Best Christmas Markets in Europe (2024 Dates)

The smell of cinnamon and mulled wine, Christmas music, lights, regional delicacies…

The tradition of Christmas markets comes from Austria and Germany and dates back to the 13^th and 14th centuries. At that time, they were organized for pragmatic reasons, for exchanging goods and supplying the population, with more goods added over time. Therefore, these German and Austrian Christmas markets are the most famous and visited.

But the tradition has also developed in other places in Europe too. And Christmas Market city-breaks are getting more and more popular. Especially that Christmas attractions, markets, and decorations appear already in the second half of November, so there is a lot of time for a visit.

Which Christmas markets in Europe are best, according to visitors? Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2024. Check out the details in the post.

Best Christmas Market in Europe Competition

Established in 2009, European Best Destinations is an organization promoting culture and tourism in Europe, by cooperating with many tourist organizations but also through various competitions and plebiscites.

Each year, three of these plebiscites are open to the public, and the winner is chosen by visitors’ votes. These are competitions for The Best Destination of the Year, The Best Ski Resort, and The Best Christmas Market.

Of course, the plebiscite is quite subjective; hardly anyone is able visit all the markets-candidates in order to actually choose the best one. And citizens of the particular cities can also vote.

Nevertheless, it is a great source of information and inspiration for your pre-Christmas, November, and December trips in Europe.

To avoid misunderstandings: the competition takes place in December, and the market gets the title of the Best Christmas Market for the next year. So Basel, which won in December 2020, got the title of the Best Christmas Market 2021. And the markets that we will vote on in December 2024 will compete for the title of Best Christmas Market 2025.

In 2023, it already was 12th edition of the plebiscite. Strasbourg won the first three competitions , the next three Zagreb. And these cities, due to the three-time victory, no longer participate.

The other cities that won were Tallinn and Budapest. In December 2020, the Basel Christmas Market was chosen as the best one, although here, due to the pandemic situation, the competition was a little different.

Christmas Markets in Zagreb, Budapest and Tallinn

Let’s look closer at the markets participating. Looking at the winners from previous years… Do these cities immediately come to your mind as Christmas Market destination?

Budapest probably yes, but Zagreb surprises many people.

Advent in Zagreb

Croatia is mainly associated with the sun and the coast. But it is a very diverse country, and the north of Croatia differs a lot from the coastal part. And Zagreb is a perfect place for a great Christmas atmosphere.

In Zagreb, a Christmas market took place already many years ago, but it was very small. In December… 2006 (it’s even strange to admit), I was on a month-long scholarship in this city. There were just few decorations, and few stands. There was also an Advent wreath in the fountain under the statue on Trg Ban Jelačić (on the main square).

And this wreath has remained as a decoration to this day! While the whole market has grown significantly. Actually, it is not just one market anymore, but a whole festival of markets, decorations, events, and concerts in many parts of the city under the name ‘Advent u Zagrebu’ (Advent in Zagreb).

They are very interesting, as they also differ from each other. There are some more ‘traditional’ ones and some more modern style, with food trucks and DJs.

I visited Advent in Zagreb event last year and was astonished by the diversity and nice atmosphere. And by the fact how it has grown and changed since I saw it last time.

I loved also the ice rink next to the Art Pavilion and train station. I think it was best looking ice rink that I saw in different cities!

Photos and a detailed programme of the Christmas markets in Zagreb events you can view here.

Zagreb Christmas Markets dates in 2024: November 30th to January 7th, 2025

In Croatia, smaller Christmas markets (called ‘Advent u [city name]’) also take place in Rijeka, Opatija, Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik.

There are many airlines that fly to Zagreb during the winter (e.g., Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, etc.) so you shouldn’t have any issues flying directly for your Christmas Market trip in Zagreb.

Read here how to get from Zagreb Airport to Zagreb City Centre.

Check out Croatia Travel Tips here.

Here, you can read more about Zagreb.

Christmas Market in Tallinn

Tallinn won the Best European Christmas Market competition in December 2018. I visited the city during the summer, and I was absolutely delighted. The medieval old town, streets, and colors. They have something fairytale-like about them. So Tallinn is really the perfect place to create a festive atmosphere.

There is always a big Christmas tree that stands on the main square of the Old Town. This is a tradition that dates back 580 years.

More about the event you can read here.

