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Reviewed by William Cooper
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – a time to wrap up warm see some of the most beautiful places on the continent transform into a winter wonderland.
From historic palaces to town squares dusted in snow, Europe’s Christmas markets offer festive charm, artisan gifts, and delectable seasonal treats.
So, pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate and get ready to read our guide on the best markets to visit in 2025, with travel tips to help you make the most of your visit. We’ve helpfully listed the markets in order of which opens first.
Best Christmas Markets in the UK
York Christmas Festival, North Yorkshire
13th November – 21st December 2025
Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square are transformed into a festive dreamland with alpine chalets and local crafts. If you love supporting local, then this is the market for you as over 80% of the vendors are from Yorkshire.
Top tip: Check out The Shambles, a true icon of York, less than a five-minute walk from the market.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
14th November 2025 – 3rd January 2026
Set against the grandeur of Blenheim Palace, this market offers boutique stalls, a light trail through the palace gardens, and a chance to visit the magical land of Oz. Think Christmas with a touch of Wicked.
Top tip: This is a ticketed event, so make sure to purchase your tickets in advance.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, Devon
20th November – 19th December 2025
Nestled at the foot of the breathtaking Exeter Cathedral, this lively market is packed with global flavours and local crafts. Inspired by the historic Christmas markets in Germany, this is the perfect place to experience Weihnactsmärkte – German for ‘Christmas markets’ – on British soil.
Top tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to step inside Exeter Cathedral, which is over 900 years old.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, Hampshire
21st November – 22nd December 2025
Set within the historic grounds of Winchester Cathedral, this market is often ranked among the best in Europe. Expect over 100 handpicked chalets offering artisan gifts and festive treats, nestled in a truly magical setting.
Top tip: Step inside the cathedral to experience over 1,000 years of history and enjoy Christmas carol sung by an internationally acclaimed choir.
Bath Christmas Market, Somerset
27th November – 14th December 2025
Bath Christmas Market is often ranked among the best in the UK – and for good reason. Think Georgian architecture draped in fairy lights, with over 250 independent stallholders and caterers to peruse at your leisure.
Top tip: Did you know that Bath is a World Heritage Site? Warm up from your festive walk with a visit to a spa and learn more about the city’s hot springs.
Christmas at Holkham Hall, Norfolk
12th – 14th December 2025
Choose this Christmas market for a short but sweet trip. Over 60 vendors will descend on the Lady Elizabeth Wing and the grounds at Holkham Hall.
Top tip: Extend the magic of Christmas with Holkham Hall by Candlelight, a self-led tour of the state rooms, complete with complimentary mince pies and prosecco
Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Christmas in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
14th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
If you’re a thrill seeker who loves Christmas, this might be the market for you. Enter Tivoli Gardens: the second-oldest amusement park in the world as it transforms into a Nordic fairy tale with lights, rides and gløgg (a type of mulled wine).
Top tip: Hop on board the Santa train for a festive tour of the gardens.
Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral, Germany
17th November – 23rd December 2025
Germany’s most popular Christmas market, attracting over 4 million visitors annually, is the Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral. With over 140 stalls and a stunning cathedral backdrop, it boasts a programme featuring more than 100 free events.
Top tip: Bring cash. Many of the stallholders prefer cash over card, and some don’t accept card payments.
Christmas Markets in Bruges, Belgium
21st November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Bruges offers two markets, each with a different flair. Market Square features a more traditional Christmas market, while Simon Stevin Square showcases local craft products.
Top tip: Check out the light experience trail for a magical 3km tour of the city.
Brussels Christmas Market, Belgium
28th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Aptly named Winter Wonders, this Christmas market features more than 200 chalets, a Ferris wheel and an ice-skating rink. Giant inflatable polar bears have also been known to grace the event in the past.
Top tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds. This market draws in roughly four million visitors annually.
Prague Christmas Markets, Czech Republic
29th November 2025 – 6th January 2026
There are a number of Christmas markets taking place across Prague this Christmas, but the two main ones are in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square (only a five-minute walk from one another). Old Town Square features a magnificent Christmas tree which they host a competition annually to find, and a cash prize is given to the winner.
Top tip: Try trdelník, a popular sugary pastry in Prague.
Most luxurious Christmas Markets in Europe
Christmas at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
8th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Enjoy seasonal food and drink accompanied by live music at this market before stepping inside a Christmas postcard. Picture towering fir trees, twinkling leaf archways and grand staircases.
Top tip: This is a free event, but you’ll still need a ticket, so make sure to book in advance.
Vienna Christmas Market, Austria
14th November – 26th December 2025
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Rathausplatz market, a luxurious affair with crystal ornaments and classical music. It is widely considered one of the biggest and most beautiful markets in Europe.
Top tip: Combine with a concert at the Musikverein to get the most out of your experience.
Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland
27th November – 23rd December 2025
Often ranked among the best in Europe, Basel’s market is split across two squares, Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz.Nestled in the historic Old Town, over 150 rustic chalets help create an enchanting ambience for shoppers and foodies alike.
Top tip: Consider purchasing a BaselCard, which offers free public transport and discounts.
Venice Christmas Market, Italy
Dates TBC
If you’re looking for a quieter but still magical experience, check out one of the many Christmas markets available in Venice. Campo Santo Stefano is transformed into a Christmas village with Venetian crafts and Italian speciality foods.
Top tip: Hop on a vaporetto boat for a fun and festive journey.
Monaco Christmas Market, Monaco
Dates TBC
Have you ever been surrounded by palm trees while ice skating? Now is your chance at Monaco Christmas Market. The streets and shopfronts are transformed into a winter wonderland for this luxury market with designer gifts and a Mediterranean flair.
Top tip: Don’t miss the giant snow globes at Casino Square.
Excellent and personal service. Highly knowledgeable on the product and very quick to arrange. Would strongly recommend
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Written by Matthew Ashton
I started working in the insurance industry in 2004. Four years later, I left to focus on theological studies, working as a youth worker and then as a ministry director in Seattle, USA. When returning to the UK, I had an opportunity to work for the late Andrew Marchington. I joined his firm as a sales advisor when it had around ten staff members. Within three years, I was Head of Ops with a staff team of over 30 people. After a chance encounter in 2019 with Rachel Living and Will Cooper, I co-started Stanhope to build a high-value home, luxury watch, and jewellery broker synonymous with trust. I love being with Donna, my wife, and four kids when not working, cramming in the odd row, or run when I can. I am fortunate to love what I do and consider it a blessing to grow the Stanhope brand.