Best Christmas Markets in Europe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Have a look at these Best Christmas markets in Europe. They are magical, full of beautiful handmade products and delicious foods!

Now guys, I don’t know about you but I love visiting Christmas markets!

I have visited a few Christmas markets – some of them in capital cities, some in small villages and others in large towns. So far these are the best Christmas markets in Europe! These three markets are my favorite ones and I highly recommend visiting them! They are stunning and they are the best European Christmas markets by all means!

Tallinn Christmas Market

Tallinn Christmas market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe! Held every year on the historic town hall square (Raekoja plats) right next to town hall it is a must visit Christmas market! I felt like I was in a fairy tale! Maybe it was because when we were there it was snowing and it really looked like a fairy tale. A huge Christmas tree decorated with led lights and Christmas baubles stands in the center of this square. Around this Christmas tree you’ll find tiny wooden huts with souvenirs, craft products, traditional Christmas drinks and typical Estonian foods! There is also a mini zoo with various animals, merry-go-round and Santa can be found in his grotto so kids can ask for presents and read him poems!

Tallinn Christmas market is open from 18th November 2016 until 7th January 2017. Vendors selling souvenirs will be there every day from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening. Food and beverages will be sold until 10/11pm. We drank a lot of mulled wine (a.k.a. gloggi in Estonian) and hot chocolate when roaming the huts! Check out this Homemade Mulled Wine Recipe if you fancy making one yourself!

By the way, it gets pretty cold there so be sure to pack a hat, gloves, scarf and a winter jacket! However, you might find some cool woolen winter accessories there so if you forget some at home, no worries! Also once there you must try their traditional Christmas dish – sauerkraut with blood sausage!

What I loved about Tallinn Christmas Market:

• The setting – right in the heart of the city it can’t get any better than this
• The cozy atmosphere – because the town hall square is not very large, you have everything close by. Not much walking required here!
• The snow! I know this is not a done deal but there is a pretty high chance of snowing!

Is it worth visiting Tallinn Christmas Market?
Yes! Yes! Yes! Like I’ve mentioned it is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe! Guys, if you are planning on going places around Christmas consider this place! You won’t be disappointed!

For more information about Tallinn Christmas Market check out  Visit Estonia website.

Vienna Schönbrunn Christmas Market

Another Christmas market held in a stunning location on the grounds of Schonbrunn Palace! Vienna is a huge city and there are many Christmas markets. The busiest one is in the heart of the city – right under Stephansdom on Stephansplatz!  However, if you are willing to travel a bit further out of the city, then Schonbrunn Christmas Market is a must see! It is not that busy but please don’t expect finding no people there. Around 1 million people visit this market every year!

So guys, if you ever find yourself in Vienna during the Holiday Season – Schönbrunn Christmas market is a must! This year it is open from 19th November 2016 until 1st January 2017 between 10am and 9pm.

What will you find at Schönbrunn Christmas market?
Vendors from Austria and neighboring countries selling beautiful Christmas decorations made of wood, glass, ceramics, tin and paper. They sell sweet and savory foods, mulled wine and plenty of punch as well as hot chocolate, sweet chestnuts, potato dumplings, various Austrian delicacies such as “Bauerngröstl” or “Kaiserschmarrn”,gingerbread cookies and much much more!

What makes Schonbrunn Christmas market so magical?

• Location, location, location!

Right on the grounds of the Schonbrunn Palace it somehow makes it more magical. It is a must see place. Because we stayed in Vienna a few hours only, we did not have time to visit! But guys, if you are into history or you just like sightseeing and if you are staying in Vienna longer, this is the place to go!

It truly is an amazing place to visit. For a sneak-peak head over to their site and you can get a glimpse of each room! You can also walk in the palace gardens or visit the stunning Gloriette or the world’s oldest ZOO!

For more information about Vienna Christmas Market.

For more information about Schonbrunn Palace.

Prague Christmas Market

Now there are several Christmas markets in the Prague city center. All of them are located within walking distance of each other (Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square & Republic Square) but the most visited one is definitely the one held on Old Town Square. This Christmas Market is set right in the historic heart of the city, next to a magnificent town hall on one side and a stunning Gothic church on the other side.

Last year the Huge Christmas tree was decorated with lights and enormous ornaments. Concerts of all sorts were held in the evenings on a nearby stage. The stalls were filled with traditional Christmas treats, ornaments, wooden products, and of course a lot of food and drinks. I went for my favorite Langoš (Hungarian deep fried bread topped with sour cream, cheese, ketchup and garlic sauce) and it did not disappoint! It tasted amazing as always! Now if you are wondering why I am talking about Hungarian street food while in the Czech Republic, then you must know that it is widely popular there as well.

Prague Christmas Market Food Experience:
Like I’ve mentioned Langoš can be purchased from several vendors there. Pancake lady will prepare sweet or savory crepes for you. If you are after meaty dishes then head to the stalls with the real deal! You’ll find large hams roasted on spits and barbecued sausages (klobása) there! Yummy!

Trdelník is a sweet bread/pastry prepared traditional way by rolling dough and wrapping it around a stick. This is then being grilled over an open fire and afterwards it is usually coated in sugar. It is a delicious sweet treat and I highly recommend tasting it!

Of course we cannot forget about the famous Czech beers such as Pilsner Urquell and Staropramen! However, to keep your body warm I suggest buying mulled wine (svařák) or Hot Chocolate or anything really just to make sure you stay warm. The winters can get pretty cold there!

All in all, Prague Christmas market is well worth a visit not only for the food and drinks but also for the handmade products and more importantly the fantastic atmosphere!

For more information about Prague Christmas markets visit Prague Experience website.

So, guys, which Christmas market is your favorite one? Have you ever visited one of these ones? If yes, what did you try, what souvenirs did you buy?