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I lived in Budapest, Hungary, for seven years and was able to visit Christmas markets around Europe.
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The Nyhavn Christmas Market in Copenhagen, Denmark, was beautiful, and I loved tasting Æbleskiver.
I’ve always been enchanted by the idea of European Christmas markets. Complete with rosy glowing lights, steaming mulled wine, and stalls dripping with handmade crafts, they seemed like something out of a storybook.
So, when I moved to Budapest in 2017 and was suddenly just a quick flight or train away from many of the continent’s most famous markets, I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity.
Here are six of my favorite cities that I think should be at the top of your list if you’re planning to visit Europe’s Christmas markets this holiday season.
Budapest is home to two incredible markets.
I enjoyed visiting the Advent Basilica Market in Budapest.Ungvari Attila/Shutterstock
Of course, I have to start with Budapest. The city is famous for its grand palaces, and come winter, it’s dotted with incredible Christmas markets.
One of my favorites is the Advent Basilica Market, which pulls you in like a magnet with colorful stalls, a towering Christmas tree, and a light show every 30 minutes — all in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica.
The market is filled with so many amazing scents, from the lavender goods and crafts made on the peninsula of Tihany to the paprika Hungary is famous for — it’s even in soap.
For a truly local experience, hop across the river to ice skate at the Advent in Óbuda market, located about 20 minutes from the Basilica on public transport.
While you’re in the city, I recommend trying kürtőskalács, which you can watch vendors make at all of the major markets.
Translated as “chimney cake,” this spiral of dough is cooked over hot coals before being rolled in toppings, such as sugar, cocoa, or cinnamon (to name a few). When it’s fresh off the coals, steam rises from the center of the pastry, resembling a smoking chimney.
Copenhagen’s Nyhavn Christmas Market is located along the harbor.
Visiting Nyhavn Christmas Market felt like stepping into a postcard.Denae McGaha
I first fell in love with Danish Christmas markets when I studied in Copenhagen for a semester, delighted by how they brought warmth to the darkness of Scandinavian winters.
The Nyhavn Christmas Market is located on the banks of the canal, with the colorfully painted buildings decorated with lights and julehjerter (Christmas hearts).
I loved that the market was in one of Copenhagen’s most iconic areas — it felt like celebrating Christmas in a postcard.
For a unique holiday experience, visit Tivoli Gardens, the second-oldest amusement park in the world. The already whimsical theme park is covered in Christmas decorations this time of year, plus there’s ice skating and a traditional market for visitors to explore.
Don’t forget to stop for a ride or two, and try Æbleskiver from one of the market stands. These fluffy, pancake-like balls, dusted in powdered sugar, are so easy to eat, especially with a side of gløgg (mulled wine) to keep you warm.
In Geneva, cheese and chocolate vie for your attention.
The Chäsbängel I had at the Noël au Quai was delicious.Deane McGaha
Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva is the Christmas market Noël au Quai. To get a great view of the Jet d’Eau (an iconic fountain in the lake), hop onto the market’s Ferris wheel, then stroll between chalets filled with crafts, gifts, and food.
One thing I love about Swiss Christmas market food is the dedication to cheese. As soon as I saw a stall selling Chäsbängel — a hollowed-out baguette filled with melted cheese — I knew I had to have it.
I also enjoyed raclette, another melted cheese that pairs well with potatoes, pickles, and more, and absolutely hits the spot on a cold winter’s day.
Oh, and it’s also a great opportunity to try famous Swiss chocolate.
Vienna’s Christmas markets put you up close and personal with European history.
The carousel at the Rathausplatz is beautiful.Salvador Maniquiz/Shutterstock
Vienna is home to some of the most storied Christmas markets in Europe.
My favorite — and arguably the city’s most famous — is the sprawling market at the Rathausplatz (City Hall), which has a whimsical carousel and towering displays of keepsake ornaments.
I also suggest stopping by Stephansplatz Market, located in the city center, wrapping around the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
It’s so cool to stand around the small tables in the shadow of such a Gothic masterpiece, keeping your hands warm by wrapping them around a mug of glühwein (mulled wine). Plus, for a few extra Euros, you can buy a keepsake mug to take home with you.
It’s impossible for me to choose between the Christmas markets in Bruges and Ghent, Belgium.
The medieval architecture in Ghent adds to the festive season.Denae McGaha
Luckily, with just a 20-minute train ride between Bruges and Ghent, it’s easy to visit both cities’ markets in a day. Plus, both are about an hour from Brussels, too, making them good options for a day trip from the capital.
The red brick building facades and cobblestone streets of Bruges make the city look like something straight from a fairytale.
Beyond the official markets, I loved window shopping among the seemingly endless chocolate shops, dressed with holiday decor and piles of handmade bonbons.
And in Ghent, the markets are scattered throughout the small city, offering visitors ample opportunity to stroll around and admire the medieval architecture all dressed up for the festive season.
While you’re at the markets, make sure to grab a cone of piping-hot, crispy frites (fries) and a side of rich Belgian mayonnaise for dipping.
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