Best european cities to visit in december for christmas markets are Vienna, Prague, Strasbourg, Berlin, Copenhagen, Budapest, Salzburg, Brussels, and Kraków.
These cities offer beautiful Christmas lights, traditional food, handmade gifts, festive music, and family-friendly winter activities. Most markets open from late November to early January, making them perfect for December trips.
December is the best month to experience Europe’s Christmas spirit. Almost every major city creates magical street markets filled with hot chocolate, glowing lights, holiday music, and local crafts.
These markets are not just places to shop—they are cultural celebrations with long histories.
9 Best European Cities To Visit In December For Christmas Markets | Top Christmas Market Cities in December
1. Vienna, Austria – The Most Iconic Christmas Markets in Europe
Best for: Traditional markets, classical music, family fun
Spots: Vienna Christmas Dream, Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Vienna is often called the Christmas capital of Europe. The lights, music, and architecture create a fairy-tale atmosphere.
Why Vienna Is Great in December
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Dozens of traditional markets
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Warm drinks like “Glühwein”
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Beautiful palaces with winter events
Top Markets
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Rathausplatz “Vienna Christmas Dream”
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Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
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Spittelberg Market
Evidence & High-Site References
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According to the Austrian National Tourist Office, Vienna hosts more than 20 Christmas markets each year.
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UNESCO lists Vienna’s historic center as a cultural treasure.
2. Prague, Czech Republic – A Magical Old-Town Christmas
Best for: Storybook charm, affordable travel
Spots: Old Town Square Market, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge
Prague looks like a winter fairy tale, especially in December. The old streets glow with golden lights.
Why Prague Is Amazing for Christmas Markets
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Beautiful medieval old town
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Great prices for food and gifts
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Traditional Czech pastries and crafts
Top Markets
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Old Town Square Christmas Market
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Wenceslas Square Market
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Prague Castle Market
Evidence & High-Site References
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The Czech Tourism Board names the Old Town Square market one of Europe’s top Christmas attractions.
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The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute confirms cold December weather, perfect for a snowy atmosphere.
3. Strasbourg, France – “The Capital of Christmas”
Best for: Historic markets, French food, cultural events
Spots: Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg Cathedral, Grande Île
Strasbourg hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to 1570.
Why Strasbourg Is Special
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Known as “Capital of Christmas”
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Large number of markets
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Stunning cathedral backdrop
Top Markets
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Christkindelsmärik (the main historic market)
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Place Kléber Christmas Tree Area
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Petite France district markets
Evidence & High-Site References
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The French Tourism Board ranks Strasbourg as one of the country’s most visited December destinations.
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UNESCO protects the entire historic center as a World Heritage Site.
4. Berlin, Germany – Huge Markets and Modern Holiday Fun
Best for: Variety, family activities, food stalls
Spots: Gendarmenmarkt, Charlottenburg Palace, Alexanderplatz
Berlin has more than 70 Christmas markets, making it one of the best cities for holiday variety.
Why Berlin Is Perfect for Christmas Lovers
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Tons of market styles
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Street food for all ages
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Family entertainment and ice rinks
Top Markets
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Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market
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Charlottenburg Palace Market
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Alexanderplatz Winter Market
Evidence & High-Site References
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The German National Tourist Board states that Berlin’s holiday markets attract millions of visitors each December.
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The German Weather Service (DWD) reports cool but comfortable December temperatures.
5. Copenhagen, Denmark – Cozy Scandinavian Christmas “Hygge”
Best for: Family warmth, design, food
Spots: Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, Kongens Nytorv
Copenhagen is famous for its “hygge”—a cozy feeling perfect for winter holidays.
Why Copenhagen Is Great in December
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Beautiful waterfront lights
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Safe and friendly environment
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Great food traditions
Top Markets
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Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market
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Nyhavn Harbor Market
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Kongens Nytorv Market
Evidence & High-Site References
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Visit Denmark calls Tivoli Gardens one of Europe’s best winter attractions.
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The Danish Meteorological Institute confirms cool but stable winter climate.
6. Budapest, Hungary – Affordable + Beautiful Christmas Wonderland
Best for: Budget travelers, lights, local food
Spots: Vörösmarty Square Market, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Buda Castle
Budapest mixes beautiful architecture with cozy winter traditions.
Why Budapest Is Worth Visiting
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Affordable hotels and food
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Delicious Hungarian snacks
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Stunning night views
Top Markets
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Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market
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St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Fair
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Buda Castle Market
Evidence & High-Site References
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The Hungarian Tourism Agency lists Budapest’s markets as top winter events.
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The European Best Destinations awards have repeatedly ranked Budapest’s markets among Europe’s best.
7. Salzburg, Austria – A True Alpine Christmas Scene
Best for: Traditional markets, snow, music
Spots: Salzburg Cathedral, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Residenzplatz
Salzburg looks like a Christmas movie, with mountains and baroque buildings.
Why Salzburg Is Ideal
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Snowy winter scenes
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Music everywhere
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Historical charm
Top Markets
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Salzburg Christkindlmarkt at Cathedral Square
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Hohensalzburg Fortress Market
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Mirabell Square Market
Evidence & High-Site References
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The Austrian Meteorological Service confirms regular snowfall in December in the Salzburg region.
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UNESCO lists Salzburg’s old town as a World Heritage Site.
8. Brussels, Belgium – A Sparkling Christmas Festival
Best for: Light shows, food, chocolate
Spots: Winter Wonders Festival, Grand Place, St. Catherine Square
Brussels is famous for its grand displays and family-friendly holiday activities.
Why Brussels Is Great for December Trips
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Big festival with rides
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Amazing Belgian waffles and chocolate
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Warm lights everywhere
Top Markets
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Winter Wonders Market
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Grand Place Light Show
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St. Catherine Christmas Village
Evidence & High-Site References
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The Belgian Tourism Office describes Winter Wonders as one of Europe’s largest Christmas festivals.
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The Grand Place is protected by UNESCO.
9. Kraków, Poland – Traditional Christmas With Old-World Charm
Best for: History, street food, snowy atmosphere
Spots: Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall
Kraków offers one of Europe’s most charming Christmas market experiences.
Why Kraków Is a Top Pick
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Affordable prices
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Delicious pierogi and hot drinks
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Lovely Old Town filled with music
Top Markets
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Main Market Square Christmas Market
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Kazimierz Jewish Quarter Art Market
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Cloth Hall Handmade Gift Market
Evidence & High-Site References
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The Polish Tourism Organisation lists Kraków’s market as a top winter event.
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UNESCO protects Kraków’s Old Town as one of the world’s earliest heritage sites.
Read Next: 9 Best Winter Destinations In Europe For Snow
Last Words:
December is one of the best months to visit Europe, especially if you love Christmas markets. These nine cities offer everything: cozy food, glowing lights, handmade gifts, winter traditions, and historic settings.
N B: According to EU tourism boards, UNESCO cultural listings, and national weather institutes, these cities offer the best mix of ambiance, history, food, and family-friendly fun.
