These are the best Christmas markets in Europe

Some people get itchy at the thought of a Christmas tree, while others count down the days until we can shout ‘It’s time!’ à la Mariah Carey. Okay, it might still be October, but Christmas is coming. And that means: time to dress warmly and stroll through those cozy Christmas markets. The shelves are still full of ginger nuts, but in the meantime, the stalls are being dusted off and the mulled wine is being stocked up. Where should you be this year? Eurostar made a list of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Most start next month, so go ahead and book that city trip. We’re almost ready to go.

Christmas markets in Paris

With about 15 to 20 Christmas markets, Paris transforms into a true winter paradise from November 16 to January 5. While you browse the stalls in search of the most beautiful gifts for under the tree, the smell of roasted chestnuts greets you. And with all those delicious sausages and cheeses, you can set the perfect Christmas dinner at home. The main markets can be found near Notre-Dame in the 5th arrondissement at Square Viviani and at Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The absolute highlight? The one in the Tuileries, the nickname ‘La Magie de Noël’ is certainly well-deserved. This market is a combination of stalls and a fair, complete with an ice rink and a Ferris wheel. Paris is not just the city of light. During Christmas time, all monuments are illuminated with thousands of lights. It doesn’t get more magical than this, does it?

The Christmas market in Brussels

From November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the Belgian capital comes to life during Brussels Winter Wonders. Along a two-kilometer route, you’ll find more than 200 snow-covered chalet stalls, bars, and pop-up restaurants. This cozy route takes you past the Grand Place, the Stock Exchange, the Sint-Katelijneplein, and the Marché aux Poissons. From the Ferris wheel, you have the perfect view of the city, with the large Christmas tree as the iconic centerpiece. For some action, you can head to one of the ice rinks or the curling rink at De Brouckèreplein and in Ter Kamerenbos. A warm waffle and a glass of mulled wine will complete your day in Brussels.

Christmas markets in Cologne

For a fairytale Christmas, you need to be in Cologne this year. From November 24, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the house elves take over the old town. Spread across the Alter Markt and Heumarkt, you’ll find more than a hundred stalls with gifts, food, and drinks; and yes, you can skate here too. For some history, you can head to the famous Cologne Cathedral, where the Christmas market is located in the shadow of the church tower. That adds just the right extra magical atmosphere. Is it all getting a bit too crowded for you? In Stadtgarten, you’ll also find a market with eighty stalls that change weekly. Here, you’ll mainly encounter locals, so you can definitely score a unique souvenir.

Christmas in London

A trip to London is always a good idea, but especially in the last months of the year. At the end of October, you can already spot the first mistletoe, but from mid-November, the Christmas lights are on everywhere; and that makes the streets truly beautiful. A Christmas lights tour in an open vintage bus is highly recommended. But back to the markets. During your visit, a stop at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a must: the most famous Christmas market in London. Here you’ll find the largest outdoor ice rink in the UK, surrounded by various stalls. You’ll also find traditional markets in the squares of Leicester Square and Covent Garden, where turkey sandwiches and ‘pigs in a blanket’ are a must. Believe me, the atmosphere is so enchanting that even a real Grinch would be cheerful.

Christmas markets in Amsterdam

For a day full of Christmas spirit, you really don’t have to cross the border. Our own Amsterdam also transforms into a winter paradise. Unfortunately, the iconic ice rink at Leidseplein won’t be there this year, but don’t worry: there’s still plenty to do. From November 8, you can show off your skills on the ice at Museumplein; and from December 4, you’ll find Ice Village there, the largest Christmas market in Amsterdam, next to the ice rink. At Dam Square, you can admire a six-meter-high Christmas tree, which, with forty thousand lights, creates the ultimate Christmas atmosphere.

The Christmas markets of Bruges

Back to our southern neighbors. Not only Brussels transforms into a Christmas city, but Bruges also seems like a fairy tale. The event Winter Glow is a market, but also a light tour along decorations throughout the city. It’s all a bit smaller than in the capital, but that makes it extra cozy. Most stalls can be found at the Grand Place, and after a short walk, you can continue shopping at Simon Stevinplein. Along the way, you’ll pass countless chocolatiers and bars, so your little trip might take a bit longer than planned. Make sure to keep a spot free in your agenda between November 21, 2025, and January 4, 2026: Bruges is too lovely to skip this Christmas season.

Christmas in Strasbourg

There can only be one ‘capital of Christmas’. And with the oldest Christmas market in France it’s no wonder that title goes to Strasbourg. The various smaller markets spread throughout the entire center, especially around the Cathedral Square and Place Broglie. At the stalls on Place des Meuniers, you’ll find countless local products from Alsace, perfect for making your Christmas dinner extra special. With such a great reputation, you’re probably not the only one coming to Strasbourg, so prepare for some crowds and book your hotel on time. From November 26 to December 24, 2025: those are the dates to remember.

Christmas markets in Lille

We end our list in France: Lille is also a perfect Christmas destination. From the last week of November to the end of December, the stalls here reopen. After all that browsing, you can relax at one of the restaurants on Place du Général de Gaulle. The best photos are taken from the Ferris wheel at the Grand Palace; don’t forget to include the large Christmas tree in the shot. One last tip: plan your visit on a Friday, as small concerts are organized then. Really, it doesn’t get cozier than this. Merry Christmas, dear people. And for all the Grinches: good luck in advance.

Source: Eurostar