Christmas Markets in Europe: Fairytale Places
Last Updated on October 29, 2024 by Ingrid
The smell of cinnamon and mulled wine, colorful decorations in a fairytale setting. A visit to one of the countless Christmas markets in Europe should be on your list of winter activities.
Save a visit to an exotic destination like Zanzibar or Thailand for January. Head to one of these Christmas fairs in a destination closer to home in November and December. Get into the holiday spirit with a city break in Romania or one of Europe’s capitals.
Each one has its charm, and there are countless organized all over Europe, some more famous than others.
If you don’t know where to go for such an experience this year, we’ve gathered the most beautiful Christmas fairs here. Along with useful information you’ll need to organize your holiday.
This post contains affiliate links. It helps keep our site running at no additional cost to you. Read more about it on our disclosure page here.
Table of Contents
- The most beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe to see in 2024
The most beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe to see in 2024
Bucharest, Romania
When: 19th November – 26th December
Where: Piata Constitutiei
Organized since 2012, the Christmas Fair in Bucharest has gradually become one of Romania’s most popular and photogenic fairs.
If you’re visiting Romania’s capital, it’s worth walking to the center and enjoying traditional dishes.
Munich, Germany
When: 25th November – 26th December
Where: Marienplatz and surrounding area
It was the first of the Christmas markets in Europe I’ve ever been to, and to which fate has made me return several times. It must be mentioned that on my first visit, I found it cold even though it was early December. But later on, I think I got used to the weather in Munich.
The market is incredibly lively. Wooden houses are filled with hand-made ornaments, delicious gingerbread, caramelized peanuts that attract you from meters away, and sausages sizzling on the grills.
Don’t miss a stroll through the glamorous shops towards Odeonsplatz. Or a picture of the boys (and girls) surfing on the English Garden river.
Where to stay in Munich close to the Christmas Market
My top choice would be Mercure München City Center. It is within walking distance of Marienplatz and very close to the main train station. I would say it is the perfect choice for first-time visitors.
Read this for the full list of the best places to stay in Munich.
Nürnberg, Germany
When: 29th November – 24th December
Where: in the Old Town area
The city is smaller than Munich and more chic. But the Christmas Fair is just as impressive.
It’s the perfect choice when you’ve already visited bigger and more famous destinations or have more time and want to see more Christmas markets.
Plus, from here, you can easily reach one of the most beautiful castles in Bavaria: Neuschwanstein.
See how you can spend one day in Nuremberg, apart from the Christmas Fair.
Where to stay in Nuremberg close to the Christmas Market
Stay in the Old Town, and you’ll be close to everything and the Christmas Market.
Here is my favorite option:
Melter Hotel & Apartments – a Neighborhood Hotel
This centrally located hotel is extremely nice and modern and right next door to our favorite ramen place in Nuremberg, Monki.
So, if you feel like trying something else after one week in Germany, we strongly suggest having a ramen here.
Vienna, Austria – popular Christmas Markets in Europe
When: 16th November – 26th December
Where: in the square in front of the town hall, near Belvedere Palace, Maria Theresien Square, Stephansplatz, plus many other locations
The Christmas Fair in Vienna is one of the most famous worldwide.
Anyone who has been there at least once will tell you that it is a gorgeous fair, where you will be transported into a Viennese dream.
Where to stay close to the Christmas Market
Whatever accommodation you choose in the area of the city hall and the old city center (Inner Stadt) you won’t go wrong. From here you can walk to any of Vienna’s Christmas markets.
Here are 3 perfect options both in terms of location and services offered:
DOWNTOWN VIENNA – Cityapartment Hofburg Palace
Beautiful City Apartment at famous Ballgasse
Prague, Czech Republic
When: 30th November – 6th January
Where: in the central square, in Wenceslas Square, but also in Republic Square, at the castle, and in other locations in the city
Many people who have traveled to both Vienna and Prague will tell you that the square in Prague is more beautiful precisely because it is less crowded and less crowded.
In addition, thanks to these things, the market retains its authenticity and offers really special gifts and ornaments.
Admire the beautifully decorated Christmas trees, since the Czechs even had a competition to choose the tallest Christmas tree. Next, sample the countless traditional dishes (both sweet and savory). And stroll the streets of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Where to stay close to the Christmas Market
The capital of the Czech Republic is not an extremely big city, and from the airport you’ll get to the old city center pretty quickly. Stay here especially for the Christmas fair, so you’ll be able to walk everywhere.
Another option would be to stay near the Prague Castle, with a dreamy view of the festively decorated city.
Here are 3 options to consider:
Budapest, Hungary
When: 17th November – 31st December
Where: Vörösmarty Square
The market is known for its festive atmosphere, with beautifully decorated wooden stalls offering traditional Hungarian handicrafts, ornaments, and holiday gifts.
You can enjoy an array of local culinary delights such as chimney cakes, roasted chestnuts, and goulash, all while sipping on mulled wine.
Where to stay close to the Chrismas Market
Roombach Hotel Budapest Center
Colmar, France – fairytale Christmas Markets in Europe
When: 26th November – 29th December
Where: 6 different markets around town
The town of Colmar in Alsace is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful destinations in France, whatever the season. In the summer it is adorned with flowers, and the cottages are like gingerbread and make you think of Hans Christian Andersen’s stories.
In winter, the city becomes even more beautiful. Adorned in festive clothes, with wonderful decorations at every step, but also with countless activities organized in the pedestrian area.
The central area, the Maison Pfister, Little Venice – all are like something out of a fairytale and will make you want to stay here for a few days.
Where to stay close to the Christmas Market
Colmar is not a very big city, and the central area can be covered on foot in less than 4-5 hours.
However, you’ll want to choose accommodation in the old town center to be in the heart of the party.
Hotel Le Marechal – Les Collectionneurs
How to get to Colmar
Although you won’t have a direct flight to the city of Alsace, you have a few flight options that will bring you quite close to it.
But you’ll have to rent a car and drive for a couple of hours, not very many, depending on where you choose to land.
Discover Cars is an aggregator where you will find the lowest prices for cars, regardless of destination and car type. Check prices here!
Where you can land to be as close as possible to Colmar:
Strasbourg – is less than an hour away from Colmar, and you can even take the train from here.
Paris – the high-speed train links the French capital to the fairytale city in just 2.5 hours.
Zurich – the Swiss capital’s airport is less than 2 hours drive from Colmar.
Stuttgart is also about a 2.5-hour drive from Colmar.
Strasbourg, France
When: 27th November – 24th December
While we’re on the subject of Colmar, and if you’re in the area, pop into Strasbourg. Although a slightly larger city than its neighbors in Alsace, the town transforms into a magical fairytale land during the Christmas Fair.
Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg’s Christmas Market is truly one with history. Over 300 wooden houses will fill the town and as night falls, the lights will transport you into a fairytale.
Where to stay in Strasbourg close to the Christmas Market
Pavillon REGENT PETITE FRANCE or Appartement Le bain aux plantes.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Where: in the Old Town center
When: 29th November – 31st December
You can’t help falling in love with Rothenburg at first sight, especially during the winter holidays.
The Christmas fair here is called “Reiterles”. It has a 500-year tradition. The medieval town turns into a fairy-tale destination during the 28-day fair.
Where to stay
Burghotel, Am Hofbrunnen or Romantik Hotel Markusturm are all fairytale options.
How to get to Rothenburg
The city is located in Bavaria. So it will be easy to get here from Munich or Stuttgart.
However, the nearest airport is Nurnberg – about an hour away.
PIN FOR LATER!
