Best Christmas markets In Europe

This time of year, you’ll find a generic Christmas market in pretty much every town centre. Sure, they’ll have a mulled wine stall and a hog roast on the go - maybe even an ice skating rink. But if you’re looking for the real deal (think warming winter dishes with weird names, delicious drinks and genuine festive spirit) then you’ll want to check out our guide to the very best Christmas markets across Europe.

Helsinki Christmas Market, Finland

One of the most picturesque Christmas markets we’ve ever discovered, this Finnish Christmas market is sure to get you in the pikkujoulu (pre-Christmas party) mood. Over 120 picturesque stalls sell everything from handicrafts to pine candles surround a traditional carousel - pick up a hand-carved kuksa (a wooden Finnish drinking cup) and toast the season in style.

Bolzano Christmas Market, Italy

If the thought of Christmas shopping on the high street brings you out in hives, then the Bolzano Christmas market keeps things a lot more Real (capital letter not an accident). The 80-odd stallholders are only allowed to sell items that are made locally: from wooden tree decorations to decorative candles and spiced cakes. Inside, there’s a space where you can watch the craftspeople at work - you might even come back with a new hobby, as well as a bag full of one-of-a-kind presents.

Salzburg Christmas Market, Austria

Need a white Christmas pic for the ‘gram this festive season? You’ll almost certainly get it at the Cathedral Square market in Salzburg, where the northern Alps deliver snow on the regular. There are cute choir performances underneath one of the biggest Christmas trees in northern Europe - locals avoid the crowds at the nearby market in Hellbrunn Courtyard, complete with reindeer-drawn sledge

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

Hygge isn’t going anywhere - the Danish word for Scandi cosy vibes might have blown up in 2016 but we’re still feeling it two years later, especially at Tivoli Gardens. The real-life inspiration for Disneyland, this market is packed full of fairy lights and Scandi-chic stalls selling everything from honninghjerter honey cake to stylish knits.

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Germany

The OG of Christmas markets - Nuremberg is arguably the original and best festive market experience. Yes there’s Gluwein and gingerbread - there’s been a Christmas market here for the last 400 years, they know what they’re doing. But there’s also rum punch, Nuremberg Rostbratwurst (roasted over a beechwood fire) folk dancing and gothic churches looming over the market square. It doesn’t get more authentic (or more Christmassy).

Christmas plans sorted? You’ll want our NYE guide