10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Glittering fairy lights, gourmet treats, and handmade treasures for sale in a picturesque, historic setting — Europe's famous Christmas markets evoke a classic scene straight out of a Christmas card.

There are plenty of perks to visiting Europe during the holidays, from charming seasonal decorations to great skiing. But Christmas markets, found in small towns and large cities across the continent, are one of the best ways to soak up the festive atmosphere.

In markets from Strasbourg and Berlin to Amsterdam and beyond, you can sip mulled wine and nibble on pastries as you meander your way through the stalls and chalets. Whether you prefer to collect glühwein mugs in Germany or shop for tartan Christmas ornaments in Scotland, here are 10 of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Though dates vary by year and location, you can typically expect the markets on this list to be open from late November to late December or early January.

Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, Berlin

Marvel at the giant Christmas tree at the center of this historic market in Germany's capital city, where you can shop for traditional blown glass, wood carvings, and more. Head to the heated dining tents to fill up on German specialties like hearty spätzle and refreshing Kölsch beer. On New Year's Eve, ring in the new year at the market's annual party, which features everything from DJs and theatrical performances to food and firecrackers.

La Défense Marché de Noël, Paris

This market is the biggest in the Paris area, with more than 350 chalets and thousands of square feet of merry decorations, all located underneath the Grande Arche de la Défense. Shop for handicrafts and souvenirs among the market's many stalls, or indulge in some of the cheese, chocolate, and mulled wine on offer — you are in France, after all.

Strasbourg Christmas Markets

More than half a dozen Christmas markets pop up in this city in northeastern France each year, supporting Strasbourg's claim to be the "Capital of Christmas." All the markets are worth a visit, but the oldest and grandest is the Chrìstkìndelsmärik, which dates back to 1570. Whether you visit the original or one of the city's other market gems, you can shop for wooden toys and blown-glass ornaments or simply enjoy the miles of fairy lights and decorations on display. When you've worked up an appetite, dig into some foie gras or the traditional Alsatian cookies known as bredele.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London

With its stunning street decorations and bustling ice skating rinks, London is one of the best places on earth to visit at Christmas. The pinnacle of the city's festive offerings, though, is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. At this sprawling market and festival, you can sip mulled wine or marshmallow-topped cocoa as you shop for candle votives, ornaments, crafts, and gourmet food. After you've checked out the stalls, you can take in a show, ride more than a dozen different roller coasters, and even meet Santa, all without leaving the park.

Edinburgh's Christmas

Load up on sweets like cinnamon-sugar chimney cakes and cotton candy at this joyous celebration in the Scottish capital city as you shop for hand-carved wooden candle holders and traditional tartan ornaments. Later, spend a few hours in Santa Land in the West Princes Street Gardens, where you can take on the candy cane bungees (trampolines) and bumper cars.

Salzburg Christmas Markets

These historic Advent markets, which are held in several places around the Austrian city of Salzburg, date as far back as the 15th century. Two special highlights are the picturesque hilltop market at Hohensalzburg Fortress and the market in Cathedral Square, which offers more than 95 vendors. No matter which locations you visit, you can savor the aromas of hot chestnuts and mulled wine as you take in all that Salzburg has to offer.

Plaza Mayor Christmas Market, Madrid

Pick up handcrafted Belén statuettes (depicting Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and other nativity figures) as well as intricate ornaments for your tree at this centrally located Madrid market. While there, soak up the history of the expansive Plaza Mayor, which dates back to when King Philip II moved his court to Madrid.

Mercatini di Natale, Milan

Gaze up at the magnificent Duomo cathedral with a warm drink in hand as you browse the charming stalls and small huts of the Mercatini di Natale, a Christmas market held each year in Milan's Piazza del Duomo. Shop for Italian cheeses and Yuletide souvenirs as you take in the spirit of the city — the perfect way to cap off a day of sightseeing.

Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs, Amsterdam

This "winter paradise" in Amsterdam is ideal for families — and anyone else who likes having plenty to do at a holiday market other than eat and shop. Here, you can play a game of curling, go for a ride on a snow tube, or have a no-gloves-required snowball fight with faux snow in the market's Snowgarden. Later, warm up by roasting marshmallows on one of the festival's fire pits or heading to the winter cinema for a nostalgic Christmas movie.

Basel Christmas Market

The Basel Christmas Market takes place each year in the Swiss city's historic Old Town. Spread across Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz squares, the market's 155 wooden chalets sell everything from waffles, mulled wine, and grilled sausages to Swiss raclette and the local delicacy Basler Läckerli, a spiced biscuit similar to gingerbread. Shop for hand-painted Christmas ornaments, handmade toys and jewelry, and anise-flavored cookies while you take in some of Basel's best views. Be sure to sample some feuerzangenbowle, a traditional German drink prepared by setting a rum-soaked sugarloaf on fire and melting it into mulled wine.