11 Best Christmas Markets In Europe You Should Visit In This Festive Season

Best Christmas Markets In Europe: With December quickly approaching, its perfect time to consider your options. Now if you're wondering what kind of options we're talking about here, well, here is your clue what is it that December is most famous for? Hint: Your answer shouldn't be anything other than Christmas!

Celebrated annually by the billions around the globe Christmas is the time to bring families together. To give presents. To wait under the tree and hope your parents got you a PS5. In any event,with the festive season heading towards us with lightning speed, let's put on our red hats and begin to hunt down the best markets in Europe from where you can get your gift list checked With Economy Flights.

Also Read About Top 7 Best Travel Destination USA

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

• Cologne, Germany
• Colmar, France
• London, England
• Düsseldorf, Germany
• Basel, Switzerland 
• Helsinki, Finland
• Brussels, Belgium
• Bratislava, Slovakia
• Vienna, Austria
• Gdansk, Poland
• Tallinn, Estonia

XMAS Is All About Big Shopping Spree!

Making sure you got everything for everyone can be a big task. Especially when you are already running late on your chores. So, if you are planning to celebrate the New Year away from your homeland then there are lots of good options to explore in Europe. However, to keep yourself on safe side please ensure that you are well informed about your place of visit. Most importantly where is the best market there to get XMAS presents. Believe me this will come very handy when you will be trying to navigate the busy streets on 24th of December trying to find a shop to buy the socks. 

Cologne, Germany

Known for its picturesque location along the Rhine River and its rich history, with Roman roots dating back over 2,000 years. Cologne is famous for many things, but one thing which makes it even better is how locally operated Christmas markets fill the city with high spirits. So, if you are planning to visit an abroad Christmas market this time, and your heart is set on Europe then Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse must visit shopping streets in the city. Filled with departmental stores and boutiques you will be able to find everything you could possibly wish to have. 

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

The best part is they are not even that expansive, especially if you are coming from let's say US or any of the western European nation. Cost of staying in Cologne can also vary, but on average, budget travellers might spend around €50-80 per day, while mid-range travellers could budget around €80-150 per day for accommodation, food, and transportation. Our advice to you will remain same through this post and it would be to create budget plan in advance to avoid any hassle.

Colmar, France

Often referred to as the "Capital of Alsatian Wine" Colmar in France puts up a stellar show of Christmas spirits when the countdown begins on 1st of December. It wouldn't matter in which part of the city you find yourself one thing is guarantee of Colmar and it is anytime you will look up, bright lights and snowfall will welcome you with open arms, and this sight is not uncommon in its markets too.

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

Go to the shopping markets in Colmar, anywhere you find one, because you most certainly will. Local communities set up huge temporary markets in the open grounds. They will be just as pleasing to the eye as the other natural scenery is there. With half-timbered houses and charming streets Colmar provides the complete Christmas shopping experience. You will feel it more if you'd be doing it for first time. Every year millions head to this city in France to shop and not just because of the sight but because it is also cheap. You can find accommodations ranging from €50 to €150 per night easily.

London, England

Home to over 300 languages London is a city that needs no introduction. It sits at the top when context points towards history and heritage. Although, you will find London a little more expansive to shop for XMAS than the others mentioned, but here is the vital detail that many fails to see: London is a bustling metropolis and unlike other European cities we have so far talked about, it is also one of the capitals of the free world. Meaning the identity, it holds is equally divided between culture and capitalistic characteristics.

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

While there are many famous spots within the city centre where Christmas markets are, the most coveted are likes of Hyde Park fair and Covent Garden. They are huge enough to handle thousands of customers in a day and during the night lit up with enough lights that you could spot them from a mile. Since cost of staying in London for tourists can vary widely, the average for a mid-range hotel might cost around £100-150 per night. In each case it is our recommendation to plan ahead in advance to avoid any problem during your stay.

Düsseldorf, Germany

Capital of North Rhine-Westphalia and famous for its fashion and trade fairs there is more to Düsseldorf than what might seem from the far. With vibrant city culture which revolves around the art scenes the Christmas is ideal time to visit the artistic home of Rhine Tower. According to the German media every year million flocks to the Dusseldorf during the last two weeks of the year and the reason is pretty simple: Königsallee

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

Also known as "Kö," is a famous shopping street known for luxury boutiques and designer stores in the city. So, if you are within the Germán borders and wondering where to spend your 25th of December then we couldn't think of a better option. It should also be noted that it is relatively cheaper to stay here than what you might have to incur in other German cities like Munich or Dortmund. On average, hotel prices range from €80 to €100 per night, but it can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose for your stay.

Basel, Switzerland 

If Oxford ever decided to increment another word in list of synonyms for the word "Winter Market" there is no better option, then the city of Basel itself. Famous for its vibrant and diverse cultural scene. Basal not only hosts the renowned Art Basel fair (one of the world's leading art exhibitions) it is one of the best places to shop during the Christmas season.

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

The big reason for which are these two XMAS markets in the capital city Marktplatz and Freie Strasse. Two excellent places for shopping, with a wide range of boutiques, stores, and local shops offering everything from fashion to souvenirs. Although cost of staying in Basel for tourists can change depending on when you are trying to visit, but a mid-range hotel might cost around 150-250 Swiss Francs per night. While dining out can be relatively expensive, with a meal at a restaurant costing around 20-50 Swiss Francs.

