European Cities With Incredible Christmas Markets You Should Visit, According To Visitors

The "most wonderful time of the year" is arguably the most magical period to plan a European trip. Why?  Because it's the Christmas market season! The continent is full of incredible markets, from those in major cities to others in smaller towns that might have previously not been on your radar. The markets began in mainly German-speaking parts of Europe, so you'll see many of the largest and most popular in present-day Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Initially, markets began just as December markets, some for Advent, but not strictly Christmas. A few cities claim the achievement of having the "oldest" markets in the world, including Dresden and Nuremberg, and while the phenomenon has definitely taken place for centuries in all those locations, there's no clear answer for which was first.

Over the years, they've evolved into a festive tradition where kids sample holiday treats, and adults sip mulled wine and shop for handmade local gifts. Even more recently, the idea of a "Christmas market trip" has become a bucket-list idea for many, but it can be difficult to decide which cities to include in your itinerary. Luckily, we've rounded up a collection of cities that are home to enchanting markets you won't want to miss. We've sourced our info from our writer's firsthand experiences, discussion forums, and Christmas-market expert bloggers, so rest assured, you're receiving the best info available.

Budapest might not be as well-known by Americans looking to plan an epic Christmas market trip, but that just means you'll have fewer fellow tourists holding up the mulled wine queue! The Hungarian capital is a spectacular place to visit during the holidays. There are four different markets in Budapest, a city split by the Danube River whose two sides, Buda and Pest, were historically separate municipalities. Most sites and attractions are located on the "Pest" side, including the market in Vörösmarty Square, which is the largest in the city. If you only have time for one Christmas market in Budapest, make it this one, due to its ideal location and size, although it's so close to the one in front of St Stephen's Basilica that you should be able to do both easily. 

On the Buda side, you'll find the Óbuda market, an easy walk across the river offering a more local feel. And if you're adventurous, take the train to Szentendre, a town north of the capital known to be arty and off-beat. The dates differ between markets, but they're usually open from mid-November through New Year's Day.

Just across the border from France is the German town of Heidelberg, an adorable location and one of Europe's top Christmas destinations. The vibe is noticeably more rustic here than in other big-city markets or more commercialized ones, and the coziness combined with the backdrop of a looming castle over the town makes you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale. The stalls are all built out of wood and can be found throughout most streets in the Alstadt, and the most logical starting point if you arrive by train or tram is Bismarckplatz. Then, stroll down to Anatomiegarten, where you can get personalized Christmas mugs.

Additional stalls can be found in Marktplatz and the Kornmarkt. The Kornmarkt has a winter forest with hundreds of Christmas trees that create a mystical atmosphere for sipping Glühwein, and everything culminates in a large square called Universitätsplatz. The best part? You can walk between all of these. The individual markets have varying open dates but can usually be found from late November until late December. Some stay open even a little past New Year's, and while there aren't any stalls at the castle, it's still a must-visit while in town and is particularly spectacular all dressed up for the holidays! It also offers gorgeous views over the town and lights.

It's no surprise that a city as magical as Vienna has wonderful festive markets. And they're quite distinct from others thanks to having some of the largest diversity in available products, as well as themes from market to market. The stalls in Am Hof prioritize goods made by independent artists, while the Freyung market sells artisanal products and food from all over Austria. The market in front of City Hall is known as the "Viennese Dream" and provides one of the most fantastical backdrops on the continent. There's also a workshop on the first floor of the hall for kids who want to decorate cookies.

One of the most enjoyable parts of visiting Viennese Christmas markets is that the Glühwein isn't the same throughout the city. Typically, mulled wine at Christmas markets only comes in a flavor or two — red or white. Vienna takes it up a notch with various flavors on offer. Additionally, as is now widespread in the U.S., many festive pop-up bars appear throughout the city in December.

Belgium might not be as well-known for its holiday markets as neighboring France and Germany, but its capital city has some fabulous options. And who could pass up the chance to enjoy Belgian chocolate, beer, fries, and waffles?! The market in the Grand-Place comes complete with ornate gold-laced buildings and a fantastic Christmas tree as backdrops. And a wonderful light show set to music goes off once a day, twice on weekends, so be sure not to miss it! The old fish market nearby also hosts a great array of stalls as well as a giant wheel that offers magnificent views of the entire city.

La Tour Noire is where you'll find international gifts and treats, should you want to sample goodies from around the world. La Bourse (or the old Brussels Stock Exchange) hosts some of the city's finest artisans, so if you want to purchase high-quality gifts for loved ones, this would be the place to do it. Place de Brouckère has a real party atmosphere with little terraces where you can put up your feet after a long day of browsing markets, making it the perfect place to finish up. Markets in Brussels open in late November and stay open through late December.

Zagreb is a not-oft thought-of holiday destination, let alone for Christmas markets, as most trips to Croatia take place during the summer months. However, the capital has award-winning markets celebrated by bloggers and visitors that are easy to wander around thanks to the walkability of the city. In fact, there are over 25 individual markets in Zagreb, but its compact layout and smaller size mean they blend together for a fantastic atmosphere full of holiday cheer.

Many stalls sell handcrafted wood figurines, an artisan specialty from the north of Croatia. The heart-shaped gingerbread sold all over the city is a national symbol that may have originated as a treat but is now primarily used for decorative purposes. If you're a fan of skating, you'll find a rink at King Tomislav Square. And in the Grič Tunnel, imaginative holiday installations are put up every year. And for more fun, while you're walking the streets, enjoy decorated public transportation and concerts on numerous balconies throughout the city center. Zagreb markets are open from early December through the first week of January.

Basel isn't always included on Swiss trips or Christmas market itineraries, which means fewer travelers — always a bonus. However, this charming destination along the Rhine makes for a magical stop for mulled wine and fondu in a location that is a mélange of French, German, and Swiss culture and tradition. The classic mulled wine found at every Christmas market is sold throughout the stalls, as well as bratwurst, French and Swiss cheese, and unique creations like a fondu-filled baguette.

The two main markets are the ones in Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. The former is a bit smaller but is centrally located near public transportation and has a huge variety of goods for sale. The stalls in Münsterplatz, home to the iconic Minster (a feast for the eyes amongst the craziness of markets), are a bit larger. It also hosts a fairytale forest with lots of games and activities for little ones. If you have time, climb the cathedral for amazing views of the city and lights. The Basel City Market is more low-key, with the town hall as a backdrop, and they are open from late November to just before Christmas Eve.

Prague is well placed on the continent to be a convenient holiday stop between Vienna and Dresden, two of the most popular market towns in Europe. However, give yourself at least a day to enjoy those in Prague, as you'll regret it if you don't. The Czech capital is dressed to the nines in holiday decor every year, and if you're lucky, you'll catch it on a snow day, the picture-perfect setting to enjoy Christmas markets!

The main ones are located in Old Town Square (where the giant Christmas tree is placed each year) and Wenceslas Square, although the latter is more of a boulevard than a plaza. The two markets are a quick walk from each other, thanks to the high walkability of Prague's city center. Smaller options, such as those in Republic Square, Peace Square, or even Prague Castle, are also worth visiting and often have more charm and fewer tourists. At all markets, amazing Czech delicacies can be purchased and enjoyed, from a national version of mulled wine to hot mead and local sweet favorite — trdelnik, a cylinder cake filled with your choice of custard, fruit, or other treats! Okay, the trdelnik isn't exactly a traditional Czech treat, but it is delicious all the same. Markets in Prague open in early December, with many sticking around through the first week in January.