ARE THESE THE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN EUROPE? | 44 Magical European Xmas Markets to Visit!

My ranking might surprise you... 👀 More details in the written guide here: happytowander....
Looking for the most magical Christmas markets in Europe? This video counts down the top 44 European Christmas Markets I think you should visit at least once in your lifetime.
----
PHOTO CREDITS: Valkenburg Christmas Photos via tassiedevilabr...
----
CHRISTINA'S TRAVEL GEAR
Note - many of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info on what this means, check out my website privacy policy and disclosure: happytowander....
➡️ My Camera {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3MhZ0VQ
➡️ My Favourite Regular Packing Cubes {Paid Link}: amzn.to/45OdSlI
➡️ My Favourite Compression Packing Cubes {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3MbIiYs
➡️ My Favourite Noise Cancelling Headphones {Paid Link}: amzn.to/46J6cTg
➡️ My White, More Elegant Carry-On {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3tESqlS
➡️ My Black, More Minimalist Carry-On {Paid Link}: amzn.to/478ROnf
➡️ My Pretty Re-Usable Toiletry Bottles {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3SeqaAJ
➡️ My Amazing E-Reader That Links to the Library for FREE Books {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3Mgfca2
OTHER TRAVEL RESOURCES
➡️ My favourite travel credit card - Wise: {Referral Link} happytowander....
➡️ Honey for finding coupons automatically: {Referral Link} happytowander....
➡️ Where I search hotels {Paid Link}: www.booking.co...
➡️ Where I search flights: www.google.com...
➡️ Where I compare/book transport in Europe {Paid Link}: happytowander....
➡️ My go-to travel insurance {Paid Link}: happytowander....
➡️ Where I book activities/tours {Paid Link}: happytowander....
➡️ Rakuten USA for cash-back on purchases {Referral Link}: www.rakuten.co...
➡️ Rakuten Canada {Referral Link} for cash-back on purchases: www.rakuten.ca...
➡️ Airfare Watchdog {Paid Link}: happytowander....
➡️ American Express Platinum Referral Link (for 60,000 points!): happytowander....
➡️ Airhelp {Paid Link}: happytowander....
MORE EUROPE VIDEOS:
➡️ • 101 EUROPE TRAVEL TIPS...
➡️ • HOW TO TRAVEL EUROPE B...
➡️ • HOW TO OUTSMART PICKPO...
➡️ • HOW TO SPEND A WEEK IN...
➡️ • FIND THE BEST HOTELS I...
➡️ • HOW TO PLAN A TRIP TO ...
➡️ • CHEAP FLIGHTS TO EUROP...
➡️ • TRAVEL EUROPE CHEAP | ...
➡️ • EURAIL PASS REVIEW | 5...
➡️ • PACK LIGHT FOR EUROPE ...
➡️ • 20 TRAVEL APPS YOU MUS...
➡️ • 20+ EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS...
EUROPE TRAVEL TIPS & MUST-KNOWS:
➡️ My best Europe travel tips: happytowander....
➡️ How to travel Europe by train: happytowander....
➡️ Grab my free Europe trip planning workbook: happytowander....
➡️ Grab my free accommodation checklist: happytowander....
➡️ My (brutally honest) Flixbus review: happytowander....
➡️ My honest RyanAir review: happytowander....
➡️ My honest WizzAir review: happytowander....
➡️ Europe summer packing list: happytowander....
➡️ Europe winter packing list: happytowander....
➡️ How to avoid pickpockets in Europe: happytowander....
➡️ 7 scenic train routes you can't miss: happytowander....
➡️ Europe car rental hidden costs: happytowander....
➡️ 17 unconventional travel hacks: happytowander....

[@HappytoWander]

Who's visiting Europe for Christmas markets this year?! Let me know in the comments where you're headed because I'm sooo sad to not be going this year. And let me know in the comments if you'd recommend any markets I missed! PS: The written version goes into more detail as usual: Full London Christmas Video

[@garydeleon4543]

We're going to Strasbourg and Cologne next week! Can't wait. Thanks for your wonderful videos!

[@aszrael1266]

Have you ever gone to the Christmas market in Blausee? Would you have any tips on finding the date for that Christmas market?

[@branhamphotos5354]

I'm planning on going this year.

