I love all things Christmas. Mulled wine, Christmas trees, beautifully lit streets, festive treats, you name it. But most of all, I love a Christmas market.
In fact, I have on numerous occasions organised trips across Europe with the sole purpose of touring Christmas markets. I love the festive spirit, the atmosphere, the mulled wine, and the food!
And of course, I have found a few favourite European Christmas markets I want to share with you, including those in Lithuania, Austria, Germany, Hungary, the UK, and the Czech Republic. Some of these trips were a couple of years ago, so I’ve checked every 2026 date against the official sites.
But before we fully get ourselves into the Christmas spirit, I want to share a quick tip for anyone planning a festive getaway across Europe. Staying connected to the internet on your mobile phone will be vital for navigating cities, discovering Christmas markets, translating your mulled wine orders, and sharing everything on socials.
I use the regional Europe eSIM from Saily (read my Saily review) to get seamless data coverage across multiple European countries. No SIM swapping and no ridiculous roaming fees:
Christmas market dates for 2026
Here are the 2026 opening dates for every market in this post, just in case you are in a rush to plan that festive trip!
| City | Market | 2026 dates |
|---|---|---|
| Vilnius | Cathedral Square | 28 Nov to 27 Dec |
| Vienna | Wiener Christkindlmarkt, Rathausplatz | 13 Nov to 26 Dec |
| Ahrweiler | Old Town | 27 Nov to 20 Dec (TBC) |
| Budapest | Vörösmarty Square | 13 Nov to 31 Dec |
| London | Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | 19 Nov to 3 Jan |
| Prague | Old Town Square | 28 Nov to 6 Jan |
| Strasbourg | Christkindelsmärik | Late Nov to late Dec (TBC) |
| Cologne | Cathedral market, Roncalliplatz | 16 Nov to 23 Dec |
| Tallinn | Town Hall Square | 20 Nov to 6 Jan |
| Bruges | Winter Glow, Markt | 20 Nov to 3 Jan |
| Copenhagen | Tivoli Gardens | 13 Nov to 3 Jan |
| Zagreb | Advent Zagreb | 28 Nov to 7 Jan |
| Edinburgh | East Princes Street Gardens | 14 Nov to 3 Jan |
The best Christmas markets in Europe
There are so many incredible Christmas markets dotted around Europe. You really can’t go wrong with most destinations, but here are my top picks to get you started.
Let’s tuck into the festivities across Lithuania, Austria, Germany, Hungary, the UK and the Czech Republic.
Vilnius, Lithuania
- Opening dates: 28 November to 27 December 2026
- When I visited: December 2025
Vilnius was named European Capital of Christmas 2025, and when I visited last December, it was clear to see why. They absolutely love Christmas! Walking around the city made me feel incredibly cosy and festive.
Not only are all the shops covered in impressive Christmas displays, but they also have a magnificent Christmas tree located in the cathedral square. It puts all of our trees back in London to shame.
It is within this square that you’ll also find their beautiful Christmas market. Covered in Christmas lights, it feels very magical wandering stall to stall there. They have everything you can ask for from a Christmas market, from mulled wine to ornaments, and many great gifts.
Vienna, Austria
- Opening dates: 13 November to 26 December 2026 (Rathausplatz)
- When I visited: December 2023
Vienna is a magical city that truly comes into its own during the festive period. The market in front of the Rathaus (City Hall) looks like a storybook scene, with glowing trees, ice skating, and the smell of roasted chestnuts drifting through the air.
I even managed to catch a few different choruses performing at different Christmas markets during my stay. This added to the magic!
I loved sipping mulled wine whilst browsing the cute wooden stalls filled with hand-made ornaments, toys, and locally made foods. It’s the perfect mix of elegance and cosiness that only Vienna can pull off.
Ahrweiler, Germany
- Opening dates: 27 November to 20 December 2026 (Fridays to Sundays, to be confirmed)
- When I visited: December 2023
This small, walled town in Germany’s wine region is one of the most charming Christmas destinations I’ve ever visited. Having also visited the Christmas Markets of Bonn and Cologne, I have to say that I love the personal feel of the smaller market in Ahrweiler. It feels a lot more authentically German.
Ahrweiler’s half-timbered houses look even more beautiful under strings of golden lights.
It’s less touristy than the big cities, which makes the experience feel more local and intimate. Think mulled wine made from local vineyards and homemade baked goods. Plus a fair few vegan options dotted around!
Good news if you’re going by train: the Ahr valley railway is fully back up and running after the 2021 floods.
Budapest, Hungary
- Opening dates:13 November to 31 December 2026 (Vörösmarty Square)
- When I visited: December 2023
Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square transforms into a wonderland of food and crafts each December. I still dream about the lángos (vegan-friendly options aplenty) and steaming goulash served in bread bowls.
Stroll the nearby streets around the city centre and you’ll almost certainly stumble across more stalls, with even more mulled wine and tasty lángos to enjoy!
Don’t miss the light show projected on St. Stephen’s Basilica. Plus, the city’s thermal baths are the perfect way to warm up after a chilly market stroll.
London, UK
- Opening dates: Winter Wonderland runs 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 (most other markets open early to mid-November)
- When I visited: December 2025
London is a magical city to be in at Christmas. Between Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland and the charming Southbank Centre market, there’s no shortage of festive cheer.
