The most beautiful Christmas markets worldwide
Whether in Germany, Europe or the USA—Christmas markets everywhere attract you with sparkling lights, festive music and the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread.
Whether in Germany, Europe or the USA—Christmas markets everywhere attract you with sparkling lights, festive music and the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread.
In our overview, you’ll find all the key information about the most beautiful Christmas markets in 2026, complete with highlights and travel tips. Plan a pre-Christmas getaway, a romantic city break or a family visit, and enjoy the Christmas season at its most magical.
Whether it's a city break during Advent, a Christmas holiday or a romantic weekend trip —every city delights with its own magic, sparkling lights and unique traditions. From Vienna's imperial elegance to Prague's bohemian splendour, Milan's stylish Christmas atmosphere and Paris' sparkling winter romance —pure festive spirit awaits everywhere.
In winter 2025/26, Condor offers flights to popular Christmas destinations such as Vienna, Zurich, Prague, Paris, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle and Milan, as well as to the German cities of Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg.
Christmas markets usually start in mid to late November. The Vienna Christmas market at City Hall usually opens during the third week of November, as do the markets in Zurich (Bellevue) and Prague (Old Town Square).
The Christmas market in Funchal on Madeira. Portugal, is known for its colourful flower stands, light arches and local delicacies—all enjoyed in a mild winter climate with temperatures around 20°C in December.
Vienna, with its Schönbrunn Palace; Zurich, with its Wienachtsdorf Christmas village; Vancouver, with a kids' carousel; and Munich with its story-book Märchenbazar; all offer family-friendly activities, carousels and atmospheric light shows.
Yes, Zurich offers Swiss crafts, Prague is known for Bohemian Christmas tree decorations, Paris for French delicacies, and in Vienna you can find real handicrafts on the public squares of Freyung or Karlsplatz.
The Christmas market on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées offers romantic lighting, French specialties and an elegant atmosphere. The market in La Défense is also worth a visit.
The main market in the Old Town Square usually starts at the end of November. Other must-see markets can be found in Wenceslas Square and in the castle. Mulled wine and "trdelník" pastries are among the highlights.


The Frankfurt Christmas market is one of the oldest and most popular in Germany. From November 23 to December 22, 2026 , Römerberg, Paulsplatz, Zeil and Mainufer transform into a sparkling Advent landscape with over 200 festively decorated stalls. Typical delicacies such as Frankfurter Bethmännchen, Quetschemännchen and hot apple wine tempt you to try them, while artistically designed Christmas crafts and handmade Christmas tree decorations make browsing particularly appealing. During this time, the market also offers various atmospheric programs: the tower horn players on Wednesday evenings, concerts and light illuminations.
The central locations let you enjoy a relaxed stroll through the old town, and the mix of tradition, culinary delights and romantic charm makes the Frankfurt Christmas Market a perfect destination during Advent.


Hamburg’s Christmas market is considered one of the most beautiful in northern Germany. It is open from 23 November through 23 December 2026.
The combination of Hanseatic era architecture, proximity to the Elbe and decorated booths creates a special atmosphere. Visitors can experience Christmas light decorations along the Alster River and in the city centre, accompanied by regional specialities, a maritime ambience and a wide range of handicrafts.
A highlight is the markets on Fleet Island and around St. Petri Church—perfect for a walk through snowy alleys with the scent of mulled wine in the air. Thanks to the Hamburg Christmas market, travellers can combine the Advent season with both Nordic flair and classic Christmas spirit.


Berlin is one of the most popular cities for Christmas markets in Germany. Dates vary depending on the market: The first winter events start as early as the end of October. Many of the major Christmas markets open on 23 November 2026. The winter market on Schlossplatz at the Humboldt Forum starts as early as November 18.
Well-known markets include WeihnachtsZauber at the Gendarmenmarkt and the Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace. Some markets remain open until 3 January 2027.
You can look forward to beautiful handcrafts, loads of gift ideas, live music, theatre performances and a festive vibe. Whether in Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg or Friedrichshain, the Christmas markets make any Christmas trip to Berlin a special experience with shopping, mulled wine and events.


