Are you crazy to be talking about Christmas already? You’ll say. True… but time flies dear readers. Just think that the most wonderful day of the year is only 110 days away. I say only because it is not that long. Summer is already ending. It is just a moment that we find ourselves garlands, trees, little lights around the streets and Mariah Carey on the radio. Soon in Europe’s most beautiful cities the most beautiful Christmas markets return, Paris, Vienna, Stuttgart, Berlin and many more, mark the dates
The dates of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets.
Table Of Contents
Innsbruck
If you like Christmas, Innsbruck will blow your mind with its fairy-tale Christmas setting. There are several Christmas markets in the city, not just one, so here are the dates:
- The one in the Old Town: 11/15/2024 – 12/23/2024
- The market in Marktplatz: 11.15.2024 – 12.23.2024
- The Market in Maria-Theresien-Strasse: 25.11.2024 – 06.01.2025
- Finally, the Christmas Market on the Hungerburg: 22.11.2024 – 06.01.2025
Vienna
Vienna at Christmas becomes magical. And it organizes within it not one but as many as a dozen Christmas markets, all of which start around mid-November and last for a month or so. The main one is at Rathausplatz: the square in front of City Hall. This market is the centerpiece of the Viennese Christmas experience: about a hundred stands, ice skating rink and many other wonders. This one starts on November 16 and ends on Boxing Day, December 26. Then there is the one at Karlsplatz that starts on Nov. 15 and runs until Dec. 23. At the link you will find all the markets in Vienna with related information. Take note of all the dates of the Viennese Christmas markets, you will not regret it.
Strasbourg
Another market to explore is that of Strasbourg in France. Already the town is a gem, with the markets it becomes a Disney fairy tale town. The stalls begin Nov. 27 through Dec. 27. In addition to the lights, magic and booths there are also many activities, which you can discover here.
Stuttgart
Very popular and beloved is the Stuttgart market in Germany, think that in 2023, more than three million people walked through the festively decorated alleys of this city. It is staged from November 27 to December 23, 2024. As we read online,“Stuttgart’s Christmas market is not only one of the most beautiful in Europe, but also one of the oldest. It was first officially mentioned in 1692, but its roots go back even further. Between concerts, performances and many booths where you can shop definitely worth a visit, there are as many as 250 little wooden houses. A wide variety of items can be found: Christmas decorations, cribs, wooden toys, candles, candelabras, puppets, antiques, spices, hats, personalized ceramic mugs, teddy bears, lamb fleece products.
As well as typical gastronomic delicacies: Schupfnudeln (potato dumplings sauteed and served with sauerkraut), Maultaschen (ravioli filled with minced meat with onion and spinach), Flammkuchen (flatbread with bacon, cheese and onions), baguettes covered with melted cheese, caramelized and roasted almonds, gingerbread cookies, roasted sausages, roasted chestnuts, chocolate-covered fruit, caramelized apples, mulled wine and eggnog, as we read online. Plus shows, concerts and lots of fun to make the magical experience even more special. Stuttgart holds multiple markets around the city:
- The main one at Marktplatz: from Nov. 27 to Dec. 23.
- Shillerplatz: from November 27 to December 23.
- Karlsplatz: from November 27 to December 23.
- Schlossplatz: from November 27 to December 23.
Berlin
Christmas markets are one of Germany’s most famous and beloved Christmas traditions. Berlin offers a wide variety of Christmas markets throughout the city, with different settings that cater to all types of visitors the dates of the Berlin Christmas markets are:
- the one at Breitscheidplatz: from Nov. 24 05 to Jan.
- the one at Spandau: from Nov. 25 to Dec. 22
- the one at Bebelplatz: from November 25 to December 31
Other special Berlin Christmas dates such as the Christmas fair on the Landsberger Allee can be found on the city’s website.
Prague
Another nice place for Christmas markets in Europe is Prague. City to visit not too far from Milan. 1½ hour flight and you are there. Christmas is beautiful here with the market in the center of the Main Square with the little wooden houses arranged in a star shape. You will find toys, scented candles and precious Bohemian crystals.
And if you get hungry, you can sample the best of seasonal gastronomy, such as roasted corn on the cob, grilled sausages, honey gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and delicious Christmas cookies. November 30 through January 6, 2025.
Kraków
Oneof the most important events in Krakow is the Christmas market that takes place in the city’s main square (Rynek Glowny). The Christmas market is a fantastic event. Here you can eat and drink all kinds of local foods and drinks. In addition, you can watch performances of various kinds and enjoy folklore shows while listening to Polish music from the area.
Bruges
A gem at Christmas is Bruges, which during the Christmas season sets up as many as 2 markets full of lights, magic and enchantment the Markt and the one in the Simon Stevinplein, each with its own distinct characteristics. A must go there and peruse the stalls for some of the most beautiful crafts and various trinkets. Mark the dates: November 22 to January 5, 2025.
Munich
Munich of markets has as many as 20 scattered around the city known as Christkindlmarkt in German, a dream for all fans. All open from Nov. 25 to Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.
Colmar
And with Colmar we move on to Alsace, another of Europe’s most beautiful markets. In Colmar you can breathe Christmas as if you were in Santa Claus’s village. On the website we read, ” Colmar’s six Christmas markets exude warmth and an inviting atmosphere, where you are sure to make delightful discoveries. Each with a particular theme, the markets will envelop you in the magic of Christmas, a unique atmosphere that will delight young and old alike. You can find it from November 29 to December 29, daily.
Helsinki
If you like cold weather the bitter kind, you have to drop by the Helsinki markets. November 29 through December 22. Located in Senate Square, it is the oldest and most popular Christmas market in the capital with over 100 stalls. Full of traditions and twists and turns, it is truly scenic. Symbolic and famous is the vision of St. Lucy descending the steps of the cathedral on December 13.
Tallinn
Let’s move to Estonia where to find another really nice Christmas market the one in Tallinn. Held from November 22 to December 27. located in City Hall Square, every year it sets up a wonderful Christmas Tree, the oldest in Europe ( first set up in 1441).
Madrid
Now we move on to caliente Spain where Christmas is also very much felt here, and Plaza Mayor becomes a large market filled with brightly lit stalls where residents and tourists can find all kinds of Christmas trinkets and presents. It has been brightening and coloring the city for more than 100 years. The dates of the Spanish Christmas markets are: from late November, on about the 24th to late December, on the 31st.
And in Italy?
We have beautiful ones in Italy as well. In Trentino Alto Adige with Bolzano ( from Nov. 28, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025), Trento ( from Nov. 18 to Jan. 7), Bressanone ( from Nov. 29, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025), Merano ( from Nov. 24 to Jan. 6) and Brunico ( from Nov. 29, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025). And then Verona ( Nov. 15 to Dec. 26), Aosta ( Nov. 23, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025), Florence ( Nov. 21 to Dec. 17), Arezzo (Nov. 16 to Dec. 29), and of course Milan, which has every kind of market at Christmas, markets around the city from early December to Epiphany: Piazza Duomo, Indro Montanelli Park, Gae Aulenti, and Central Station; last year a real Christmas park was established, perhaps reconfirmed again this year.
We are looking forward to it!