The 8 Best Christmas Markets in Europe and the UK

Christmas is a joyous time of merriment and celebration. A time when loved ones gather from across the globe to celebrate and spend quality time together. Alas, that magical time of year is nearly upon us once again. The sweet aroma of Christmas is slowly but surely sneaking back into our lives — and with it, the urge to get into the ‘Christmas spirit’ grows ever stronger. And what better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than by attending a Christmas market?

Christmas markets are an excellent way to enjoy the festive period: whether you are bulk buying cute presents or lapping up the mulled wine, Christmas markets have it all. But which ones are the best? We have you covered. Here’s our list of the best Christmas markets in Europe and the UK.

1. Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham, UK

Every year, Birmingham hosts the largest authentic German market in Europe outside of Germany and Austria. With 5.5 million annual visitors, it is truly a spectacle to behold and one of the biggest Christmas markets in the UK. With German beer, bratwursts, live bands, and a singing Christmas Moose (yes, you read that right!), this UK Christmas market has something for everyone.

Dates: 2rd November 2023 - 24th December 2023

Location: Victoria Square, Birmingham, Birmingham B3 3AA

2. Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market, Budapest, Hungary

If you fancy a winter getaway to Hungary, then Budapest has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Vorosmarty Square is Budapest’s oldest Christmas market, with beautiful wooden stalls creating a nostalgic and old-fashioned atmosphere. There are endless handmade gifts if you fancy purchasing a unique gift, alongside plenty of free musical concerts to entertain you. Budapest also offers another Christmas market in Basilica which boasts an ice-skating rink that circles around a stunning Christmas tree. And don't miss the delicious local delicacy, the chimney cake!

Dates: 17th November 2023 - 1st January 2024

Location: Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 3, 1051 Hungary

3. Edinburgh Christmas Market, Edinburgh, Scotland

For a Christmas market slightly closer to home, the beautiful city of Edinburgh hosts an enticing affair. Regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, it is certainly one for the bucket list. There are markets scattered across the city as well as grand rides that cater to all the adrenaline junkies. Stalls run up The Mound, Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens. Some stalls even offer a quintessentially Scottish mulled Irn Bru!

Dates: 14th November 2023 - 6th January 2024

Location: Edinburgh city centre, Scotland

4. Vienna ‘Magic of Advent’, Vienna, Austria

One of the best Christmas markets in Europe takes place in the outrageously beautiful city of Vienna. Peruse the quaint streets of the old town with a cup of mulled wine and a pretzel in hand. For an excellent European winter getaway and a world-renowned festive experience (with ice rinks and all), Vienna is the place for you.

Dates: 10th November 2023 - 26th December 2023

Location: Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria

5. Manchester Christmas Markets, Manchester, UK

Every year, Manchester’s Christmas markets attract huge waves of tourists — and for good reason. There are eight (yes, eight!) markets spread across the city with roughly 300 stalls in total. If you want to be spoiled for choice, this is the Christmas market to go to. A huge variety of delicious culinary delights and quaint handmade gifts. Manchester Christmas markets certainly provide a buzzing atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Dates: 10th November 2023 - 21st December 2023

Location: Manchester city centre, England

6. Prague Christmas Markets, Prague, Czech Republic

At the Prague Christmas markets, you will be greeted by all manner of food items. From traditional Czech Christmas fish soup to smoked meat dumplings, there are an excess of food that may tickle your fancy. Also, have a wander into the Old Town Square, where you’ll be met by sheep, goats and donkeys in a scene reminiscent of the nativity. This is certainly a contender for the best Christmas market in Europe.

Dates: 2nd December 2023 - 6th January 2024

Location: Old Town Square, Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Josefov, Czechia

7. Chatsworth Christmas Market, Bakewell, UK

If you are after a magical and more regal Christmas market vibe, then the as-seen-on-TV Chatsworth Christmas market is for you. It only runs in November which only serves to add to its allure of exclusivity. Indulge in 100 market stalls that sell chic stocking fillers and delicious food. You can also experience one of their groovy outside bars. This is definitely a Christmas market worth visiting.

Dates: 4th November 2022 - 26th November 2023

Location: Chatsworth House, Bakewell, DE45 1PP

8. Berlin Christmas markets, Berlin, Germany

Last but not least, why not pop over to Berlin to attend one of their many Christmas markets? Berlin Christmas markets provide a trendy and upbeat experience. It is impossible to go to all of the Berlin Christmas markets (there are roughly 80!) but there is certainly something for everyone. If it’s variety you’re after, then Berlin is for you. For example, Winter World on Potsdamer Platz provides tourists with excellent winter sports events (e.g. tobogganing and curling) — a great one if you want to take along younger children! Other Berlin Christmas markets offer more orthodox Christmas amenities, such as copious amounts of mulled wine served in the beautiful market in Gendarmenmarkt square.

Dates: Variable (mostly between mid November and late December)

Location: Berlin, Germany