The BEST European Christmas markets of 2023 – and how much it costs to visit
- MailOnline has rounded up Europe’s best and most dazzling Christmas markets
- Scroll down to find out where should be on your radar and how much it will cost
The most magical time of year is creeping closer and lots of Brits will be looking for how they can get into the festive spirit.
While the UK is home to some amazing Christmas markets, other places in Europe take the cake in this department – hence why so many of us choose to holiday there at this time of year.
You could be hopping off a plane to be met with the smell of gingerbread, the sound of Christmas carols and even fresh snow crunching beneath your feet.
From delicious food and drink delights to an array of trinkets to bring back for your family, these cities look like a real life Hallmark movie when winter comes around.
We’ve rounded up some of Europe’s best and most dazzling Christmas markets that should be on your agenda this year, including how much it will cost you to fly there.
While the UK is home to some amazing Christmas markets, other places in Europe take the cake in this department – hence why so many of us choose to holiday there at this time of year
Prague, Czechia
The first place that should be on any Christmas lover’s radar for a festive getaway, is Prague.
With festivity and joy throughout the city bringing together locals and tourists alike, even the biggest Scrooge will have a magical time.
The city’s markets are open daily from December 2 2023 to January 6 2024, including on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
You can find the stalls at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, in the heart of the vibrant city – opening hours are 10am – 10pm every day and entry is free.
The website states that trades will be selling ceramics, jewellery, glassware, embroidered lace, wooden toys, candles, Christmas tree ornaments, winter hats and gloves, and puppets and dolls dressed in traditional costumes.
There is also a wide range of local food and drink to try, including traditional options like hams on roasted spits, barbecued sausages, smoked meat dumplings and ‘Christmas fish soup’ – as well as sweet treats like spicy gingerbread and hot pastries.
The first place that should be on any Christmas lover’s radar for a festive getaway, is Prague
With festivity and joy throughout the city bringing together locals and tourists alike, even the biggest Scrooge will have a magical time
The city’s markets are open daily from December 2 2023 to January 6 2024, including on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Berlin, Germany
Over 100 Christmas markets take place in Berlin each year, with one of the most popular options being Winter World and Christmas market at Potsdamer Platz – one of Berlin’s most famous squares.
Other favourites are the market in the old town of Spandau, which is the biggest, and Gendarmenmarkt, which is more traditional and elegant.
The market at Alexanderplatz is one of the busiest with over a hundred stalls to choose from.
Christmas markets are one of the most beloved holiday traditions for Germans, so they are spread out across the capital – you have plenty to choose from.
Most of them will open on November 27 and close on Christmas eve, however the market at Potsdamer Platz will remain open until New Year’s Day.
Gendarmenmarkt will also be running until New Year’s Eve.
Visitors can expect to eat freshly baked waffles, bratwurst and frikadelle, washed down with some glühwein (mulled wine).
Over 100 Christmas markets take place in Berlin each year – The market at Alexanderplatz is one of the busiest with over a hundred stalls to choose from
Gendarmenmarkt (pictured) is more traditional and elegant
Visitors can expect to eat freshly baked waffles, bratwurst and frikadelle, washed down with some glühwein (mulled wine)
Vienna, Austria
Brits travel to Viennese Christmas markets for stunning backdrops, hundreds of festive stalls from craftsmen, and of course Austrian strudel.
The biggest and most beautiful of the markets is the Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of the city hall, where stalls line the pathway up to a huge Christmas tree.
A bright sign reading ‘Merry Christmas’ in German, welcomes both locals and tourists alike, along with choirs singing carols on the weekends.
There’s even an area dedicated to children, where they can lean how to make Christmas cookies and candles.
The market will be open from November 11 to December 26 and opening times are 10am to 10pm, except from Christmas eve when it was close earlier at 6:30pm.
Other places to visit in Vienna include the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace and Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square – there are more than 20 different official markets to choose from.
Brits travel to Viennese Christmas markets for stunning backdrops, hundreds of festive stalls from craftsmen, and of course Austrian strudel
The biggest and most beautiful of the markets is the Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of the city hall, where stalls line the pathway up to a huge Christmas tree
Budapest, Hungary
The best known Christmas market in Budapest is the fair on Vorosmarty Square, which is at the heart of the city – it will be open from November 17 – January 1.
Although there are many other markets throughout the capital, this one is the ‘oldest, richest and the most spectacular’.
Full of street food, choirs and buzzing market stalls, it’s one of the cheaper places to visit on the list to still get the European Christmas experience.
A popular sweet treat in Budapest in the Chimney Cake (kürtőskalács), which you should be able to find at every market – goulash soup and Hungarian grilled sausages are other must-tries.
Other markets worth taking a trip to is the market by the Saint Stephen Basilica, which is a two minute walk from Vorosmarty Square, the Christmas Market in Deák Ferenc street and a smaller option at Erzsébet Square.
