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Christmas markets in Europe

Seven Christmas markets across five countries, and how to choose between them by season, city and what each is known for.

Most Christmas markets in Europe open in the last week of November or around the first Advent Sunday and close on 23 or 24 December. Salzburg, Brussels, Prague and parts of Vienna stay open into late December or early January, so they are the ones to pick for a trip after Christmas.

The seven guides below cover five countries. Nuremberg is known for Lebkuchen and its Christkind opening, and Munich is the other German choice. Vienna has several markets, the biggest on Rathausplatz. The Strasbourg market dates back to 1570 and calls itself France's oldest. Brussels Winter Wonders spreads out from the Grand-Place and has an ice rink. Prague's main markets are on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. To link two cities in one week, read Christmas markets by train, a rail route from Nuremberg to Vienna.

Coming up

In 25 daysNuremberg ChristkindlesmarktNov 27 – Dec 24, 2026 · HauptmarktRead the event guideMunich ChristkindlmarktRead the event guideVienna Christmas marketsRead the event guideIn 17 daysSalzburg ChristkindlmarktNov 19, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027 · Dom- und ResidenzplatzRead the event guideIn 25 daysStrasbourg Christmas marketNov 27 – Dec 24, 2026Read the event guideIn 25 daysBrussels Winter WondersNov 27, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 · Centre of BrusselsRead the event guidePrague Christmas marketsRead the event guide
DestinationsWhere to go, when to go and how to get around in 221 countries. Every practical fact shows the date we checked it and who checked it.Where to stayNeighborhoods walked end to end: who each area suits, how far it is from the airport train, and the hotels we would book ourselves.PlanVisas and entry rules, travel insurance, eSIMs and rail passes, explained in plain words and rechecked when the rules change.EventsFestivals, concerts and tours with confirmed dates, rooms near the venue and the fastest way on to the next city.StoriesField reports and data stories from the road. We time the queues, count the costs and say what changed since last year.

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