The best Christmas markets in Europe 2026: the cities, the dates and the hotels

In short: the best Christmas markets in Europe 2026

Vienna, Prague, Copenhagen and Tallinn are among the most atmospheric Christmas cities in Europe, and all are a short flight from the UK. Most markets open in mid to late November and run until Christmas, some until New Year.

The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Stay right by the market

Copenhagen: Nimb Hotel is inside Tivoli. See rooms at Nimb Hotel

Vienna: Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design is right behind the market on Rathausplatz. See rooms at Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design

Prague: Augustine is in Malá Strana, a short walk to the Old Town Square market. See rooms at Augustine

Dates for 2026

• Vienna, Rathausplatz: 13 November to 26 December 2026.

• Vienna, Schönbrunn: 6 November 2026 to 6 January 2027.

• Copenhagen, Tivoli: 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

• Copenhagen, Nytorv and Gammeltorv: 6 November to 21 December 2026.

Dates for more cities are added as the organisers announce them. Always check the organiser’s site before you travel.

Tallinn, Estonia

The city also has a beautiful ice rink, a number of museums, and events that are hosted especially for Christmas. Tallinn is also known as the homeland of marzipan, which goes hand in hand with Christmas. Visit the Kalev Marzipan Museum Room with the whole family, where you can make your own marzipan figurines. In addition to everything related to Christmas, you will of course also find plenty of cosy cafes, local shops and saunas.

Hotel tip: The old town is home to the 5-star Telegraaf Hotel, which is especially popular with couples. The luxury hotel is located a stone's throw from Raekoja Plats, in a historic building from the 1800s. The Telegraaf has its own spa with pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room - extra nice when you have been on long excursions in the city. Here, you and your travel companions are guaranteed a tranquil place to relax.  

Stay in Tallinn: Hotel Telegraaf

A luxury hotel in an old telegraph building in the heart of the Old Town, a few minutes’ walk from the market on Town Hall Square.

Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Telegraaf

Innsbruck, Austria

Austria has a number of cosy winter towns that give you the Christmas spirit you are looking for. Many of the charming Alpine towns offer powder snow, glühwein, and Christmas markets. In the centre of Innsbruck, you will find its historic Christmas markets, the most famous of which is located in the  old town in front of the well-known Goldenes Dachl or Golden Roof.

At Marktplatz, you will find a Christmas market suitable for the whole family, with rides, a small zoo, and other fun activities. In this part of Austria there are opportunities to experience far more than city life. From Innsbruck it is only 15 minutes to the nearest ski resort, and if you want to experience the surrounding areas, it is a short distance to the ski slopes in Anterselva or the Alpine mecca of Kitzbühel. Innsbruck also has an international airport. Feel free to rent a car and experience Austria, Germany and Italy all within a short time.

Hotel tip: Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz – a hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1465. The historic hotel still delivers cosiness right in the centre of Innsbruck - just a stone's throw from the Golden Roof. The hotel has a modern style and was completely renovated in 2020. The hotel breakfast serves local products.

Stay in Innsbruck: Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz

A historic hotel on the pedestrian street of the Old Town, right by the Christmas market.

Book your stay: See rooms at Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz

Prague, Czech Republic

Read all about the markets, the food and the hotels in our guide to Prague Christmas markets 2026.

From late November to January, the whole of Prague lights up. Tourists in their thousands come to visit the Christmas markets, or to spend Christmas or New Year's Eve in the big city. It's not hard to see why. There is a lot going on in this popular city. If you want to catch the events, it is recommended to book tickets and restaurants well in advance to be guaranteed a spot in the most visited places.

Prague's well-known Christmas markets are open to everyone and are close to some of the city's most famous tourist attractions like the astronomical clock and the Church of Our Lady before Týn. Of course, the big Christmas tree is in place, together with a long line of cute Christmas cottages serving mulled wine and goodies. Both of these markets are located in Prague's Old Town.

Accommodation tip: Hotel Botanique is centrally located in central Prague. The 4-star hotel is modern and recently refurbished and gives you great value for money. The hotel also focuses on sustainability with its Be Green initiative.  The rooms have energy-saving systems, and the hotel serves vegan and vegetarian food options, and has also eliminated all use of disposable plastic.

Stay in Prague: Augustine

A luxury hotel with a spa in a former monastery in Malá Strana, a short walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square market.

Book your stay: See rooms at Augustine Prague

Reykjavik, Iceland

Many people have the magical island of Iceland on their bucket list. Why not tick it off under the northern lights, while swimming in a hot spring? With only 5 hours of daylight, December is a great time to experience the northern lights in Iceland. The volcanic landscape, nature and culture of the island is something truly unique that you won't be able to experience anywhere else. Iceland offers many hot springs, which are perhaps extra memorable to visit when ice cold outside and the darkness has settled.

In Iceland, you can also enjoy beautiful festive lights and Christmas shopping at the Christmas markets. They can be found in Hafnarfjörður or Selfoss, downtown Reykjavík Laugavegur, Skólavörðustígur or in Kringlan and Smáralind shopping centres. It is recommended to book restaurants well in advance, as some close during the Christmas week.

