From Prague to Edinburgh, Alsace to Manchester, Sweden to Spain, Christmas markets are a hallmark of the holiday season in Europe. The old cities take on a festive glow, with wooden market stalls selling handmade gifts, fairy lights strung in trees, the scents of gingerbread and glühwein (hot, spiced wine), and the overall feel of an Old World Christmas.
Here’s where to find European Christmas markets, recommendations on what to buy and what to eat and drink and a few tips for visiting the markets with kids.
Learn the Shopping Lingo
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Certainly, some of the vendors at European Christmas markets will speak English, but there’s no guarantee. You’ll want to at least be familiar with numbers in the local language so you’ll understand whether you’re paying the equivalent of $20 or $200 for that gorgeous thing that will be the perfect present for your sister!
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What is a European Christmas Market?
Christmas markets are most often set up in the old town squares of major cities or on lake or riverfronts. They open around the end of November or the beginning of December, and usually run until just after the New Year, though some close right before Christmas. They are a major European river cruise itinerary.
Some US cities mimic the feel of European Christmas markets. In Chicago, it’s the Christkindlmarket.
European Christmas with Kids
For kids and adults alike, Europe’s Christmas markets are great places to experience a winter wonderland ambiance and revel in the fairy-tale setting and the magic and joy of Christmas.
When I took my family on a tour of Christmas markets in Geneva, Montreux, Bern and Zurich, Switzerland, plus two markets in Milan, Italy, I learned a few things about how to visit these markets the right way.
Here are my takes:
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Christmas markets are dominated by stalls devoted mostly to eating, drinking, and shopping.
In Switzerland, there are fondue chalets, bars selling glühwein (or vin chaud, if you’re in French-speaking Switzerland), crepes, waffles, and hot chocolate. Plus, depending on the city and market, a wide range of international foods.
This works well for families because each person can pick something different to eat, then sit together at picnic tables. In Geneva, I had South American arepas, my husband had Swiss rösti with sausage, and our daughter had fish and chips. Everyone was happy.
Read More: The Best Things to Eat at Christmas Markets Along the Danube River
Amusement Parks and Christmas Decorations
During the day, the focus, apart from shopping for Christmas presents and handicrafts, is on amusement park-like activities that kids will appreciate.
In Montreux, there was a Ferris wheel. In Zurich, we found carousels and a temporary ice skating rink. There’s even a “workshop” for Santa’s elves—a dedicated play area for little kids.
In Montreux, the market is set right on Lake Geneva. Once night falls, Santa flies over the lake in his sleigh several times each evening. Even though my daughter knew it wasn’t the “real” Santa, she still delighted in watching his sleigh and fake reindeer soar overhead.
Bundle Up, It’s Cold Outside
Remember that European Christmas markets are outdoors. Dress for the cold weather! While there are often firepits or heaters set up around sitting areas, you and your kids will still need to bundle up.
On the coldest days, we wore:
- long underwear under our jeans
- wool socks
- insulated walking boots
- base-layer long-sleeve t-shirts
- a layer (or two) of fleece or heavy sweaters
- outerwear, including coats, mittens, hats, neck warmers and, sometimes, snow pants
Tips for Visiting European Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are at their most beautiful after dark, when Christmas trees and fairy lights switch on and the holiday glow really sets in. But here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Always be aware of your surroundings. The markets are crowded and pickpockets look for easy marks. A quality travel purse is essential.
- Visit markets during the week, if possible. Weekdays draw much smaller crowds, since local tends to visit on the weekends. In Milan on a Sunday, we waited in line about 20 minutes for the ice rink, and were really relieved that our daughter did not want to wait in the very long line to meet Santa.
- Bring cash in the local currency: While a growing number of vendors accept credit cards, cash is often preferred and faster, especially for smaller purchases.
- Check “Made in (Name of Country)”: To ensure authenticity, check for signs indicating local craftsmanship.
- Pace yourself: There’s so much to see, eat, and buy! Take your time and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Bring a Reusable Bag: You’ll want it to carry your treasures. Don’t expect the vendors to provide bags,
- Don’t take kids to the markets too late. The markets get very crowded at night. Our daughter felt overwhelmed when we walked through the sea of people. All she could see were the backs of their coats. We learned to plan our visits for around 5 p.m. In December, it’s dark by then so we could see the Christmas lights, shop, snack a little, have some hot chocolate (and a cup of that lovely glühwein), then spend the rest of the evening at a restaurant or walking around these gorgeous Swiss cities and enjoying the festive season.
What Should You Buy at a European Christmas Market?
I’m happy to say that I saw absolutely no junk for sale — no cheap plastic toys or stupid little gadgets. The market stalls sell mainly artisan-quality handmade gifts, like candles, soaps, knitted goods, and jewelry. As family gifts, we each picked out a unique Christmas ornament from a beautiful store set up at one of the Zurich Christmas markets. They’ll be nice reminders of our trip for years to come.
