Top 10 best Christmas markets in Europe (2025), according to a Saily study

Where are the best Christmas markets in Europe?

According to 2025 research conducted by Saily, the best Christmas markets in Europe are found in Edinburgh, Strasbourg, Bath, Tallinn, and Vienna based on budget, picturesqueness, and likelihood of getting snowfall in December. More traditionally famous Christmas markets are the ones in Cologne, Prague, Budapest, and Berlin — you’ll likely get these results if you search up where the best Christmas markets in Europe are. Pinpointing which markets to visit comes down to whether you’re interested in crossing off the big names off your bucket list or whether you’d prefer fewer crowds and more bang for your buck. If budget is your main concern, jump to the section on the most affordable Christmas markets in Europe for 2025! Without further ado, let’s cover the methodology we used to conduct our research and go through our top 10 European Christmas markets to experience firsthand in 2025. 

Best Christmas markets in Europe 2025: Our top 10 list based on research

We compiled a list of the 10 best Christmas markets in Europe for December 2025 after examining 94 Christmas markets across the continent, taken from CN Traveler, Time Out, Civitatis, Veranda, and Architectural Digest. Using data from Numbeo, Skyscanner, AccuWeather, and Instagram, we accounted for three metrics: 1) affordability (the price of a drink, an inexpensive meal, and a night in a 4-star hotel in December), 2) the likelihood of the city seeing snow in December, and 3) how beautiful we thought the market was. We weighed each of the three metrics with distinct values and gave each Christmas market a final score from 0 to 1 (yay, math!). Now it’s time to look through our list of specific European Christmas markets as well as cities with the best Christmas markets in Europe — you might be surprised to find some underdogs! 

1. Edinburgh’s Christmas in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Set in the historic city center against the romantic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh’s Christmas is one of the UK’s most picturesque Christmas festivals. You’ll find classic Christmas stalls and chalets at the East Princes Street Gardens Traditional Markets, selling quintessential Christmas goodies like mulled wine as well as heavenly Scottish treats like shortbread. The festival is also easily one of the best Christmas markets in Europe for kids, packed with family-friendly attractions like fair rides, live performances, an ice rink, and Santa’s Stories — a chance for your little ones to enjoy a festive tale, hot chocolate, and a chance to meet Santa. Adults will also have plenty to indulge in at the Polar Ice Bar, which features sculpted ice chairs, tables, and glasses (don’t worry, you’ll get complimentary jackets and gloves upon arrival!). If you need one more reason to head to Edinburgh this Christmas season, the festival also gives back through its Community Tickets Initiative, gifting tickets for the ice rink, Santa’s Stories, and the LNER Big Wheel to local charities and community groups — 8,000 tickets were gifted in 2024 alone!

📍 Where: Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2DG, United Kingdom, and along George St. 

🗓 Dates for 2025: November 15, 2025 - January 4, 2026

🕗 Opening hours: 

• 10 am to 10 pm daily

• 10 am to 8 pm (Dec. 24)

• Closed on Dec. 25

• 12 pm to 8 pm (Dec. 26)

• 10 am to 5:30 pm (Dec. 31)

• 12 pm to 8 pm (Jan. 1)

• 10 am to 6 pm (Jan. 4)

🎟 Admission price: Free

• £12 (US$16.02) for an adult ticket to the LNER Big Wheel, £9.60 (US$12.82) for Edinburgh residents and people with disabilities

• Starting at £7 (US$9.35) for Santa’s Stories

🥨☕ What to try: Walkers shortbread-loaded crumble, Highland loaded fries, mince pies, hot chocolate.

🛍 What to buy: Handcrafted ornaments, Christmas teddies.

