Travel Blog -Experience the Magic of a Christmas Market Break

There’s nothing quite like a chilly evening spent strolling through a traditional Christmas market during the festive season. Indulge in all things Christmas as you shop, stroll and sip on spiced mulled wine against the backdrop of a quaint town square, Baroque palace or enchanting castle.

Flights and accommodation should ideally be booked by late summer, with late August to early September being a good idea to secure the best deals and availability. I’ve chosen my must-visit Christmas markets in 2025, with some continuing into early January if you want to keep the festive feels going.

Berlin Normally held on the Gendarmenmarkt, considered one of the prettiest in Berlin, this market is known for its elegant setting, high-quality crafts, and festive ambiance. It's surrounded by historical buildings and beautiful decorations. There are also bewitching performances by jugglers, fire eaters, and musicians, and traditional German dishes served in a heated restaurant area. Other top sights to see in Berlin are Museum Island, the Brandenburg Gate, and Checkpoint Charlie.

Krakow This southern Polish city oozes character all year round, with its well-preserved medieval core and Jewish Quarter to explore. But it’s especially charming at this time of year when its main square, Rynek Glówny, is taken over by market stalls, street performances, folklore shows, and live regional music. Sample Polish treats such as Grzaniec (local mulled wine) and crispy pork knuckle, and don’t miss the famous Christmas Crib Contest dating back to the early 19th century.

Prague Of all the Czech capital’s Christmas markets, the one in the Old Town Square stands out for its spectacular cathedral views. As well as snapping up local crafts, you can feast on national specialties such as roast pork, gingerbread, hot mead, and Trdelník (a kind of cake wrapped around a stick, topped with sugar and walnuts) while listening to carols and other live music. The castle, cathedral, and Charles Bridge are also unmissable.

Vienna The Austrian capital has several Christmas markets, the best of which is the traditional ‘Vienna Magic of Advent’ event in City Hall Square, accessed via a candlelit archway. Here, you will also find the city’s best rink, Vienna Ice World, with its trail through the gorgeously illuminated City Hall Park. Don’t miss the multi-level carousel, reindeer train, and nativity scene trail, in addition to all the crafts and food stalls. Plus, the year-round sights such as Schönbrunn Palace and the cultural venues of the MuseumsQuartier.

Edinburgh One of the most popular markets in Europe sees Princes Street Gardens transformed into a wonderland with the Big Wheel with city views, the magical 'Santa Train', classic funfair rides such as a helter-skelter, and enticing stalls. Other highlights include an illuminated walkway with Edinburgh Castle and Old Town views, and installations such as Edinburgh’s Nativity Scene. Other must-sees range from the National Museum of Scotland to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

"See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream." - Ray Bradbury.