Christmas markets 2026

Get ready to soak up the magic of the festive season with our sparkling Christmas market holidays for 2026. Whether you're dreaming of sipping warm mulled wine under twinkling lights in Vienna, browsing handcrafted gifts in Prague, or wandering through glowing historic squares across Germany, we’ve got the ultimate festive getaways lined up for you. Our Flight + Hotel packages automatically pack in great value, giving you a stress-free, cost-effective way to experience Europe’s finest winter wonderlands.

Best Christmas markets in Europe

European Christmas markets offer the ultimate festive atmosphere, blending historic backdrops, twinkling lights, artisanal crafts, and mouth-watering winter treats. Whether you’re planning a quick hop across the Irish Sea or a weekend break to Central Europe's grandest squares, discovering the continent's finest markets is an unmissable seasonal tradition.

Christmas markets in the UK

Just a short flight or ferry ride away, the UK boasts some of Europe’s most vibrant festive celebrations, combining historic charm with lively winter entertainment for an easy Christmas market weekend break.

• Edinburgh: Set beneath the iconic castle backdrop, Princes Street Gardens transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland complete with ice skating, craft stalls, and warm spiced cider.
• London: From the sprawling Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to charming riverside stalls at the Southbank Centre, London delivers spectacular festive light displays and world-class shopping.
• Manchester: Sprawled across central city squares, Manchester’s legendary wooden chalets offer delicious international street food, handcrafted gifts, and a famously welcoming atmosphere.

Christmas markets in Germany

As the birthplace of traditional Weihnachtsmärkte, Germany delivers quintessential festive magic featuring timbered huts, historic cathedral backdrops, and the irresistible aromas of roasted chestnuts and warm Glühwein.

• Berlin: From the elegant historic setting of Gendarmenmarkt to the energetic Winterwelt at Potsdamer Platz, Berlin offers dozens of unique markets to suit every style.
• Frankfurt: Held on the historic Römerberg square, one of Germany’s oldest and largest markets features a towering illuminated tree and traditional gingerbread Bethmännchen.
• Munich: Set against the striking gothic Town Hall on Marienplatz, Munich's main market oozes classic Bavarian charm, live festive brass music, and alpine holiday spirit.
• Cologne: Dominated by the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral backdrop, this market delights visitors with handcrafted wooden gifts, lively performances, and starry lights.
• Dusseldorf: Spread across themed locations throughout the city centre, Dusseldorf creates a seamless winter walking trail along its famous shopping promenades.
• Dresden: Home to the Striezelmarkt - Germany’s oldest recorded Christmas market - Dresden is world-famous for traditional wooden folk crafts and authentic Dresdner Stollen.
• Nuremberg: The world-famous Christkindlesmarkt showcases centuries-old traditions, hand-painted ornaments, and famous local spiced gingerbread.

Christmas markets in France

Combining world-renowned culinary treats with fairytale medieval architecture, French Christmas markets offer romance, artisan quality, and festive elegance.

• Strasbourg: Known as the official "Capital of Christmas", Strasbourg mesmerises visitors with centuries-old market traditions set around its towering gothic cathedral.
• Colmar: Nestled along the canals of Little Venice, Colmar feels like stepping directly into an illuminated festive storybook.
• Lille: Located just across the Channel, Lille offers a cosy, festive atmosphere featuring a giant ferris wheel and indulgent French treats.

Christmas markets in Belgium

Famous for gourmet chocolate, warming craft beers, and fairytale medieval squares, Belgian markets - along with neighbouring Dutch gems - offer cosy charm for unforgettable Christmas trips.

• Brussels: The city's "Winter Wonders" festival lights up the Grand Place with a spectacular light-and-sound show, a central ice rink, and over 200 festive chalets.
• Amsterdam: Enhanced by the captivating Amsterdam Light Festival, the city hosts vibrant rink-side markets at Museumplein alongside cosy canal views.
• Bruges: The fairy-tale medieval city centre glitters with artisanal stalls, ice skating along picturesque canals, and world-famous Belgian chocolate delicacies.

Other amazing cities worth a festive weekend break

Christmas markets in Vienna Vienna is the ultimate destination for classic Christmas market city breaks. Imperial palaces like Schönbrunn and Belvedere provide magnificent backdrops for sparkling light displays, classical choir concerts, and steaming mugs of festive Punsch. Christmas markets in Prague The fairytale setting of Prague’s Old Town Square makes it a top choice for romantic Christmas market trips. Surrounded by gothic architecture, visitors can sample hot trdelník cinnamon pastries and shop for handcrafted puppets beneath a giant glowing tree. Christmas markets in Budapest Centred around Vörösmarty Square and the majestic St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest delivers rich Hungarian culture, delicious chimney cakes, and spectacular 3D light projection shows perfect for memorable Christmas market weekend breaks. Christmas markets in Krakow Set in Rynek Główny - Europe’s largest medieval town square - Krakow offers unbeatable value for travellers seeking authentic festive charm, hearty Polish comfort food, and hand-painted glass decorations. Christmas markets in Gdansk Voted among Europe’s most charming winter destinations, Gdansk’s historic Old Town transforms into an amber-lit festive wonderland filled with fairytale characters, craft chalets, and cosy winter bars. Christmas markets in Copenhagen Tivoli Gardens comes alive during the holiday season with Scandinavian hygge, cosy wooden chalets, thousands of sparkling lights, and delicious æbleskiver hot doughnuts for magical Christmas market city breaks. Christmas markets in Riga Recognised as one of the historic homes of the decorated Christmas tree, Riga’s Old Town market offers authentic Baltic charm, hand-knitted woollens, and fragrant local spiced winter drinks. Christmas markets in Tallinn Tallinn’s medieval Town Hall Square delivers a snow-dusted escape featuring Estonia’s legendary central tree, local artisan crafts, and authentic Nordic festive cheer.