[@LuisOcampo-jj5zf]

1:16 years

[@onofremartin73]

Here's the summary for everyone. Happy travelling! Thanks to Happy to Wander for this great list: 44. London, England 43. Budapest, Hungary 42. Dusseldorf, Germany 41. Stuutgart, Germany 40. Paris, France 39. Winchester, England 38. Essen, Germany 37. Valkenburg, Netherland 36. Graz, Austria 35. Edinburg, Scotland 34. Wroclaw, Poland 33. Birmingham, England 32. Prague, Czechia 31. Dortmund, Germany 30. Blenheim Palace 29. Frankfurt, Germany 28. Karlsruhe, Germany 27. Madrid, Spain 26. Mulhouse, France 25. Esslingen, Germany 24. Hamburg, Germany 23. Tallinn, Estonia 22. Berlin, Germany 21. Aachen, Germany 20. Brussels, Belgium 19. Kaysersberg, France 18. Basel, Switzerland 17. Nuremberg, Germany 16. Turckheim, France 15. Obernai, France 14. Bath, England 13. Eguisheim, France 12. Zurich, Switzerland 11. Salzburg, Austria 10. Regensburg, Germany 9. Montereux, Switzerland 8. Monschau, Germany 7. Vienna, Austria 6. Copenhagen, Denmark 5. Colmar, France 4. Munich, Germany 3. Strasborug, France 2. Cologne, Germany 1. Dresden, Germany

[@HappytoWander]

Wow thanks so much for watching and doing that recap! 🫶

[@tamaraaelbrecht1718]

​​@@HappytoWanderThere is something wrong with your video. You say in your video: Nr 13 Eguisheim and nr 12 Zurich, but you write in the video nr 15 Eguisheim and 14 Zurich.

[@magjuergenstefani4015]

Having been to many of the German and Austrian Markets, as well as some other countries, I agree mostly with your list.I would maybe add St.Wolfgang in Austria, where you can even travel by ship between 3 markets around Lake Wolfgang. This year I visited the Romanian Christmas markets in Sibiu and Timisoara again, which are also gorgeous! And the mulled wine is still a lot cheaper than in Western Europe 😊

[@butenbremer1965]

I, as a German born native, have admittedly been enjoying your wonderful YT-channel for practicing / improving my own English listening and speaking skills!

[@HappytoWander]

That makes me so happy!! Thanks for being here 🫶

[@richardmendez4219]

What a thorough, well produced, and enjoyable video. I appreciate the time and effort you took to make this delightful and informative piece. Thank you.

[@HappytoWander]

Thanks for leaving such a kind comment! Glad you enjoyed it 🫶

[@jules9645]

Thanks for this video. I’m going to Munich, Vienna and Salzburg this year. First time visiting Christmas markets.

[@elsawaters97]

We are headed out in a few days to spend three wonderful weeks exploring various Christmas Markets throughout France. Thanks for the very timely list.

[@HappytoWander]

I’m so excited for you! I hope you have an amazing time 🫶

[@VarunMilan]

My dream from childhood has always been to travel the world at the age of 25 due to a retina problem I lost most of my eye sight but still I wanna pursue my dreams Watching these videos really motivates me to run after my dreams 🎭 I wanna be an inspiration for others through my channel 💙

[@arnodobler1096]

❤

[@willgriggs7354]

Great list, so glad you put Dresden first :-)

[@hrw3mom103]

Heading to Munich in 3 weeks! We’re taking my parents on their very first trip to Europe. They’ll be embarking a river cruise with my aunt and uncle down the Danube. (My husband, two of my daughters, and I will stay in Munich since we’ve been around and aren’t cruise people.) It’s a dream trip for my mom and I’m so excited to see her face when get there.

[@HappytoWander]

Oh my gosh just reading this made me SO excited for you. I hope you have an amazing time. PS I’ve done a river cruise on the Danube before and it’s incredible, so I’m sure your parents will enjoy it!

[@arnodobler1096]

Oh nice, have fun

[@spicenola]

Love your videos. My sister and I did a whirlwind 2 week market tour last year from Vienna to Paris by train. Chose a lot of markets based on your previous videos. Thanks for the inspiration!!

[@HappytoWander]

Aw yay! I’m so glad you had a good time. Thanks so much for stopping by 🫶

[@travelics]

Hello from Brno, Czech republic ❤ Thanks for the nice video ❤

[@tullygroteluschen2098]

I visited the Christmas markets in Verona Italy, Regensberg, Munich, Nuermburg, Bremen, Frankfurt and Heidelberg Germany last year. Nuremberg was probably my favorite but Verona was cozy and quaint. Thanks for the video and inspiration! I can't wait to try some on your list next year!

