Five Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Europe is lighting up! Glowing holiday illuminations brighten up the dark winter skies as Christmas markets spring up across the continent. Millions of people are heading to the markets to capture the spirit of the season. Even the Grinch would get into the holiday spirit here.

Vendors across Europe have settled into wooden chalets to sell their goods: food, drink, holiday trinkets, and gifts to fit every interest and budget. Each market has its own special atmosphere, and I have a few favorites.

My Favorite Markets

It’s nearly impossible to visit all the Christmas markets in Europe, so I picked out five of my favorites to share with you.

#1 – Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is called the “Capital of Christmas,” and it has rightly earned that title. With Christmas markets here since 1570, they know what they are doing.

Nearly two million people visit the city yearly to experience the market at 10 different sites in the Grand Île district. The most famous spot is probably Place Kléber Square where the Christmas tree soars nearly 100 feet overhead. Minutes away is the Christkindelsmärik (market of the baby Jesus) where you’ll discover many wooden chalets and a seemingly endless range of Christmas decorations to bring your home some holiday cheer.

Enjoy the regional Alsace cuisine, Christmas cakes, and vin chaud, a hot, spiced wine flavored with cloves, cinnamon, and lemon. You won’t go hungry with all the food stands here. And there are hand-crafted items that will make the perfect, unique Christmas gift for friends and family.

If you haven’t been to Strasbourg before, be sure to take in all that the city offers. You are in for a treat. Strasbourg, with its historic, half-timbered homes along the Ill River, is breathtaking. And there is so much to see like Strasbourg’s 11th–15th-century Cathedral of Notre Dame. Damaged in World War II, it has been lovingly restored.

#2 Cologne, Germany

Cologne was one of the first cities I visited at Christmas time. My preconceived idea of what a Christmas market would look like was completely shattered. I had no idea what a huge deal it was. Every inch of the city seemed to be decorated for the holiday. There isn’t one market here, but 12! Be sure to wear some comfortable walking shoes as you amble through the city, which is at its peak of beauty at this time of the year. Lights, lights, everywhere!

The list of what you will find here could go on for days, but like the other markets in the region, there is one thing you have to sample: gluhwein. This seasonal, hot spiced wine is sold throughout the city at Christmastime.  Some stands even serve it in souvenir ceramic Christmas mugs. I picked up a handmade, woolen hat; some ceramic goods; and holiday decorations.

Each Christmas market has a theme, like the Angel Market (Den Engel), Cologne Harbor Market, or Winter Magic Eigelstein, but my favorite is the market below Cologne Cathedral. The wooden stalls with their warm, colorful lights provide such a contrast to the majestic cathedral that towers overhead. Be sure to try some of Germany’s famous foods like the delicious kartoffel, a German potato salad made with hot broth, oil, and vinegar.

And for an overview of the market and the city, don’t miss the Christmas Ferris wheel, which will give you a bird’s eye view of everything.

A day trip to Cologne’s Christmas market won’t do it justice. Book a week in this mesmerizing city so you can explore it properly.

#3 – Bruges, Belgium

By now, you may have guessed that a destination with a rich history calls to me at Christmastime, and Belgium’s most beautiful city certainly makes that point. Bruges may be swarming with tourists year-round, but it is a special place this time of year. With the “Wintergloed,” or Winterglow” Christmas market, you can capture the magic yourself.

I take most of my visitors to Bruges, but my first holidaytime trip was when my best friend and goddaughter came for Thanksgiving. It was more magical than ever! The easiest way to get there is by train from Brussels. It’s a quick 10-minute walk from the station to the city center. Tip: Go on a weekday when it’s not as busy.

The heart of the market is in Market Square in the shadows of the Belfry, a tower first erected in 1240! Where you usually find horses and carriages ready for tourist visits, you’ll find the Wintergloed market with its exotic cheeses, seasoned pumpkin seeds, hats and scarves, waffles, little ceramic houses that spew the smoke of incense from their chimneys, metal sculptures that turn from the heat of a small candle below, and so much more!

This year, Minnewater (Lake of Love) has added an artificial skating rink with twinkling holiday lights. There’s also a new Winter Glow light trail styled after the Northern Lights. Walk along the 1.5-mile trail and enjoy the illuminations.

Of course, don’t miss the world-famous chocolates and waffles while you are in town.

#4 – Brussels, Belgium

Winter Wonders (Winterpret in Flemish and or Plaisirs d’Hiver in French), is Brussels’ Christmas market. It’s been called the best in Europe. There is a wide range of offerings. Don’t miss the nightly light show in Grand Place with music, dance, a nativity scene, and a giant Christmas tree. This UNESCO World Heritage site with its medieval guild houses attracts tens of thousands of visitors so get there early. We had dinner in a restaurant across from the town hall. We arrived before dark, but since the restaurant was so busy and service was slow, we were able to view the show without a crowd after the sun went down. And we even stayed dry on a cold, rainy night!

Each year, Winter Wonders features one area of the world. This year, the indigenous tribes of Canada are featured with song, music, and dance at both Grand Place and booths in the market itself. Try Canadian foods like poutine and beverages like maple syrup whiskey.

Winter Wonders is a family affair. For kids, there are two carousels, a 150-foot dinosaur, and virtual reality dragons.  There is a Ferris wheel for those looking for a romantic moment in the sky, curling, ice skating, and 250 different chalets with food, drink, and products. My favorites are the silicone cake molds and Polish rolling pins with patterns for cookies and pies. There are dozens of bars serving hot, spiced wine and food. We discovered an incredible quiche stand adjacent to Saint Catherine! Delicious!

#5 – Monschau, Germany

This fairytale village on the River Ruhr offers the smallest market on my list, but it is worth a visit just for the atmosphere alone. Walking into town, you’ll discover half-timbered homes and quaint buildings in a city that takes you back to the medieval era. Add to that a castle that overlooks the town for extra panache.

There aren’t hundreds of market stalls, but you’ll find the usual market fare here. The shops are definitely worth a visit for antiques, jewelry, souvenirs, and even music boxes. I picked up an ornate, Gaudi-inspired one for my friend’s daughter Charlotte.

Stalls offer German specialties and all kinds of sausages and beverages. Speaking of specialties, don’t leave town without sampling the incredible mustards, served as condiments, in soups, and even in a liqueur. Stop by the historic mustard mill and discover their 19 mustards! They are a perfect holiday gift. There is also a year-round market in the Monschau Glass Works. After watching a demo of the timeless art of glass blowing, wander through the aisles in the shop and pick up a unique piece to take home with you. Want to discover even more? Hike up to the castle overlooking the city for wonderful views. We always like to finish up our visit to Monschau with a visit to one of the fabulous restaurants. If you are a fish fan, like me, try the local forel, a tasty trout.

Market Dates

Bruges – November 24, 2023 to January 7, 2024

Brussels – November 24 to December 24, 2023

Cologne – November 23 to December 23, 2023

Monschau – December 1 to 23, 2023

Strasbourg – November 24 to December 24, 2023