Based on a record 600,000 votes by travelers from 168 countries worldwide, the European Best Destinations (EBD) organization has unveiled its list of “the most beautiful Christmas markets to visit 2023-24.”
More than ever, travelers seem to be attracted to new Christmas destinations and have selected Hungary’s Advent Feast at the Basilica in Budapest as their favorite, making it the most-awarded Christmas destination in this ranking.
Forbes20 Spectacular Christmas Trees Around The World In Photos: The Tallest, The Prettiest, The 'Most Famous'By Cecilia Rodriguez
With this fourth nomination, it surpasses Zagreb, which previously had three awards in a row.
Craiova, in Romania, took second place, making it “probably the one with the biggest growth in popularity,” according to EBD. Craiova also was awarded the Most Beautiful Christmas Tree in Europe title by voters.
ForbesEurope's Best Christmas Markets For 2022: Number One Is BudapestBy Joanne Shurvell
MORE FROMFORBES ADVISOR
Other lists of best Christmas festivities in Europe by EBD t0 help guide your decisions if you’re planning to travel there to finish this eventful 2023:
- Metz in France, selected Best Christmas Market for families;
- Poznan in Poland has the Most Beautiful Christmas Ice Rink;
- Riga in Latvia has the Most Authentic Christmas Market;
- Valkenburg in the Netherlands has the Best Christmas Parade;
- Asti-Govone in Italy has the Best Romantic Christmas Market;
- Madeira in Portugal has the Best Sunny Christmas Market.
EBD works in partnership with more than 350 European tourist offices and the Eden network (Sustainable Destinations) created by the European Commission to promote the diversity of tourism in Europe.
“The 20 Christmas Markets selected are not only alleys of chalets, they are cultural and artistic events with concerts, creative workshops, Christmas lights, fireworks, shows, ice rinks and are committed to sustainability offering local food and artisanal products,” EBD explains.
The winning markets will be promoted throughout the year and can display the title of Best European Christmas Market.
Here are the winners to inspire your holidays vacation in Europe:
1. Budapest, Advent Feast At The Basilica
For the fourth time, Budapest’s Christmas market has been chosen Best Christmas Market in Europe, after winning in 2023, 2021 and 2019.
With the slogan “Where love takes your hand,” the Advent Basilica, Budapest's uniquely beautiful Christmas fair, opened its doors on November 17, 2023, and closes on January 1, 2024, in front of St. Stephen's Basilica on one of the most impressive squares of the Hungarian capital.
True to tradition, it promises a unique festive atmosphere with some 100 domestic craft exhibitors, real gastronomic adventures through traditional Hungarian dishes, an ice-skating rink, a heartwarming musical and charity events among its programs.
2. Craiova, Romania
“This year, discover the joy of childhood at Craiova Christmas Market,” EBD suggests. This destinations has been selected four times in a row among the top Christmas markets in Europe.
With an exceptional cultural program and entertainment for young and old, an ice rink ranked among the most beautiful in Europe, picturesque Christmas cottages that have made Craiova the Most Magical Christmas Market in Europe and an original Christmas tree that has also been awarded the Most Beautiful Christmas Tree, Craiova offers the best of Christmas for a family adventure.
“Here you will find the magic of the Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale—the Snow Queen—which is the theme of this year edition, concerts, Santa's creative workshops, the highest ferris wheel in Romania and food stands with delicious Romanian traditional cuisine,” EBD adds.
3. Metz, France
Metz is on the podium of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe for the second time. This Christmas destination has also been awarded the title of Best Christmas Market for Families and Best Christmas Market in France.
Get into the spirit of the festive season and enjoy the Christmas markets on the city’s main squares. Find hand-crafted gifts in the Christmas pyramid and taste the finest gingerbread around.
Rise above the rooftops on the City Skyliner, then warm up cold hands around a mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Next to the Cathedral, the big wheel adds to the leisure activities for young and old, while the taste of Christmas is ready at the gourmet food market on Place de la Comédie.
4. Poznań, Poland
The Poznań Christmas Market, also voted as the Best Christmas Market in Poland and awarded this year’s distinction as Best Christmas Ice Skating Rink in Europe, is located in the center of the city opposite Dworzec Zachodni Railway Station on the historic Plac Powszechnej Wystawy Krajowej Square, and is surrounded by the most representative buildings of the MTP Poznań Expo.
