This Christmas market alone is reason enough for a festive getaway.
Historic squares that transform into fairy-tale settings, churches and castles that whisk you back in time, traditional delicacies and mulled wine. What more could anyone ask for in a festive escape to Europe? To help us decide where to go this Christmas, Time Out has just published a list of the best European Christmas markets for 2025. The top one is –where else?– in Germany and is one of the oldest in Europe.
Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg: The ultimate festive experience
The Christkindlesmarkt of Nurembergwhich is set up every yearin the central square of the old town, the Hauptmarkt, is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world. Its stalls overflow with handcrafted Christmas ornaments, Spekulatius almond biscuits, Lebkuchen (German pastries made with honey), mulled wine andgingerbread. The market runs from November 28 to December 24, giving visitors the chance to experience the ultimate festive atmosphere.
The top 20 Christmas markets in Europe for 2025
Here is the full Time Out list of the best Christmas markets to visit in Europe this year:
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Manchester, England
- Paris, France
- Budapest, Hungary
- Vienna, Austria
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- London, England
- Lucerne, Switzerland
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Aachen, Germany
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Krakow, Poland
- Colmar, France
- Bruges, Belgium
- Düsseldorf, Germany
- Seville, Spain
- Venice, Italy
- Funchal, Portugal
