European Christmas Markets

Steeped in tradition and adorned with fabulous Christmas decorations, European Christmas markets hold a special place in our hearts. ❤️ As the weather turns chilly, who wouldn’t want to head out, sip some hot mulled wine, and capture great pictures during an epic winter photoshoot? If you’re in Europe and wondering where to visit during the Christmas season, we’ve got you covered! In the following paragraphs, we bring you a curated list of the best Christmas markets in Europe. 😉

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TLDR

1. Try local Glühwein at some of the world’s oldest Christmas markets in Germany.
2. Hear the melodies of the season surrounded by Habsburg grandeur in Austria.
3. Learn a craft at a workshop, enjoy street food and soak in some holiday jazz in Hungary.
4. See the City of Lights dressed up for the season or visit the ‘Capital of Christmas’ in France.
5. Feel the nostalgic charm of an old Scandinavian Christmas in Sweden.
6. Celebrate the season with enchanting tales in an old theme park in Denmark.
7. Marvel at grand architecture, incredible light shows and quirky tech rides in Belgium.
8. Savour local pierogi and mulled beer as you stroll through the markets of Poland.
9. Unwind to the sound of carolers and see live animals in a mini zoo in the Czech Republic.
10. Admire the landmarks draped in festive lights and shop ’til you drop in the United Kingdom.

Photo: Marina in Munich for Flytographer. Emily and family capture memories in Munich with a family photoshoot at Friedensengel.

1. Germany

German Christmas markets are among the most authentic in Europe. Dating back to the 14th century, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is considered the oldest in the world and is approaching its 600th edition! This market feels like stepping into a Christmas fairytale, with hundreds of charming stalls, a Santa’s house and a stunning Ferris wheel offering spectacular views. 🎡

The Munich Christkindlmarkt, or Munich Christmas Market, is another ancient holiday tradition from the same era, filled with delightful Bavarian flair. Set in front of the city’s Neo-Gothic Town Hall, the market is framed by a magnificent Christmas tree that sparkles with radiant lights, creating a truly magical photo backdrop. 🎄

Berlin is also a top destination for the best Christmas markets in Europe, with over 100 to explore each year. Favourites include the markets at Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin City Hall, Breitscheidplatz and Alexanderplatz. The cities of Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Nürnberg (Nuremberg) also host spectacular Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm. 👌

Photo: Marina in Munich for Flytographer. Sarah and family capture memories in Munich with a family photoshoot in Old Town.

Photo: Irene in Berlin for Flytographer. Katherine and family capture memories in Berlin with a couples photoshoot at a Christmas market at Neptunbrunnen.

2. Austria

Austria truly knows how to dazzle during the festive season. In a nod to Salzburg’s famous son, Mozart, the Salzburg Christmas Market enchants with fantastic musical performances and choir presentations. 🎶 Looking for a unique holiday experience? Take a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride through the market.

Then, there’s Vienna’s Christmas extravaganza. The Vienna Christmas Market, also known as the Vienna Magic of Advent, takes place in front of the stunning Vienna City Hall. Dreamy Christmas trees, twinkling lights and charming wooden stalls offer Austrian treats like shredded pancakes, hot chestnuts, gingerbread and Christmas punch. The ice-skating rink is a crowd favourite – perfect for fun holiday photos. ⛸️ 

Also, in Vienna, the Christmas Village on the grounds of the magnificent Belvedere Palace is a must-visit. Christmas infused with Habsburg grandeur? It doesn’t get more magical than that! Vienna is a must visit for some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. ❄️

Photo: Natascha in Vienna for Flytographer. Emma and partner capture memories in Vienna with a couples photoshoot at St. Charles & Karlsplatz.

Photo: Natascha in Vienna for Flytographer. Cara and family capture memories in Vienna with an anniversary photoshoot at St. Charles & Karlsplatz.

3. Hungary

Budapest is one of the best European winter destinations, and if you’re spending Christmas in the Hungarian capital, you’re in for a treat. In front of the iconic St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Advent Feast has been crowned one of the best Christmas markets, not just in Hungary but in all of Europe! From early November through the New Year, you can bask in holiday magic while enjoying delicious street food from some of the city’s best vendors. 😋 There’s plenty of holiday cheer to go around!