The unique atmosphere of the Christmas Market at the Fair is created by luminous holiday decorations and lights (more than 43,000), a 16-meter Christmas tree, a traditional Ferris wheel (topping 30 meters), the city's only outdoor ice rink and a rich selection of more than 70 shopping and gastronomic options. The festive scene of this Christmas market invites all guests to free concerts, performances and rides for children.
5. Montbeliard, France
Montbéliard appears for the third time among the top five for the prestigious Best Christmas Markets in Europe awards, and it has also achieved the title of Most Beautiful Christmas Market in Europe.
World famous for the beauty of its illuminations, this Christmas market is traditional and authentic. Located in Franche-Comté (Eastern France), the town of Montbéliard—well known for its hospitality—turns into an enchanted Christmas fairyland.
During Advent, Montbéliard revives the tradition of Württemberg, with another Christmas market that boasts 140 stalls full of authentic arts and crafts.
Strolling down the illuminated streets, visitors may taste the delicious gastronomic products and enjoy the season’s choral music.
6. Riga, Latvia
The Riga Christmas Market appears among the 10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe. Its Christmas light trail has also been awarded the Best Christmas Lights in Europe title. Riga also won recognition as the Most Authentic Christmas Destination in Europe.
Transformed by the light decorations, with the aromas of mulled wine, cinnamon, ginger and roasted almonds in the air, the market at the heart of Riga’s OId Town in Doma square becomes a winter wonderland. Take a walk through Opera Square, Bastejkalns and Kronvalda park to learn and experience the different Latvian fairytales. The music that accompanies these tales and trails will create new and unforgettable memories.
7. Govone & Asti, Italy
Govone proudly bears the titles of the Most Beautiful Christmas Market in Italy and Most Romantic Christmas Market in Europe.
The "Magico Paese di Natale” takes place in the small village of Govone on the hills of Langhe-Roero, the wine region in Piedmont, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the entire holiday season, neighboring villages of Govone and Asti turn into the magic kingdom of Santa Claus, with many cultural and gastronomic attractions.
The Christmas markets offer crafts selected from all over Italy. There is a street food area and a Magic Kingdom wine shop where visitors can find all the traditional local delicacies.
8. Birmingham, England
Set against the stunning backdrop of the city’s grand municipal buildings of Victoria Square and the bustling New Street shopping district, Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Austria and Germany. Organized by Birmingham’s sister city of Frankfurt, it has more than 100 picturesque stalls selling traditional toys, ornaments, arts and crafts.
A short walk away is the charming Christmas in Cathedral Square with wooden chalets showcasing artisan gifts, food and drinks made by the best of Birmingham’s local vendors. Visitors can also enjoy the popular ice rink and big wheel in Centenary Square.
9. Madeira, Portugal
Throughout the year, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, part of the Madeira archipelago in Portugal, are among the most-visited for their rare beauty.
For the end-of-year festivities, decorated with thousands of lights, they become magical. Madeira is the Best New Year's Eve Destination in Europe and has also been awarded Best Sunny Christmas Market in Europe.
The island’s traditions, climate, local gastronomy and main events add unique flavor to the traditional Christmas market, held along Avenida Arriaga’s central walkways in the heart of its capital, Funchal.
10. Valkenburg, The Netherlands
Valkenburg is the Favorite Christmas Market in The Netherlands and has the Best Christmas Parade in Europe.
The rumor goes that Santa actually comes from Valkenburg aan de Geul. As the days get shorter, Valkenburg, in the enchanting Heuvelland region in southern Netherlands, becomes a cozy and delightful “Santa town,” from November 17 until January 7, 2024.
11. Brussels, Belgium
Winter Wonders is the Favorite Christmas Market in Belgium, followed by those in Ghent, Antwerp, Bruges and Liege.
With its 2.5 million visitors, Winter Wonders is the unmissable end-of-year event in Brussels which, for the occasion, dons its festive costume and pulls out all the stops on the menu.
The capital of Europe, for several years Brussels has also been one of the Christmas capitals together with Strasbourg, Budapest and Vienna.
The teams in charge of this event set the bar higher every year, offering magical moments to visitors of all ages. Among the great classics are the Sound and Light shows at the Grand-Place, a majestic tree, a life-sized manger, a skating rink, magical lights, many exhibitions dotting the event and the popular Christmas markets bursting with treasures.
12. Trier, Germany
The Trier Christmas market is the Best Christmas Market in Germany.
