As Christmas markets begin to open across Europe, the festive season brings opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends, sample seasonal treats and shop for unique Christmas gifts.
From traditional celebrations to enchanting winter experiences, Europe’s Christmas markets offer the perfect excuse for a festive getaway.
Travel News Blitz’s Renee Cottle explores six European Christmas markets that offer plenty of reasons to pack a suitcase this winter.
Strasbourg, France
Affectionately known as Capitale de Noël (Capital of Christmas), Strasbourg has been celebrating the festive season with its famous Christmas market since 1570.
In 2026, the market runs from 27 November to 24 December.
Since 2000, a giant Christmas tree known as Le Grand Sapin has been a symbol of the city's festive celebrations.
Today, Strasbourg's Christmas market attracts millions of visitors, with 3.05 million recorded in 2025.
Visitors can explore the enchanting Village du Partage (Village of Sharing), with its charitable stalls and festive atmosphere, before enjoying the spectacular illuminations that light up Strasbourg's historic city centre.
Vienna, Austria
Set against the impressive backdrop of Vienna’s neo-Gothic City Hall, the Vienna Christmas market at Rathausplatz brings traditional Austrian festivities to the heart of the capital.
This year, the market runs from 13 November to 26 December.
Visitors can browse stalls selling handcrafted gifts and sample Austrian specialities, like Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes) and freshly roasted chestnuts, before taking to the ice at the popular Vienna Ice Dream, where illuminated skating paths wind through City Hall Park.
For those looking to explore further, the Austrian capital is home to several other Christmas markets, each offering its own festive charm.
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Tallinn, Estonia
Right in the heart of Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, you’ll find the Estonian capital’s Christmas market from 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027.
Offering a glimpse into centuries-old festive traditions, Tallinn Christmas market is held in Town Hall Square and surrounds a Christmas tree in a location where public Christmas trees have been displayed since 1441.
Alongside shopping and sampling regional treats, the market also hosts live music, folk dancing and a visit from Father Christmas, making it a popular choice for both local and visiting families.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
From 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, Slovenia’s capital offers a different take on the traditional Christmas market, with festive stalls that line the Ljubljanica River and spill into the city's historic squares.
Throughout the festive season, visitors can browse handmade gifts from Slovenian designers and enjoy free family-friendly events and concerts.
Beyond the market stalls, visitors can discover “Chaos. In Order.”, the 2026 festive light installation by artist Urban Modic, exploring hidden patterns and connections through illuminated artworks across the city.
Gdańsk, Poland
Voted Europe's best Christmas market in 2025, the Gdańsk Christmas market (Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy) brings festive celebrations to the heart of Poland's historic Baltic port city.
Last year’s entertainment programme featured themed days throughout the week, including Insta Mondays for festive photography, Theatre Tuesdays and Musical Fridays.
Visitors can also discover unusual attractions like Lucek the talking moose and the market’s Shakespeare-inspired Romeo and Juliet corner.
This year, the market runs from 20 November to 23 December, although the full programme for 2026 is yet to be confirmed.
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Riga, Latvia
Set in the historic Dome Square, Riga’s Christmas market offers plenty to entertain visitors of all ages.
Younger guests can visit Santa’s cabin, meet his Christmas elves and enjoy pony rides or a spin on the traditional carousel.
A programme of live entertainment brings music and dancing to the square, with DJs, choirs and Latvian folk performers adding to the celebrations.
With free admission and festivities running from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, Riga is another appealing option for anyone planning a winter getaway.
With opening dates and attractions varying between destinations, travellers should check individual market websites before booking.
From established festive favourites to lesser-known celebrations, Europe's Christmas markets offer plenty of variety for those planning a winter break.
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