There is something magical about wandering through a busy holiday market while the scent of gingerbread, roasted nuts and mulled wine fills the air.
These markets, bursting with dazzling lights and hand crafted treasures, are a tradition that dates back centuries.
Today, they have become global attractions. As we step into the festive season, many travelers are searching for the best Christmas markets around the world 2025, hoping to capture that classic winter wonderland experience.
Few cities embrace the festive spirit quite like Vienna. Although the Austrian capital hosts nearly 20 different markets each winter, the Wiener Christkindlmarkt remains the star. Held on Rathausplatz in front of Vienna’s grand City Hall, this iconic market is a picture perfect winter scene, complete with a reindeer train, a giant Ferris wheel and an enormous Advent wreath.
One of its biggest attractions is the Tree of Hearts, a towering maple tree decorated with hundreds of glowing heart shaped ornaments.
Visitors can enjoy everything from Austrian sausages to gingerbread cookies and traditional punch. Families especially adore the children’s ice rink, which spans more than 100 square meters and creates a delightful holiday playground. This market runs from mid November until December 26, with the ice rink open into early January.
Switzerland knows how to deliver a true holiday moment, and Basel’s Christmas Market is often considered the country’s finest. With its two main locations at Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz, Basel transforms into a glowing Christmas village during the season.
More than 150 stalls offer handcrafted goods, spices, candles and seasonal treats. Children are treated to a fairytale forest complete with gingerbread decorating stations, puppet shows and workshops. Visitors can climb St. Martin’s tower for panoramic views of the illuminated old town or sip mulled wine beside the towering Christmas pyramid.
Strasbourg Christmas Market, France
Strasbourg proudly calls itself the Capital of Christmas, and with good reason. Its historic market traces its roots to 1570 and is one of the oldest in Europe. Today, it spreads across more than 10 locations throughout the city, bathing its medieval streets in warm, festive lights.
The market draws more than two million visitors each year. Highlights include Place Kleber, home to the city’s Great Christmas Tree, and countless wooden chalets selling ornaments, toys, handmade crafts and Alsatian wine. Wandering the narrow alleyways between stalls feels like walking through a real life postcard.
Winter Wonders, Brussels, Belgium
More than a market, Winter Wonders in Brussels is a full scale Christmas festival. Stretching across the Grand Place, Place Sainte Catherine and several surrounding squares, this event features a light and sound show, an ice skating rink and dozens of fairground attractions.
Visitors can browse nearly 200 chalets filled with Belgian chocolates, waffles, gluhwein and local crafts. The Christmas tree in the Grand Place is a stunning centerpiece, especially when illuminated at night.
Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic
Prague transforms into a dreamy winter wonderland each year, making it one of Europe’s most festive cities. The two major markets, located in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, are only a short walk apart.
Expect lively music performances, dance shows, creative workshops and abundant Czech treats like klobasa and mulled wine. The markets are open from late November into early January, allowing travelers plenty of time to soak up the warm holiday energy.
Fira de Santa Llucia, Barcelona, Spain
Dating back to 1786, Barcelona’s Fira de Santa Llucia is one of the oldest and most cherished Christmas fairs in Spain. Set in front of the iconic Barcelona Cathedral, this bustling event is divided into four themed sections: nativity figurines, greenery and plants, crafts and musical instruments.
Visitors can shop for handmade gifts, join storytelling sessions, watch festive parades and participate in the beloved Catalan tradition of Caga Tio, a fun and quirky holiday character that children adore.
Florence’s Piazza Santa Croce Market, Italy
Florence adds its own artistic flair to the holiday season with the Mercati Natale at Piazza Santa Croce. While it takes inspiration from German style markets, its Italian charm shines through in the architecture and local delicacies such as panforte.
Visitors can also stroll to the nearby Piazza del Duomo where a large nativity scene and Christmas tree add to the festive scenery.
Advent in Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb’s Advent celebration has earned repeated recognition as one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. Spread across roughly 25 locations, the event offers live nativity scenes, ice sculptures, street performances, themed bars and even a Christmas tram.