Full of street food, choirs and buzzing market stalls, Budapest one of the cheaper places to visit on the list to still get the European Christmas experience
A popular sweet treat in Budapest in the Chimney Cake (kürtőskalács), which you should be able to find at every market – goulash soup and Hungarian grilled sausages are other must-tries
Markets to choose from include Vorosmarty Square, Saint Stephen Basilica, the Christmas Market in Deák Ferenc street and a smaller option at Erzsébet Square
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a firm favourite destination at Christmas time, where the houses actually look like they’re made of gingerbread.
While it’s the most expensive place to fly to on the list, the cosy and traditionalfestive atmosphere make the trip worthwhile – you feel like you’re stepping into a Christmas movie.
The markets will be running from November 24 through to January 7, with opening times of 10am-10pm Sunday-Thursday and 10:30am-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
There are two to choose from, the Simon Stevinplein market and the classic Christmas market (Markt).
On the official website, it explains that ‘on the Markt you will find everything you can expect from a traditional Christmas market and on the Simon Stevinplein the emphasis is on short chain and craft products.’
Bruges is a firm favourite destination at Christmas time, where the houses actually look like they’re made of gingerbread
While it’s the most expensive place to fly to on the list, the cosy and traditionalfestive atmosphere make the trip worthwhile – you feel like you’re stepping into a Christmas movie
The markets will be running from November 24 through to January 7, with opening times of 10am-10pm Sunday-Thursday and 10:30am-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg had to make the list, as it’s also known as the ‘Capital of Christmas’.
From around the magnificent Cathedral to the city’s most beautiful squares, the city transforms into a fairytale wonderland.
Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg’s Christmas market is the oldest in France and one of the oldest in Europe
There are over 300 wooden chalets, spread around different squares in the city, illuminated by thousands of sparkling Christmas lights and decorations.
Even the Christmas tree is special – located in Alsace next to the library, you can see the first ever written mention of a Christmas tree, in a carefully preserved old document.
The market will open on November 24 until Christmas eve and on it’s opening da you can visit from 2pm – after that it’s open from 11:30am-9pm every day, apart from Christmas eve when it closes at 6p,.
Strasbourg had to make the list, as it’s also known as the ‘Capital of Christmas’
From around the magnificent Cathedral to the city’s most beautiful squares, the city transforms into a fairytale wonderland
Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg’s Christmas market is the oldest in France and one of the oldest in Europe
Copenhagen, Denmark
In the land of the Danish art of ‘hygge,’ Copenhagen is a perfect destination for the winter season.
There are a number of markets spread across the city for you to choose from, including the magnificent Tivioli Gardens and market.
From November 17 – December 31, the garden turns into a Christmas lovers paradise with lights, trees and stalls selling unique Scandi gifts and food.
It’s open from 11am to 10pm usually and until midnight on the weekends.
Kongens Nytorv market is a more historic option, that often also provides entertainment and music, along with Højbro Plads and Nyhavn Christmas market on the waterfront.
In terms of food and drink, you can find delicious Dutch pancakes, mulled wine and caramelised almonds as some of the most popular delicacies.
In the land of the Danish art of ‘hygge,’ Copenhagen is a perfect destination for the winter season
Kongens Nytorv market is a more historic option, that often also provides entertainment and music, along with Højbro Plads and Nyhavn Christmas market on the waterfront
Frankfurt, Germany
Due to it’s number of visitors and sheer size, Frankfurt Christmas market is one of the most popular in Germany, drawing in around three million visitors each year.
Backdrops of the Römerberg and St Paul’s Square create a stunning and festive backdrop to your shopping.
It’s also one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, dating all the way back to 1393.
You can visit between November 27 and December 21 and it’s opening hours are 10am-9pm Monday-Saturday and 11am-9pm on Sundays.
As well as the traditional German food you would expect, the Frankfurt market has even developed it’s own two specialties – the traditional Christmas cookie Brenten and Quetschemännchen, a delicate almond and marzipan biscuit.
Both of these can only be found in Frankfurt and surrounding areas, so it’s worth giving them a try while you’re there.
Due to it’s number of visitors and sheer size, Frankfurt Christmas market is one of the most popular in Germany, drawing in around three million visitors each year
Backdrops of the Römerberg and St Paul’s Square create a stunning and festive backdrop to your shopping
It’s also one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, dating all the way back to 1393
Oslo, Norway
Finally, Oslo Christmas market is another one that should be on your festive radar.
Traditional Norwegian fairs offer unique Christmas gifts, exciting artisan foods, and cosily lit winter streets.
Winter Wonderland in Spikersuppa is one of the most popular choices for all the family, especially children.
It will be open to visit from 11 November – 31 December.
The website states that this year will feature new additions of a Ferris wheel and other family attractions, as well as the usual selection of food stalls and an ice skating rink.
Other popular options are Bergen market and the festive Lillehammer, where you will find roasted almonds, the traditional juleglogg drink, as well as unique ornaments and baked goodies.
