Travel tips
The best Christmas markets in Europe, and when they open in 2026
Nine classic markets from Vienna to Edinburgh, with typical opening dates, what to eat and drink, and how to avoid the crowds.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 3 min read
Quick answer
- Most of Europe's big Christmas markets run from mid or late November until 23 or 24 December; a few, such as Prague and Budapest, carry on into early January.
- For the classic experience, choose Vienna, Nuremberg, Strasbourg or Cologne. Prague and Budapest offer the same atmosphere for less money.
- Go on a weekday in late November or early December: the stalls are open, and the crowds are far smaller than in the last weekends before Christmas.
| Typical season | Late November to 23–24 December |
|---|---|
| First Sunday of Advent 2026 | 29 November |
| Open into January | Prague, Budapest, Brussels, Edinburgh |
| Best value | Prague, Budapest |
| Bring | Cash, warm layers, comfortable shoes |
Germany and Austria: the originals
Vienna has around a dozen markets. The biggest fills the square in front of the City Hall and usually opens in mid-November; the ones at Schönbrunn Palace and in the Spittelberg lanes feel more relaxed.
Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous in Germany. It opens on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent, which in 2026 is 27 November, and closes on Christmas Eve. Try the small Nuremberg sausages and the local Lebkuchen gingerbread.
Cologne has several markets, but the one beside the cathedral is the most photographed. Most of the city's markets run from late November until 23 December.
France, Belgium and Denmark
Strasbourg calls itself the Capital of Christmas, and its market has records going back to 1570, making it one of the oldest in France. The whole old town is decorated, and the market usually runs from late November to Christmas Eve.
Brussels' Winter Wonders spreads from the Grand-Place through the city centre, with a light show on the square and an ice rink. It usually runs from late November into early January.
In Copenhagen, the Tivoli Gardens amusement park turns into a Christmas village from mid-November, with rides, lights and Danish treats such as æbleskiver doughnuts.
Central Europe: same magic, lower prices
Prague's markets on the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square sit among Gothic and Baroque buildings and usually run from late November until early January. Look for trdelník pastries and hot mulled wine.
Budapest's market on Vörösmarty Square is known for its food, and the market at St Stephen's Basilica adds a light show projected onto the church. Both normally stay open into the new year.
The UK: Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Christmas market fills East Princes Street Gardens below the castle, with a big wheel and rides. It usually runs from mid-November into early January, so you can combine it with Hogmanay.
Tips for visiting
- Opening dates change slightly each year, so confirm them on each city's official tourism website before you book.
- In Germany and Austria, hot drinks come in a mug with a deposit (Pfand). Return it for your money back or keep it as a souvenir.
- Many stalls take cards now, but cash is still useful for small purchases.
- Fly into the city on a Thursday and leave on a Sunday morning to see the market on a quieter Friday.
- From London, most of these cities are 1.5 to 2.5 hours away. From the US East Coast, Vienna, Prague and Munich are overnight flights of around 8 to 9 hours.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Christmas markets open in 2026?
Most open between mid and late November 2026. The first Sunday of Advent is 29 November 2026, and many German markets open in the days just before it.
Which Christmas markets in Europe are open after Christmas?
Prague, Budapest, Brussels and Edinburgh usually keep their main markets open into early January. Most markets in Germany close on 23 or 24 December.
What is the best Christmas market in Europe for a first visit?
Vienna or Strasbourg: both have several markets within walking distance, beautifully decorated old towns and plenty to do beyond the stalls.
