The Best Christmas Markets in Europe

As winter descends, Europe's old town squares transform into glittering wonderlands of wooden stalls, twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts. Here are the most magical Christmas markets on the continent.

The Austro-German classics

The tradition was born in the German-speaking world, and Vienna, Munich, Nuremberg and Cologne still host the most atmospheric markets of all, set against grand cathedrals and palaces.

Fairy-tale settings

Strasbourg calls itself the Capital of Christmas, its half-timbered old town impossibly festive, while Prague and Budapest combine gorgeous markets with mulled wine and hearty winter food in stunning medieval squares.

Northern charm

Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens and the markets of Tallinn and Bruges add a cosy Scandinavian and Flemish twist. Bundle up, cup a warm drink in your hands, and let the festive spirit sweep you away — a European Christmas market is pure magic.