2. Strasbourg, France

Hailed as the “Capital of Christmas,” it’s no wonder Strasbourg is home to what many consider to be the best Christmas market in France. Strasbourg hosts the oldest Chrìstkìndelsmärik (Christmas market, in the Alsatian dialect) in France and one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to 1570. Even before then, a more archaic version called Klausenmärik (St. Nicholas Market) was held outside the cathedral. Today, visitors can enjoy 300+ stalls around the city, selling a wide array of products 100% produced in Alsace by local farmers and craftspeople. Make sure not to miss the OFF market while in Strasbourg — a market established in 2016, focusing on sustainable and ethical goods. Here, you can find vintage furniture, second-hand and customized clothing, original local arts and crafts, books, second-hand toys, and organic and fair trade food. 

📍 Where: Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are spread across the city — check out a map of the city’s Christmas markets for a full list. But make sure to head over to the most iconic spots:

• Place Kléber

• Place Broglie

• Place de la Cathédrale

🗓 Dates for 2025: November 26 - December 24, 2025

🕗 Opening hours: 

• 11:30 am - 9 pm daily

• 11:30 am - 6 pm (Dec. 24)

🎟 Admission price: Free

🥨☕ What to try: Choucroute (traditional Alsatian sauerkraut), tarte flambée (thin pizza with crème fraîche), macarons, local pilsners and lagers.

🛍 What to buy: Traditional Christmas candles, vintage and second-hand items.

3. Bath Christmas Market, United Kingdom

Nestled in the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath (not the kind you soak in), the Bath Christmas Market offers a cozy, laidback atmosphere that earned it the title of the best UK Christmas market in 2024. While it’s less elaborate than its much bigger and more famous Central European counterparts, you’ll still get to peruse rows of wooden stalls selling handcrafted jewelry, art, and locally made gifts, alongside international eats. Visitors can also wander between independent boutiques and high-street shops that sandwich the market stalls. Just be sure to plan your visit as early as you can — Bath’s Christmas market ends quite a bit sooner in the season than other European Christmas markets.

📍 Where: 36 Stall Street, Bath BA1 1QH, United Kingdom

🗓 Dates for 2025: November 27 - December 14, 2025

🕗 Opening hours: 

• 10 am to 7 pm (Mon.-Wed.)

• 10 am to 8 pm (Thu.-Sat.)

• 10 am to 6 pm (Sun.)

🎟 Admission price: Free

🥨☕ What to try: Pigs in a blanket (vegan options available).

🛍 What to buy: Locally-made crafts and jewelry. 

4. Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia

Did you know that the first Christmas tree to be put on display in Europe is rumoured to have been in Tallinn? That’s right, Estonia’s oldest Christmas tree has been displayed in Tallinn’s Town Hall Square since 1441. Our first Baltic gem on the list, UNESCO recognizes Tallinn as one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, whose charm is illuminated by the Christmas season. Tallinn is a great destination for tourists looking to escape the bustling crowds of Central European Christmas markets and get a more intimate market experience. Don’t miss Gingerbread Mania, an exhibit of intricately decorated gingerbread cookies that are said to become more elaborate each year. Check out the Tallinn Christmas market program to see which performances pique your interest. 

📍 Where: Raekoja plats, 10146 Tallinn, Estonia

🗓 Dates for 2025: November 21 - December 28, 2025

🕗 Opening hours: 10 am - 8 pm daily (however, hot drinks are served until 10 pm on Mon.-Thu. and until 11 pm on Fri.-Sat.)

🎟 Admission price: Free

🥨☕ What to try: Black pudding (vegan options are available), glögg (Estonian mulled wine with sea buckthorn and blueberry).

🛍 What to buy: Wool mittens/socks with traditional Estonian patterns.

5. Viennese Dream Christmas Market and Stephansplatz Christmas Market in Vienna, Austria

Between the sound of classical music and the delectable smell of roasted chestnuts wafting through the air, Christmas markets in Vienna are nothing short of romantic. Formerly known as Krippenmärkte, Viennese Christmas markets date back to the Middle Ages, and the city’s modern iterations pay homage to its timeworn Christmas traditions. Vienna hosts a number of markets during the holiday season, but we’ll cover two of the best Christmas markets in the city.

