Top Christmas markets in Europe for your winter holiday

12 November 2025

It is the time of year when streets are lit up with lights and festive cheers, travellers are planning festive trips across Europe. City breaks make the perfect getaway for seasonal shopping, exploring delicious food and local Christmas markets. In this guide, we will share a list of Europe’s best Christmas holiday destinations filled with unforgettable experiences and tips to make the most of your travel money.

Why choose a Christmas market for your winter holiday?

Christmas markets offer something truly special that typical winter holidays often miss: an authentic cultural experience full of festive charm. Instead of just sightseeing, you get to immerse yourself in local traditions by tasting regional delicacies, browsing handcrafted gifts and enjoying seasonal entertainment in historic city squares. It’s a way to celebrate the holidays while discovering the heart of Europe’s most beautiful destinations.

These trips also combine flexibility and value. You can plan short city breaks or multi-stop adventures, making them ideal for both weekend getaways and longer holidays. With a little smart budgeting such as carrying local currency for smaller stalls and using a prepaid travel card for security, you can enjoy the winter wonderland without overspending.

Best Christmas Markets to Visit in Europe

Europe is home to some of the most magical Christmas markets, each offering unique traditions, festive food, and unforgettable experiences. Here are the top destinations to add to your holiday travel list.

Poland

Top cities to visit:

• Warsaw: The capital's market centres around the Old Town Square filled with artisan goods and food vendors.
• Kraków: Experience the most iconic market in Poland, set in Europe's largest medieval square, featuring hundreds of stalls, traditional food, mulled wine, and cultural events like carolling.
• Wrocław: A massive wonderland of lights, wooden stalls, handmade crafts, a giant Christmas tree, and a Ferris wheel.

Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN)

Travel money tip: Markets in Poland are very cash-friendly, so carry some zloty handy for small market stalls. A prepaid currency card is great for bigger purchases.

Switzerland

Top cities to visit:

• Montreux: Known as Switzerland's largest Christmas market, it features over 160 chalets along the promenade on Lake Geneva.
• Basel: Considered one of the most beautiful in Switzerland, it has two main markets at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, offering a range of regional specialities, crafts, and decorations.
• Bern: The city's UNESCO-listed Old Town provides a scenic backdrop, with the larger market at Waisenhausplatz and a smaller, craft-focused market at Münsterplatz.
• Geneva: A festive winter wonderland unfolds at Noël aux Bastions in Parc des Bastions, complete with an ice rink and an array of artisan products.

Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Travel money tip: Switzerland can be pricey, so set a clear budget before you go. Carry a mix of cash and a secure payment options for flexibility, and make sure you have a way to top up funds easily if needed.

Czech Republic

Top cities to visit:

• Old Town Square: The largest and most popular market, famous for its stunning Christmas tree and Gothic architecture backdrop. It features food, gifts, a stage for performances, and an observation bridge.
• Wenceslas Square: Located a short walk from the Old Town Square, this market has its own festive charm with an ice rink, nativity scene, and artisan stalls.
• Republic Square: A quieter option focused on local crafts and food, a 5-minute walk from the main squares.

Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)

United Kingdom

Top cities to visit:

London: Experience Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park or the magical lights of Covent Garden.

• Manchester: UK’s largest market, featuring hundreds of stalls across the city centre.
• Edinburgh Christmas Market: Located in the city's East Princes Street Gardens, it offers a spectacular Scottish capital experience.
• Bath Christmas Market: Held in the city's UNESCO World Heritage site, the market provides a magical, romantic atmosphere among its historic buildings.
• Belfast Christmas Market: Located in front of the City Hall, this market has an international flavour with a wide variety of food and drink options.

Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP)

Travel & budgeting tips for Christmas market holiday

Planning ahead makes your Christmas market adventure even more enjoyable and affordable:

• Manage your money with ease: Use a prepaid travel card like the An Post Money Currency Card to manage up to 15 currencies securely.
• Stay on top of your spending: Track and manage your spending in real time easily with the An Post Money app.
• Bring local cash: some market stalls only accept cash. We offer multiple currencies in cash at your local post office.
• Get the best exchange rate: set up rate alerts in the app and lock in the best exchange rates before you travel.
• Don’t let leftover currency go to waste: take advantage of the buy back service to exchange unused sterling or zloty when you return.

Whether you’re sipping mulled wine in Prague or ice skating in London, Europe’s best Christmas markets offer something for everyone. With smart planning your Christmas holiday destination will be both magical and stress-free.

So, wrap up warm, pack your sense of wonder, and let Europe’s Christmas markets light up your winter!