We’re as shocked as you are that Christmas is on the horizon once again, but instead of clinging to the ever-shorter light evenings and avoiding pulling out your winter coat for as long as possible, let’s just welcome it with open arms.
After all, it’s actually quite nice when our cities get all festive. The smell of mulled wine drifting from pubs. Shopping streets adorned with sparkly lights. And, of course, the merriest place of all: the Christmas Market.
These pop-up festive fairs originated in medieval Germany – and so, unsurprisingly, you’ll find the best and most traditional examples of them in Europe. To help you decide exactly which one to visit this season, has just published a freshly curated list of the very best European Christmas markets for 2025.
The 20-strong roundup features pretty piazzas from across the continent, including festive classics like Bruges, Colmar and Edinburgh. Claiming this year’s number one position is (Christmassy drum roll, please…) Nuremberg! Opening on November 28 and running until Christmas Eve, the city’s Hauptmarkt will be filled to the brim with twinkly lights, quaint wooden stalls and, of course, wafts of bratwurst.
What’s the vibe like? Well, according to our roundup, ‘families pitch up to pose for photos with golden-haired ‘angels’ who work the crowds, and ‘after hours, the grown-ups prop up the bar with take-home mugs of glühwein and the local smoked beer.’
Sounds pretty merry, doesn’t it? Manchester claimed second place, which is great for ‘an underrated UK trip’, and Paris claimed third, unsurprisingly for its ‘stunning city views’.
Check out ’s new roundup of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2025.
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