Exploring Europe's Best Christmas Markets

The European Christmas Markets are on most people's bucket lists and for good reason - the sounds, smells, sights are sure to bring out the inner-child in everyone. As a family we have visited various Christmas Markets in Germany, Austria, Norway and Italy.

Here are our experiences and tips if you are planning to visit the European Christmas Markets.

Tips

• Be prepared for crowds and long lines for food particularly at nighttime - so we would visit during the day when the markets were quieter and then also go back at night-time to visit particular stalls.

• Wear warm layers and comfortable walking shoes. The cobbled stones can be very slippery and wet so would also recommend making sure your shoes are not only warm but waterproof with good grip. For women, I would recommend these boots from Columbia (the Ice Maiden Boot). I love them as they not only look great but are so warm and comfortable. For my young son he wore these Keen waterproof hiking boots. My husband is very particular about his boots and extra wide feet and after trying many different brands loves his Columbia waterproof hiking boots.

• If you feel the cold (like I do!) then recommend wearing a longer jacket that covers your body. This one from Mountain Warehouse is very warm. Also, make sure to wear layers with good quality thermals underneath. Just be prepared to undress those layers as you enter restaurants and shops with heating!

• We found that some market stalls only accept cash - so make sure you keep some on hand.

• Try and book accommodation close to the city center, transport and the markets as parking is difficult and expensive.

• Book accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment as Christmas is peak period and good accommodation close to the Christmas Markets books out well in advance.

• We always prefer to fly into and out of Frankfurt - it is efficient with easy access by either rental cars or public transport to other major cities across Europe.

  
  

GERMANY

Frankfurt

We often choose to fly into Frankfurt as it provides a good central base to explore Europe. Frankfurt Christmas Markets often do not get recommended, but we would definitely suggest adding 1 or 2 nights to visit the Frankfurt Christmas Markets. We loved the variety of food stalls and found it was easy to walk around. We were also lucky to experience snow at Frankfurt!

Where to stay: We stayed at the Paulaner am Dom Hotel, which was very close to the old town, the cathedral, the Christmas Markets and Dom/ Romer subway station. We also loved how this hotel has a restaurant downstairs. We ate at the restaurant each night and loved the German food (and German beers of course!) and excellent service.

Frankfurt Christmas Market

Leipzig

Where to stay: We stayed outside of town at the LÉGÈRE EXPRESS. There is a tram stop right outside of the hotel, which provided easy and cheap access to the Christmas Markets.

Once we picked up our car from Frankfurt airport we then drove to Leipzig. The main market is set around the beautiful Marktplatz (Market Square), with the Old Town Hall providing a stunning backdrop. The cobbled streets and charming medieval architecture make the market feel like a winter wonderland.

Leipzig's Christmas market has various themed sections, including the Märchenmarkt (Fairy Tale Market), where visitors can experience the charm of classic fairy tales. There’s also a Medieval Market with historical crafts, performances, and more.

The Finnish village on Augustusplatz has become a classic over the years. The enticing scent of smoked salmon and fruity Glögi (a mulled wine made from berries) draws visitors to the Scandinavian tents and stalls. We especially loved the smoked salmon!

Dresden

Where to stay: We absolutely loved the Star G Hotel Premium Dresden Altmarkt, which overlooked the main Christmas Market. Parking was underneath the market square (for a fee).

The Dresdner Striezelmarkt, considered the first genuine Christmas market in the world, has roots dating all the way back to 1434. Aside from its massive size — there are well over 200 stalls in the Striezelmarkt — other notable features include the world’s tallest step pyramid and a Ferris wheel with views over the market. It’s no wonder nearly three million people visit the Dresdner Striezelmarkt each year. The name "Striezel" comes from the Dresden Stollen, a traditional Christmas bread that is often served during the holiday season. The market’s long history is reflected in its traditional charm, with beautifully decorated wooden stalls offering a wide variety of handcrafted goods, food, and festive beverages.

A highlight of the Striezelmarkt is the famous Dresden Stollen, a rich fruitcake that is an iconic part of Dresden’s Christmas traditions. Each year, there is a ceremonial Stollen Festival where a giant Stollen is paraded through the streets before being sliced and shared with visitors. This event is a beloved celebration, drawing crowds eager to taste a slice of history.

There are other smaller Christmas Markets that we visited but Striezelmarkt is the reason to visit Dresden. But be prepared for crowds - this market was very hard to walk around at night and with long lines at food stalls.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Where to stay: We stayed in the center of town at Hotel Goldener Hirsch. This is a beautiful hotel with a fabulous breakfast. Parking is also available close by which is needed for this small town.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a fairy-tale town, that is synonymous for Christmas. Located along the Romantic Road in Bavaria, Rothenburg’s medieval charm is the perfect backdrop for its annual Reiterlesmarkt (Rider’s Market), which transforms the town into a winter wonderland every holiday season.

The entire town feels like a step back in time, with its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and towering city walls. When the Reiterlesmarkt takes over the town square, the historic architecture, combined with the twinkling lights and festive decorations, creates a scene straight out of a Christmas storybook. The market itself has a cozy, intimate feel that makes it unique compared to larger Christmas markets.

According to legend, the Reiterle was believed to be a messenger who rode into town spreading cheer and goodwill. The tradition of this figure is still honored today, and you can spot representations of the Reiterle throughout the market.

