The 7 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets Abroad

As Christmas approaches, for those who want to be immersed in a magical atmosphere and create unforgettable memories, beautiful Christmas markets all around the world await you. Brightly decorated streets, the smell of mulled wine, handmade gifts and traditional delicacies... An ideal opportunity to fully experience the Christmas spirit! You can follow the affordable flight ticket opportunities for Christmas on Bilet.com and easily make a reservation.

So, are you having trouble deciding where to spend Christmas this year?

Here is a detailed guide about the destinations that host the most beautiful and famous Christmas markets in the world and what to do on these special days...

1. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is an ideal destination for Christmas markets, with its historic architecture and warm atmosphere. The city centre is full of various markets. The market on Rathausplatz is particularly famous for its dazzling lights and handmade goods. You can also try mulled wine and traditional Austrian sweets.

Things to Do in Vienna at Christmas

• Exploring the Christmas Markets: One of the greatest pleasures of Vienna is to visit the beautiful Christmas markets set up in the historic center and palace gardens. You can find handmade gifts, hot drinks, delicious food and beautiful decorations at these markets.
• Ice Skating: You can have a great time at the ice rinks set up in the city center. Especially in the evenings, the brightly lit ice rinks offer a romantic atmosphere.
• Listening to a Concert at the Vienna State Opera: The Christmas period is a time when special concerts are held at the Vienna State Opera. It is a good idea to buy your tickets in advance so as not to miss this unique experience.
• Visiting Schönbrunn Palace: Schönbrunn, the winter palace of the Austrian Emperors, becomes even more magnificent with its Christmas decorations. The Christmas market and light shows in the palace garden are also quite impressive.
• Visiting the Historical Center of Vienna: You can breathe in the Christmas atmosphere of the city while visiting historical buildings such as Stephansdom and Hofburg Palace.
• Tasting Vienna's Cuisine: Christmas in Vienna is a great opportunity to sample traditional Austrian cuisine. Mulled wine, chocolate and cookies are especially popular.

The Most Famous Christmas Markets in Vienna

• Rathausplatz Christmas Market : Located in front of Vienna City Hall, this market is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in the city. Here you can find handmade gifts, traditional foods and hot drinks.
• Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market : This market welcomes visitors to the magnificent atmosphere of Schönbrunn Palace. Here you can find handmade toys, decorations and delicious food.
• Belvedere Palace Christmas Market : This market, set in the gardens of Belvedere Palace, has a smaller and more intimate atmosphere. Here you can find works of art, handmade jewelry and designer clothes.
• Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Village : This Christmas village, established between the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Natural History Museum, is a very entertaining option, especially for families with children. It has an amusement park, an ice rink and various events.

2. Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. Known as “Capital Noel”, it has been welcoming visitors since 1570. The city is filled with charming Christmas lights and colourful stands. You can also find local products and souvenirs here.

Things to Do in Strasbourg at Christmas

• Exploring the Christmas Markets : Strasbourg is home to the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe. Located in the historic center of the city, you can find handmade gifts, hot drinks, delicious Alsatian dishes, and beautiful decorations.
• Visiting Strasbourg Cathedral : One of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture, Strasbourg Cathedral becomes even more impressive with Christmas decorations. You can climb to the top of the cathedral and watch the panoramic view of the city.
• Visiting the Petite France District : This historic district on the banks of the Rhine River has a charming atmosphere with its colorful houses and narrow streets. This area is also decorated brightly during Christmas.
• Rhine River Cruise : You can see Strasbourg from a different perspective with a Rhine River cruise. Especially evening cruises are a great opportunity to watch the city lights.
• Tasting Alsatian Cuisine : Strasbourg is famous for its delicious dishes that blend French and German cuisines. You should especially try local delicacies such as choucroute (pickled cabbage), flammekueche (thin crust pizza) and Brezilian.

The Most Famous Christmas Markets in Strasbourg

• Place de la Cathédrale : This market, set in front of the Strasbourg Cathedral, is one of the city's largest and most popular Christmas markets. Here you can find handmade gifts, traditional foods, and hot drinks.
• Place Broglie : This market set up in front of the town hall is a bit smaller than the market set up in front of the cathedral, but it dazzles with its magnificent lighting. You can choose this market for eating.
• Place du Marché-aux-Poissons : This market, known as the fish market, has a smaller and more intimate atmosphere. Here you can find handmade jewelry, ornaments and designer clothes.

3. Munich, Germany

Munich’s historic centre offers a charming Christmas market. The market at Marienplatz is a hit with locals and tourists alike. You can sample traditional German products, mulled wine and local delicacies. Munich’s streets are decorated with Christmas decorations and offer a great place to take a walk.