Meanwhile, at Vörösmarty Square, the even larger Budapest Christmas Market boasts charming wooden stalls offering workshops, crafts and seasonal treats like honey cookies and goulash. Musical performances are in abundance, ranging from folk to jazz, soul and blues. The little ones will love riding the miniature railway, watching puppet shows and meeting Santa himself when he stops by the market. 🎅

Photo: Flytographer in Budapest. Sharon and partner capture memories in Budapest with a couples photoshoot at the Budapest Ice Skating Rink.

Photo: Flytographer in Budapest. Lindsay and family capture memories in Budapest with a family photoshoot at Vörösmarty tér & Chain Bridge.

4. France

Paris is always a good idea, especially at Christmas. The festive celebration unfolds in the Tuileries Garden, just a stone’s throw from the Louvre, with The Magic of Christmas, the city’s largest Christmas market. A ride on the gigantic Ferris wheel is a must for breathtaking views – with the Eiffel Tower glowing on the horizon. 😍

Looking for more of the best Christmas markets in Europe? The Notre Dame Christmas Market and the Montmartre Christmas Market are set against stunning backdrops. It’s Paris, after all!

While Paris is the capital of France, Strasbourg proudly holds the title ‘Capital of Christmas’. This enchanting city in the Alsace region is renowned for its historic Christmas market. 🇫🇷 The market spans the city’s Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Christmas tree at Place Kléber – one of the tallest in Europe – offers an epic holiday photo opportunity!

Pro tip: Also in the Alsace region, Colmar is a picturesque town that turns into a Christmas wonderland. 👍

Photo: Olga in Paris for Flytographer. Lisa and family capture memories in Paris with a family photoshoot along the Emily in Paris route.

Photo: Mary in Paris for Flytographer. Erica and partner capture memories in Paris with a honeymoon photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower & Bir-Hakeim Bridge.

5. Sweden

With Sweden so close to Lapland, Santa’s official home, it’s no surprise they have the best Christmas markets in Europe and know how to put on a spectacular show.

A few things on the old continent scream Christmas spirit quite like the Christmas Market in Stockholm’s Old Town. Dating back to the 18th century, this market boasts 40 red stalls offering Swedish crafts, gingerbread cookies, candy floss, hot chestnuts and more. 🌰 The real charm lies in its nostalgic reflection of an old Scandinavian Christmas – imagine snow-dusted stalls encircling a magnificent tree, all set against the backdrop of the city’s medieval buildings. There are no flashy LED light shows or carnival rides here, just the cozy, authentic sights, smells and sounds of a traditional holiday market. 🤗

Photo: Linda in Stockholm for Flytographer. Shruthi and family capture memories in Stockholm with a family photoshoot at Kungsträdgården.

6. Denmark

Denmark’s most famous Christmas market takes place at Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park, right in the heart of Copenhagen. Each year, the park transforms into a Jingle Bell wonderland, with dazzling Christmas lights and a market full of Danish crafts and delicious treats. Live performances, light shows and carousel rides provide a unique Scandinavian Christmas experience. 🎠 And yes, Santa makes an appearance, riding in with all his trusty reindeer.

For a more traditional take on a Copenhagen Christmas market, head to the Nyhavn Christmas Market along the picturesque Nyhavn Harbour, known for its famous colour-splashed houses. It’s the postcard image of the city – what could be a better backdrop for a Danish Christmas celebration? 🤔

Extra fly tip: In the small town of Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, you’ll find a charming Christmas market in the square where the writer’s house and museum are located. 🦆

Photo: Flytographer in Copenhagen. Shannen and partner capture memories in Copenhagen with a birthday photoshoot at Nyhaven.

7. Belgium

In Belgium, one of the most popular holiday events is Winter Wonders, held at the dazzling Grand Place, the main square in Brussels. The entire area transforms into a festive spectacle, with a stunning light show casting vibrant colours onto the iconic buildings. You’ll also find ice-skating rinks, immersive art installations and even quirky virtual reality experiences for a high-tech touch. 😮

Still, no town feels more Christmassy than Bruges – just a day trip from Brussels. All year round, Bruges looks like something out of a nativity scene, but during the holiday season, the Bruges Christmas market on Grote Markt brings the fantasy to life with dreamy decorations, carols, Belgian chocolates, waffles and much more. 🧇 And guess what? You can take it all in from the top of Bruges Belfry, a medieval bell tower. Trust us! The view is like stepping into a handcrafted holiday diorama!

