Get into the holiday spirit at the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe

Elegance and style in Vienna

If you need to pick only one, Vienna undoubtedly offers some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The city is full of lovely Christmas markets in squares lined with magnificent historic buildings. If you look for elegance and style, the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is a place to go. It is a great place for gift shopping, too, as you will find things of high quality and unique items that you won't see in other markets. Another market not to miss in Vienna is the one near Belvedere Palace. It is a smaller market a bit further away from the city centre, meaning it is less crowded and you can enjoy a calmer atmosphere.

Two in one: Nuremberg and Munich

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany - and in the world. Spread out in the heart of the old town and surrounding streets, the market is a classic that is especially atmospheric at dusk. Taste gingerbread-like lebkuchen, which is also a good souvenir to bring home. Finnair flies to Munich, from where you can easily reach Nuremberg by train – and you can also conveniently check out Munich's extensive Christmas market offerings on the same trip.

Berlin for every taste

Berlin is worth a visit at any time of the year, but in the run-up to Christmas, the magic truly comes alive with Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. So, there is plenty to see and do for a longer trip as well. Visit at least WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt (exceptionally on Bebelplatz Square in 2024). A square in a historic setting filled with beautiful stalls with white roofs is especially cosy. Best of all, here you can sit down for a delicious meal in the heated and covered restaurant area. Make sure to try traditional specialities such as Neuburger Rahmbrot, bread with melted cheese. It’s a treat for your taste buds!

Picturesque Prague

If you are looking for an alternative to the Christmas markets in Germany, Prague is a great choice. The picturesque city becomes even more charming when Christmas markets take over the city's main squares, such as Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The best part of Prague's Christmas markets is the hearty and warming local delicacies. If you want to combine several Christmas markets in Central Europe in one trip – which is not a bad option at all – for example, Dresden, with its many Christmas markets on the German side, can be conveniently reached by train.

Christmas magic in Helsinki

Finland, the home of Santa Claus, tunes into the Christmas spirit at Christmas markets around the country, too. Whereas many Finnish Christmas markets are held on a specific weekend in December, the Helsinki Christmas Market at the Senate Square is open almost the whole of December. It is great for unique gift shopping from artisans and small producers from all over the country. You can also stop by the small restaurants at the Christmas market, which serve organic and local food. Children’s favourite is the traditional wooden carousel in the middle of the square.