Things to Do in Munich at Christmas

• Exploring the Christmas Markets : One of the greatest pleasures of Munich is to visit the beautiful Christmas markets set up in the historic center and different neighborhoods. You can find handmade gifts, hot drinks, delicious food and beautiful decorations at these markets.
• Visiting Marienplatz Square : Considered the heart of Munich, Marienplatz takes on a special atmosphere during Christmas. The town hall and Christmas tree on the square become symbols of the city.
• Visiting Nymphenburg Palace : One of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture, Nymphenburg Palace becomes even more magnificent with Christmas decorations. The Christmas market in the palace garden is also quite impressive.
• Strolling in Englischer Garten : One of the largest city parks in Europe, Englischer Garten is also quite beautiful in winter. The small Christmas market near the Chinese Tower in the park offers a quieter alternative.
• Munich Beer Festivals : The Christmas period can coincide with some small beer festivals in Munich, where you can sample local beers and enjoy traditional Bavarian food.
• Visiting the Historical Center of Munich : You can soak up the Christmas atmosphere of the city while visiting historical places such as Viktualienmarkt and Hofbräuhaus.

Munich's Most Famous Christmas Markets

• Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt : The largest and most popular Christmas market in Munich. Here you can find traditional handicrafts, wooden toys, mulled wine and delicious food.
• Viktualienmarkt : The city's oldest and largest open-air market, Viktualienmarkt takes on a special atmosphere during Christmas. Here you can find fresh produce, as well as handmade gifts and delicious food.
• Nymphenburg Palace Christmas Market : This market, set up in the garden of Nymphenburg Palace, which fascinates with its Baroque architecture, has a smaller and more intimate atmosphere.
• Englischer Garten Christmas Market : Located near the Chinese Tower, this market offers a quieter alternative.

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s beautiful squares offer a charming atmosphere during the winter months. The market in the Old Town Square is full of lights and decorations. Here you can find handmade souvenirs, traditional food and hot drinks. It’s also a great opportunity to explore historical buildings and Christmas decorations.

Things to Do in Prague at Christmas

• Exploring the Christmas Markets : One of the greatest pleasures of Prague is to visit the beautiful Christmas markets set up in the historic center and different neighborhoods. You can find handmade gifts, hot drinks, delicious Czech food and beautiful decorations at these markets.
• Visiting the Old Town Square : Considered the heart of Prague, the Old Town Square takes on a special atmosphere during Christmas. The large Christmas tree on the square and the wooden huts surrounding it become the symbol of the city.
• Crossing the Charles Bridge: This historic bridge over the Vltava River becomes even more magical with its Christmas decorations. From there you can take in panoramic views of the city.
• Visiting Prague Castle: Prague Castle, the largest castle in the Czech Republic, also welcomes visitors during Christmas. The Christmas market in the castle garden and the concerts inside the cathedral are also quite impressive.
• Climbing the City Hall Tower : You can watch the magnificent view of the city by climbing the city hall tower. Especially during the Christmas period, the illuminated view of the city is quite impressive.
• Tasting Czech Cuisine : Christmas in Prague is a great opportunity to sample traditional Czech cuisine. Trdelník (cinnamon dumplings), mulled wine, and cookies are especially popular.

Best Christmas Markets in Prague

• Old Town Square Christmas Market : The largest and most popular Christmas market in Prague. Here you can find traditional crafts, wooden toys, mulled wine and delicious food.
• Wenceslas Square Christmas Market : The second largest Christmas market in Prague after Old Town Square. You can find more modern and stylish products here.
• Charles Bridge Christmas Market : You can find handmade gifts and local products at the small markets set up on both sides of the bridge.
• Prague Castle Christmas Market : This market, set up in the castle garden, has a smaller and more intimate atmosphere.

5. Brussels, Belgium

Brussels hosts many events throughout the year, but there are many markets that make the city special during Christmas. The market in Grand Place is notable for its spectacular light displays. Belgian chocolate, waffles and local beers are not to be missed by visitors to this market.

Things to Do in Brussels at Christmas

• Exploring the Christmas Markets : One of the greatest pleasures of Brussels is to visit the beautiful Christmas markets set up in the historic center and different neighborhoods. You can find handmade gifts, hot drinks, delicious Belgian chocolates and beautiful decorations in these markets.
• Visiting the Grand-Place Square : Considered the heart of Brussels, the Grand-Place takes on a special atmosphere during Christmas. The giant Christmas tree in the square and the wooden huts surrounding it become the symbol of the city.
• Visiting the Atomium : One of the symbols of Brussels, the Atomium becomes even more impressive with special lighting during the Christmas period.
• Tasting Belgian Chocolates : Brussels is a world-famous city for chocolate. During the Christmas period, you can visit different chocolate workshops to taste delicious chocolates and buy special chocolate gifts for yourself.
• Visiting Belgium Beer Museums : Belgium is a country famous for its beers. You can learn the history of Belgian beers and taste various types of beers by visiting different beer museums.