One of the most joyful sections is the area devoted to fooling around where visitors dance, snack on street food and enjoy live entertainment.
Christmas in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens is enchanting any time of year, but during Christmas it becomes truly magical. With more than a thousand decorated trees, glowing installations and charming rides, the park feels like a fairy tale.
A standout tradition is the annual Lucia procession on December 13, where more than a hundred girls walk through the gardens singing and carrying candles. Visitors also enjoy fireworks shows scheduled during the holiday period.
Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia
Located in Tallinn’s historic Town Hall Square, this market brings together local cuisine, artisan bread, winter crafts and entertainment. Children love the carousels, Santa’s grotto and reindeer sleighs.
The Christmas tree displayed in the square each year has been a tradition since 1441, making it one of the oldest tree displays in Europe.
Skansen Christmas Market, Stockholm, Sweden
Held inside the world’s oldest open air museum, this market blends Swedish history with festive charm. Visitors can explore decorated historical houses, join dancing circles around the Christmas tree and taste traditional Swedish foods.
The market runs on weekends, offering a warm, authentic holiday experience.
Tuomaan Markkinat, Helsinki, Finland
Set in Senate Square, Helsinki’s Christmas market centers around a vintage carousel and dozens of vendors selling traditional delicacies, glogi and handmade crafts. Younger guests can visit Santa’s wooden cabin or decorate holiday cookies.
Budapest’s Basilica Market and Vörösmarty Square, Hungary
Budapest hosts two of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets. In front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, dazzling 3D light shows play across its facade, while more than one hundred stalls offer treats and crafts.
Vörösmarty Square attracts huge crowds each season, featuring a beloved Advent calendar whose windows open daily from December 1 to 23.
Christkindlesmarkt and Gendarmenmarkt, Germany
Germany’s Christmas traditions are world renowned, and its markets remain among the most iconic globally. In Berlin, the Gendarmenmarkt hosts warm wooden huts filled with festive food and gifts.
Meanwhile, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, dating back to the 16th century, welcomes nearly two million visitors annually. With around 200 market stalls, it is one of Europe’s most cherished holiday destinations.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
This massive London event is packed with rides, attractions, food stalls and live entertainment. Families enjoy ice sculpting workshops, circus shows and the outdoor ice rink, while thrill seekers gravitate toward the towering big wheel and fairground rides.
Edinburgh at Christmas, Scotland
Edinburgh’s historic city center glows with festive markets, immersive displays and seasonal attractions. The Christmas market in East Princes Street Gardens features up to 70 stalls, a Ferris wheel and an 80 meter star flyer ride. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning Castle of Light show at Edinburgh Castle.
Krakow Christmas Market, Poland
Held in the city’s large central square, this market offers a beautiful backdrop with St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall. Visitors enjoy homemade Polish dishes, crafts and a charming nativity scene competition displayed around the Adam Mickiewicz statue.
Bratislava Christmas Fair, Slovakia
Set across several squares in the city center, this fair includes traditional Slovak foods, mulled wine, live performances and a giant Christmas tree. The free Christmas tram adds an extra layer of fun for families.
Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Singapore transforms its famous gardens into a colorful holiday playground each year. With carnival games, illuminated sculptures, rides and a Christmas train, this event blends modern attractions with festive cheer in a tropical setting.
Distillery Winter Village, Toronto, Canada
Held in Toronto’s historic Distillery District, this cozy village features artisan shops, handcrafted gifts, outdoor cabins and holiday performances. The event is inspired by the atmosphere of traditional European markets but infused with local Canadian charm.
Winter Village at Bryant Park, New York
One of the most popular holiday attractions in the United States, Bryant Park’s Winter Village includes more than 150 kiosks, a large skating rink and a busy food hall. The frozen fountain and skyline views create a beautiful winter backdrop.
These markets prove that the festive season is celebrated with incredible creativity, warmth and tradition around the globe. Whether you want classic European charm, modern holiday attractions or a blend of both, the best Christmas markets around the world 2025 offer unforgettable winter magic. Visiting any of these destinations is a chance to experience the holiday spirit in its brightest form.
