Gather around seekers of the Christmas lights, Santa Claus and reindeer. Or fans of good, mulled wine and tasty local meals.

Today, we are exploring some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The ones that will make your holiday special, cozy and fun. It is the time when European squares turn into winter wonderlands filled with the scent of gingerbread, wine, cinnamon, sausages.

From the centuries-old traditions of Strasbourg to a sunny holiday in Lisboa, the best Christmas markets in Europe offer something for everyone.

So, let´s explore 10 magical Christmas Europe destinations that will make your 2025 holiday season unforgettable.

10 Magical Christmas Markets In Europe: Make Your Holiday Special

1. Strasbourg, France

The 2025 market opened on November 26 and will stay open until December 24.

The Strasbourg Christmas market dates to the 16th century and is one of the oldest in Europe. The city is the so-called „ Capital of Christmas “not only for such a long tradition, but also for the locations and festivities included in the celebration.

In 1570, Strasbourg saw the birth of the Christkindelsmärik, a market dedicated to the Baby Jesus. Under snow-covered roofs, the first artisans started a tradition that would last for centuries.

It is one of the most visited places in Europe during winter, with many symbols like The Grand Sapin, Village du Partage and OFF market. In 2025, they obtained an ISO 20121 certification for commitment to a sustainable and socially responsible event.

There are 8 markets in total, and the best way to experience them fully is on foot. It´s a great pick if you enjoy historic towns, picturesque architecture, and a romantic holiday ambience.

For Disney lovers, check out “The World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris”, where cartoons come to life in a winter wonderland.

Explore France Christmas markets with our eSIM and make sure to catch all the best activities.

 

2. Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb Christmas market opened in the last weekend of November, and it closes on January 7^th, 2026.

As a Croatian company, we are proud our capital city has been voted “Best Christmas market destination” by users of travel portal European Best Destinations. For three years in a row. 

During the winter period, the streets around Jelačić Square become the main location for all visitors. You can take a walk from the main square through Zrinjevac towards Tomislav Square. Grab something local to eat like fritule if you like sweets, or “buncek i zelje” if you are more for the real deal. To keep you warm, there are lots of local and international hot beverages around the way.  After a few minutes of walking, you will arrive at an ice fairytale. From sculptures to ice skating around the whole park, this is the place where families and friends gather for a fun moment.

The handcrafted Lady of the Snows wooden toys are completely unique and can be found in multiple markets. No toy is the same, and their recognition goes up to the list of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. Another traditional historical souvenir you can get is Croatia’s famed Licitar heart-shaped cookies or wooden ornaments. Licitar heart dates back to 13th century and if it´s part of every house in Croatia.

For the ones that enjoy magical city views, head to Strossmayer Square in the Upper Town. From there, you can see the Lower Town and take a photo that will stay in your memory for a long time.

Ready to visit the Zagreb Christmas market? Explore all you need with your GigaX eSIM for Croatia.

 

3. Vienna, Austria 

Vienna Christmas Market started on November 6^th. It will be open until January 14^th.

Vienna Christmas Market has charmed visitors for almost 100 years and stands out as one of the most elegant markets in Europe. As you wander through the twinkling lights and aromatic stalls that transform the city's historic squares, you'll discover why Vienna consistently ranks among Europe's most visited Christmas destinations.

The air is filled with the scent of gingerbread known as Lebkuchen, famous Kaiserschmarrn pancakes, sausages and mulled wine. The sound of a live musical performance echoes through old Cobblestone streets. And it really feels like a winter wonderland.

Vienna offers plenty to enjoy during the winter season, from tasting declicous food like Bratkartoffeln to shopping for unique handcrafter ornamets.

And if you are a classical music lover, Christmas in Vienna is the perfect location to be. Explore a variety of the most popular concerts and operas, one of the most famous Christmas performances in the world.

Most markets open between 10 am and 12 pm, and close around 10pm. The official working hours can be found on their website – Vienna Christmas Market

After 26^th December, the city transforms into New Years Eve market, so if you are there during these last days of December, you might catch both.

Going to Vienna? Stay connected with eSIM and share your wonderland moments.

