Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2026: Dates & Travel Tips

November is a month most of us associate with cold weather, short days and work. Trips are probably one of the last things people plan for November. Fortunately, this is also the time of year when some of Europe’s most beautiful cities transform into Christmas wonderlands – from Rome and Nuremberg to Stockholm. Every year, during the second half of November, many Christmas markets open their doors and the festive spirit begins to take over.

In this article, we will tell you about some of the most attractive Christmas markets in Europe, including useful information about their opening dates and other details you should know. We will list our favorite Christmas destinations, but we would like to emphasize that this is not a ranking. Our selection is based on our personal impressions and experiences in each of the places mentioned.

Colmar, France

Colmar is a town in the Alsace region of France. It has one of the most beautiful and iconic historic centers in Europe, known for its canals running between colorful half-timbered houses. Every street looks as though it came straight out of a Disney film.

Our last visit to Colmar was in November, and we were genuinely impressed. We arrived just after it had snowed, and the atmosphere was magical. To be honest, Colmar’s greatest appeal is not so much the Christmas market itself, but rather the decorations and the festive atmosphere throughout the town.

If you are planning to visit Colmar, avoid the days immediately after the Christmas market opens, as the crowds are enormous and you may not be able to enjoy the town to the fullest.

In 2026, the six Christmas markets in Colmar’s historic center will open on 23 November and run until 29 December.

If you would like to learn more about Colmar, you can read our detailed Alsace travel guide on the blog.

Vienna, Austria

You cannot talk about Christmas markets without mentioning Vienna. During November and December, the entire city transforms and the festive spirit is everywhere.

The largest of Vienna’s Christmas markets is the one in front of City Hall – the Christkindlmarkt. Our second favorite Vienna market is the one in front of Schönbrunn Palace – Christmas Market Schönbrunn Palace. We have a detailed guide to Vienna’s Christmas markets on the blog.

Vienna’s largest Christmas market, the Christkindlmarkt, will open on 13 November 2026.

Wrocław, Poland

For us, Wrocław was the biggest surprise of all the destinations we have visited around Christmas. We visited the city at the end of November and can honestly say that it has some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.

Wrocław is an exceptionally easy and pleasant city to explore, with most of its main attractions concentrated in the central area. In addition, direct flights from Sofia to Wrocław are often available at relatively low prices.

We also have a detailed Wrocław travel guide on the blog, with plenty of advice on attractions, accommodation and restaurants.

This year, the Christmas market in Wrocław is expected to open on 20 November 2026 and run until 7 January 2027.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is one of the most interesting historic cities in Bavaria, Germany. It is known for its medieval old town, the Kaiserburg castle, its churches and its traditional crafts and cuisine.

Visiting around Christmas is especially impressive because of the famous Christkindlesmarkt on the main square, Hauptmarkt – one of the oldest and best-known Christmas markets in Germany.

In 2026, Nuremberg’s Christmas market will take place from 27 November to 24 December.

Prague, Czechia

Prague is one of the most beautiful capitals in Central Europe, known for its Old Town, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and distinctive Gothic and Baroque architecture. At Christmas, the city takes on an especially magical atmosphere as its historic squares fill with decorations, lights, festive music and traditional Czech specialties.

The largest and most visited Christmas market is held in Old Town Square, beneath the impressive Christmas tree and among the historic buildings of the Old Town.

In 2026, it will run from 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. The second main market, on Wenceslas Square, offers a similarly festive atmosphere, stalls selling handmade gifts, mulled wine and hot chocolate, as well as a cultural programme.

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