Helsinki, Finland

Finns are among the world's top consumers of coffee per capita, and coffee breaks, known as "kahvitauko," are an important part of daily life. So, if you are about to spend your Christmas there get ready for the early morning coffee ride to the local cafe. Although, since you are in search to find the market to shop might we suggest Market Square or as Finns like to call it Kauppatori. Because there you will be able to buy anything you want as long as its legal and you will be more than welcome to stop for coffee breaks after quick intervals.

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

Needless to add Helsinki is the capital of Finland and as such offers several attractions for you to mingle with locals, including the stunning Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church), and the contemporary art museum Kiasma. Although dining out and transportation there can be relatively expensive compared to some other European cities. So, keep in mind the number before it gets too big for you to handle.

Brussels, Belgium

Capital of Belgium and de facto capital of the European Union Brussels has a vibrant comic book culture, with numerous comic book murals adorning the city's buildings. Which means that if you happen to be a comic book nerd and no, I'm not talking about the MCU or DCEU fans this European city is ideal start for you to begin that XMAS shopping spree.

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

Before you wonder where to buy all that stuff? Here is what you should know: the best place to do so is Christmassy market at Brussels' Winter Wonders. A popular destination for holiday shopping, featuring crafts, gifts, and delicious food. When we say food, yes it does include the world renowned Belgium chocolates and waffles. 

Bratislava, Slovakia

Birthplace of several famous composers Bratislava is known for its rich music culture, with a strong tradition of classical music. It is a perfect city for those in need of sober vibes and genuine hits. Even more so if you're planning to visit it during the festive season. Because in the weeks prior to the New Year locals in Bratislava celebrate Christmas by visiting festive markets like the Bratislava Christmas Market, enjoying traditional Slovak dishes, and attending concerts and events, often featuring carol singing.

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

As for the market place the city has many to offer, but if you are in search for the one that rules all then you should set your map for the Eurovea Galleria. It is quite popular shopping destination in Bratislava, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Another plus point of winter shopping in this Slovakian city is that it is far cheaper than the western European cities on this list. On average, tourists can expect to spend around €70-€100 per day for mid-range expenses, including accommodation, food, and activities.

Vienna, Austria

Known as the "City of Music" because it was home to famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Austria is not only pleasing for the sight and mind. If you are in need of escape during the festive period, this city is your calling for it. Certainly, one of the best Europe has to offer when it comes to Christmas shopping.

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

From mid-December till the New Year Vienna is beautifully decorated with draped lights and coveted trees while locals celebrate with traditional foods like gingerbread and mulled wine. As for gathering the presents the Austrian city have many vibrant marketplaces around it with most famous of those is called Naschmarkt. It's a great place for food, spices, and unique items. 

You can also shop there for clothes, antiques, and whatever your imagination can conjure in your mind. However, Vienna can be moderately expensive for tourists. On average, you might spend around €100-150 per day on accommodation, food, and activities.

Gdansk, Poland

Part of the Tricity area, along with Sopot and Gdynia, Gdansk is located on the Baltic Sea. With rich maritime history and historic Old Town, you won't get bored anytime soon there. Especially if you can familiarize yourself with locals. They are quite famous for celebrating Christmas with Midnight Mass. A long standing tradition where they exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, known as "Wigilia," and enjoy a festive meal featuring dishes like pierogi, herring, and carp.

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

Although to do the same you will have to buy the presents, but the fortunate part is that this Polish city is both affordable and so diverse that you will find anything you want in their most famous XMAS shopping spot called The Long Market (Długi Targ). Said to be heart of Gdansk's Old Town. Long Market is a popular shopping destination which offers a variety of souvenirs, local crafts, and amber jewellery. Tourist from all over the world heads there throughout the year to drown in the place's magical vibe. 

Tallinn, Estonia

Home to the Old Town (just like the Gdansk) a major tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tallinn has many tales to tell its visitors. So, it doesn't matter when you choose to visit it, right in the middle of summer or on the Christmas Eve hoping to complete your shopping in a day. Either way, you are bound to get your wish fulfilled.

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

Although given the scope of our discussion we will suggest that you visit the Estonian city around the festive season and this time reason is not the tradition (although that is also great) but the marketplaces itself. In 2019, the Tallinn Christmas Market was named the Best Christmas Market in Europe and is still considered one of Europe's best Christmas spots to shop in 2023. Situated around the Town Hall Square. The market is open from November 25th to January 8th, ending the day after the Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas. 

A golden chance for anyone to wind their way through wooden market stalls radiating out from an enormous tree at the centre of the square. Where you can easily shop for handicrafts, woollen mittens and sweaters, as well as wooden ornaments that make memorable gifts. 

Don't Forget To Buy Presents For Everyone!

In the end whichever and however you choose to visit the market around Christmas time, make sure that you buy the gifts for everyone in your household. Even those who you know might not be able to afford anything during this time of the year. 

Also be wary of pick pockets and other potential dangers that lurks in crowded places. Keep you children and possession close to you and have a blast shopping in your preferred European city, then be it London from England or Brussels of Belgium, because Christmas is all about enjoying the time with your friends and family.