Ten Best Christmas Markets in Europe in 2023
Very soon, every corner of Europe's amazing streets and squares will be decorated with lights and festive cheer. After all, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and the best Christmas markets in Europe are spectacular centres of all things festive.
European Best Destinations has compiled a list of the best Christmas markets in Europe based on an open vote.
From the cool Dutch Valkenburg to the warm Portuguese Madeira, you're sure to find something to your liking.
Valkenburg, the Netherlands
It is rumoured that Santa Claus actually comes from Valkenburg aan de Geul. From 17 November 2023 to 7 January 2024 (confirmed), the small town of Valkenburg, located on the Geul River in South Limburg, will be transformed into "Kerststad Valkenburg".
Essen, Germany
This is the best Christmas market in Germany and it will definitely be in your top 5 best Christmas markets in Europe!
Montbéliard, France
Montbéliard is one of the five best Christmas markets in Europe and the first most beautiful Christmas market in France. This Christmas market, known for the beauty of its illuminations, is traditional and full of real magic.
Riga, Latvia
Riga has been recognised as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, as well as the best location for Christmas lights in Europe and the most authentic Christmas market in Europe. There is no better time to visit Riga than this winter. The Riga Christmas Market in the heart of the OId Town district on Dome Square is back and has a lot to offer visitors.
Craiova, Romania
This is the first year that the Romanian Christmas market has joined the podium of your best Christmas markets in Europe. With an exceptional cultural programme, entertainment for young and old, an ice rink, amazing Christmas houses and some of the most beautiful Christmas fireworks in Europe, Craiova offers the best of Christmas in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk is one of the best places in Europe to spend your Christmas holidays. The Christmas market in Gdańsk is considered one of the most beautiful in Poland. It has been chosen on the podium of the best Christmas markets in Europe, making it the Christmas market in Poland with the most votes since the competition was established in 2009.
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira, a Portuguese island, fully celebrates the arrival of the Christmas season with a traditional Christmas market that takes place on the central avenues of Avenida Arriaga in the centre of the country's main capital, Funchal. The traditions of this island, the climate, local gastronomy and the main events of this holiday will definitely surprise you.
Tallinn, Estonia
Every year, more than half a million people from all over the world come to look for magic at the Tallinn Christmas Fair. Children will love the carousels and Santa Claus, who hands out sweets in his house to those who recite poetry better than others. There will be plenty to choose from: quality handmade products, practical winter accessories and all sorts of trinkets; and your tummy will enjoy gingerbread and hearty Christmas cookies.
Prague, Czech Republic
The Christmas markets on the Old Town Square in the centre of Prague are the largest project of its kind in the Czech Republic. In the heart of the city, there is a traditional Czech market, where dozens of wooden stalls offer typical Christmas goods, such as traditional Czech blown glass balls, glass pearls or straw crafts, hand-embroidered tablecloths, wooden toys, and cookie cutters.
Zagreb, Croatia
Advent Zagreb is perhaps best symbolised by the return of the popular King Tomislav Square ice rink, a magnet for the youngest and a great place to socialise for parents watching their children skate.
In 2016, travellers from all over the world voted Zagreb the best Christmas market in Europe, and to prove that this was no fluke, the following year Zagreb was again named the best Christmas market in Europe. And the year after that. Three years in a row.