Rothenburg’s Christmas market offers a variety of delicious seasonal treats. You can sample traditional Bavarian foods like Bratwurst (grilled sausages), Roast chestnuts, and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). One of the highlights is the Schneeball (snowball), a fried pastry that is a local specialty, often dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate. We weren't a fan of the Schneeball unfortunately.

When in Rothenburg you must pay a visit to the Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village, a year-round Christmas shop that is particularly stunning during the holiday season. You will need to budget for the large shopping of Christmas decorations that you will inevitably do!

Rothenburg at Night

Munich

Where to stay: We stayed at the Brunnenhof City Center which is outside the old town but within easy walking distance to the Sendlinger Tor subway and Karlsplatz. This hotel has parking and a wonderful breakfast.

You will need at least a few days to experience all that Munich has to offer! Munich is one of our favourite Christmas Market destinations. The centerpiece of Munich’s Christmas markets is the Christkindlmarkt, located in Marienplatz, the city’s central square. Surrounded by the majestic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) and the stunning Gothic-style Glockenspiel, the atmosphere is magical. The market features over hundreds of beautifully decorated stalls offering a wide array of traditional crafts, decorations, and gifts. This Christmas Market gets very busy!

For those looking for a more historical experience, Munich’s Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz offers a step back in time. This market is designed to resemble a medieval fair, with stalls constructed from wood and cloth to create an authentic old-world atmosphere. Here, visitors can find unique handcrafted goods, including leather products, ironwork, wood carvings, and medieval-inspired jewelry.

The market also features medieval-themed food and drinks, such as roasted meats, hearty stews, and mead, along with live performances of traditional medieval music.

Another charming market in Munich is the Christmas Village at the Residenz, located in the courtyard of the Residenz Palace, one of Munich’s most famous landmarks. This market exudes a romantic atmosphere with its fairy-tale-like setting and beautiful architecture. The market features stalls selling high-quality gifts, ranging from handcrafted jewelry to scented candles and wooden toys. The Residenz Christmas market is known for its fine artisanal products and a more intimate, relaxed experience. Visitors can sip on hot chocolate, spiced cider, or Glühwein, while enjoying the atmosphere of the royal palace courtyard.

The Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s famous food market, and during the Christmas season, it transforms into a festive hub. This market features a variety of traditional holiday foods, from sauerkraut to roast sausages, and of course, plenty of Glühwein and spiced cookies. The Viktualienmarkt Christmas market is especially renowned for its gourmet food items, including specialty cheeses, meats, and seasonal produce, making it a great stop for anyone looking to taste some authentic Bavarian treats.

If you are able to, I would also recommend timing your visit to the Munich Christmas Market to align with the Krampus Run that happens around the 5 December. Here is a link to our Instagram post of our experience at the Krampus Run in Munich.

The characters loved interacting with our child

When in Munich, if you are interested in cars and bikes then you may also want to add to your itinerary a visit to the many museums. Here is our blog on where to visit car and bike museums.

AUSTRIA

Innsbruck

Where to stay: Hotel Schwarzer Adler

Innsbruck is a picturesque city that is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and charming medieval architecture. The main Christkindlmarkt is an enchanting market set against the backdrop of Innsbruck’s historic buildings and the majestic Nordkette mountains. With its cobblestone streets, festive lights, and the golden roof of the Goldenes Dachl overlooking the market, it feels like something straight out of a holiday postcard.

At the Old Town Christmas Market, the focal point is the Christmas tree that stands proudly in front of the Golden Roof. This impressive tree is adorned with beautiful lights and ornaments, adding to the magical ambiance of the market. The Golden Roof itself, one of Innsbruck’s most famous landmarks, glows with festive decorations, making it the perfect spot for holiday photos. There was so much wonderful food to try at this market!

Innsbruck Christmas Markets

Located beside the river at Market Square is another larger Christmas market. This one has been designed with families in mind with games, a carousel, and other forms of children’s entertainment. But there is lots to browse as well. And, of course, plenty to eat! Make sure to come here at night where you can see the giant Swarovski tree all lit up!

When we visited Innsbruck, we went to Lumagica at the City Botanical Gardens, which was all lit up with Swarovski Crystals into a sparkling winter wonderland. If you have time, make sure you visit the Swarovski Crystal World just outside of Innsbruck city center. It is an amazing combination of art gallery and museum with fun playground for the kids as well (and shopping for mum!)

ITALY

Asti

Where to stay: We stayed close to the Christmas Markets at Hotel Lis Asti - which has the BEST breakfast we have ever had! Every morning the hosts laid out a breakfast spread that included amazing home made cakes.

Italy doesn't have many Christmas Markets, but when we visited Asti, we were surprised at how beautiful the small Christmas market was. Asti’s Mercatino di Natale (Christmas Market) is held in the historic town center and features a wide array of local artisans selling handcrafted goods. You’ll find an assortment of handmade Christmas ornaments, wooden toys, pottery, candles, and traditional Italian crafts as well as food stalls and a small ferris wheel.

NORWAY

Oslo

Where to stay: Home Hotel Bastion is an excellent accommodation option as it not only includes a wonderful breakfast but also includes dinner and afternoon tea in your booking. It feels like you are staying at a friend's place rather than a hotel.

Oslo's Christmas markets generally run from mid-November to early January, and are fairly small in comparison to the other markets we have visited above. They offer a festive blend of traditional Norwegian food, handicrafts, and the usual winter activities with an ice-skating rink. The main market, Jul i Vinterland (Christmas in Winterland) at Spikersuppa, features a Ferris wheel, ice skating, and cozy, decorated stalls.

If you have any questions on any of these markets and what to do please reach out.