Viennese Dream Christmas Market (Wiener Christkindlmarkt)

Situated in front of the neo-Gothic City Hall, the Viennese Dream Christmas Market is the quintessential image of Christmas in Vienna. Visitors can expect nearly 100 stalls with breathtaking Christmas lights and garlands as well as a massive Christmas tree gifted each year by a different Austrian province. The Viennese Dream Christmas Market indeed hosts a dreamy Christmas atmosphere — especially for children. Inside City Hall, little ones are invited to bake and decorate Christmas cookies, craft Christmas cards, and write letters to Christkind (the traditional gift-giver of Austria). Admittedly, the products at this Christmas market are on the pricier side, but for good reason — 75% of the products, food, and drinks are organic and sustainably grown. 

📍 Where: Rathausplatz, 1010 Vienna, Austria

🗓 Dates for 2025: November 14, 2025 - December 26, 2025

🕗 Opening hours: 

• 10 am - 10 pm daily

• 10 am - 6:30 pm (Dec. 24)

🎟 Admission price: Free

🥨☕ What to try: Krapfen (donuts with various fillings), knödel (Austrian dumplings), raclette (bread topped with raclette cheese), Viennese coffee.

🛍 What to buy: Wooden nutcrackers, Alpine ornaments, local jam, Mozartkugel (chocolate with marzipan encased by a wrapper with Mozart’s portrait).

Stephansplatz Christmas Market

Although a newer market compared to the Viennese Dream Christmas Market, the Stephansplatz Christmas market embraces Austrian Christmas traditions all the same. With just over 40 stalls, visitors can enjoy a smaller and more tranquil atmosphere compared to other Viennese markets. Plus, gorgeous views of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and traditional performances of Christmas carols make this market one for the books. 

📍 Where: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna, Austria

🗓 Dates for 2025: November 8, 2025 - December 26, 2025

🕗 Opening hours: 

• 11 am - 9 pm daily

• 11 am - 4 pm (Dec. 24)

• 11 am - 7 pm (Dec. 25-26)

🎟 Admission price: Free

🥨☕ What to try: Ofenkartoffeln (baked potato), käsespätzle (Austrian mac and cheese), baumkuchen (traditional cake made on a spit), weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch), Viennese coffee.

🛍 What to buy: Toys and trinkets made of wood, paper-mache, and tin.

6. Kaunas, Lithuania

In Lithuania’s second-biggest city, Kaunas, you’ll find an adorable little Christmas market set right in Town Hall Square, which was newly renovated just a month before the market popped up (much to the relief of locals). The square is lined with domes selling mulled wine, waffles, hot chocolate, and sweets, and two of the domes host a crafting workshop for kids and a spot to write letters to Santa. You won’t find many souvenirs at the market itself, but plenty of nearby shops along Vilniaus Street sell Lithuanian-made trinkets. Kaunas is a great pick if you’re not looking for jam-packed crowds and would prefer a laid-back excursion. The city’s got a friendly rivalry with the capital, Vilnius — they compete to see who puts up the most impressive Christmas tree each year. This year, Kaunas pays homage to the city’s interwar architecture with an Art Deco–style tree. Visit and judge the best tree for yourself!

📍 Where: Rotušės a. 15, Kaunas, 44279 Lithuania

🗓 Dates for 2025: November 22, 2025 - Unknown end date, but likely around January 14, 2026

🕗 Opening hours: 

• 11 am to 10 pm (Mon.-Fri.)

• 10 am to 10 pm (Sat.-Sun.)

• 10 am to 6 pm (Dec. 24)

• 11 am to the end of the New Year’s Eve event (Dec. 31)

🎟 Admission price: Free

🥨☕ What to try: Karštas vynas (mulled wine).

