The Best Christmas Markets To Visit For a Long Weekend

A visit to a Christmas market is the perfect way to get you in the festive spirit. With fabulous food, Christmas carols and gorgeous gifts to tick off that ever-important shopping list, it’s easy to see why that for many, a visit to a Christmas market is the perfect way to kick off the season.

So, want to know the best spots to visit for an amazing festive experience? We chatted to Ben Myatt, Show Manager for Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show which returns to 16^th – 19^th January 2025 at Manchester Central and 30^th January – 2^nd February 2025 at Olympia London, who recommends his top Christmas markets to visit for a long weekend and to include in your winter plans.

Vienna, Austria

Transforming the picturesque squares of Vienna into a magical Christmas market, Vienna is a must-visit at Christmas. With various markets to explore such as the Wiener Christkindlmarkt or the Christmas Market at Schonbrunn Castle, the Christmas markets in Vienna tick every festive box. From atmospheric streets lined with twinkling lights and decorations, to quaint market stalls selling an array of Christmas goodies, you can sample your way around each market, indulging on sweet treats and warming drinks whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of this festive winter wonderland. 

Open from 15^th November – 26^th December 2024 and 8^th November 204 – 6^th January 2025.

Bruges, Belgium

With two Christmas markets to explore, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Christmas town with a visit to Bruges. Easily reached via train, wander through the pretty tree-lined and festoon-lit fairytale streets which resemble gingerbread houses, as you indulge on a fresh Belgian waffle (with chocolate sauce, of course) and explore what Bruges has to offer at Christmas time. With market stalls at Grote Markt that transform the historic centre, you’re only a short stroll away from the Simon Stevinplein Christmas market which focuses on artisanal craft products and is the perfect place to pick up a unique gift for someone special.

Open from 22^nd November 2024 – 5^th January 2025.

Nuremberg, Germany

One of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is awash with the joys of Christmas. Dating back to the 17^th century, the market sells traditional decorations and items such as wooden nutcrackers, handblown glass ornaments and more. Set amongst the historic architecture of Hauptmarkt Square, make sure to sample the original Nuremberg Bratwurst!

Open from 29^th November – 24^th December 2024.

Tallinn, Estonia

A magical winter world situated in Tallinn’s Old Town on Town Hall Square, experience traditional Christmas dishes and delicacies, unique handmade crafts and kick off the Christmas season in style with the Tallinn Christmas market. Explore the market, which surrounds what is known as the most beautiful Christmas tree of the city – a tradition which has lasted more than 580 years – whilst sipping on a glass of glögg (hot mulled wine) as you enjoy the sounds of Estonian carols that ring out across the square.

Open from 22^nd November – 27^th December 2024.

Strasbourg, France

Fondly referred to as the ‘Capital of Christmas’, the Christkindelsmärik is one of the oldest Christmas markets in France and Europe. Dating back to 1570, the Christmas market is the perfect place to kick start your Christmas shopping and feel truly festive. Centred around Cathedral Square and Place Broglie, hundreds of traditional stalls and ski chalets sell ornaments, toys, trinkets and more. With food stalls selling fresh crêpes and mulled wine, perfect for keeping you warm as you stroll through the sparkling and illuminated streets, be sure to get a picture in front of the 30metre tall Christmas tree adorned with colourful ornaments and twinkling lights in the market centre.

Open from 27^th November – 27^th December 2024.

Bath, UK

Explore the cobbled streets and the Christmas market filled with independent craft makers and artisans in the majestic city of Bath. Nestled in the historic city centre, the streets of Bath are transformed into a magical, festive experience. Open seven days a week you can pick up everything you need for a unforgettable Christmas from one of the 170 chalets – from food to clothing, decorations and more!

Open from 28th November – 15th December 2024

Florence, Italy

Officially known as the Weihnachtsmarkt, the Florence Christmas Market is situated in the beautiful Piazza Santa Croce, in front of the Basilica. With 50 stalls offering artisanal delights, including decorations, clothing and crafts, this market embraces the influences of traditional German markets with treats such as Glühwein (mulled wine), Bratwurst, and Lebkuchen (gingerbread) to enjoy as you explore the market.

Open from 22nd November – 22nd December 2024

Top photo by Chris Bahr on Unsplash