Tallinn Christmas Market dates in 2024: November 22nd to December 27th, 2024

Again, there are many direct flights to Tallinn. You can also make a city hopping trip and fly to Riga, in Latvia. From Riga to Tallinn, you can fly or get there by bus (which takes around 4 hours).

Christmas Market in Budapest

Budapest was declared the city with the Best Christmas Market a few times. It also won the competition last year, precisely speaking Advent at Basilica market.

As in Budapest, the pre-Christmas time is spread over several parts of the city. The most famous is called ‘Advent Feast’ at the Basilica (St. Stephen).

Other highlights include the Voromarty Square Christmas Market and Advent Obudan.

I visited Budapest Christmas Markets last year and indeed was very good. The main attraction of the Basilica market is the free lights shows at the Basilica building. I think it’s what makes it unique from other European markets.

Shows take place when it’s dark every half an hour and they are for free.

I know Budapest quite well, both from summer and winter time. For me, it is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe. And it’s a perfect place city to visit during cold months. Christmas markets are one of the reasons, but there are more.

Check out all the reasons why Budapest is a perfect destination during autumn and winter.

Budapest Christmas Markets dates in 2024: every market differs, not all dates have been announced yet. Advent Basilica: November 17th to January 1st (Estimated, TBC).

If you are planning to visit Budapest Christmas Market and wonder where to stay in Budapest or how to get to the centre from the airport, read my Budapest Travel Tips.

Other European Christmas Markets from the list

The list of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe in 2024 (so the competition that took place last year, in December 2023) included 20 cities. Check out here for the full list.

There is no list yet of markets participating this year, but when appears, it will be available under the same link. It’s also where you can vote during the competition.

The second place, just behind Budapest, went to Craiova in Romania, third for Metz in France.

The fourth place was awarded to Poznan in Poland. This city in past was also at the second place. And one tear ago, it was Polish Gdansk that was second. I hope it shows you that when thinking about Christmas markets trip, you should also consider Polish cities, especially: Gdansk, Poznan, Wroclaw and Krakow.

The list also includes Vienna, Prague, German (it just wouldn’t be complete without them), and Belgian cities, as well as sunnier cities like Saranda or Funchal in Madeira. It’s a great mix of smaller and bigger, and more and less known cities. I follow this competition yearly, as it’s really great inspiration for Christmas Market travels.

Dates for other Christmas Markets from the list

Dates for Christmas Markets in Poland in 2024:

Poznan Christmas Market dates in 2024: TBC

Gdansk Christmas Markets dates in 2024: November 22nd to December 23th

Wroclaw Christmas Market dates in 2024: November 29th to January 7th

Krakow Christmas Market dates in 2024: November 29th to January 1st

Warsaw Christmas Market dates in 2024: TBC

Dates for other European Christmas Markets in 2024:

Craiova Christmas Market dates in 2024: November 15th to January 5th, 2025

Vienna Christmas Markets (there are few in the city) dates in 2024: November 11th to December 26th (TBC)

Prague Christmas Market dates in 2024: November 30th to January 6th, 2025

Madrid Christmas Market dates in 2024: November 29th to December 31st

Funchal Christmas Market dates in 2024: December 1st to January 5th, 2025

UK Christmas Markets in 2024

Every year, there are also Christmas Markets in the UK on the list.

Last year it was London. Birmingham and Manchester, which is quite often called the most beautiful and largest market in the UK.

Also market in Scottish Edinburgh, which appear on the list regularly and last year it was on position 13th. No wonder, this city is worth visiting in all circumstances, but the lights and festive atmosphere add even more magic to it. The Christmas Market in Edinburgh is in a spectacular location, as it takes place in Princes Street Garden with a view for the castle. I visited this market twice and I really loved it.

Edinburgh Christmas Market dates in 2024: November 17th to January 5th, 2025

Manchester Christmas Markets (across the city centre) dates in 2024: November 8th to December 22nd

Birmingham Christmas Market dates in 2024: November 1st to December 24th

Obviouslu, it’s just impossible not to mention London. It’s a great destination not only for Christmas Markets, but also for Christmas shopping or if searching for beautiful decorations. Here you can read in detail about London in December and where to find Christmas atmosphere in London.

Best Christmas Market in Europe Competition in December 2024

The list for the current year’s competition is released around October and November. It’s very interesting to see which Christmas Markets will compete this year in Best Christmas Markets in Europe. The full list, with additional descriptions and voting, you can usually find on this page.

It’s worth remembering about voting while drinking mulled wine somewhere!