market.

 

In addition to a wonderful atmosphere and plenty of seasonal jollity, you will also be able to find that unusual last-minute present for someone special.

 

The Bruges Christmas and winter market will be located on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein, in the cosy city center. There will be a good range of stalls offering all kinds of scrumptious local food and drinks. Home-made hot chocolate, ice-cold jenever, spiced glühwein... along with Belgian beers, cheeses and hearty dishes. There will be something for everyone.

 

Book your flights to Brussels Airport (1h30 by car or train) as well as your accommodation and your tours and activities in Bruges, such as a chocolate and beer tasting tour.

 

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation at the best price, without obligation.

 

Opening dates: From 24th November 2023 to 7th January 2024 (TBC).

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Brussels Airport (1h30 by car or train).

 

Where to stay: "Hotel Patritius". Stay in the heart of Bruges.

 


19. Rothenburg

Germany

Rothenburg-christmas-market
©Rothenburg Tourismus Service, W. Pfitzinger

 

The smell of “white” mulled wine and roasted almonds, the illumination by thousands of fairy lights and the festive music provided by local brass bands…

 

Once a year, the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber transforms itself into a fairytale winter wonderland. Ever since the 15th century, the festive time prior to Christmas has been accompanied by a delightful Christmas Market. Looking back on over 500 years of tradition little has changed over the years and the historical customs have been closely followed.

 

Everything your heart desires can be found at this charming market, may it be the traditional Christmas pastries or the mulled wine. Gadgets and treasures as well as lovingly crafted Christmas decoration can be found in a variety of booths and are sure to serve as a token of appreciation for loved ones at home as well as a welcomed reminder of your time spent in Rothenburg.

  

Book your flights to Nuremberg (1h) Frankfurt (1h30) or Munich (2h), book your accommodation in Rothenburg as well as your activities and tours in Rothenburg as a "Day Trip Romantic Tour to Rothenburg from Frankfurt".

 

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation in Rothenburg. 

 

Opening dates: From 1st December to 23rd December 2023.

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Nuremberg (1h), Frankfurt (1h30) or Munich (2h) as well as your transfer.

 

Where to stay: "Historic Hotel Goldener". The Christmas Market is 200m away.

 


20. Salzburg

Austria

Salzburg Christmas Market -best-Christmas-market-in-Europe
copyright Izabela23

 

The Christmas Market on Cathedral Square is truly a romantic market with a long history. Its origins go back to 1491, making it the oldest market in Salzburg

 

Spending the Advent season in Mozart's city is like walking into a fairy-tale. The Fortress sits high above the city and the Cathedral serves as a magnificent backdrop for the sales booths while the tempting fragrance of bake apples, incense and cotton candy wafts through the air. 

 

With over 90 events, the Salzburg Christmas Market offers visitors a varied social and cultural programme. These include an exhibition of Christmas mangers, exciting processions of Perchten in their frightening masks and costumes, as well as genuine folk song and dance performances. One of the highlights is the Advent Brass Concert. 

 

Not to forget: Salzburg is the birthplace of the most famous Christmas carol of all time “Silent Night, Holy Night”.

 

Book your flights to Salzburg, Munich (2H) or Innsbruck (2h) as well as your accommodation in Salzburg and your tours & activities in Salzburg as a "Salzburg Christmas Advent Concert with Dinner".

 

Opening dates: From 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024 (TBC). 

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Salzburg, Munich (2H) or Innsbruck (2H).

 

Where to stay: Hotel Goldcasses". The Christmas Marrket is 300m away.

 


Advent in Zagreb

European Best Christmas Market 2016-2017-2018

advent-zagreb-european-best-chtistmas-markets
Copyright: Davor Rostuhar
zagreb-croatia-logo


In 2016 Zagreb was voted the Best Christmas Market in Europe by worldwide travellers and to prove it was no one-off fluke, Zagreb was again named Best Christmas Market in Europe the following year. And the year after that. Three years in a row. 

 

The Croatian capital's Advent programme expanded rapidly, reaching all corners of the city, with a rich programme of events, concerts, gastronomy, ice skating, kids’ activities, and more, all tastefully lit up with festive lighting. 

 

This year it's the return of the magical offer that made it the very best in Europe three years in a row, and which had hundreds of thousands of tourists heading to Croatia. The return to Advent Zagreb in all its glory is perhaps best symbolised by the return of the popular ice skating rink on King Tomislav Square, a magnet for the little ones and a great socialising point for parents watching their kids skate. 

 

Lower Town, Upper Town and several other parts of the city will once again welcome back the food and drink kiosks, filling the cooler evening air with spicy aromas and an opportunity to catch up with friends at every corner.

 

Music and art are central to the soul of Zagreb, and this year's Advent will have an exceptionally rich programme of concerts and exhibitions, both indoor and outdoor. 

 

Book your flights, your activities and tours in Zagreb as well as your accommodation at the best price in the Capital of Croatia which is also your European capital of Christmas!

 

Opening dates: 26th November 2022 - 7th January 2023 

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Zagreb

 

Where to stay: Situated in Zagreb city centre, right next to the Zagreb Main Railway Station, 5-star Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers a fitness centre and sauna.

 


 

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Best in Europe.

Where to go for some festive spirit