Nowhere does festive charm quite like mainland Europe. The north of the continent is the ideal location for those searching for a perfect winter wonderland.

Visit this underrated European capital for a holiday market experience unlike anywhere else. It even has a Christmas tree tradition that dates back to 1441!

From the most-awarded Advent Basilica Budapest to the 2025 Best Christmas Market in Gdansk, these are the 'all star' Christmas markets from European Best Destinations.

From festive markets to new cultural experiences, find out why Americans are leaving behind their local traditions to celebrate this iconic holiday in Europe.

Cities across Europe hold Christmas Markets every year - with tens of millions of people descending on city centres across the continent. However, perhaps nowhere takes it more seriously than Cologne, with the German city's Christmas attractions bringing more than four million visitors into the city in the run up to December 25.

Excitingly, that’s now the case for Vilnius, Lithuania’s charming capital city. The Christmas Cities Network has named it the European Capital of Christmas for 2025, citing its ‘dazzling displays, iconic Christmas Tree, and rich programme of events’.

If you're planning a city break away this winter, here are some of the best European Christmas markets to visit on your trip!

With the arrival of December and the noticeable chill in the air, ‘tis officially Christmas market season in Europe. The continent is known for hosting some of the most whimsical holiday markets in the world,