The most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe - a guide to Christmas markets | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik is Europe's oldest Christmas market, dating to 1570
• Vienna's Christmas markets attract several million visitors annually across multiple city squares
• Direct trains to Vienna depart from Kraków, Wrocław, Katowice, Warsaw and Przemyśl
• Prague, Nuremberg and Brussels Grand Place are among the most celebrated European markets
• Most Polish Christmas markets open in late November and run through to early January
• Weekdays and early December offer the best chance of smaller crowds at European markets

From this article you will find out:

🎄 What is the current ranking of Christmas markets in Europe and which cities are in the TOP 5

📍 Where to find the most beautiful Christmas markets in Poland

🎁 Which Christmas market is considered the biggest in Europe and Poland

🎡 Which local specialities and attractions distinguish the different Christmas markets in Europe

🚈 Why visit a Christmas market abroad and how to get to the most popular destinations

Where can we find the best Christmas markets? The answer is obvious - in Europe. The most beautiful ones, which attract more and more tourists every year, are located along the picturesque streets of Strasbourg, in the elegant squares of Vienna, in the Belgian Grand Place in Brussels, in the older part of the beautiful Swiss city of Basel, as well as in the historical markets of Prague and Nuremberg. These are the places where you can feel the true magic of Christmas, as both the atmosphere and the attractions on offer quickly put you in a truly festive mood. What is special about each of them? This is outlined below.

1. Strasbourg (France) - the oldest and largest Christmas market

The Strasbourg Christmas market, known as Christkindelsmärik, is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. The first such event was organised as early as the 16th century. Visitors can buy gifts for loved ones at one of the more than 300 stalls offering handicrafts, Christmas decorations and local delicacies such as gingerbread and delicious mulled wine. While exploring, also look out for the beautifully illuminated streets along which the fair is located and catch a glimpse of the giant Christmas tree on Kléber Square.

2. Vienna (Austria) - markets full of attractions

There are several Christmas markets in Vienna, so there is something for everyone. The most famous is the Wiener Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz, where we can enjoy traditional Austrian food, drink mulled wine and see beautiful decorations. There are plenty of artistic performances taking place on stage at this fair, as well as numerous attractions for children, such as a slide, merry-go-rounds, cake-baking or handicraft workshops.

5. Prague (Czech Republic) - a picturesque market

The picturesque market on the Old Town Square attracts many tourists to Prague every year. Apart from the stalls with local products, the captivating Gothic architecture of the surrounding buildings is also worth mentioning. Among the colourful stalls you can find handmade decorations, traditional Czech food and drinks. There is also no shortage of artistic events associated with this festive season, from carol singing to competitions and live performances. The atmosphere of the fair is very pleasant, also due to the evening illuminations.

4. Nuremberg (Germany) - the traditional Christmas market

Where to go for the most traditional Christmas market in Germany? Preferably to Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, which is one of the most famous and oldest in Europe. Its biggest advantages are its location on the city's main square, the wide selection of local specialities such as traditional Nuremberg gingerbread and the much-loved German sausages, and its long history, dating back as far as the 16th century (the first written reference to the fair dates back to 1628).

5. Brussels (Belgium) - a fair with an international flavour

If you want to experience Christmas traditions from different regions of Belgium and other countries, a trip to Brussels is a must. Winter Wonders is a Christmas market that attracts visitors to the city from almost all over the world. The stalls and all the scenery spread over several squares and streets in the centre of Brussels, including the famous Grand Place. A popular attraction is the ice rink, where visitors can try their hand at skating, as well as the Ferris wheel, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area. In addition, Belgian chocolate, waffles and beer are just a few of the specialities you can sample as you stroll through the fair.

6. Basel (Switzerland) - a fair with medieval roots

Considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, the Swiss market in Basel has its roots dating back to the Middle Ages, when the city's inhabitants began holding Christmas markets to celebrate the Advent season and prepare for Christmas. At the stalls located in the Old Town, we can buy a variety of Christmas decorations, interesting handicrafts and lots of Christmas delicacies. What is worth trying at the market? Raclette (a cheese dish with toppings), fondue (a dish, actually a sauce made of melted cheese served in a pot), Glühwein (a spicy mulled wine loved in this country). What's more, there is no shortage of events such as craft workshops and gingerbread decorating courses for children.

You don't have to go abroad to feel the magic of Christmas. Large Polish cities such as Wrocław, Cracow and Gdańsk also have their traditional Christmas markets, which attract many tourists. If you only want to visit one this year, it is worth knowing that the best Christmas market in Poland can be found in Wrocław.

In this city, the Christmas market is located on the Market Square and usually opens at the end of November. Attractions include carousels and numerous stalls attracting both children and adults. At the fair, it is worth tasting mulled wine in various flavours, served in unique cups that have a different design every year and are a precious souvenir. There is also no shortage of traditional festive dishes such as bigos or fish, as well as plenty of sweets, including the popular Hungarian cakes, the scent of which wafts around every corner. In addition, exhibitors offer a variety of baubles, Christmas ornaments and souvenirs that can make the perfect gift for loved ones.