Hotel tip: With just 13 rooms, 360 Boutique Hotel has still managed to become one of Iceland's most attractive hotels. The hotel is known for its delicious cuisine, but it is the view that makes this small and exclusive hotel so special. Here, you can truly pamper yourself in a unique setting. Relax in a heated outdoor pool or in the sauna, surrounded by snow, while gazing up at the stars and the northern lights.

Stay in Reykjavik: Hotel Borg

A classic Art Deco hotel on Austurvöllur, right in the centre.

Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Borg

Paris, France

Paris is the city of love. And maybe even more magical when Christmas comes. Each district of Paris has its own Christmas celebration that sets the tone for the whole city, and one of the most beautiful things is the spectacular Christmas lights that are hung.

The French capital is also the fashion capital of the world, and its sense of visual design is reflected in the Christmas lights, which are most impressive at the Champs Élysées. Every year, the lighting here is designed by leading lighting designers. Over a million light bulbs have been draped on 400 trees along the Champs Elysées, and the shops in the area decorate their windows with beautiful exhibits.

When it comes to the city's major shopping centres, the window displays are a kind of temporary exhibit. Every year a new theme is used for their decorations - from Hollywood glam to Disney fairy tales. You'll find some of the best Christmas window displays in Paris at the spectacular Galeries Lafayette shopping centre on Boulevard Haussmann.

Book your stay in Paris

The Christmas markets naturally also have their traditions in Paris. They are scattered throughout the city, with the biggest being La Défense, with over 350 stalls spread across 13,000 square metres.

It's hard to beat the magic that Disneyland Paris creates at Christmas. The park puts on its own Christmas parade, Christmas shows and markets, and the streets are filled with decorations of your favourite characters. A destination for the whole family.

Hotel tip: Paris has hundreds of great hotels with character, but if you're looking for a unique luxury experience, the 5-star boutique Cour des Vosges is truly something special. The hotel opened in 2019 and has only 12 rooms. It's located in Place des Vosges, not far from Place de la Bastille. Although it costs a little extra to stay here, you get what is perhaps the most beautiful boutique hotel in Paris, with a perfect location.

London, England

Read all about Winter Wonderland, Southbank and the tree from Oslo in our guide to London Christmas markets 2026.

London is truly a destination for all seasons, attracting tourists from all over the world. In London there is always life, but around Christmas time something special happens to the big city. Christmas lights are hung, the Christmas tree from Norway is erected, and spectacular window displays are unveiled.

In addition, Christmas markets and ice skating rinks are popping up all over the city. To put residents and guests in a real holiday mood, a very special Winter Wonderland is set up in Hyde Park. There are also a number of great shows for both adults and children that are worth booking tickets for. London is a shopping paradise, including when it comes to Christmas shopping. Here you can buy all your Christmas gifts, and maybe even something nice for yourself.

Hotel tip: The Landmark London boasts five stars, yet amazingly, you get quite good value for money there. This hotel is huge: eight floors with glass roof and tall palm trees, indoor pool and spa. The restaurant is also well known for its high quality. Regent's Park and Lord's Cricket Ground are both less than ten minutes' walk away. The hotel is also close to the tube.

Stay in London: Corinthia London

A luxury hotel on Whitehall, a short walk to the Christmas lights of the West End.

Book your stay: See rooms at Corinthia London

Colmar, France

Colmar is located right on the border with Germany, in Alsace. The small town tends to fly a little under the radar but has recently really risen to prominence as a worthy destination. The French town is a fairy tale city all year round, but as Christmas approaches, it  transforms into a replica of Christmas villages from famous movies, with homes that resemble the most beautiful gingerbread houses you've ever seen. Colmar offers six Christmas markets, each with its own unique theme. Delicious crêpes, churros, waffles or a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine), can be enjoyed at the stalls. La Petite Venise is Colmar's most beautiful – and most photogenic – neighbourhood.

The area is also home to Alsatian vineyards, where the wine cellars are specially decorated to give visitors a true sense of Christmas spirit. The vineyards invite you to taste local wine, spirits and liqueur, and explore the many Christmas traditions from Alsace. Although small, Colmar is a food lover's paradise. Colmar has as many as ten restaurants that have received one or more Michelin stars, and as many Bib Gourmand restaurants.

Hotel tip: In the heart of traditional Colmar, you'll find the relaxing urban boutique hotel L'Esquisse. This spa hotel boasts five stars and provides a quiet and tranquil place in an active and vibrant city. 

Stay in Colmar: L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa

A design hotel with a spa, within walking distance of the Old Town markets.

Book your stay: See rooms at L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa

Vienna, Austria

The holiday season in Vienna is in a league of its own. Here we are talking about extravagance, history and veneration. The city sparkles with luxury and offers a number of rich Christmas markets. The Austrian city is well known for its café culture and does not disappoint with its many cosy places one can sit down to enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, or a good glass of wine. Glühwein, local baked goods, and delicious sausages can be enjoyed while strolling around the Christmas markets, skating at Rathausplatz, or visiting the Snow Globe Museum.