[@JenFoto]

Nuremberg was my favourite, stunning place

[@bw5911]

Oh my gosh, I am so happy to see the Dresden was number one. I went there two years ago for the Christmas markets and was absolutely floored with how beautifully they decorated all of the tops of the chalets. I almost never see people include Dresden as the best Christmas markets in Europe, and I don’t know why. I watch the whole video and I was thinking to myself another one who forgot Dresden or who had never gone there before so they weren’t going to include it in their list. I was so shocked and happy to see that which is very well deserved. I love Vienna and all the different markets there and it used to be my number one, Dresden, not Vienna out of the number one spot for me for sure. I encourage everybody to go to that one because that’s what I compare every other Christmas market to now thank you for this great list and I hope to find some new ones that I’ve never been to this season..❤️

[@wandayanez2454]

I will be visiting several Christmas Markets in Dec 2024: 29. Frankfurt, 17. Nuremberg, 11. Strasburg, 7. Vienna, and 4. Munich. Thank for the video.

[@ManleyWalker]

I've always enjoyed your Christmas Market videos, Christina, but this one was absolutely epic! The best virtual holiday travel yet.

[@sjcobra84]

Dear people in the Northern Hemisphere. As a resident in the Southern Hemisphere ( Australia ) I am MEGA JEALOUS. You have snow fights and cookies while down here, we roast at +30C and can even go higher lol. Merry Christmas and a prosperous nu year. 🤣🎄🔥

[@gringocolonia]

I come from Cologne. As far as I'm concerned, we can swap places every year between November and March 🥶

[@reggieabadsantos7133]

Thank you Christina…you helped me decide on where to go Xmas 2024 🥰

[@lauriewhite3576]

Loved your video! This was very helpful, as I’m planning on taking my family next year. Thank you!

[@christinemasonrealtor]

Thanks for the bucket list of Christmas trips! Your videos inspired us to go to Strasbourg, Colmar & Basel this year.

[@HappytoWander]

Ahh, amazing! I hope you have an incredible time 🫶 thanks so much for watching!

[@christinemasonrealtor]

How long did you spend at each market during your Christmas market road trip? I haven’t been and want to make sure I give each enough time. Like how much time do you recommend for Strasbourg and Colmar?

[@lienvu2423]

@@christinemasonrealtor I would spend 1-2 days in Strasbourg and 1 day in Colmar

[@k.t.523]

Bravo! Thank you for such an informative, non-biased, and picturesque trip through Europe at Christmas.

[@carolinecristie1973]

Great selection. Riga in the Baltic States is charming and actually prefer it to Talinn

[@ChasingCharisma]

thanks so much! Useful for our trip this year. Doing 2 weeks of Christmas markets in November/December....ending with the Krampus Run.

[@monalisahota]

I have visited a lot of Christmas markets mostly across Germany but in Paris, Spain and Lisbon. I was a bit anxious if Cologne would make the list because it is hands down one of the best markets I have visited. Glad to see it's high position in this list too. Dresden was also a very very special Christmas market and way way better than Nuremberg in my opinion. I have added many more Christmas markets to visit based on this list...oops! In Germany, I loved Gengenbach Christmas market and ravena gorge Christmas market under a bridge (both in the black Forest) to be cozy and magical respectively. Not sure how they compare with others in the list but they are worth a visit IMO.

[@apoorvachawla5015]

Thanks for sharing your favorite Christmas market list :) I have also been to many Christmas markets in Europe and many of them are there on your list too. My personal favorite destinations are Strasbourg, Colmar and cozier Christmas markets like Riquewihr and Ribeauville ❤Finally, this year I will explore the Christmas markets in Cologne :)

[@ronaldchan2000]

Thanks for the great tips! I'm planning a trip to Prague-Vienna-Budapest for this December to see their amazing Xmas markets. Definitely need to add one more stop to this fantastic city of Dresden now!

[@spavanko2]

Zagreb, Croatia! On of the best!

[@i86ij99]

After seeing many big Christmas markets, I would much prefer smaller, cozier ones in some small, unknown towns

[@HappytoWander]

That’s totally fair!! I tried to include some smaller ones in the list too and usually recommend that people do some day trips to smaller towns close by to experience both big city markets and smaller cozier ones. I think the big ones are amazing for first timers though just because they’re SO grand and impressive. Honestly though there’s no Christmas market I don’t want to visit haha

[@cynthiamcknight9002]

We are heading to Belgium this year, and in addition to Brussels, will check out the markets in Ghent and Bruges. Smaller to be sure, but I bet very charming. We were in Cologne and Strasberg last year and they were magical!

[@stephen3627]

We just visited the Christmas markets in Bruges and they are both very small,2 to 3 minutes to walk through each of them and extremely overcrowded.Pretty disappointing and not worth going to.

[@mimamo]

Good on you for having so many German Christmas markets on your list and them being on top too. It's a simple fact that these are the original, traditional Christmas markets and most other countries (except Austria) have just copycats. The originals stay the best!

