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8 minutes readContents
- Strasbourg, France
- Vienna, Austria
- Cologne, Germany
- Budapest, Hungary
- Dresden, Germany
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Seville, Spain
- Brussels, Belgium
- Govone & Asti, Italy
- Birmingham, UK
- Madeira, Portugal
What are the best Christmas markets in Europe?
You’ll find traditional Christmas markets located throughout Europe, from popular cities in the UK to the best markets in Germany. Most of these destinations can be reached by train and infuse traditional European celebrations alongside their local culture.
Photo: Alina Razvorskaya/ Shutterstock.com
Below, we’re sharing 12 of the best Christmas markets to explore in Europe.
1. Strasbourg, France
Where to stay: voco Strasbourg Centre The Garden, an IHG Hotel
Must-visit:
Strasbourg is home to one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets and is a picturesque French city in the Alsace region. We can trace the city’s festive markets back to 1570, so it’s easy to see why 2 million tourists visit the Christkindelsmärik (the Alsatian name for the city’s traditional market) every year. There’s plenty to explore throughout Strasbourg, and it’s an ideal option for a day trip from Paris as it’s less than 2 hours away by train.
Photo: Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock.com
2. Vienna, Austria
Where to stay: Leonardo Hotel Vienna Hauptbahnhof
Must-visit:
If your clients want a traditional European experience without the tourist crowds, suggest Vienna! This historic Austrian city typically starts its Christmas markets in early November and offers the perfect blend of festive activities and other attractions. The main markets are in front of Vienna’s City Hall, but you’ll also find markets at Schönbrunn Palace, the Upper Belvedere Palace, and Am Hof. Daily trains head to Vienna from cities across the continent, including Berlin, Budapest, Venice, and Salzburg, with Vienna train tickets available directly through RateHawk.
Photo: Diyana Dimitrova / Shutterstock.com
Explore rail routes on RateHawk!
As a travel agent, book Vienna train tickets with RateHawk to allow your clients to reach and explore the city’s iconic Christmas markets. RateHawk’s railway product offers extensive train service coverage, flexible payment options, and a user-friendly interface for quick and easy booking.
3. Cologne, Germany
Where to stay: Steigenberger Hotel Koln
Must-visit:
- Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom market
- The Angels’ Market in the Neumarkt Square
- Nicholas Village at Rudolfplatz
Cologne is Germany’s oldest major city, famous for its iconic twin-spired Cologne Cathedral with its Gothic architecture and historic old town. It’s the perfect choice for a first-time visit to a Christmas market. We recommend starting any itinerary with a visit to the Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom market, next to the Cathedral, for the ultimate 2-in-1 experience. Winter visits to Cologne are often combined with a visit to nearby Frankfurt, less than an hour away by train.
Photo: cologne-tourism.com
Book train tickets with RateHawk!
Book Cologne train tickets with RateHawk to offer your clients and enhance their travel experience between German Christmas markets.
4. Budapest, Hungary
Where to stay: Aurea Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company
Must-visit:
If your clients want to feel like they’re stepping back in time, suggest Budapest. The capital of Hungary has seen significant investment in recent years and has two major Christmas markets at Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica. While the Basilica offers a daily lightshow, your clients can enjoy a more laidback day at the less crowded Vörösmarty Square, which provides an extensive variety of traditional Hungarian cuisine, including Kürtőskalács chimney cakes and paprika chicken. No visit to Budapest over the holiday season is complete without a visit to Városháza Téli Park’s ice rink – no prior skating experience necessary!
Photo: adventbazilika. com
5. Dresden, Germany
Where to stay: Dorint Hotel Dresden
Must-visit:
Germany is often rated as the country with the best Christmas markets, and it’s easy to plan a multi-city itinerary for your clients that focuses specifically on these traditional attractions. Dresden is home to the Striezelmarkt, one of the country’s oldest Christmas markets, dating back to 1434. You’ll find local industries on display, including pottery and woodwork, alongside handmade toys, and gingerbread treats. Beyond the markets, your clients will want to visit the 46-foot-tall Christmas pyramid, the largest in the world, and a tradition that comes from the Ore Mountains.
