The Best Cities to Visit for Christmas

The most beautiful Christmas market for the past three years has been considered the St. Stephen's Square in Budapest. The market is organized in front of the St. Stephen's Basilica. The Advent Basilica in Budapest welcomes you with a vibrant atmosphere. Every evening, the neoclassical facade of the magnificent basilica becomes the stage for a laser light show and 3D projections. Your attention will be drawn to the tall Christmas tree adorned with lights and an array of ornaments. At the same time, numerous stalls set up in the square tempt you with crafts and Hungarian culinary delights.

Period: November 17, 2023 – December 31, 2023

Location: St. Stephen's Square (Szent István tér), Vörösmarty Square (Vörösmarty tér).

Salzburg

Salzburg hosts one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. It is organized in the Domplatz and Residenzplatz squares, where Salzburg's tourist attractions are cherished all year round. During the winter holidays, they transform into magical places, offering visitors enchanting experiences. The Christmas market in Salzburg has been a tradition since 1974 and attracts tourists from around the world. Thousands of lanterns and wooden houses, festively decorated, adorn the historic city center. Salzburg is one of the most beautiful Christmas cities in Europe. In every corner of the market, you will feel the magic of the winter holidays.

Period: November 23, 2023 – January 1, 2024

Location: Domplatz and Residenzplatz

Vienna

Everyone knows that Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities at Christmas. The most famous and largest market is held at Rathausplatz. Many stalls, twinkling lanterns, and festive decorations turn the square into a fairy-tale land. Another attractive sight in Vienna is the Christmas market in the courtyard of Schönbrunn Palace. This market against the backdrop of the famous illuminated imperial palace creates a royal atmosphere. As you stroll through Vienna, you will find many other places where Christmas markets are held. During the holidays, these are very popular places to visit in Europe.

Period: November 18, 2023 – December 26, 2023

Location: Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, etc.

Dresden

The Dresden Christmas market has been held continuously for almost six centuries. It was founded in 1434 and is known as the oldest Christmas market in Germany. It began as a one-day market to allow locals to buy meat before Christmas. Over the centuries, it has evolved into one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Striezelmarkt, as this market is called, is held on Dresden's Altmarkt. Festive lighting, holiday music, the scent of mulled wine, and traditional dishes create a magical atmosphere at the Dresden Christmas market.

Period: November 29, 2023 – December 24, 2023

Location: Altmarkt

Prague

Prague is also one of the most beautiful cities at Christmas. Its cobblestone streets and illuminated historic buildings are especially charming during the winter holidays. Prague has several places where Christmas markets are held. The most popular one is held at the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí). From Christmas decorations, wooden toys, and candles to handmade crafts, souvenirs, and Czech culinary delights. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by holiday music. Sometimes local and international choirs give concerts on improvised stages. Wenceslas Square also hosts a Christmas market offering almost the same products. However, unlike the historic center, the atmosphere here is slightly different, with a more modern vibe.

Period: December 2, 2023 – January 6, 2024

Location: Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Republic Square.

London

Spending Christmas in London is something special. The capital of England with its many festively decorated locations invites you to experience the spirit of the winter holidays in a unique way. London is famous for its Christmas street lighting. Many areas of the city turn into a festive paradise with thousands of twinkling lights and decorations. The favorite among London's best Christmas markets is undoubtedly Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. It is the most popular and grandiose festive market in the city. The Manchester Christmas market is another perfect place for winter holidays. It will run from November 17 to January 1, 2024. London and Manchester are popular for their festive markets, but England surely has other beautiful Christmas cities.

Period: November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024

Location: Hyde Park

Munich

In Munich, there isn't just one Christmas market but about 20 markets throughout the city and even at the airport. The Kripperlmarkt is also a market open during Christmas, selling only nativity figurines and decorations. Another Christmas market open in Munich, Tollwood, is more of a multicultural market, with small shows and mini-performances, and where you can find handmade items and crafts from different parts of the world.

Period: November 27, 2023 – December 24, 2023

Location: Munich

Frankfurt

The Christmas market in Frankfurt is one of the largest in Germany, visited by about 3 million people annually. Over 200 stalls try to tempt you with everything: Christmas decorations, candles, dolls, handicrafts, Apfelweinseife (soap with apple wine), scarves, gloves, slippers, a multitude of handmade items, gifts, and even modern art.

The market usually starts at the end of November (this year on the 27th) and ends on December 31. Opening hours are from 09:00 to 21:00. On the stage in front of