 

4. Prague, Czechia

Prague Christmas Market opened on November 29, 2025, and it will remain open until January 6, 2026. The city has two main Christmas markets. One is in Old Town Square, and the other is in Wenceslas Square, which are 5 minutes’ walk from each other. The Old Town Square offers a Christmas atmosphere in historical architecture, with open-air music stages, festivities and a spectacular 26-meter Christmas tree illuminated with 110,000 LED lights.  A tree lighting ceremony accompanied by rousing classical music ('Vltava' by Czech composer Bedřich Smetana) takes place daily at: 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, 19:30, 20:30, 21:30. (source: pragueexperience.com) Wenceslas Square is a bit smaller, offering equally charming markets and ice skating. Tasty food like ham, flatbread topped with garlic or Czech Christmas fish soup and a variety of famous local beers are also around every corner. In addition to the main ones, Prague also holds small and local Christmas markets throughout the city. With the same amount of holiday spirit. Visitors can also find unique, crafted souvenirs, enjoy music and traditional crafts activities. If you are planning to visit Prague, stay connected with GigaX eSIM and always be able to check the top locations.

 

 

5. Nuremberg, Germany

The official opening of the Nuremberg Christmas market was on November 28. It will be open until Christmas Eve (December 24).

It ranks among the oldest and most celebrated Christmas markets in Europe, tracing its heritage back to 1628 in the enchanting medieval heart of Bavaria.

The "little city of wood and cloth" features approximately 180 wooden booths with distinctive red-and-white striped roofs in the historic Hauptmarkt square.

The gift-giver here is a bit different, and it´s called Christkind. Usually a young woman angel with blond hair. The change is connected to Martin Luther, who wanted to turn away from the catholic customs and Saint Nicolas who originally brought gifts on December 6th. He started the story that “Holy Christ” is bringing presents, and through the years the character started to appear both in male and female appearances. Today, Christkind is famous not only in Germany but some other European countries, as well as parts of Latin America, Brazil and USA regions like Louisiana. So, don´t be surprised if there is a lady giving gifts, instead of a big, bearded, grey man we all know.

In the Nuremberg Christmas market, you can find a special section named “Sister Cities” with goods from the USA, Nicaragua, China…A place where cultures mix.

Beyond the main market, explore the Children's Christmas Market with its nostalgic carousel and Ferris wheel. There is also a variety of events for individuals, friends and families with guided tours in English.

Sausages are among the top-rated foods here and everything has revolved around them for more than 700 years. As a result, most famous winter meals here include some kind of Wurst.

Other markets to visit in Germany: Berlin, Koln, Dresden….

Visiting Germany during the winter holidays? Get your eSIM for Germany and travel without the worries of connecting to your people.

 

6. Wroclaw, Poland

The market is open from 21st November 2025 to 7th January 2026.

If you are looking for a magical and visually spectacular Christmas market, then Wroclaw is the place to go. Although it´s the second largest (Krakow is first), it becomes a true fairy tale during festive period. It is also often listed as one of the best in Europe. The market is known for its colorful, twinkling lights, charming wooden stalls, and a stunning backdrop of the Gothic Town Hall. The center of events is in the Rynek market Square, but many attractions can be found in the surrounding areas like Plac Solny and Swidnicka Street.

While walking you can smell the tradition in the air. From bigos stew to Pierniki cookies, there is something for everybody. The main thing is for sure, Poland’s famous dumplings called “Pierogi”. While you walk you can buy many souvenirs, see many attractions or just relax and enjoy sitting in a local restaurant

Hearing out Christmas carols on the streets is an extra touch of the holidays in Poland. As here, Christmas carols are taken very seriously. 

If you are more fan of traditional and cozy atmosphere, then maybe Krakow is also a good choice for your holiday trip in Europe.

7. Budapest, Hungary

From November 14th to January 1st, 2026, Hungarian capital city Budapest turns into a winter wonderland

Offering festive cheer on both sides of the Danube, the city has two main Christmas markets and few smaller ones:

1.     Vörösmarty Square, Budapest's oldest and most-visited market

2.     St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market repeatedly voted one of Europe's most beautiful. 

Traditional Hungarian Christmas fare includes goulash, stuffed cabbage, lángos, and sweet treats like chimney cake. Visitors can explore beautiful handcrafts, enjoy a laser show on the Basilica, send letters to Santa, or go skating at the rink.

