Travel The Most Magical Christmas Markets in Europe Celebrate the holidays with mulled wine, ice skating, and lots of local delicacies at these beautiful, festive markets around Europe. By Alexandra Domrongchai Alexandra Domrongchai Instagram Twitter Alexandra Domrongchai joins Food & Wine as an Editorial Fellow where she supports the editorial team and writes about food and culture. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 22, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Belfast The holiday season is one of the most exciting times of the year, and there is nothing quite like it in Europe. With copious amounts of mulled wine, ice skating galore, and thousands of twinkling little lights, these ten spectacular holiday markets in Europe will put you in a festive mood. 01 of 10 Strasbourg in the Grand Est (Alsace, France) Shutterstock At France's oldest Christmas market (over four centuries old), Christmas isn't a season, it's a feeling. A glow radiates from Strasbourg's over 100-ft-tall Christmas tree and lit streets, highlighting the magic of the season. This market has it all, including Alsatian wine, traditional foods, and endless shopping. (Open from Nov. 25 to Dec. 24. For more information, visit their website.) 02 of 10 Belfast Christmas Market (Belfast, Northern Ireland) Belfast If sugar and spice makes Christmas nice, this market has everything you need for a festive celebration. With beer tents, carousels, a Santa train, and even a large snow slide, visitors can enjoy the over 100 vendors and experiences from all over Ireland. (Open from Nov. 19 to Dec. 22. For more information, visit their website.) 03 of 10 Noël au Jardin (Geneva, Switzerland) Lara Mai Vo Van One of Switzerland's most majestic Christmas markets is Geneva's Noël au Jardin. You can browse through the large collection of craftsmen in the region to find your perfect Christmas gift, enjoy delicious food including Geneva raclette, which is also referred to as fondue, or stroll through the park to see all of the shimmering Christmas lights. (Open from Nov .17 to Dec. 23. For more information, visit their website.) 04 of 10 Vörösmarty Square (Budapest, Hungary) Evgeniia Biriukova / Alamy Stock Photo Warm yourself up with a chimney cake, goulash soup, or hot tea as you wander the streets of Budapest’s largest and most lively Christmas market. If you prefer, skate on the rink by Vajdahunyad Castle for an enchanting winter wonderland experience. With striking sights and delicious Hungarian cuisine, it's the most wonderful time of the year. (For more information, visit their website.) 05 of 10 Hyde Park (London, England) Picture Capital / Alamy Stock Photo Experience a winter wonderland in the heart of London with a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks, and so much more. Whether you're into a boozy celebration with a bar made of ice, holiday snacks, or ice skating, this market has it all. (Open from Nov. 18 to Jan. For more information, visit their website.) 06 of 10 Skansen (Stockholm, Sweden) Jeppe Gustafsson / Alamy Stock Photo For more than a century, Kansen's Christmas market has delighted visitors with mugs of mulled wine, traditional Swedish delights, and homemade gifts. Warm yourself around an open fire in a farmstead and hear about old Christmas traditions as you have yourself a merry little Christmas. (Open from every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov 25. to Dec. 18. For more information, visit their website.) 07 of 10 Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market (Berlin, Germany) Dado Daniela/Getty Images German Christmas markets date back to 1434, and while German cities still reign supreme in the Christmas market scene, the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market in Berlin is a yuletide treasure. With both culinary delights and festive gifts, there's something for everyone. (Open from Nov. 21 to Dec. 31. For more information, visit their website.) 08 of 10 Plaza Mayor Christmas Market (Madrid, Spain) Panther Media GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo Madrid's main square transforms into a lively holiday market in the weeks leading up to Christmas, with more than 100 stalls lined up in the square. Enjoy Christmas lights, Nativity scenes, shopping, and a smorgasbord of delicious sweets. (Open from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31. For more information, visit their website.) 09 of 10 Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen, Denmark) Manuel Romano/NurPhoto Take a stroll through the Tivoli Gardens and marvel at the thousands of Christmas lights twinkling like stars as you celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy handcrafted crafts, gifts, and more than 1,000 beautifully decorated Christmas trees that create the most idyllic Nordic Christmas atmosphere. (Open from Nov. 19 to Dec. 3. For more information, visit their website.) 10 of 10 Piazza Santa Croce Market (Florence, Italy) Getty Images There is a thriving Christmas market located in Florence's most famous square, Piazza Santa Croce, that draws on the tradition of German Christmas markets, but with a bit of an Italian twist. ‘Tis the season for light-filled stalls of German bratwurst and kraut as well as Italian cheeses, jams, chocolates, and wines! (Open from Nov. 19 to Dec. 18, for more information visit their website.) Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! 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