Photo: Flytographer in Brussels. Thomas and partner capture memories in Brussels with a proposal photoshoot at the Christmas Market.

8. Poland

In Poland’s capital, Warsaw, the holiday magic happens in the Old Town. The medieval streets sparkle with lights and elegant decorations. Starting in mid-November, the Christmas market on Castle Square comes to life, and rumour has it their Christmas tree is one of the best-dressed in all of Europe. One thing’s for sure – fact-checking this info is a fun holiday adventure! 😁

Whenever you visit Krakow’s medieval Main Square, you’ll be amazed by the grandeur of its buildings. But during the festive season, the square takes on a whole new vibe with the Krakow Christmas Market – one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Picture rows of stalls offering everything from grilled sausages to mouthwatering pierogi (Polish dumplings) and even mulled beer. Yes, you heard that right – heated beer with a splash of honey and spices, a quirky Polish treat! 🍺🍯

Extra fly tip: For a real visual treat, we highly recommend timing your visit with the nativity scene contest, where local creativity and community spirit truly shine.

Photo: Marta in Krakow for Flytographer. Eric and partner capture memories in Krakow with a proposal photoshoot in Main Square.

9. Czech Republic

Can Prague become even more dreamlike? Absolutely, especially if you visit during Christmas. The Old Town Square Christmas Market offers everything you could wish for – live performances, carol concerts, creative workshops and even a mini zoo. 🦌 With stunning Christmas trees, twinkling lights, festive décor and a beautiful historic backdrop, a visit here will surely be one of your most unforgettable holiday experiences.

Other fantastic Christmas markets to explore in Prague include those in the lower part of Wenceslas Square and Republic Square – all featuring carolers singing traditional Czech Christmas songs.

Fly tip: Thinking about popping the question during your next winter holiday? Prague is one of the best places to make a romantic proposal. 💍

Photo: Petra and Ondřej in Prague for Flytographer. Mabel and family capture memories in Prague with a family photoshoot at St Charles Bridge and Christmas markets.

10. United Kingdom

Over the years, London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has become a beloved staple of British Christmas celebrations. The park is the heart of festive fun in the English capital, featuring a sprawling market of hundreds of wooden chalets and unique attractions like towering ice sculptures, ice slides and even a bar made entirely of ice. 🧊

Holiday markets are just the beginning. London’s iconic Trafalgar Square glows with intricate Christmas lights, while landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral enhance the festive atmosphere with special services. And while you’re in London, why not indulge in some Christmas shopping at Oxford Street, Regent Street or Covent Garden? Checking out the dazzling window displays is the perfect excuse! 🛍️

Edinburgh, Scotland, is another magical destination for a true Christmas wonderland. The East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market offers all the charm of a traditional market, along with thrilling rides, Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel and a Santa Train, all framed by the stunning backdrop of city landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument and the city’s iconic skyline. 🏴

Photo: Emily in London for Flytographer. Meredith and family capture memories in London with a family photoshoot at Covent Garden & Piccadilly.

Photo: Flytographer in Edinburgh. Elena and family capture memories in Edinburgh with a family photoshoot at The Royal Mile.

Capturing Memories This Winter

We bet you’re already itching to throw on your gloves and scarf and dive into the cozy vibes of these amazing markets, aren’t you? 🧤🧣 For even more holiday enchantment across Europe, here are a few must-see destinations:

• Bolzano Christmas Market: Italy’s oldest and most famous Christmas market.
• Basel Christmas Market: In Switzerland, this stunning market makes the city’s Old Town even more enchanting.
• Tallinn Christmas Market: A beautiful blend of festive sights and medieval grandeur.
• Ice Village: Amsterdam’s main Christmas market, filled with winter activities and Dutch delicacies.

What’s the best way to capture a fantastic holiday trip? Connect with our local photographers and let them work their magic while you soak up the holiday spirit in some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. ✨