Europe’s Best Christmas Markets for 2019

‘Tis the season to take a Christmas market trip to the fairy-lit city of your choice. Hand-crafted trinkets, piping hot mugs of mulled wine and freshly-baked festive treats are set to fill beautifully-adorned market stalls across Europe. Here are our top picks for Christmas market city breaks…

1. PRAGUE

Every winter the charming Czech capital hosts Christmas markets in its Old Town Square and along Wencelas Square. A five minute stroll will take you between the two, and with the rich aroma of spiced apple cider and cinnamon in the air, getting into the festive spirit won’t be tricky.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Prague’s gothic skyline, the mighty Christmas tree in the heart of the Old Town Square makes for a magnificent centrepiece to the festivities. Away from the Christmas Markets there is so much more to see, do and enjoy in Prague.

Must-try treats: Treat yourself to trdelik, a hot, sugar-coated, chocolate-filled pastry. Klobasa, the local barbecued sausage is also worth a sample. Wash down with mulled wine or try a world-famous Czech beer like Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen or Budvar.

Don’t miss: Catch a Christmas concert in one of the wonderful array of opera houses, concert halls and churches around the city. Czech out the full programme of events.

Dates: 30 November  – 06 January 2020

2. VIENNA

Visitors to Vienna are spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas markets; the Austrian capital hosts more than twenty. Elegant squares across the city transform into glistening seas of stalls, with roasted chestnuts, toasted almonds and glorious-smelling punch for sale on every corner. Check out a complete guide to the markets.

Must-try treats: Vanillekipferl, a wonderfully light, crescent-shaped biscuit is the perfect accompaniment to a glass of Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch).

Don’t miss: The Viennese Christmas Market at City Hall is a true showstopper. Explore the hundreds of treasure-laden stalls, take a twirl on the ice rink or enjoy free entry to live Christmas carols in the Rathaus on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during market season.

Dates: 15 November – 26 December 2019

3. ZURICH

There’s simply nowhere like Switzerland at Christmas. And the country’s largest city certainly does the festive season in style. Explore the city’s oldest markets in the picturesque Old Town, check out the urban Wienachtsdorf Christmas village on Sechseläutenplatz near Bellevue or head to the Opera House at Sechseläutenplatz.

DON’T MISS: Zurich’s main train station is home to the world’s largest indoor Christmas market each year. Among the 150 beautiful stalls lies the pièce de résistance – a  50ft Christmas tree adorned with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals.

Must-try treats: No trip to Switzerland is complete with a taste of raclette. Raclette is the name of this melt-in-the-mouth Swiss dish and the cheese used in it. The cheese is melted and generously spread over potatoes or bread.

Dates: 21 November – 22 December 2019

4. BRUGES

This medieval city is the perfect place to get in the mood for the magical season. Snow-covered chalets brimming with Christmas gifts, mouth-watering chocolates, waffles and much more fill the central Market Square and Simon Stevinplein Square. Work off all that Belgian chocolate at the prettiest ice-rink you’ll ever see, perched beneath the city’s iconic bell tower.

Don’t miss: Read our guide to the perfect weekend “In Bruges.”

Dates: 25 November – 02 January 2020

5. MUNICH

If you’re looking for a truly authentic Christmas market experience, Munich is a must-visit metropolis. The city oozes traditional Bavarian charm, brought to life with more than 160 market stalls and a towering Christmas tree in Marienplatz. Shop for ancient hand-painted glass baubles, sheepskin jackets, traditional German Christmas decorations, scented candles and more. There really is so much to do in Munich at any time of year.

Must-try treats: Chow down on sizzling Bratwurst. Sample the local Stollen (German fruit cake) and warm up with glühwein.

Don’t miss: When you’ve explored Marienplatz, venture into the ‘Square of Stars’ at Rindermarkt. Luminous stars in the trees turn the square into a glittering forest.

Dates: 27 November – 24 December. Find out more.

