Cities
The best Christmas markets in Europe 2026: the cities, the dates and the hotels
Lights strung across old squares, mulled wine in thick mugs and wooden stalls selling things you will not find at home. These are the European cities where Christmas is worth the flight, with the dates for 2026 and a hotel close to each market.
1 November 20267 min read
Gita Simonsen
24 October 2026
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. For the German classics, go to Nuremberg, Cologne or Dresden. Most markets open in mid to late November and run until Christmas, some until New Year.
Stay right by the market
Copenhagen: Nimb Hotel is inside Tivoli. Check availability and prices at Nimb Hotel
Vienna: Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design is right behind the market on Rathausplatz. Check availability and prices at Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design
Prague: Augustine is in Malá Strana, a short walk to the Old Town Square market. Check availability and prices at Augustine
Dates for 2026
Vienna, Schönbrunn: 6 November 2026 to 6 January 2027.
Copenhagen, Nytorv and Gammeltorv: 6 November to 21 December 2026.
Vienna, Rathausplatz: 13 November to 26 December 2026.
Copenhagen, Tivoli: 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Edinburgh: 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Cologne, the cathedral market: 16 November to 23 December 2026.
Tallinn: 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, according to Visit Tallinn.
Colmar: 23 November to 29 December 2026.
Dresden, Striezelmarkt: 25 November to 24 December 2026.
Nuremberg, Christkindlesmarkt: 27 November to 24 December 2026. On Christmas Eve it closes at 2 pm.
Strasbourg: opens 27 November 2026. The closing date has not been published yet.
Prague, Old Town Square: 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, according to Visit Czechia.
Dates are checked against the organisers' and tourist boards' own pages. Last checked: October 2026. Always check before you travel, especially opening hours in the last days before Christmas.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn knows how to celebrate Christmas. The Old Town is UNESCO-listed and looks like the beautiful pictures from a children's fairy tale. Right by the town hall square, Raekoja Plats, you will find pastel-coloured facades, cosy street lamps, and wooden cabins that offer genuine Christmas magic. Of course, a massive Christmas tree is erected at the end of November, as has been done since 1441. The Christmas market in Tallinn is authentic, with cosy stalls selling goods made by local artisans. Here you can get wool hats and unique food and drinks.
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.
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.
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.
Stay in Innsbruck: Altstadthotel Weisses Kreuz
A historic hotel on the pedestrian street of the Old Town, right by the Christmas market.
Check availability and prices 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.
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.
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.
Stay in Reykjavik: Hotel Borg
A classic Art Deco hotel on Austurvöllur, right in the centre.
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.
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.
Stay in London: Corinthia London
A luxury hotel on Whitehall, a short walk to the Christmas lights of the West End.
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 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.
Stay in Colmar: L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa
A design hotel with a spa, within walking distance of the Old Town markets.
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.
Stay in Vienna: Hotel Sacher
The legendary hotel by the State Opera.
Check availability and prices 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.
Nuremberg, Cologne and Dresden: the German classics
Ask where the Christmas market began and the answer is Germany. Three cities still set the standard, and each is worth a trip of its own.
Nuremberg, Germany
The Christkindlesmarkt fills the Hauptmarkt in the old town and is one of the best known in Germany. Look for the stalls with red and white striped roofs, and order the small Nuremberg sausages in a roll, «drei im Weggla», three in a bun. Take some Lebkuchen, the city's spiced gingerbread, home with you.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne has several Christmas markets, but the one in front of the cathedral is the one most people picture: stalls under a canopy of lights with the twin spires right behind. The city's other markets are close enough that one evening is rarely enough.
Dresden, Germany
The Striezelmarkt on the Altmarkt is one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets, with roots going back to 1434. It takes its name from Striezel, the old word for Stollen, the fruit bread dusted with icing sugar.
Worth knowing: Advent Saturdays are packed in all three cities. Book trains and hotels early, and expect queues at the mulled wine stalls after work. Come on a weekday afternoon and you will have the square almost to yourself.
For more markets, see our guide to German Christmas markets.
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.
Check availability and prices 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.
Check availability and prices 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.
Check availability and prices at The Balmoral
More on Germany in German Christmas markets, and on the Nordics in Scandinavian Christmas markets.