7. Tartu Christmas City in Estonia

Another Baltic city on our list, Tartu, is a charming little gem with a Christmas market that will make you feel like you’re living inside a snowglobe. The market features glass pavilions, a straw house, swings, a carousel for children, and a striking chandelier that casts light against the snow. You’ll also find an ice rink directly in front of the “Kissing Fountain,” a beloved city symbol. Inside the pavilions, you can browse exhibitions and crafts, join hands-on workshops, and enjoy live music. Nearby cafes serve seasonal delights like hot cocoa, mulled wine, gingerbread, and other Estonian goodies. 

📍 Where: Raekoja plats, 51004 Tartu, Estonia

🗓 Dates for 2025: November 20, 2025 - January 4, 2026

🕗 Opening hours: 

• 11 am to 8 pm (Mon.-Thu. and Sun.)

• 11 am to 10 pm (Fri.-Sat.)

🎟 Admission price: Free

🥨☕ What to try: Black pudding, gingerbread, glögg (Estonian mulled wine with sea buckthorn and blueberry). 

🛍 What to buy: Wool mittens/socks with traditional Estonian patterns.

8. Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, United Kingdom

You read that right — Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market brands itself as “the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of Germany or Austria” (rolls right off the tongue!). This metropolitan city would certainly not be the first to come to mind when you think of a European Christmas market, but it captures Central Europe’s Christmas spirit with twinkling lights, nutcrackers, and wooden chalets serving up traditional German Christmas dishes like glühwein and bratwurst. But would it really be set in the UK without incredible live music? Check the market’s official website for jazz and soul performances to catch in 2025.

📍 Where: Council House, 1 Victoria Square, Birmingham B3 3DQ, United Kingdom

🗓 Dates for 2025: November 1, 2025, to December 24, 2025

🕗 Opening hours:

• 11 am to 9 pm (Mon.-Thu.)

• 11 am to 9:30 pm (Fri.)

• 10 am to 9:30 pm (Sat.)

• 10 am to 9 pm (Sun.)

🎟 Admission price: Free

🥨☕ What to try: Bratwurst, roasted nuts, glühwein.

🛍 What to buy: Wooden toys and ornaments, cookie stamps. 

9. Riga Christmas Market, Latvia

A truly underrated gem nestled in the Baltics, Riga’s beauty comes alive during the Christmas season and is bound to blow unsuspecting visitors away. Riga’s Christmas market is located in the colorful Old Town. Visitors can expect choirs and ensembles to perform on Saturdays and hear traditional folk music on Sundays. Don’t let the market’s size fool you — it may not seem as big and glamorous as other European Christmas markets, but it’s got everything you need and more — a merry-go-round, plenty of food and trinket stalls, and fantastic cocktails.

📍 Where: Doma laukums, Centra rajons, Riga LV-1050, Latvia

🗓 Dates for 2025: November 28, 2025 - January 4, 2026

🕗 Opening hours: 

• 11 am - 9 pm (Mon.-Thu.)

• 10 am - 10 pm (Fri.-Sat.)

• 10 am - 8 pm (Sun. + Dec. 24-26)

• 10 am - 2 am (Dec. 31 - Jan. 1)

🎟 Admission price: Free

🥨☕ What to try: Roasted duck, pelmeni (dumplings), Riga Balsam cocktails.

🛍 What to buy: Beeswax candles, crafting kits, and a silver fish scale.*

*In several Eastern and Central European countries, it is believed that placing the scale of a carp into your wallet brings luck and prosperity for the upcoming new year. As such, a local Latvian artist has reimagined this tradition by creating small silver fish scales in place of the real deal. 

10. Advent Basilica Christmas Fair and Vörösmarty Classic Xmas Market in Budapest, Hungary

Advent Basilica Christmas Fair

The Advent Basilica Christmas Fair is a festive feast for the eyes. Illuminated by cheerful Christmas projections, St. Stephen’s Basilica makes a gorgeous backdrop for this Hungarian Christmas market. Don’t just take it from us — the Advent Basilica Christmas Fair has been voted the best Christmas market in Europe several times according to its official website, making it the most popular market in Budapest. Starting in 2011, the Association of Hungarian Folk Artists began selling handmade traditional crafts at this market, a tradition that continues to this day. If you have a sweet tooth, look no further — this market at St. Stephen’s Square offers a seemingly endless assortment of chocolate, marzipan, candy, rétes (strudel), and other goodies. 