Photo: Feel good studio/ Shutterstock.com
6. Zurich, Switzerland
Where to stay: Central Plaza Hotel
Must-visit:
Zurich feels like stepping into a winter postcard with its snow-capped mountains and ski resorts. Tourists arriving by train will be met by the Christkindlimarkt with its 50-foot tree and 150 different stalls. Families with kids will find a variety of traditional events available throughout the city, including candle dipping, the Märlitram fairy tale tram, and the Conelli Christmas-themed Circus.
Photo: Melinda Nagy / Shutterstock.com
Most train routes to Switzerland pass through the Swiss Alps, and you can book Bernina and Glacier Express tickets directly through RateHawk.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Where to stay: Grandior Hotel Prague
Must-visit:
Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague offers a variety of Christmas markets, each of which offers a different experience for tourists. The Old Town Square market feels like stepping into the whimsical winter wonderland of your childhood dreams with tasty street foods that will make your mouth water. Havel’s marketis the perfect spot for finding traditional gifts, while Peace and Republic Square offer mistletoe, candles, and edible treats. No trip is complete without indulging in palačinky (crepes) and trdelníks (chimney cakes).
Photo: ecstk22/ Shutterstock.com
8. Seville, Spain
Where to stay: Hotel Doña Maria
Must-visit:
If your clients are visiting Europe in early to mid-November, they’ll find markets open earlier than usual in Seville. This Spanish city has no shortage of attractions, including Feria del Belén and the Plaza de la Magdalena. These traditional markets offer a variety of Nativity displays and put a unique Spanish twist on the market experience.
Photo: Marti Bug Catcher / Shutterstock.com
9. Brussels, Belgium
Where to stay: Juliana Hotel Brussels
Must-visit: Wintry Wonders
Your clients can reach Brussels from almost any city in Europe, including London, by taking the Eurostar. The city’s markets typically open in late November and run through early January, with Plaisirs d’Hiver (Winter Wonders) being the main attraction in the city center, sprawling across multiple locations, including the Place de la Monnaie. This Winter Wonderland offers a variety of experiences, including an ice rink, Ferris wheel, over 250 wooden stalls, and chalets serving the best of Belgian beer.
Photo: MKavalenkau/ Shutterstock.com
10. Govone & Asti, Italy
Where to stay: Stella delle Langhe
Must-visit: Govone’s Magical Village
Not everyone wants to experience the hustle and bustle of a city. Govone and Asti in Italy offer a quieter alternative with markets nestled in idyllic towns. Govone’s Magical Village opens in mid-November and feels like a fairytale come to life with its whimsical atmosphere and classic Santa’s House. You’ll find some of the best Italian you’ll ever sample from the over 100 stalls located throughout the market.
Photo: Roman Samborskyi/ Shutterstock.com
11. Birmingham, UK
Where to stay: Castle Bromwich Hall
Must-visit: Frankfurt Christmas Market
While London’s “Winter Wonderland” in Hyde Park attracts around 3 million visitors, it’s one of the few experiences that requires a paid entry ticket. If you’re looking for an alternative in the UK, consider recommending Birmingham. The city starts its Frankfurt Christmas Market in early November through to Christmas Eve, offering traditional German Christmas stalls without having to cross the English Channel. Tourists can also enjoy candlelight concerts at St Philips and St Paul’s Church, along with the ice-skating rink and funfair rides at Winter Funland.
Photo: Ground Picture/ Shutterstock.com
12. Madeira, Portugal
Where to stay: Hotel Quinta da Penha de França
Must-visit: Funchal Christmas market
We’re rounding off this list with Madeira in Portugal, an assortment of four islands on the west of the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect choice if your clients want to indulge in the winter sun. Funchal, the capital of Madeira, hosts the main market; however, it doesn’t open until December 1st, ending in a major fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.
Photo: Alexandre Rotenberg/ Shutterstock.com
Book train tickets to Europe’s best Christmas markets with RateHawk
Railway routes make it easy to explore many of these Christmas markets in Europe within just a few days, from the UK to Germany and beyond. As a travel agent, you can use RateHawk to book these train tickets as part of your client’s package, providing them with a full package for their European getaway with flexible payment options and competitive pricing. Get access to European train tickets by registering for RateHawk today to deliver the best package options for your clients.
To offer your clients Europe’s scenic train rides, join RateHawk today!
