10 best Christmas markets to visit in Europe 2023

Here is a list of the best Christmas markets in Europe 2023 by travel experts ofCNNSuggestions, based on criteria including becoming a tourist attraction, famous in the world, the magnificence of the market and its longevity.

Wiener Christkindlmarkt Christmas Market, Austria

There are around 20 Christmas markets to choose from in Vienna, Austria, but the Wiener Christkindlmarkt is one of the oldest and most traditional. The reindeer sleighs, giant Ferris wheel and ornately decorated nativity scene at the market “encapsulate the spirit of Christmas in a wonderful way,” according toCNN.

The market, held in front of the City Hall, has been dubbed by many as “Vienna’s dream Christmas market” with its 150-square-meter ice rink for children and the Tree of Hearts, a giant maple tree decorated with hundreds of sparkling hearts, a favorite photo spot for thousands of people. In addition, the market has many food stalls selling sausages, gingerbread cookies and punch, a popular Christmas drink.

Opening hours: 10/11-26/12.

Christmas Market in Basel, Switzerland

It’s hard to find a better place to celebrate Christmas than Switzerland. Most Swiss cities and towns have Christmas markets, but the one in Basel is the biggest and best-reviewed.

The Basel Christmas Market is held in two areas: Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz with more than 150 beautifully decorated stalls selling Christmas decorations, spices and candles. Visitors can visit the Christmas fairy forest at Münsterplatz or walk up the St. Martin's Tower for a panoramic view of the market or sip a glass of homemade wine at the 13-meter high Christmas Tower at Münsterplatz.

Opening hours: 11/23-12/23.

Christmas Market in Strasbourg, France

Established in 1570, Strasbourg’s Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe. This famous French market lights up the city with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations, attracting over two million visitors each year.

The market has hundreds of stalls selling everything from decorations and souvenirs to famous Alsace wines.

Opening hours: 11/24-12/24.

Christmas Market in Brussels, Belgium

Brussels comes "really alive at Christmas thanks to Winter Wonders, which is more like a festival than a market," according toCNN. The Winter Wonder Christmas Market in Brussels is considered one of the largest and most famous events in Belgium, covering the entire Bourse area, Place de la Monnaie, Grand Place, Place Sainte Catherine and Marche aux Poissons in the capital.

In addition to more than 200 stalls selling decorations, waffles, and Belgian beer, the market also features sound and light shows, games, and a giant Christmas tree.

Opening hours: 11/24-12/31.

Christmas Market in Prague, Czech Republic

"To say that Prague is bustling at Christmas is an understatement," CNN wrote, because in reality, the Czech capital is a "winter wonderland" at the end of the year.

The most popular markets are located in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The two locations are only a few minutes' walk from each other, so visitors can easily visit both in one day.

The market in Old Town Square offers endless entertainment with dancing and creative workshops. Wenceslas Square is a great place to buy handmade gifts and local cuisine such as klobasa (sausages) and homemade Christmas wine.

Opening hours: 2/12-6/1/2024.

Barcelona Christmas Market, Spain

Dating back to 1786, Fira de Santa Llucia has evolved from a one-day event to celebrate the feast of Santa Llucia (December 13th) into a three-week fair. Fira de Santa Llucia is held in front of Barcelona Cathedral and is divided into four different areas.

Opening hours: 11/24-12/23.

Christmas Market in Helsinki, Finland

The Tuomaan Markkinat Christmas Market is held in Helsinki's Senate Square, near the Alexander II statue. In the center of the market is a classic carousel and hundreds of stalls selling traditional Christmas delicacies such as Finnish homemade wine and handicrafts.

Children can visit Santa Claus in the wooden cabin in the market and participate in activities such as decorating Christmas cookies. The market's food court is particularly impressive with many delicious eateries, according to reviews fromCNN.

Opening hours: 1/1-22/12.

Krakow Christmas Market, Poland

Located on Rynek Glowny, the Polish city's central square, the Krakow Christmas Market is one of the largest in Europe.

Visitors can enjoy Polish delicacies such as kiełbasa (sausages) or buy handmade gifts, listen to live music from bands and singers.

Opening hours: 11/24-1/1/2024.

Berlin Christmas Market, Germany

Germany is one of the European countries with the oldest and most visited Christmas markets in the world. The capital Berlin has about 80 market venues, but expertsCNNsuggest Gendarmenmark (pictured), the most famous and described as "a maze" of wooden huts selling famous German sausages, homemade wine and gingerbread, souvenirs.

Visitors can also visit the famous 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt Christmas market in Nuremberg, Bavaria. The market usually attracts about two million visitors each year.

Opening hours: 1/12- 24/12 (Christkindlesmarkt) and 27/11-31/12 (Gendarmenmarkt).

London Christmas Market, England

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Christmas Market is one of the capital's most anticipated winter events. It has been running since 2005 and attracts crowds every year thanks to its more than 200 attractions, including a 70m high Ferris wheel, craft beer stalls and an outdoor ice skating rink.

Visitors can also take part in ice sculpture workshops, watch a circus, listen to live music at the Fire Pit bar or enjoy some of the food on sale at the Street Food Village.