This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I grew up in Canada, where Christmas markets exist but aren't nearly as popular as they are across Europe. Then hockey took me to Norway and later Germany, and now I look forward to market season every year.
These are the five markets I've been to around Christmas, with what I liked, a tip for each and the 2026 dates. After that are the ones I still want to get to. Some 2026 dates are still provisional, so check the official sites before you book.
1. Cologne, Germany
I went in 2022, when we were living in Bremerhaven and my husband's team played an outdoor DEL game in Cologne. I spent the time around the game at the market by the cathedral with my brother, shopping and drinking hot chocolate and a little Glühwein. It's also very busy, so expect a lot of people.
With the cathedral lit up behind the stalls, it was beautiful.
2026 dates: The harbour market (Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt) opens first on 13 November. The cathedral, Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz markets run 16 November to 23 December. The cathedral market is closed on 22 November.
My tip: If you don't like big crowds, go on a weekday afternoon. If you want the full experience, check the stage program before you go. The cathedral market puts on more than 100 free events, including concerts and sing-alongs.
Things to do: Beyond the markets, you can climb the cathedral tower for views over the city, or visit the Chocolate Museum, which sits right next to the harbour market. A Christmas cruise on the Rhine is a cozy way to see the city lit up, and it's worth a walk across the Hohenzollern Bridge with its love locks. Finish with a Kölsch, the local beer, at a traditional brewhouse. Browse Cologne tours and tickets.
Where to stay: Stay in the Old Town (Altstadt), near the cathedral. The main markets are all walkable from there, and the main train station is right next to the cathedral, which makes arriving by train easy. See hotels near Cologne Cathedral.
2. Budapest, Hungary
I've been to Budapest at Christmas twice, in 2019 and 2022. What I remember most is the food and the lights.
Budapest has two main markets: Vörösmarty Square, the oldest and biggest, and the one in front of St. Stephen's Basilica. I've been to both, and the Basilica market is my favourite.
2026 dates: Vörösmarty Square runs 13 November to 31 December. The Basilica market hasn't announced its 2026 dates yet.
My tip: There's a lot to do beyond the markets. I went to one of the thermal spas, and it's a great way to warm up after a day out in the cold.
Things to do: A thermal bath like Széchenyi or Gellért is the best way to warm up after a cold day at the markets. In the evening, a Danube cruise lets you see the Parliament lit up from the water. During the day, walk up to Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion for the views, or book a tour of the Parliament building. And if you want a night out, the ruin bars are a Budapest classic. Browse Budapest tours and tickets.
Where to stay: Both markets are in District V, the city centre on the Pest side, about a 10-minute walk apart. The best base is right between them, around Deák Ferenc Square: you can walk to both markets, and it's where the three main metro lines meet, so the rest of the city is easy to reach. If you'd rather spend less and be close to restaurants and bars, District VII (the old Jewish Quarter) is a 10 to 15-minute walk away. See hotels in central Budapest.
3. Tromsø, Norway
I spent a week in Tromsø over Christmas in 2020 with a teammate, while I was playing in Norway, and got to experience a real Norwegian Christmas. Tromsø calls itself Christmas Town, so it doesn't really have a Christmas market in the traditional sense. Instead, lights go up all over downtown. In December the sun doesn't rise, so the days are a long blue twilight.
I saw the northern lights, drank gløgg by the fire at the yellow stand, and did a winter sauna and swim in the harbour at Pust, the floating sauna.
2026 dates: The main market at Stortorget runs 21 November to 22 December.
My tip: Most shops and restaurants close 24 to 26 December, so plan meals ahead if you're there over Christmas.
Things to do: Most people come to Tromsø in winter for the northern lights, and a guided tour gives you the best chance of seeing them, since the guides drive to wherever the skies are clearest. Husky sledding and reindeer sledding are both popular, and many reindeer trips include an introduction to Sámi culture. You can also take a winter fjord cruise, ride the Fjellheisen cable car for views over the city, or visit the Arctic Cathedral. And if you're brave, try a sauna and a swim in the harbour at Pust like I did. Browse Tromsø tours and experiences.
Where to stay: Stay in the city centre, near Storgata and the main square (Stortorget). Everything is walkable, and most northern lights tours pick up in the centre. See hotels in Tromsø city centre.
4. Ravensburg, Germany
We go every year. It's where we meet up with friends for a few drinks and walk around the stands. It's smaller and more relaxed than the big-city markets, with decorated wooden stalls spread around the old town hall and down Bachstraße.
2026 dates: 27 November to 23 December. Open 11:00 to 20:00 Sunday to Wednesday and 11:00 to 21:00 Thursday to Saturday.
My tip: Don't miss the giant advent calendar at Modehaus bredl, the biggest in the region. A door opens around 17:00 every day, and it's one of my favourite parts of the market.
Things to do: Ravensburg is the home of the famous Ravensburger puzzles and games, so the Ravensburger Museum is a fun stop. For a view over the old town and its towers, walk up to the Veitsburg. And since Lindau is so close, it's easy to add its harbour market as a day trip.
Where to stay: Stay in the old town, near Marienplatz, and you’re steps from the market. Ravensburg and Lindau are only about 30–40 minutes apart, so you can stay in one and day-trip to the other. See hotels in Ravensburg old town.
5. Lindau, Germany
Lindau's market sits right on the harbour on Lake Constance. It's beautiful and very festive, and it gets busy. Since Ravensburg and Lindau are both near the lake, you can easily do the two in one weekend.
2026 dates: 26 November to 20 December, Thursday to Sunday only, 11:00 to 21:00.
My tip: Check the day before you go. It's closed Monday to Wednesday. The island train station is a few steps from the entrance.
Things to do: Take a walk around the harbour, past the lighthouse and the Bavarian lion, then wander the old town lanes on the island. Bregenz in Austria is just across the lake, so you can easily add a second Christmas market to your day.
Where to stay: Stay on Lindau island itself. The market is right on the harbour, so you can wander back to your hotel after the lights come on. See hotels on Lindau island.
On my list
I haven't been to these yet. I'll update this post when I go.
Lapland, Finland. My number one. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is open all year, and meeting Santa there is free (photos cost extra). Husky and reindeer tours
Strasbourg, France. One of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, going back to 1570. Official 2026 dates aren't out yet, but it usually runs from late November to 24 December. Trains to Strasbourg
Salzburg, Austria. The Christkindlmarkt in front of the cathedral runs 19 November 2026 to 1 January 2027, so it works for a trip between Christmas and New Year too.
Tips for any Christmas market
- Bring cash. A lot of stands still don't take cards. - Check opening days. Some markets, like Lindau, aren't open every day. - Go when it suits you. If you'd rather avoid crowds, weekdays are quieter. - Keep your mug. German markets charge a deposit (Pfand) on mugs. Return it for your money back or keep it as a souvenir. - Book flights early. Prices climb as December gets closer. If you're looking for cheap flights, try Aviasales to compare prices across airlines. - Before you go: Get an eSIM so you have data without roaming charges, and make sure you have travel insurance, just in case.