Now in its 43rd year, the Trier Christmas market is set on the medieval main plaza with the imposing backdrop of the Trier Cathedral. The 95 attractively decorated booths offer a fitting framework for this wonderful event.
13. Edinburgh, Scotland
The world-renowned Edinburgh Christmas celebrations spread festive cheer across the Scottish capital.
From mulled Irn Bru to vegan pigs in blankets, from Harry Potter-themed gifts to local handmade produce, the stunning Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens boasts treats for all. Santa Land at East Princes Street Gardens offers rides for all ages as Santa’s Grotto once again takes up residence on Castle Street.
And all those Scottish events take place at the foot of the magnificent Edinburgh Castle.
14. Vienna, Austria
From mid-November until Christmas, Vienna’s prettiest squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The aroma of Christmas baked goods and hot punch add to the special atmosphere.
One of the best-known markets is the traditional "Vienna Magic of Advent," which turns the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land. Christmas gifts, tree decorations, sweets and warming drinks welcome visitors alongside a carousel and a craft-rich Christmas Workshops for kids.
Another popular spot is the Christmas market in front of Schönbrunn Palace offering sheer romance that showcases an imperial backdrop. It gets converted into a New Year's market after Christmas.
15. Saranda, Albania
This is the first time that Albania’s Saranda Christmas Market appears in the Best Christmas Markets in Europe ranking.
Saranda is a modern, young, dynamic city and a perfect year-round destination for sunny or snowy holidays.
The Saranda Christmas Market transforms the city's promenade into a winter wonderland from December 6 to January 2. With glittering decorations, a beautiful Christmas tree, ice rink, carousel, wooden huts and stages for music and events, it offers a festive and special atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy local cuisine, local crafts and regional products alongside a rich program of concerts, performances and a Santa-and-Elves parade, making it an enchanting holiday destination.
16. London, England
London is a spectacular Christmas destination, with Hyde Park Winter Wonderland returning for six weeks from November 17, and with even more entertainment than before, including 100 rides and attractions for everyone.
For Christmas shoppers, there’s the traditional German Christmas market with more than 200 chalets. The Angels Christmas Market offers unusual and handmade gifts and crafts, including ceramics, candles, jewelery, wooden toys, nativity scenes and Christmas decorations.
17. Dresden, Germany
Glittering lights, twinkling stars, beaming children’s faces, mulled wine, the scent of gingerbread, candy apples and Christmas carols: Dresden’s Striezelmarkt still boasts a unique character as it celebrates its 587th year.
Regional specialties such as Ore Mountain wood crafts, Lusatian blue-printed fabrics and Moravian stars are particularly popular. And a piece of Original Dresdner Christstollen fruit loaf under the light of the step pyramid from the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) is, of course, another must.
For those who love the typical Dresdner Stollen, the 26th Dresden Stollenfest, a festival in honor of the Dresden Christmas Stollen that has been celebrated every year since 1994 on the Saturday before the second Advent, is exactly the right place to go. It includes an historical pageant and giant Stollen, weighing several tons.
18. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the fifth most-visited European city, offers a Christmas market in the Old Town Square that’s the largest project of its kind in the Czech Republic.
Set in the heart of the city, it’s a traditional Czech marketplace where, in dozens of wooden stalls, merchants offer typical Christmas goods such as traditional Czech blown-glass balls, products made of glass pearls or straw, hand-embroidered tablecloths, wooden toys, biscuit cutters and many other goods.
Grown-ups will enjoy the typical mulled wine and everyone young and old will enjoy Czech Christmas biscuits, hot roasted chestnuts, gingerbread and the typical Czech grilled sausages and skewered foods.
19. Bruges, Belgium
The romantic city of Bruges has one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, and visitors are guaranteed to fall under its spell during their stay. From the end of November, the historic city center is transformed into a giant Christmas extravaganza.
The Bruges Christmas and winter market is located on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein, in the cozy city center, with a wide range of stalls offering delicious local food and drinks.
20. Manchester, England
Manchester’s Christmas market is well known as one of the U.K.'s largest and most beautiful. For many fans, it’s the most original and—arguably—the best Christmas market in the country.
In any case, the Manchester Christmas Market is an ideal destination for a festive celebration.
Started in 1999, the first Christmas market in the U.K. has grown every year since, now attracting more than nine million visitors each year. Some 300 beautifully crafted stalls offer mouth-watering international foods, drinks and finely crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of the buzzing city center.