📍 Where: Szent István tér 1, Budapest 1051 Hungary (St. Stephen’s Square)

🗓 Dates for 2025: November 14, 2025 - January 1, 2026

🕗 Opening hours*: 

• 11 am - 9 pm (Mon.-Thu. and Sun.)

• 11 am - 11 pm (Fri.-Sat.)

*Check out a more detailed guide on all of Budapest’s Christmas markets’ opening hours, including the ice skating rink. 

🎟 Admission price: Free

🥨☕ What to try: Lángos (a Hungarian specialty — fried dough with savory or sweet toppings), Hungarian sausage, stuffed cabbage rolls, rétes (strudel), pálinka (a Hungarian spirit).

🛍 What to buy: Dried Hungarian paprika, traditional Hungarian folk art.

Vörösmarty Classic Xmas Market

Though the Vörösmarty Classic Xmas market is technically older than the Advent Basilica, it offers a more modern and metropolitan Christmas atmosphere. Don’t be alarmed by the high prices of food — locals have kindly divulged that most stalls have a “secret” napi menü (daily discount menu). And yes, tourists and locals are both able to order off this menu — all you have to do is ask! Just make sure you have a payment card with you because most stalls don’t accept cash. 

📍 Where: Vörösmarty tér 3, Budapest 1051, Hungary (Vörösmarty Square)

🗓 Dates for 2025: November 15, 2024 - December 31, 2024

🕗 Opening hours: 

• 11 am - 9 pm (Mon.-Thu. and Sun.)

• 11 am - 11 pm (Fri.-Sat.)

• 10 am - 2 pm (Dec. 24)

• 12 pm - 6 pm (Dec. 25-26)

• 11 am - 10 pm (Dec. 29-30)

• 11 am - 3 pm (Jan. 1)

🎟 Admission price: Free

🥨☕ What to try: Kürtőskalác (the famous Hungarian chimney cake), goulash (Hungarian stew), tepertő (pork cracklings), szaloncukor (Hungarian-style Christmas candy), forralt bor (Hungarian mulled wine).

🛍 What to buy: Wooden mugs, Hungarian embroidery, Hungarian dolls.

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Most affordable Christmas markets in Europe (2025)

Český Krumlov and Szeged…ever heard of ‘em? If you haven’t, you’ll now know they host two of the most affordable European Christmas markets on the continent! Some would say that visiting Europe for the Christmas market season will cost you a pretty penny, but you’re ultimately paying for memories that will last a lifetime. We’d say that your wallet doesn’t have to suffer just to experience the magic of a European Christmas Market. We compared prices of drinks, food, and 4-star hotels across 94 Christmas markets in Europe. According to our research, the cheapest Christmas markets in Europe can be found in:

• Český Krumlov, Czechia. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in this medieval UNESCO World Heritage city. The market runs from November 28, 2025, to January 6, 2026.

• Nitra, Slovakia. Head to Svätopluk Square to indulge in freshly-roasted chestnuts and mead. The market runs from December 9 to December 23, 2025.

• Szeged, Hungary. Don’t miss out on soaking in a thermal bath before heading to Dóm Square for Szeged’s charming Christmas market. Enjoy live music, puppet shows, and stock up on stocking stuffers! The market runs from November 28 to December 24, 2025. 

• Sopron, Hungary. Stroll around Sopron’s Main Square and peruse stalls from 25 local vendors. The market runs from November 28 to December 24, 2025.

• Pécs, Hungary. Pécs’ peculiar Christmas celebration blends Hungarian and Mediterranean traditions, reflective of its Ottoman past. Head to Széchenyi Square from November 28 to December 24, 2025.