For families, the top event is Santa Clause visitation that will happen on Dec 6. It makes the street a special place for kids.

What makes many of the Christmas markets really enticing and outstanding in Budapest is that there is a real focus on trying to preserve authentic Hungarian folk art, traditions and offer really good quality handcrafts rather than commercialised kitchy Christmas gifts. (source: https://budapestchristmas.com/budapest-christmas-markets)

Going to visit Santa and Hungarian Christmas markets? Get your eSIM for Hungary

8. Riga, Latvia

The Riga markets run from 28th November 2025 to 5th January 2026. European Best Destinations voted Riga as the most authentic Christmas market in Europe in 2024. It might not be a big city as some of our list, but it doesn´t lack the festive atmosphere. Riga also has a historical connection to Christmas trees, dating back to the 16th century. According to tradition and historical records, the Brotherhood of the Blackheads placed the supposed first decorated Christmas tree in the city’s Town Hall Square. The event occurred in 1510, and it may represent the first tree decorated for this purpose. But one more city claims it decorated a tree even earlier. Keep reading to find out which one. Many years later, Riga still holds the title of one of the most Christmasy locations. Check the best hotels to stay, streets to walk and things to do in Tallin with our data eSIM for Estonia.

 

9. Talinn, Estonia

Christmas story in Tallin runs from November 21 to December 28,2025.

In 2024, the city was listed among the top-ranked markets in Europe. Notable for both atmosphere and popularity. And in 2019, it was voted as the best Christmas market.

At the heart of Tallinn's UNESCO-listed Old Town, wooden stalls surround an impressive 14-meter Christmas tree. This market also has historical significance as the site of Europe's first public Christmas tree tradition, dating back to 1441. It is a bit older than the one in Riga, but with the subjects involved. According to their records, first decorated tree was placed here, in Town Hall Square by The Brotherhood of the Blackheads.

The Tallinn Christmas Market also has the richest selection of mulled wine in Europe. There are dozens of varieties, from cranberry-cherry mulled wine, unique Setomaa raspberry to the non- alcohol ones.

This is a great option if you appreciate Nordic/Baltic charm and a quieter, more intimate market than major tourist-heavy capitals.

If you are planning to visit Tallin, check our eSIM data plans for Estonia and stay connected during your visit.

 

   10. Lisboa, Portugal

From November 22 to January 4, 2026, Lisboa becomes the Christmas location for travelers who are seeking sunny winter holiday destinations in Europe. Their got the “Best sunny Christmas market” badge for the year, and for a reason. Lisboa Wonderland, located in The Parque Eduardo VII transforms into a place with twinkling lights, laughter, and people mingling around through the sounds of music that is playing on the streets. Some travelers describe it as a Christmas amusement park. And not too far away, the magic of Christmas can be experienced in Baixa-Chiado, that offers twice as many wooden houses with traditional handcrafts and flavors. Baixa Lisboeta will be the stage for performances this year. A place for the ones that enjoy the sound of folk groups, academic tunas and philharmonic bands. Visitors can experience a joyful spirit throughout the whole city. From a giant Ferris wheel with a magical view over Lisboa and the Tagus River to Santa´s House and the Village of Affection. Planning a trip to Portugal? Grab you eSIM and stay connected during the journey.

 

 

Christmas markets in Europe – magic for all generations

Families with children will find dedicated attractions at nearly every market. From carousels in Tallinn to Santa's visit in Budapest. Meanwhile, couples can enjoy romantic ice-skating paths in Zagreb or the most magical views from the Lisboa Ferris wheel.

Weekday mornings and early afternoons provide more relaxed experiences. While evenings showcase the markets at their most magical with illuminated displays.

Pack something warm, grab your ticket and explore Christmas markets in Europe.

Stay connected with GigaX eSIM for Europe region or individual country. Share your Christmas moments, call your family and wish them happy holidays.