Poland boasts many beautiful Christmas markets, and in December you can find such an attraction in practically every major city. If we want to visit only the best Christmas markets in Poland, it is worth taking a look at the ranking below, where we present the best three that are worth visiting to feel the true atmosphere of Christmas.

Place 1 - Wrocław (detailed above)

The Christmas markets ranking opens with Wrocław with its Christmas markets located on the Market Square. During this period, the picturesque streets surrounding this part of the city get a festive atmosphere thanks to the uniform wooden stalls with stalls selling handicrafts, ornaments and delicacies that attract the attention of every visitor.

Place 2 - Gdańsk

Even if you don't like the seaside climate in winter, it's worth being persuaded to make a trip to Gdańsk at this time of year. The fair at the Gdańsk Coal Market is one of the most beautiful places in the Tricity during the festive season. There is an ice rink, a Ferris wheel and plenty of food and souvenir stalls to create an unforgettable atmosphere. In addition, the Christmas decorations and lighting make a walk through this place a truly festive experience.

Place 3 - Cracow

Cracow's Market Square, surrounded by picturesque townhouses and historical monuments such as the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Church, for the duration of the fair turns into a place full of decorations and wooden stalls offering a wide selection of handicrafts, Christmas decorations and regional delicacies. It is here that we will taste local specialities from Małopolska, but also from Podhale, such as oscypek, pierogi or mulled wine. A rich programme of artistic performances, organised especially on pre-Christmas weekends, also adds to the attraction of this place.

If you want to go on a European Christmas market tour, take a look at our ranking of Christmas markets in Europe. In compiling the TOP 5, we were guided primarily by popularity, but also by whether the location gives you a feel for the world of the region.

Place 1 - Strasbourg, France

Why visit this place? The Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg is one of the oldest and largest markets in Europe. More than 300 stalls are exhibited here every year! Furthermore, interestingly enough, the city of Strasbourg is dubbed the 'Capital of Christmas', thanks to its long-standing tradition, dating back as far as 1570.

Place 2 - Vienna, Austria

At Vienna's Wiener Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz, we can admire interesting Christmas decorations and eat traditional Austrian delicacies. What's more, it's here that we'll be standing at one of the most popular Christmas markets in the world. The Christmas market in Vienna, attracts the most visitors, with around 3 million visitors each year.

Place 3 - Prague, Czech Republic

Is Prague worth seeing? Yes, especially during the festive season when, in addition to the traditional sights, we can visit the Christmas market on the Old Town Square. There are usually plenty of stalls with classic as well as modern handicrafts, Christmas decorations and also delicacies. You can try traditional Czech specialities such as trdelník, a delicacy made from yeast dough similar to Hungarian cakes.

Place 4 - Nuremberg, Germany

When looking for Christmas highlights across our western border, it's impossible to miss Germany's most famous and best Christmas market. Christkindlesmarkt is the name of the Nuremberg Christmas market that has been famous for generations. In addition to stalls where you can buy Christmas souvenirs and German products, you will find a host of attractions and cultural events . It is interesting to note that on the opening day of the fair there is a "Christkind", an angel figure, which is usually dressed up as one of the little inhabitants of Nuremberg. The angel girl is chosen by a committee every two years.

Place 5 - Brussels, Belgium

In December, Brussels is transformed into a truly festive place, thanks in no small part to the Winter Wonders Christmas market, the region's biggest tourist attraction. It deserves its place in the TOP 5 ranking above all because of the spectacular light displays and the ice rink, one of the largest in Europe, which opens during the fair.

Where is the biggest Christmas market in Europe?

Traditionally, the Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, France, is considered the largest Christmas market in Europe in terms of number of stalls and area. It is also the oldest fair in Europe, with traditions dating back to 1570, which only adds to its uniqueness. Other cities, such as Vienna, attract the largest number of visitors, but it is Strasbourg that boasts the title of Christmas Capital. It also boasts the largest number of wooden stalls (over 300)! Remember, when planning a trip to this Christmas market abroad, it is advisable to book your tickets well in advance.

Which Christmas market is the biggest in Poland?

The title of Poland's biggest Christmas market, both in terms of size and number of stands, is invariably held by Wrocław. Although Cracow has a beautiful, historical fair, the fair in Wrocław on the Market Square and the surrounding streets covers the largest area and offers the most attractions (carousels, houses, special collector's cups).

Which Christmas markets are worth visiting and how to get there?

If you are looking for the most beautiful Christmas markets, it is worth betting on those that combine tradition with a unique atmosphere. In Europe, these are:

• Vienna (Austria): Ideal for a weekend trip by train. Vienna is easily reached by convenient train connections without changing trains from Przemyśl, Cracow or Warsaw

• Prague (Czech Republic): Train connections from Poland (e.g. Katowice, Warsaw) are very comfortable. The Christmas market across the border in Prague is ideal for lovers of Gothic architecture and Czech delicacies.

• Wrocław (Poland): The most accessible big Christmas market in the country. Its location in the centre of Poland makes access by PKP Intercity quick and convenient from almost any major city.

We always recommend checking the timetable and buying tickets online in advance, which will save you money on your journey!