Best Christmas markets in Europe with snow in December

A rainy — or, heaven forbid, warm — Christmas market isn’t exactly Christmassy. If your European Christmas market bucket list includes experiencing one in the snow, we’ve narrowed it down to five markets most likely to see snowfall in December (out of 94 markets in total). Many on this list also happen to be some of the best small Christmas markets in Europe. The snowiest European Christmas markets of 2025 can be found in:

• Tallinn, Estonia. With Estonia’s northern latitude and cold Baltic climate, snow in December is a common and enchanting sight. The Tallinn Christmas Market runs from November 21 to December 28, 2025. 

• Tartu, Estonia. A little more southeast of the country’s capital, Tartu also has a high chance of December snowfall. The Christmas market runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

• Turku, Finland. Turku’s Christmas market benefits from Finland’s cold, northern climate, making snowy December mornings likely. Visitors can enjoy ice rinks and festive stalls framed by frosty streets and historic architecture. The market only operates on two weekends in December 2025: December 6-7 and December 13-14.

• Kaunas, Lithuania. The Baltics strike again — Kaunas is no stranger to December snowfall. The Kaunas Christmas Market opens on November 22, 2025, but has an unknown end date (though it’s likely around January 14, 2026), 

• Riga, Latvia. One more Baltic gem to bring the list to a close, you may just get your 2025 winter wonderland in Riga. The market runs from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

Most famous Christmas markets in Europe

Gingerbread, glühwein, Christmas carols, nutcrackers. No need to paint the picture — these images likely come to mind when you think of a European Christmas market. But these beloved traditions weren’t born out of Hollywood, but rather the centuries-old markets of Central Europe. Some of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe that made Christmas what it is today include: 

• Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market. Located at the foot of the dramatic Cologne Cathedral, it’s difficult to think of a more remarkable backdrop for Cologne’s largest Christmas market than this UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors from around the globe come annually to marvel at its stunning atmosphere and explore over 150 stalls. The market runs from November 17 to December 23, 2025. 

• Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany. The Nuremberg Christkindelsmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, estimated to be over 400 years old. Not to mention, Christkindelsmarkt is said to be the biggest Christmas market in Europe. The market runs from November 28 to December 24, 2025.

• Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany. Dresden’s iconic Striezelmarkt is not only one of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe, with 200+ stalls alone, but also the world’s oldest Christmas market, which celebrated its 590th anniversary in 2024. The market runs from November 26 to December 24, 2025.

• Old Town Square Christmas Market in Prague, Czechia. The Christmas market in Prague’s Old Town Square has been unanimously voted as Prague’s most beautiful market, with a magical atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Bonus for adventurous eaters: This market features some peculiar food options like snails, jitrnice (liver sausage), and jelito (blood sausage). The market runs from November 29, 2025, to January 6, 2026.

• Winter Wonders in Brussels, Belgium. Winter Wonders isn’t just a market, but a famous, city-wide Christmas celebration featuring numerous musical performances, sound and light shows, and activities fun for all ages. The festival runs from November 28, 2025, to January 1, 2026.

Other notable European Christmas markets worth visiting in 2025

We gave you our list of the top 10 best European Christmas markets based on budget, beauty, and the biggest chances of seeing December snow. But why stop at just 10? We’ve got a few more off-the-beaten-path European Christmas markets for you to check out in 2025 without breaking the bank.

• Vilnius, Lithuania. You will not want to skip out on visiting Vilnius this year — the city was chosen as the 2025 European Christmas Capital! The city is undeniably gorgeous in its own right, but Vilnius has outdone itself in 2025 with its elegant light displays and 52.5-foot natural Christmas tree right outside of City Hall. The Christmas market around the tree runs from November 29 to December 28, 2025.

• Colmar, France. Often called the “little Venice” of France, Colmar’s half-timbered houses make for a naturally festive backdrop as you explore the Christmas market’s chalets and stalls. The Colmar Christmas Market runs from November 25 to December 29, 2025. 