Christmas markets aren’t restricted to just one or two areas. You will stumble across many independent markets throughout the city. I recommend going to visit Covent Garden and seeing the huge Christmas tree they erect each year.
Even just walking through Oxford Street under the glittering lights feels like being inside a Christmas movie (if you are happy to put up with the crowds). Make sure to head into Soho after for a festive pint in a local pub. Check out all my favourite spots to eat in London.
Prague, Czech Republic
- Opening dates: 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027
- When I visited: December 2023
Prague is one of those cities that feels like it was made for Christmas. The Old Town Square market, framed by Gothic spires and a towering tree, is simply breathtaking. You will also find a market at Wenceslas Square.
You can spend hours wandering between the stalls with a cup of svařák (Czech name for mulled wine) in hand, admiring the crafts and watching the astronomical clock strike the hour.
More popular markets
In addition to my personal favourites, there are plenty of other Christmas markets across Europe that are well worth adding to your festive itinerary.
Some might be closer to home, perfect for a quick weekend getaway, whilst others could make great additions to a larger European Christmas Market adventure. Here are a few more popular spots to inspire your travels:
- Strasbourg, France: Often called the “Capital of Christmas”, it’s one of Europe’s oldest and most charming markets.
- Cologne, Germany: The cathedral-square market near Kölner Dom is one of Germany’s biggest and most beloved.
- Tallinn, Estonia: A smaller market with a postcard-perfect setting. Think snow-dusted rooftops and medieval charm.
- Bruges, Belgium: Cobblestones, canals, chocolate, and waffles. Bruges at Christmas is pure magic.
- Copenhagen, Denmark: Tivoli Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland of lights, rides, and festive food.
- Zagreb, Croatia: Voted one of Europe’s best Christmas markets multiple times, it’s full of local craft and music.
- Edinburgh, Scotland: Set beneath the castle, this market blends Scottish charm with traditional festive flair.
Staying connected in Europe
Whenever I am travelling through Europe, I like to use an eSIM with a seamless internet connection. This allows me to hop across countries and utilise local phone networks, for both my phone and for hotspotting to my laptop and other devices.
I use the regional Europe eSIM from Saily. It means no swapping SIM cards, no hunting down local tariffs, and no jaw-dropping roaming bills. Find out more about eSIMs and how they work here.
The Saily Europe eSIM plans start at $4.99 and range from 1GB to unlimited, with coverage across 30+ countries. But if you are only travelling to one country in Europe, you may prefer purchasing one of their country-specific eSIMs (also a great option!)
Setup is really quick and easy. You can buy your plan in advance and install the eSIM on your phone. Once you arrive, the plan will activate automatically.
And a real bonus of using Saily’s eSIM service is the additional security features that not only keep your phone secure whilst browsing the internet abroad, but also help you to save data (up to a whopping 28.6%).
Here are my top tips for making the most out of Saily’s eSIM:
- Install the eSIM and pick your plan before you depart. That way, you hit the ground running.
- Choose a plan sized for your trip: if you’ll be streaming maps, music or uploading lots of pics, go for a higher-GB or unlimited version.
- Make sure in your phone settings that the eSIM is enabled and mobile data/roaming is turned on for that profile.
- If you’ll be travelling across several countries (Berlin → Prague → Vienna, for example), opting for their regional Europe plan really pays off. No swapping SIMs, no juggling different local tariffs.
- Remember: since it’s data-only, if you expect to receive lots of traditional calls/texts, you’ll need to use VoIP apps or keep your original SIM for voice.
FAQs
When do the Christmas markets in Europe open in 2026?+
The first big markets open in mid-November. Vienna and Tivoli in Copenhagen both open on 13 November, Edinburgh on 14 November and Cologne on 16 November. Most others follow in late November, with Vilnius, Prague and Zagreb opening on 28 November.
If you’re travelling after Christmas, head to Prague, Tallinn or Zagreb. They all keep going into January. Just note that Ahrweiler only opens on Advent weekends (Friday to Sunday).
Which Christmas markets are best for vegans?+
Honestly, the bigger cities make it easiest. I found vegan-friendly lángos at the markets in Budapest, and Ahrweiler had a fair few vegan options dotted around too. In London you’re spoilt for choice, so check out my favourite vegan spots in London before you go.
Which Christmas markets are the cheapest?+
In general, the markets in Central and Eastern Europe, like Budapest, Zagreb, Vilnius and Tallinn, are easier on the wallet than Vienna, Strasbourg or London. Almost all of them are free to enter.
The main exceptions are Tivoli in Copenhagen and Winter Wonderland in London. Winter Wonderland entry costs £1 off-peak, £5.50 standard or £8.25 peak in 2026, so a November weekday is the cheapest time to go.
Which Christmas markets are best for a weekend?+
Vilnius, Tallinn, Bruges and Prague are all compact enough to see in two or three days. Ahrweiler works perfectly as a weekend trip too, since it’s only open Friday to Sunday, and it pairs nicely with Cologne. For UK readers, Edinburgh and London need no flights at all.
Do I need an eSIM for the Christmas markets?+
You don’t need one, but I’d always travel with one. Since Brexit, many UK networks charge daily roaming fees in Europe, and you’ll be using maps, translating menus and posting photos all day. I use Saily’s regional Europe eSIM so I can hop between countries without swapping SIMs.
My go-to travel health insurance:
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