The Best Christmas Markets in Brussels

• Grand-Place Christmas Market : The largest and most popular Christmas market in Brussels. Here you can find traditional crafts, wooden toys, mulled wine and delicious food.
• Winter Wonders : In addition to the Grand-Place, there are also Christmas markets in different parts of the city, collectively called Winter Wonders. These markets feature ice skating rinks, carnival games and various events.
• Bourse Christmas Market: This market, set up in front of the Bourse, the stock exchange building, offers a historical atmosphere. It has a wide range of products from antiques to handmade jewelry, from vintage clothes to local works of art.
• Place de la Monnaie Christmas Market: The Christmas market on Place de la Monnaie, or Mint Square, is a place where art and taste come together.
• Place Sainte-Catherine Christmas Market: Place Sainte-Catherine, or St. Catherine's Square, is usually known as the fresh fish market. However, during Christmas time, it transforms into a warm and welcoming Christmas market decorated with colorful decorations.

6. Genoa, Italy

Genoa's Christmas market is a popular spot for both local and international visitors. The central market is full of traditional Italian delicacies and handmade goods. The city is also notable for its historic feel and warm atmosphere.

Things to Do in Genoa at Christmas

• Discovering the Christmas Markets : The Christmas markets in the historic center and different neighborhoods of Genoa are full of handmade gifts, local products, hot drinks and delicious food. The markets set up in squares such as Piazza Matteotti and Via Garibaldi are especially popular.
• Visiting the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo : Genoa's most important cathedral, San Lorenzo, looks even more beautiful during Christmas with special lighting. The Christmas concerts inside the cathedral are also an event not to be missed.
• Visiting the Aquario di Genova: One of the largest aquariums in the world, the Acquario di Genova, welcomes its visitors during the Christmas period, as it does at any time of the year. It can be a fun alternative, especially for children.
• Strolling Via Garibaldi: One of the most beautiful streets of Genoa, Via Garibaldi is famous for its magnificent palaces from the Renaissance period. You can take a pleasant walk on this street, which looks even more beautiful with Christmas decorations.
• Attending Christmas Concerts: During the Christmas season, many churches and concert halls in Genoa host Christmas concerts. You can listen to many different types of music, from classical music to opera and ballet.

The Most Famous Christmas Markets in Genoa

In Genoa, Christmas markets are usually held in the city center, especially in squares such as Piazza Matteotti and Via Garibaldi. You can find handmade gifts, local products, hot drinks and delicious food at these markets. In addition, some markets host Christmas-themed events and concerts.

• Mercatino di San Nicola (San Nicola Christmas Market): One of the most famous and traditional Christmas markets in Genoa. Held since 1986, this market is full of handmade goods, souvenirs, toys and traditional foods from the Ligurian region.
• Mercatino di Natale di Piazza De Ferrari (Piazza De Ferrari Christmas Market): One of the most central and iconic spots in the city, this square is decorated with lights during Christmas time and a Christmas market is set up.
• Christmas Market in Porto Antico: This Christmas market, set up in the port area, is especially famous for its sea view and historical texture. While walking in the unique atmosphere of the port, you can visit the Christmas stands on the seaside.
• Palazzo Ducale Christmas Market: This market, set around the historic Palazzo Ducale, focuses on arts and crafts, with stands selling Christmas decorations, jewelry, textiles, and artwork.

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is another city famous for its Christmas markets. With its unique architecture and nature, the city adapts beautifully to Christmas, and in winter, with snow, it is hard to resist the atmosphere. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen hosts a special market during Christmas. This area, filled with lights and decorations, offers its visitors a fairytale experience. You can find traditional Danish flavors and handmade products here.

Things to Do in Copenhagen at Christmas

• Exploring the Christmas Markets: One of the greatest joys of Copenhagen is visiting the beautiful Christmas markets set up in the historic center and different neighborhoods. You can find handmade gifts, hot drinks, delicious Danish food, and beautiful decorations at these markets.
• Visit Tivoli Gardens: Tivoli, Copenhagen's most famous amusement park, takes on a special atmosphere during Christmas. The brightly decorated park hosts Christmas markets, ice skating rinks and various events.
• Boat Tour on Nyhavn Canal: A boat tour on Nyhavn Canal, famous for its colorful houses in Copenhagen, will allow you to see the Christmas atmosphere of the city from a different perspective.
• Visiting Amalienborg Palace: Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish Royal Family, attracts a lot of attention, especially with the changing of the guard ceremony held at noon.
• Strolling Down Strøget: Copenhagen’s longest shopping street, Strøget, is decorated brightly during Christmas. Here you can shop and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
• Taste Danish Cuisine: During Christmas in Copenhagen, you'll find plenty of opportunities to sample traditional Danish cuisine. Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), æbleskiver (apple rolls), and glögg (mulled wine) are especially popular.

Copenhagen's Most Famous Christmas Markets

• Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market: Copenhagen's largest and most popular Christmas market. Here you can find traditional crafts, wooden toys, mulled wine and delicious food.
• Hojbro Plads Christmas Market: Located in the centre of Strøget, this market is smaller and more intimate, with handmade gifts and local products available here.
• Frederiksberg Have Christmas Market: This market, set up in the garden of Frederiksberg Palace, offers a quieter and more peaceful alternative.