Oslo Christmas market is another one that should be on your festive radar
Traditional Norwegian fairs offer unique Christmas gifts, exciting artisan foods, and cosily lit winter streets
Other popular options are Bergen market and the festive Lillehammer, where you will find roasted almonds, the traditional juleglogg drink, as well as unique ornaments and baked goodies
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Laura Lindsay, Destinations & Trends Expert at Skyscanner, commented: ‘The festive season is such a lovely time to get away and get into the festive spirit.
‘If wandering around a Christmas market with a mulled wine in hand is your vibe, then you can’t get much better than Germany.
‘The country is said by many to be the origin of the first Christmas market and now has some of the best in the world – Berlin and Frankfurt in particular should definitely be top of the list.
‘Prague is also a fabulous option with its traditional Czech food and handmade crafts. If you’re there around Christmas time then be sure to check out the Old Town Square Christmas tree lighting, it really is beautiful.
‘Copenhagen is another favourite during the festive season. A swathe of stalls selling festive gifts and treats pops up along Nyhavn, making the colourful fairy-tale harbour even more alluring.
‘A visit to Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s venerable 174-year-old amusement park, is something of a Christmas tradition for locals.
‘The Christmas lights are simply stunning, and three separate light shows illuminate the skies every day during the festive season.
‘And if the kids haven’t tired of looking at sparkly things in the sky, the park puts on a fireworks festival from 25 to 27 December and from 31 December to 3 January.
‘If you’re flexible with where and when you’re travelling, Skyscanner’s Everywhere tool is a great tool for bagging a bargain. Exploring your options means you might find great value direct flights to one of the cities hosting a Christmas market this year.’
Find the full list of the cheapest flights available for each destination below – prices vary but these are the cheapest flights available for each month, from each place, at the time of writing:
How much it will cost you to fly to the best European Christmas markets from UK airports
PRAGUE, CZECHIA
London
Cheapest flights in November: £33 return
Cheapest flights in December: £42 return
Manchester
Cheapest flights in November: £50 return
Cheapest flights in December: £58 return
Edinburgh
Cheapest flights in November: £63 return
Cheapest flights in December: £59 return
Birmingham
Cheapest flights in November: £73 return
Cheapest flights in December: £78 return
BERLIN, GERMANY
London
Cheapest flights in November: £39 return
Cheapest flights in December: £46 return
Manchester
Cheapest flights in November: £38 return
Cheapest flights in December: £59 return
Edinburgh
Cheapest flights in November: £27 return
Cheapest flights in December: £30 return
Birmingham
Cheapest flights in November: £73 return
Cheapest flights in December: £73 return
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
London
Cheapest flights in November: £28 return
Cheapest flights in December: £43 return
Manchester
Cheapest flights in November: £42 return
Cheapest flights in December: £43 return
Edinburgh
Cheapest flights in November: £55 return
Cheapest flights in December: £56 return
Birmingham
Cheapest flights in November: £63 return
Cheapest flights in December: £74 return
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
London
Cheapest flights in November: £27 return
Cheapest flights in December: £38 return
Manchester
Cheapest flights in November: £50 return
Cheapest flights in December: £60 return
Edinburgh
Cheapest flights in November: £61 return
Cheapest flights in December: £55 return
Birmingham
Cheapest flights in November: £37 return
Cheapest flights in December: £40 return
BRUGES, BELGIUM
London
Cheapest flights in November: £214 return
Cheapest flights in December: £194 return
Manchester
Cheapest flights in November: £228 return
Cheapest flights in December: £199 return
Edinburgh
Cheapest flights in November: £259 return
Cheapest flights in December: £256 return
Birmingham
Cheapest flights in November: £237 return
Cheapest flights in December: £230 return
STRASBOURG, FRANCE
London
Cheapest flights in November: £50 return
Cheapest flights in December: £64 return
Manchester
Cheapest flights in November: £99 return
Cheapest flights in December: £81 return
Edinburgh
Cheapest flights in November: £97 return
Cheapest flights in December: £116 return
Birmingham
Cheapest flights in November: £94 return
Cheapest flights in December: £122 return
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
London
Cheapest flights in November: £30 return
Cheapest flights in December: £30 return
Manchester
Cheapest flights in November: £26 return
Cheapest flights in December: £24 return
Edinburgh
Cheapest flights in November: £33 return
Cheapest flights in December: £30 return
Birmingham
Cheapest flights in November: £71 return
Cheapest flights in December: £73 return
FRANKFURT, GERMANY
London
Cheapest flights in November: £28 return
Cheapest flights in December: £26 return
Manchester
Cheapest flights in November: £61 return
Cheapest flights in December: £70 return
Edinburgh
Cheapest flights in November: £63 return
Cheapest flights in December: £71 return
Birmingham
Cheapest flights in November: £66 return
Cheapest flights in December: £73 return
OSLO, NORWAY
London
Cheapest flights in November: £23 return
Cheapest flights in December: £25 return
Manchester
Cheapest flights in November: £24 return
Cheapest flights in December: £25 return
Edinburgh
Cheapest flights in November: £63 return
Cheapest flights in December: £62 return
Birmingham
Cheapest flights in November: £59 return
Cheapest flights in December: £60 return
SOURCE: Skyscanner
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