The 15 Most Magical Christmas Markets in Europe

Winter in Europe is as magical as your wildest imagination. Although I’m not one to tick things off a travel bucket list, experiencing a Christmas market in a European city or small town is one of those travel moments that stays with you.

I was fortunate to be in Vienna one December a few years ago, and what a city to experience winter culture. The tradition of Christmas markets in Vienna date back to the 1600s. While larger markets like the one at Rathausplatz can feel overwhelming, there’s still an authenticity often lost in today’s commercialized world. If the size of that market feels overwhelming and you’re not there for the skating, head to Spittelberg in the 7th district. There, I picked up some lovely Christmas decorations and gifts from local sellers, and the narrow Biedermeier lanes feel even more romantic with thousands of twinkling lights and a dusting of snow.

But it's not just Vienna that goes all out. Across Europe, from small towns to major capitals, each market reflects its own longstanding customs—from Prague, with its tree adorned in Czech glass ornaments; to Colmar in northeastern France, arguably the most picturesque of all; to chic Montreux in Switzerland, where chalets line Lake Geneva and serve regional specialties with the Alps as a backdrop. If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime winter trip to Europe, you won’t regret adding one or two of these Christmas markets to your itinerary.

Happy holidays!

Katie Gavin, lifestyle editor

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