But each country has some local specialties.
What to Buy at German Christmas Markets
- Glühwein Mugs: This is almost a must-buy souvenir! When you buy Glühwein (mulled wine), you typically pay a deposit for the mug. You can either return it for your deposit back or keep it as a memento. Many markets have unique, often dated mugs for each year.
- Wooden Crafts: Look for:
- Nutcrackers (Nussknacker)
- Christmas Pyramids (Weihnachtspyramide): Tiered wooden carousels that spin from the heat of candles.
- Smokers (Räuchermänner): Charming wooden incense burners in the shape of little men “puffing” smoke.
- Candle Arches (Schwibbögen): Decorative wooden arches with candles, often depicting scenes from German life or Christmas traditions.
- Wooden Ornaments & Figurines
- Music Boxes (Spieldosen)
- Wooden Toys
- Glass Ornaments: Germany is renowned for its delicate and intricately painted hand-blown glass ornaments, .
- Paper Stars (Herrnhuter Sterne): Delicate, multi-pointed paper stars that are lit from within. Look for ones that fold up for easy transport.
- Nativity Scenes (Krippe): Beautifully crafted nativity sets, ranging from small figurines to elaborate displays.
- Advent Calendars
- Marzipan: Almond paste confections, often molded into fun shapes (like little pigs for good luck!).
- Spices & Tea Blends: Look for Glühwein spice mixes, local honey, jams, and unique spice blends.
What to Buy at an Austrian Christmas Market
There are Christmas markets across Austria, some dating back to the 1700s. While many of the items for sale mirror those sold in German markets, there are a few Austrian specialties, including:
- Hand-knitted scarves, hats, gloves, and slippers
- Sisi Stars: Inspired by the famous diamond stars worn in Empress Elisabeth’s (Sisi’s) hair, look for reproductions adorned with Swarovski crystals.
- Handmade Soaps & Natural Cosmetics: Artisanal soaps, lotions, and other beauty products made with natural ingredients.
- Augarten Porcelain: One of the oldest porcelain manufactories in the world, Augarten is known for its exquisite hand-painted designs.
Grab a glass of warm, spiced punsch (punch) in your favorite flavor to sip while you walk around the market.
What to Buy at a Christmas Market in France
The Strasbourg Christmas Market in France has been running since 1570, so it’s a don’t-miss market. But France is very regional, so there are markets across the country. Be on the lookout for regional specialties wherever you go.
Some typically French things to buy:
- Santons (from Provence): Small, handcrafted terracotta figurines used to create traditional Provençal nativity scenes. Each character represents a different villager or profession, offering a unique regional touch.
- Textiles: Look for high quality French kitchen towels (torchons), tablecloths, and napkins, classic French berets and tote bags with French sayings you can show off at the grocery store back home.
- Marseille soap
- Lavender products from Provence
Treat yourself to a decadent cup of chocolate chaud (hot chocolate) while you walk around the market.
What to Buy at a Christmas Market in Hungary
Budapest’s Christmas markets are renowned for their authentic Hungarian charm, focusing on traditional crafts and hearty, delicious food. Here’s what to buy:
- Hand-painted ceramics: Look for beautiful hand-painted plates, bowls, mugs, and decorative items with traditional folk art patterns.
- Paprika: You’ll find beautifully packaged ground paprika (sweet, hot, smoked), paprika paste, and even paprika-infused oils or sausages.
- Matyó embroidery: Look for tablecloths, napkins, blouses, decorative wall hangings and embroidered sachets.
- Szamos Marzipan: You can find marzipan candies, figurines, or chocolate bars.
Buy a Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) to eat there. This iconic sweet treat is a long strip of yeast dough wrapped around a cylindrical spit, roasted over an open flame, and then rolled in sugar and toppings such as cinnamon, walnuts, coconut, or cocoa. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and absolutely delicious.
What to Buy at a Christmas Market in Romania
The market in Bucharest is the largest and most modern, but the fairy-tale-like market in Sibiu is the most famous in Romania.
Here are the specialty items to buy in Romania:
- Ceramics from Horezu: This UNESCO-protected pottery tradition features spirals, roosters, and bold geometric patterns
- Local honey, fruit jams and preserves
- Religious art and icon paintings: hand-painted on wood or glass
Buy cozonac sweet bread to eat while you walk around. It’s a holiday staple filled with walnut, poppy seeds, or Turkish delight.
Other popular and historic Christmas markets are held in Zagreb, Croatia; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Brussels, Belgium; Prague in the Czech Republic, and Tallinn, Estonia.
If you’re planning a wintertime trip to Europe, I strongly recommend you schedule it in late November or anytime in December, so that you and your family can experience the European Christmas market—a tradition that’s been around for centuries yet never gets old!
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