[@jeanetterenstrom3887]

You should visit the Christmas market in Stockholm’s old town. It’s definitely a really atmospheric Christmas market 😊

[@thishandleisntavailable.]

i love your presentation, very organized and informative. new sub!

[@sueKay]

I'd put Edinburgh higher up the list - I try to visit it every year and the markets and other attractions take over the whole of Princes Street gardens. There's also some other events well worth a visit, such as stunning light shows at both the botanic gardens and Edinburgh Castle itself - it's amazing being up the castle at night, seeing all the lights and enjoying some mulled wine. I'm glad Copenhagen ranked so highly - I absolutely loved going there for the Christmas Market, and Tivoli Gardens were extra magical at that time of year.

[@HappytoWander]

Oh I’m so happy to hear you endorse Edinburgh at Christmas! I’ve spent quite a bit of time there but never for the holidays, so I wanted to include it because it’s such a popular pick but I was also wary of ranking it too high since I’ve heard lots of people say they’re disappointing. I’m excited to go see for myself one day!!

[@dougtrvl888]

Very nice 😊 But you forgot Krakow Poland 🇵🇱

[@shapeoftimes]

There is a beautiful Christmas market in Romania, in Craiova, it is ranked as one of the best in Europe 🙂

[@HappytoWander]

I definitely want to visit Romania for Christmas markets someday!! I’ve been to Bucharest and Covasna county before and would love to see more of the country. I haven’t heard of this one though so thanks for putting it on my radar!

[@sofiabychyk2573]

It's beautiful but nothing except food there

[@adelailies1]

It's not one of the best!It does not have beautiful handmade ornaments, just food and lights.

[@StevePoulton-jc9ty]

Innsbruck Austria is pretty epic too

[@WoodyWanderer]

I was speaking to a German who said Munich is the best in Germany but obviously expensive compared to rest . For some reason I can’t fly to Dresden from where I live . Was thinking Hamburg or Cologne

[@jonathansalazar8710]

Great video!

[@RCRock1368]

You need to check out the Christmas markets in Bratislava and Kosice, Slovakia.

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

Wow, certainly nothing to match that down here as we swelter in the searing Christmas heat. Still, we have the gorgeous beaches to swim at instead I guess :)

[@simranpatel7147]

Loved thisssss. When is the best time to start Christmas market travels?

[@arnodobler1096]

2nd and 3rd week in December

[@lmac1780]

Awesome video! Thank you! We are planning a trip to see the Christmas Market this year. Where do we start? We are coming all the way from Australia..

[@Steven91637]

Freiburg and Siegburg got nice Christmas 🎄 Markets too

[@JBeliles]

Baden Baden Germany and Montbard France were my favorites as well as a castle in Black Forest I cannot find name of now.

[@DavidMinnis]

Going to Mainz, Wiesbaden and Frankfurt next month.

[@VenturousVagabonds]

The christmas markets in Europe are so amazing

[@ralphflori4129]

Just got here & subscibed! Hello!

[@HappytoWander]

Hi! Thanks so much for being here 🫶

[@Steven91637]

Heidelberg and Füssen having nice Markets and even in Görlitz Germany 🇩🇪

[@StevePoulton-jc9ty]

Innsbruck Austria has some pretty markets too

[@farenmareeramos]

You missed … • Prague • Rome • Sofia And most of the rest of Europe! Wonderful ideas for France and Germany though ❤❤

[@shirleyski6147]

Amazing/. All the ones from Germany, my families homeland- Frankfurt!!! 🎄🎄🎄

[@Steven91637]

Rothenburg in Germany 🇩🇪 Markets are amazing 🤩

[@kenrosenthal5976]

Wonderful summary of your top 40s. Having visited 90 countries, around 20 of your top 44 Christmas markets, a delightful overview. I look forward to your next year update, and maybe you will go outside Europe!!

[@originaltravelz]

Amazing video! One of our favorite markets is Innsbruck in Austria. Mostly because of the super scenic setting! We have our own video about it, if you want to check it out🎉

[@bemyguess1636]

Nice😊

[@sharonpapkin8574]

I loved Munich but it's shame that the markets closing so early. For me it's the best city to travel to.

[@evolution8662]

Let it be Christmas everyday!!!

[@justjadeluv]

Omg como's xmas market! Hello from italy!

[@TheMonkdad]

Probably not this year but hopefully 2025. Which one of these places is statistically likely to have snow in mid December?

[@przemekz4]

In my opinion Colmar and Strasburg are the best. This is simply another level.

[@chorlauheung4920]

What about the gluwein??!!!