The Christmas markets in Prague are among the most beautiful in Europe. From November 20, 2026 to January 6, 2027, the Czech capital will be transformed into a true winter wonderland. The Christmas market in Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) and the market at Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) are particularly impressive, boasting a unique backdrop of Gothic architecture, festive lighting and traditional wooden stalls.
Here, you can expect Bohemian handicrafts, handmade Christmas tree decorations, glassware and culinary highlights such as Trdelník (fried sausages) and Medovina (honey wine). Smaller markets, such those in Peace Square (Náměstí Míru) or in the Kampa district, also invite you to relax with a cozy atmosphere and regional specialities.
The combination of medieval cityscape, sparkling lights, and Czech hospitality makes Prague's Christmas markets an unforgettable experience and an absolute standout among Europe's Christmas markets.


The traditional Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is the heart of the Munich Christmas market and opens every year from November 20 until December 24, 2026. Around 140 decorated stalls invite you to enjoy regional specialties such as bratwurst, Schmalznudeln and roasted almonds or to explore handcrafted art. The big Christmas tree in front of the town hall and choir concerts give the Munich Christmas market its unique magic.
The historic ambiance around Marienplatz, the proximity to the Frauenkirche cathedral, and the shopping arcades of the old town make this market a popular destination for locals and visitors from all over the world. The festively lit streets, fragrant stalls, and the warm-hearted atmosphere make Munich shine especially brightly during Advent— a true jewel among Germany's Christmas markets.


The Christmas markets in Paris usually start at the end of November and continue until the end of December 2026 (depending on the market). Along the Champs-Élysées, at the Hôtel de Ville or in districts such as Le Marais, there are artfully illuminated stalls, mulled wine, crepes, French handcrafted items and romantic city lighting.
The special charm is in the mix of Parisian cityscape, lit-up boulevards and Christmas vibes. Whether at the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower or around cathedrals—the culinary offerings and the magical lights make Parisian Christmas markets a favourite spot for international Advent trips.


The Christmas markets in Zurich open from 19 November to 24 December 2026 and bathe the city in festive lights. The Christkindlimarkt in the main train station is particularly famous, being one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe, with its magnificent Swarovski Christmas tree.
Zurich also delights outdoors with the Bellevue Christmas Village, Sechseläutenplatz, and the Niederdorf Christmas market. You can enjoy Swiss specialities, mulled wine and artistic crafts in an atmospheric old town setting.
The blend of Alpine charm, festive lighting and Swiss cosiness makes Zurich's Christmas markets one of the most beautiful destinations for a Christmas trip in Switzerland and throughout Europe.
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Vienna's Christmas markets traditionally open from 6 November and run until 6 January 2027 (depending on the market). During this time, squares such as Rathausplatz, Schönbrunn Palace and Stephansplatz are transformed into markets with arts and crafts, Advent concerts and culinary delights.
Particularly charming is the combination of Viennese coffee house culture, historic architecture and Austrian tradition: hot punches, Sachertorte (chocolate apricot sponge cake), wood carvings and nostalgic carousels invite you to stay a while. The markets are considered the epitome of a romantic Advent experience—perfect for city travellers looking for Christmas magic in Central Europe.


The Christmas markets in Milan combine Italian design, festive tradition and urban lifestyle. From 1 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, the city shines in Christmas splendour — especially around Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). The popular Mercatino di Natale has over 60 stalls selling handmade arts and crafts, Italian delicacies and Christmas decorations.
A special highlight is the historic festival “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” around the Castello Sforzesco, a tradition that is over 500 years old. Besides classic delicacies like panettone (Christmas fruit bread) and vin brulé (mulled wine), the market delights with regional products from Lombardy.
With stylish lighting, elegant flair and the unmistakable charm of Milan, the city's Christmas markets are among the most beautiful in Italy and Europe—perfect for a winter city break with culture, fashion and Christmas magic.