8 of Europe's Top Holiday Markets

Deck the halls and hang the mistletoe, the most wonderful time of the year is officially here. And what better place to enjoy those feelings of warmth and happiness than one of Europe’s beloved holiday markets?

From historic Berlin to romantic Italy, these eight Christmas markets are oozing with the yuletide spirit to help you stay festive all winter long.

Old Town Square Market, Prague

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Attracting millions of visitors each year, Prague’s Staromestske Namesti hosts the region’s busiest and most-famous Christmas market. Endless booths line the city’s Old Town Square, home to the world-famous astronomical clock, filled with craft vendors, food stalls and local shops for as far as the eye can see. The market’s cozy vibe can be credited to twinkling string lights and a massive decked-out Christmas tree which is lit every evening at sundown for a whimsical touch.

Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia

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Held at the Town Hall Square of Tallinn, Estonia’s Tallinn Christmas Market is self-described as a Christmasland with a touch of fairy tale. The market is merry and bright with no shortage of decorated trees, dazzling lights and holiday decor galore. However, the real star of the show is the market’s historic Christmas tree which dates back to 1441 and was the first Christmas tree to ever be put on display in Europe.

P.S., don’t forget to sample the region’s iconic holiday cuisine including black pudding, sour cabbage and gingerbread while you’re in town.

Edinburgh’s Christmas, Scotland

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Christmas cheer and thrill rides unite at Scotland’s Edinburgh’s Christmas. Where else can you drive bumper cars, take a spin on a Waltzer and catch an unbeatable view atop the Forth 1 Big Wheel (read, massive Ferris wheel) on the same day that you peruse a holiday market, get lost in a Christmas tree maze and listen to timeless carols? But the fun doesn’t stop there, visitors can enjoy even more unique activities at this Scottish wonderland such as Santa’s Grotto, Winter Windows, ice skating and more.

Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, Berlin

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Head to historic Berlin to relish some of the best entertainment, food and locally crafted goods that Germany has to offer. Performances from jugglers, fire-eaters, choirs and jazz or classical ensembles ensure that you’ll never get bored while exploring this festive celebration. As for food, you can expect everything from snacks and casual grub to gourmet menus and traditional Christmas dishes. Best of all, a portion of all proceeds is donated to charity making this a cause that you can feel good about.

Trento Christmas Market, Italy

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The holidays start early at Italy’s Trento Christmas Market where festivities kick off as soon as mid-November. Too jolly for just one location, this market is divided between two sites — Piazza Fiera square and Piazza Cesare Battisi square, both of which are adorned to the nines with festive lights and decorated huts. However, perhaps the most noteworthy thing about the Trento Christmas Market is its dedication to sustainability. Trento Christmas Market is considered a ‘green market’ which means that the event organizers take great care to ensure that the impact on the environment is minimal through the use of local goods, products and recyclable materials.

Christmas in Tivoli, Copenhagen

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Christmas in Tivoli invites visitors to feel the holiday magic in a setting fit for a fairy tale. Picture the scene — Familiar songs and the sweet smell of Christmas treats fill the air as you stroll beneath thousands of shimmering lights, your path dotted with over 15 immaculately decorated Christmas trees along the way.

What’s more, Christmas in Tivoli is the perfect place to snag a gift for everyone on your list with 20 charming vendor stalls serving up roasted nuts, mulled wine, fine works and more.

Brussels Winter Wonders, Belgium

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Brussels Winter Wonders puts the ‘fest’ in festive with Winter Pop, a two-day popup village complete with roaring concerts, brass bands, board games, dance parties, choirs, movie and cartoon screenings and more. But if two days of merrymaking just isn’t enough, don’t fear, the Brussels city center transforms into a place for holiday fun for over a month with a massive Christmas market, fairground attractions, an ice rink and of course, an impressive Christmas tree.

Strasbourg Christmas Market at Place de la Cathédrale, France

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Fancy a visit to the ‘capital of Christmas’? Strasbourg has got you covered. Home to one of the oldest and perhaps the most famous markets in all of Europe, France’s Strasbourg Christmas Market Place de la Cathédrale attracts an average of 2 million visitors each year. And for good reason, this jovial gathering takes place alongside the stunning Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg an elaborate church that dates back to the 14th century. In addition to a ridiculously Instagrammable backdrop, this market is also famous for its hearty servings of mulled wine, Alsatian culinary specialties and fabulous shops.