Top 8 Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2024

Nothing in the world can make you feel the Christmas magic as much as a stroll through the world-famous Christmas markets of Europe can do. Beautiful stalls selling all kinds of Christmas goodies, cobblestone streets decorated with twinkling fairy lights, with the aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked delicacies in the air, sandstone architectural wonders decorated by lights and a cup of hot chocolate in hand while exploring the market, sounds perfect. Nowhere in the world is Christmas celebrated like in Europe, and here's a list of the Top 8 Best Christmas Markets in Europe in 2024 for you to explore.

8 Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2024 you must visit

The list contains the best Christmas markets in Europe. Europe is famous for its Christmas celebrations and world-famous Christmas Markets. The markets are ranked here based on people's choices and votes, live music and performances, creativity, and display of art and offerings. Let's dive into this list and explore the best European Christmas markets. 

1. Gdańsk, Poland

After the sun goes down, the heart of Gdansk comes alive to celebrate Christmas, with melodies of Christmas and carols filling the atmosphere and beautiful light decorations illuminating the streets. Gdansk Christmas market has been awarded the best Christmas market in Europe for 2024 and is a hub for artists and performing live. The market also has captivating sports like Santa's hut, Venetian carousel, and Angelic corners illuminated with mesmerizing lights. The event is so grand it covers every visitor in the Christmas Spirit, offering them exciting shopping spots and cozy and relaxing dining areas.

2. Craiova, Romania

Craiova has one of the world's most beautiful and largest Christmas markets. With a total area of 280,000 square meters, it is the Christmas capital of Europe. There are four different world themes in this:

• Galactic Christmas:  That is the best world for Star Wars fans, where everything is themed like Star Wars and offers a futuristic and sci-fi experience. 
• Santa’s Village: Everything in Santa's village is so Christmassy, with the sound of jingle bells and children's laughter in the atmosphere. 
• Beauty and the Beast: This area is themed as the magical realm straight from the fairytales, with decorations like the story and an act also shown. 
• Traditional Romanian Christmas: Romanian Christmas shows generosity and peace to its guests. 

3. Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva's "Noël au Quai" is a world-famous market on the shores of Lake Geneva at Quai du Mont-Blanc. It has been honored with the reputable title of "Best Christmas City Breaks 2025" by tourists and visitors. Visitors can explore a variety of delicacies, including street food, mulled wine, and other iconic specialties served by over 30 stalls. Unique gifts and hand-crafted artworks are displayed and sold by skilled designers and artisans. There is a lot to explore in Geneva apart from the market. There are many activities a traveler can participate in, but some include tasting chocolate delicacies, winter swimming and sauna sessions, and more. 

4. Riga, Latvia

Riga Christmas market is popularly known for its lighting and authenticity. It has received the titles of "Best Christmas Light in Europe" and "Most Authentic Christmas Destination."  As Christmas arrives, Riga becomes a Christmas winter wonderland, where to make buildings even more attractive, they illuminate buildings such as Kronvalda Park, Opera Square, and Bastejkalns. While exploring the market, you can witness various performances, like live music shows where they perform the play of a Latvian fairytale. Apart from the market, the city itself is filled with architectural wonders, bright lifestyles, mouthwatering cuisines, and more. 

5. Asti-Govone, Piemont - Italy

For the second consecutive year, Asti and Govone are entitled to the title of Italy's most beautiful Christmas market and the most romantic Christmas Market in Europe. This is the best Christmas market in Italy because of the lighting, The magical Christmas village, and Santa's House in the Royal Castle in Govone. Asti and Govone have much to offer from the 130 food stalls decorated and illuminated with a wide variety of food with wines and other Italian speciality. Apart from the markets, if you visit Italy, it is suggested that you visit this market, and this is the best time to see Italy and see how it is celebrated in an Italian way. 

6. Essen, Germany

The most sustainable Christmas Market in the world covers the entire city center and offers a variety of Christmas goodies from 20 countries around the globe. Not just the magical environment but the word "Sustainable" is used for this market because for years, green electricity was used, and the stalls and caterers used disposable plastic crockeries for on-site consumption and packing. Plastic is banned here, and even the traders' stall vendors display and sell organic products that are good for the environment. 

7. Valkenburg, Netherlands

Valkenburg, the European city of Christmas, is known for its Christmas parade, the most beautiful in Europe. The city celebrates Christmas with an impressive mixture of traditions and attractive charm. The city is decorated with beautifully outfitted Christmas Trees and shimmering golden lights. For the cherry on top of the cake, Valkenburg's feast and Christmas market create a magical ambiance by pleasing ears, eyes, and taste. Also, explore the extraordinary underground Christmas Market at Gemeentegrot and Floweelengrot, and while strolling through the market, you will discover artisan crafts, festive stalls, and seasonal treats. 

8. Montbéliard, France

Montbeliard presents one of the most exquisite holiday experiences in Europe. Also, it is the most beautiful Christmas market in France, and during the winter and the Christmas seasons, it changes into a magical Christmas wonderland. There are over 140 elegantly decorated stalls. While you go through the market, you will smell the aromas of delicacies, hear the sounds of carols and holiday songs, and admire the beautiful crafts and high-quality gifts, among which you can choose the perfect souvenirs and Christmas treats ideal for your Loved ones. It becomes a magical place with twinkling lights covering the streets, creating a romantic environment. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When do Christmas markets start in Europe?

Most Christmas markets begin to run around mid-to-late November. 

Which European city has the best Christmas market?

Gdansk, Poland, is voted the best Christmas market in Europe by more than 90,000 votes.

Where is the Christmas Capital of Europe?

Craiova, Romania, is considered the Christmas capital of Europe. 

What is the largest Christmas store in Europe?

Käthe Wohlfahrt is a German store known for selling Christmas decorations and is the largest store in Europe.

Conclusion

Europe offers countless magical ways to celebrate Christmas, from bustling markets filled with treats to stunning architectural wonders adorned with twinkling lights. While these markets highlight the festive atmosphere, there's an abundance of other breathtaking locations where Christmas is celebrated in unique ways. Head over to our Top 12 Places to Celebrate Christmas in Europe for even more incredible holiday destinations to make your Christmas unforgettable.