Luxury hotels for a Christmas weekend
Luxury hotels in Tallinn
Schlössle Hotel in Tallinn Old Town
- October 24, 2026
A small luxury hotel in a medieval building in the Old Town, with a spa and its own restaurant. Town Hall Square is a few minutes away, and the harbour about 15 minutes on foot.
Hotels.com (Expedia Group)Luxury hotels in Paris
The Peninsula Paris by the Arc de Triomphe
- October 24, 2026
A century-old building on Avenue Kléber, restored and reopened as a hotel in 2014. The rooftop restaurant looks across to the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs-Élysées lights are a short walk away.
Luxury hotels in Paris
Ritz Paris on Place Vendôme
- October 24, 2026
The Ritz has stood on Place Vendôme since 1898 and reopened after a long renovation in 2016. Rue de Rivoli and the Tuileries are a few minutes away on foot.
Hotels.com (Expedia Group)Luxury hotels in London
Raffles London at The OWO on Whitehall
- October 24, 2026
The former Old War Office, where Churchill once worked, now has 120 rooms and suites. Trafalgar Square and the West End Christmas lights are a few minutes away.
Hotels.com (Expedia Group)Luxury hotels in London
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park: Knightsbridge and the park
- October 24, 2026
The Edwardian building has the Knightsbridge shops at the front door and Hyde Park at the back. Winter Wonderland is a short walk across the park in December.
Hotels.com (Expedia Group)Our recommendation
Hotel Telegraaf: Christmas in Tallinn's old town
Hotel Telegraaf occupies the old 19th-century telegraph building in the middle of Tallinn's old town. The Christmas market on Town Hall Square is a couple of minutes' walk away, and this is where the city has put up a Christmas tree since 1441. After a cold afternoon among the stalls, the spa is waiting, with a pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna and a steam room. The hotel has five stars and is popular with couples. Book early, as the old town fills up on Advent weekends.
What Picolo would choose
What Picolo would choose: Nimb in Copenhagen for Christmas in Tivoli, Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design in Vienna to stay right by the market on Rathausplatz, and Hotel Telegraaf in Tallinn for the Christmas market on Town Hall Square in the old town.
Why: Nimb is inside Tivoli, and Copenhagen is a short flight away. Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design is just behind the market in front of Vienna's City Hall. Hotel Telegraaf is in Tallinn's old town, a short walk from Town Hall Square. The trade-off: Strasbourg and Colmar have some of Europe's most fairy-tale Christmas markets, but take a longer journey than Copenhagen, Vienna or Tallinn.
Frequently asked questions about Christmas cities in Europe
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. The markets usually open in late November and run until just before Christmas. Røros is the most traditional, while Oslo’s Christmas Winterland is the biggest.
Which European cities have the best Christmas markets?
Vienna and Prague are the classics, Strasbourg and Colmar have the most fairy-tale old towns, and Tallinn and Copenhagen are the easiest short breaks. All of them pair the markets with good food and a hotel within walking distance.
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. Book early for December.
When do Europe’s Christmas markets open in 2026?
Most open between mid and late November. Vienna's Rathausplatz and Tivoli in Copenhagen open on 13 November, Cologne on 16 November, Tallinn on 20 November, and Nuremberg and Strasbourg on 27 November 2026. Most close just before Christmas, while Tallinn, Prague's Old Town Square and Edinburgh stay open into January.
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. For a short trip, Copenhagen and Tallinn are easy to combine with good hotels near the markets, while Vienna and Prague suit a longer weekend.
When should you book a Christmas market break in Europe?
Book flights and hotel together as early as you can, ideally in September or October. The first two Advent weekends are the most popular for Christmas markets, and small hotels close to the main squares fill first. Midweek breaks are usually easier to arrange, and many hotel rates on Hotels.com can be cancelled free of charge.
Sources
Dates, opening hours and programmes are on Visit Copenhagen, Wien Tourismus and Visit Tallinn. The weather forecast is from DMI and GeoSphere Austria. Room types, facilities and guest ratings come from Hotels.com and the hotels' own websites, last checked in November 2026. The comparisons and the picks in "What Picolo would choose" are Picolo's own.