[@chidieberechukwu8329]

Please more of Christmas content.

[@Steven91637]

Lübeck in Germany has nice Markets

[@northoftherings8394]

Hello from Graz Austria 🇦🇹

[@sonisingh4281]

I am a Indian. I used to see ur video for the Christmas Day party. Please reply mam. ❤

[@MICHALMALACHOVSKY]

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW

[@murtila4456]

All of my favourites are missing: Turin, Zagreb and Stockholm

[@sefakaragoz7159]

Is there any Christmast market in Turkey?

[@branhamphotos5354]

Which is better for Christmas brussels or Strasbourg. I prefer more of a winter wonderland than just markets? Thanks

[@irenezadonska462]

Italy has Christmas markets as well.

[@Lisa-kz7vw]

I think Germany or Austria will have the top Christmas Markets from everything I've been hearing and seeing on social media 😊

[@HappytoWander]

Great guess haha! Although most of this list is Germany/Austria 🙈 I definitely want to branch out more for future trips but they just have SO many amazing options.

[@skooshy621]

@Lisa-kz7vw You are correct! 🎄🔔🎄

[@ssb1056]

I am in Cascais, Portugal! We have lots of nice things here, Lisbon and the ancient town of Obidos. We are heading to Alsace Lorraine and stopping in Paris next week. Will be in Scotland before Christmas and will be on Prince’s street to welcome 2024!

[@CampingdelaVallée-u2i]

Where is Barcares village de Noël ?

[@feniks310368]

Zagreb was tree years in row the best Christmas market in Europe

[@MarkoMihailovic-x3g]

It's unfortunate that I'll never have the money to visit any of the Christmas markets in the world.. 😢

[@kessas.489]

I like Trier/Germany...

[@1950s_Guitar]

Zagreb Croatia?

[@Wanderlustvids]

What a delightful tour of European Christmas Markets! 😍🎅 If you're eager to dive deeper into the festive spirit, check out my latest video showcasing the 'Top 10 Christmas Markets of Europe - 2023' on my channel. Let's keep the holiday magic alive and explore these enchanting markets together! ✨🌍

[@lindabeck7253]

Heidelberg!

[@brainmoleculemarketing801]

Nothing in Spain or Italy, interesting.

[@bens1221sop]

I liked Colmar over Strasbourg. Actually, Strasbourg was a disappointment for me. And the trains to and from Paris to Strasbourg awful. Needs to be newer. Really liked Colmar.

[@timcarpenter2441]

The London christmas market from a stall perspective, from an organizational perspective (yes, repeated stalls of the same tat) is very disappointing and whomsoever organizes them has to really up their game and weed out the nonsense.

[@vivalasvegas702]

German tourism department should pay this channel 💴 💵. No Bruges, Ghent, Milan, Hallstatt or Lyon. I’ll gladly replace the top five German cities with these cities.

[@nataliasowala6456]

Disagree with so many of your picks

[@tomlengyelgb]

Why was it necessary to rank them? U could have just simply listed the best ones - this ranking is pretty strange.

[@HappytoWander]

I totally see your point haha and trust me, trying to put them in order wasn’t easy! This was mainly done for some structure (and honestly) because people like countdowns and it encourages them to watch til the end. 44 is a lot to sit through if they’re not organized in some way, but in any case thanks for stopping by :)

[@DEADLIERP00L]

Overly biased with Germany!! 👎🏻

[@petertoth3044]

Poor list, SHAME!!

[@marciecorda5209]

WHO CARES ABOUT MARKETS! CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT CHRIST- eternal life giver.

[@sasadela-rosa]

What a joke of a list. ROFL. No Italy? no Croatia? ( Zagreb was declared best Xmass market in EU several years in a row, till pandemic, and coming back HUGE this year ) waste of time on this video

[@Spooooooon64]

Its clear you haven't been to many of these places for their Christmas markets. To anyone watching please don't listen to this list, it's pure nonsense. It's clear you had some assistance from Chat GPT in writing this video.

[@arnodobler1096]

Why, what's wrong? I didn't see any errors, even if I wasn't everywhere.

[@widtfield]

Hey @Happy to wander. I love to travel as well! and i go to finland the first of januari next year. and put some of your places in wich you've visited on my list. thanks for that btw. I am going to start a travel chanel with some extra sub themes as well as cooking because of my career. and i was wondering/hoping if it Is possible to work together some time with a colaberation perhaps. to help each other? Or that you support me perhaps with a shoud out.. looking forward to hear from you Jonah Widtfield 😀

[@TheMonkdad]

Probably not this year but hopefully 2025. Which one of these places is statistically likely to have snow in mid December?