• Kraków, Poland. Kraków’s Christmas market may be smaller and less popular than its Western and Central European counterparts, but would it surprise you to hear that it’s one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe? This medieval city has been rumored to host Christmas markets in the main square since the 14th century. It’s easily one of the best Christmas markets in Eastern Europe. The main market runs from November 28, 2025, to January 1, 2026.

• Helsinki, Finland. Ever been curious about Finnish Christmas traditions influenced by its pagan past? Head to Senate Square in Helsinki to experience traditional Finnish Christmas food, crafts, and live performances. The market runs from November 28 to December 22, 2025.

When is the best time to visit European Christmas markets? 

The best time to visit Christmas markets in Europe is early-ish December, typically in the afternoon or on weekday evenings, which can help you avoid some of the pedestrian traffic (though at extremely popular markets in Cologne, Dresden, Berlin, Budapest, or Prague, crowds are inevitable). Weekends and evenings are typically the busiest. The second week of December might be the best time for Christmas markets in Europe because visitors often flock to the markets as soon as they open, crowds dip slightly afterward, and then swell again in the days leading up to Christmas. Keep in mind that performances and special events can also affect how busy a market gets, so make sure to check each market’s official website for the full programme before planning your visit.

Tips for visiting European Christmas markets in 2025 

Whether you’re planning on taking your tiny tots or grandparents along with you, European Christmas markets offer holiday cheer for all ages. No matter which Christmas market in Europe you choose to visit, you’ll have a few things to keep in mind before your departure. 

Here are a few tips for visiting Christmas markets in Europe this 2025 holiday season:

• Pick a centrally-located city. If you’re embarking on a European Christmas market extravaganza tour, the best way to see Christmas markets in Europe is by starting in a city with other major cities in close proximity. For example, Prague, Czechia, is only a two-hour train ride away from Dresden, Germany.

• Bring both cash and card, just in case. Different markets have different preferences for accepting payment, but it’s worth noting that Germany is an infamously cardless country. If you’re planning to visit markets in Nuremberg, Berlin, Cologne, or anywhere else in the country, it’s best to come prepared with a variety of bills and coins. On the other hand, some markets won’t accept cash at all, like the Vörösmarty market in Budapest. It’s also worth noting that many Christmas markets across Europe require a cash deposit when purchasing a drink from a stall as part of local sustainability campaigns. 

• If you’re bringing cash, note that not all European countries use euros. Czechia, Denmark, Hungary, and Poland are just a few countries that continue to use local currencies despite being part of the European Union. Make sure you double-check which currencies you’ll need before you depart! 

• If you want to avoid crowds, pick “off-the-beaten-path” Christmas markets. When it comes to crowds, it’s wishful thinking to avoid them entirely, but the top Christmas markets in Europe, including those in Cologne, Berlin, Dresden, Vienna, and Budapest, will be especially packed. If you want to avoid bumping shoulder to shoulder with other patrons as much as possible, consider visiting markets in smaller cities.

• Buy an eSIM plan to avoid roaming fees. If you’re wondering, “Will my phone work in Europe?” — it will, but you’ll be spending unnecessary money if you enable your international roaming to stay connected to the internet. The best way to avoid outrageous roaming charges is by getting an eSIM plan from a reliable provider like Saily. If you install your Saily eSIM before you get to Europe, you’ll have an internet connection when you land without having to buy a Europe SIM card at the airport.

Enjoy affordable mobile data while wandering the best Christmas markets in Europe

The most convenient and affordable way to get mobile data while you tour the best Christmas markets in Europe is by buying a Saily eSIM plan. Unlike a SIM card, you won’t have to search for an eSIM in a shop or insert anything into your phone. You can simply download the Saily eSIM app and purchase a mobile data plan for one country or 37 countries across Europe. While most smartphones manufactured in 2019 or after are eSIM compatible, not all of them are — check whether your phone is eSIM compatible before buying a plan. 

If you’re keen on hitting up multiple markets on a European Christmas market marathon, the best bang for your buck is to get an eSIM for Europe, which will cover 37 countries across the continent.