6. ROME

There’s a lot to conquer on a Roman city break, no matter what time of year you visit. A Christmas visit to The Eternal City, however, is a real treat. See Piazza Navona in an entirely new light as it plays host to the Italian capital’s largest Christmas markets. Pop into Sant’Agnese church for a Christmas concert, visit the Nativity scene at Santa Maria d’Araceli church and hit the ice rink next to Castel Sant’Angelo.

Don’t miss: Rome’s dreamiest districts also take on a special atmosphere in the lead-up to Christmas. Take a special passeggiata through fairy-lit Trastevere, pick up vintage jewellery, clothes and collectables in the trendy Mercato Monti or join the locals on Gianicolo Hill for the best view of the city’s dazzling Christmas lights.

Must-try treats: Pizza, pasta, prosecco, panettone and panforte. The perfect pick-me-up treats on any trip to Rome.

Dates: 06 December– 06 January 2020

7. DUSSELDORF

Germany’s fashion capital gets decked out for the festive season in style. Seven delightful locations across Dusseldorf light up with Christmas markets. Hop on the lovingly restored 100-year-old merry-go-round on Marktplatz, admire the sparkling chorus of angels at ‘Little Angle Market’ on Heinrich-Heinie-Platz or wrap up warm for a stroll along the pretty Rhine promenade.

Don’t miss: Sip on mulled wine at the impressive Glühwein Pyramid along Flinger Strasse before stopping in for a beer at the world’s longest bar at the Alstadt.

Dates: 22 November – 30 December. Find out more.

8. AMSTERDAM

Get a taste of gezellig, the Dutch take on the Danish ‘hygge’ concept of ‘feeling cosy’ in Amsterdam this winter. Check out the twinkling Christmas tree in front of the Royal Palace on the Dam square, take a few laps around the ice rink at the Museumplein or tuck into waffles and Bratwurst at Leidseplein. Then settle in for a cosy evening one of the city’s brown cafés.

Must-try treats: Dotted throughout Amsterdam’s Christmas markets you’ll find ice sugar-dusted Dutch doughnuts and stands selling apple-filled puff pastries, cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced biscuits, almond Christmas ring cakes and more delightful delicacies.

Don’t miss: Read our guide to ‘48 Hours in Amsterdam’ , which features the city’s Festival of Light, kicking off on 29 November.

9. MILAN

How about experiencing some Christmas magic in Milan? A great selection of gorgeous Christmas markets appear across the metropolis every year. The showstopper is certainly at Piazza Duomo where the pretty stalls are set against the iconic Duomo. Foodies will love the fabulous array of delicious treats.

DON’T MISS: Pop to Piazza Castelllo to visit the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! (which translates to ‘oh beautiful, oh beautiful’) Christmas market. The ancient market has been showcasing everything from flowers, toys, sweets, local honey, roasted chestnuts and so much more for five centuries.

Must-try treat: December is Panettone season in Italy. For an authentic taste of the classic sweet treat head to Pasticceria Cucchi, the city’s oldest bakery.

DATES: 11 December 2019 – 6 January 2020

10. BERLIN

More than 70 Christmas markets pop up in neighbourhoods throughout Berlin during the magical season. Visitors to the German capital are spoilt for choice when it comes to sampling winter delicacies and picking up Christmas gifts.

DON’T MISS: Step off the beaten track to the western outskirts of Berlin and explore the Christmas market in Spandau. It’s one of the most traditional and beautiful in Berlin. Nestled around St. Nikolai. Church, the historic market is packed with artisan produce and unique local crafts.

DATES: The festive season in Berlin kicks off in mid-November. Here’s a complete list of dates.

11. LONDON

From Leicester Square to Liverpool St., London lights up for Christmas. Head to Hyde Park for the city’s beloved Winter Wonderland. Take a stroll by the Thames and explore the dazzling Southbank Centre Winter Market. Or make a trip to Greenwich Christmas markets to pick up some gifts, enjoy live music, delicious street food and so much more.

DATES: Christmas markets across the city start lighting up from mid-November until the end of December.

Ready for your Christmas market getaway? Check out direct flights from Ireland or plan a trip from North America.