Vienna has brought the world iconic classical composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss, and has more than 50 theatres and opera houses. The Viennese Waltz originated here, and its centuries-old spirit is still felt today. If you first travel to Vienna around Christmas time, booking tickets for one of the many Christmas or New Year's concerts held around the city is a must. The most famous is Christmas in Vienna by the Vienna Boys Choir.

Hotel tip: In the heart of Vienna you will find the renowned 5-star Hotel Imperial, located right beside Ringstraße Boulevard. The hotel takes you back to the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Inaugurated in 1873 by Emperor Franz Josef, the hotel is decorated with original antiques, its walls are shrouded in silk, and its bathrooms are made of marble. Hotel Imperial combines the timeless elegance of 18th century Vienna with state-of-the-art facilities. 

Stay in Vienna: Hotel Sacher

The legendary hotel by the State Opera.

Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Sacher Wien

Read all about the markets, the food and the cafés in our guide to Vienna Christmas markets 2026.

Røros, Norway

Røros has long been known in Norway as the most beautiful Christmas town the country has to offer. After the Netflix hit Home for Christmas was filmed in Røros, and later viewed in living rooms across the world, many more people became aware of this charming, listed wooden house town.

For a few days each December, Røros is transformed into a beautiful Christmas market, which you should definitely visit if you get the chance. Here, you can simply stroll around and feel yourself being filled with the holiday spirit. You can also try fun winter activities, such as sleigh rides, kick sledding and tobogganing. All in the centre of Røros, also famous for the worlds largest dogsled race.

Hotel tip: Erzscheidergården is located in the centre of Røros and has existed since the 1600s. The hotel blends in with Røros's famous wooden houses and is just as suitable for families as for small groups. The hotel is decorated with antique furniture and old farm tools and its old timber walls give it a lovely touch. 

See all Christmas markets in Norway 2026.

More Christmas markets worth the trip

Copenhagen, Denmark

Tivoli in lights, æbleskiver on Nytorv and gløgg along the canal in Nyhavn. Read our guide to Copenhagen Christmas markets 2026.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Liseberg draws the crowds, but Haga and Kronhuset have some of the cosiest markets in town. Read our guide to Gothenburg Christmas markets.

Berlin, Germany

Read our guide to Berlin Christmas markets 2026.

The city has dozens of Christmas markets, from Gendarmenmarkt to the palace gardens in Charlottenburg.

Stay in Berlin: Hotel Adlon Kempinski

The classic hotel by the Brandenburg Gate.

Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden’s oldest Christmas market on Stortorget in Gamla Stan, and Christmas as it was a century ago at Skansen. Read our guide to Stockholm Christmas markets 2026.

Hamburg, Germany

White tents along the Binnenalster, a historic market before the town hall and a tree on the water. Read our guide to Hamburg Christmas markets 2026.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg calls itself the Capitale de Noël, the capital of Christmas, and has one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets.

Stay in Strasbourg: Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île

A hotel on the Grande Île, the island in the centre where the markets are.

Book your stay: See rooms at Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île

Manchester, England

More than 210 stalls across ten city-centre sites, a Ferris wheel and mulled wine in front of the Town Hall. Read our guide to Manchester Christmas Markets 2026.

Edinburgh, Scotland

A Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens, with the castle lit up above the city.

Stay in Edinburgh: The Balmoral

The classic hotel with the clock tower on Princes Street, right above the market.

Book your stay: See rooms at The Balmoral

More on Germany in German Christmas markets, and on the Nordics in Scandinavian Christmas markets.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas cities in Europe

When do the Christmas markets in Europe start?

Most of the big Christmas markets open in the second half of November, and many stay open until just before Christmas. Some, such as Winter Wonderland in Oslo and the Manchester markets, open as early as the start of November.

Where can I find Christmas markets in Norway?

See our overview of Christmas markets in Norway 2026, with dates for Oslo, Bergen, Røros and Trondheim.

Which European cities have the best Christmas markets?

Picolo has picked nine European cities with real festive spirit, including Tallinn in Estonia and Innsbruck in Austria. They all offer markets lit by Christmas lights, good local food and plenty of Christmas shopping.

Why is Tallinn a great Christmas city?

Tallinn's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that looks like something from a fairy tale. Around the town hall square, Raekoja Plats, stalls sell local crafts, and the city has raised a Christmas tree since 1441. Tallinn is also known as the home of marzipan.

Where should you stay in Tallinn at Christmas?

Picolo recommends the five-star Telegraaf Hotel in the old town, a stone's throw from the town hall square. It is in a historic 19th-century building and has a spa with a pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room.

When do Europe’s Christmas markets open in 2026?

Most open between mid and late November. Vienna’s Rathausplatz market and Tivoli in Copenhagen both open on 13 November 2026.

Which is the best Christmas market in Europe?

Vienna and Prague are often called the most beautiful, Strasbourg the oldest and Copenhagen the most Nordic.

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