Best 15 winter markets in Europe in 2025

Discover our top picks for the best Winter Markets in Europe for 2025 and what makes each one worth the trip. From Cologne and Tallinn to Prague, Salzburg and more, Europe is full of festive spots to explore this season. Where will you go? 

As the colder months settle in, cities across Europe start to glow. Streets fill with lights, the smell of mulled drinks drifts through old town squares and everyone seems just a little more excited to slow down and enjoy the season.  
Across Europe, there is a rich, storied history of Winter Markets. Known for its heritage of song, hot drinks, (deviously) fattening food, handmade gifts and bright, memorable experiences, these markets feel irresistibly traditional. 

But what many people might not realise is that not every city celebrates winter festivities with a traditional-style market. So, we searched for the most exciting winter market destinations for 2025. From iconic German favourites to hygge-heavy Scandi corners and cheese-filled French stalls, there is something for every kind of festive traveller. 

The hardest part about this list might be choosing just one of the best European cities for Winter Markets for 2025. But who said you had to limit your celebrations this year, anyways? 

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Best dates: December 4, 2025, to January 3, 2026 
What makes it unique: Canals, lights, cozy winter charm

Amsterdam really shines in winter. The Ice Village at Museumplein is a classic festive spot, with a skating rink, wooden stalls full of snacks and drinks, and plenty of cozy corners to pause and watch the action.

For something a bit more artsy, the Amsterdam Light Festival turns the canals into a glowing trail of installations. Every year there is a new theme, so wandering the historic streets and bridges is like stepping into a winter art gallery.

If you want to shop local, the weekend markets at Westergas and NDSM have handmade crafts, vintage finds, and delicious street food, a little less touristy, a little more Amsterdam.

After a day of skating, exploring and wandering the lights, The Social Hub Amsterdam City or West are perfect spots to rest, warm up and plan your next winter adventure in the city.

Madrid, Spain

Best dates: November 22, 2025 to January 6, 2026
What makes it unique: Three Kings arrival & parade

Madrid keeps things lively all winter. The Plaza Mayor Christmas Market is the classic spot, with rows of bright red stalls full of decorations, nativity pieces and all the traditional holiday snacks. It’s one of those places where you end up wandering around longer than planned because there’s always something new to look at. 

For something more atmospheric, Naturaleza Encendida transforms the Royal Botanical Garden into a themed light trail. The designs change every year, but it’s always a calm, glowing walk that feels a bit magical after the rush of the city. 

January brings one of Madrid’s biggest traditions, the Three Kings arrival and parade. The Kings make a grand entrance on the 4th, and the parade on the 5th fills the streets with floats, dancers, and music. It’s colourful, loud, and basically the final celebration of the season. 

Between the markets, the lights and the winter events scattered around the city, Madrid stays energetic right through the holidays. And when you’re ready to warm up and reset for the next day, The Social Hub Madrid is the perfect place to land. 

Glasgow, Scotland

Best dates:  November 6, 2025, to December 24, 2025
What makes it unique: Bold architecture, lively winter spirit 

Glasgow does winter in its own way, bright, busy, and full of character. The George Square Christmas Market brings the classic stalls, warm drinks and all the festive favourites, while the St Enoch Winter Market adds a mix of food stands and local makers that make the whole area feel cosy and lively.

The city’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On is a big moment too, lighting up the centre and kicking off the season with music and performances. Throughout December, places like the Riverside Museum and Merchant City host smaller festive events, craft fairs and winter pop-ups that give Glasgow a more local, community feel. 

If you’re into entertainment, the city always has a lineup of festive theatre shows and live music, everything from quirky pantomimes to Christmas concerts that fill up fast. 

Glasgow’s mix of markets, lights and winter events makes it an easy city to wander through during the colder months. And when you’re ready to escape the chill, The Social Hub Glasgow is the ideal place to warm up and settle in for the night. 

Porto, Portugal 

Best dates: November 23, 2025, to December 30, 2025
What makes it unique: Historic riverside, festive lights, warm winter charm

Porto’s winter is cozy and colourful, with the Ribeira district along the Douro River glowing with festive lights and seasonal decorations. The city’s Christmas markets pop up in squares like Avenida dos Aliados, where wooden stalls offer local crafts, pastries, and warming drinks. 

For a more magical experience, stroll across the bridges and enjoy the light displays reflecting on the river, or visit the wine cellars for a taste of Porto’s famous Port wine, perfect for warming up after a day of exploring. The combination of historic streets, riverside charm, and local traditions makes Porto a winter destination you won’t forget. 

After a day of wandering the markets and lights, The Social Hub Porto is a perfect place to rest, warm up, and plan your next adventure in the city. 

Cologne, Germany 

Best dates: November 17, 2025, to December 23, 2025 
What makes it unique: 7 markets across the city

Best known for transforming its cathedral square into a red-roofed holiday village with a giant tree at the centre, Cologne is home to one of the most picturesque Winter markets in all of Europe. But what many people don’t realise is that the entire city turns into a winter wonderland with seven different themed markets. 

A couple of our favourites are Nikolausdorf, or Nicholas Village, near the trendy Belgian quarter to sip hot drinks against the backdrop of the historic backdrop of the medieval Hahnentorburg, and the Markt der Engel, or Angel Market, where you can walk hand in hand under star-shaped lights while sipping hot drinks. 

Image rights: Dieter Jacobi

Salzburg, Austria 

Best dates: November 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026
What makes it unique: Musical celebrations

A short distance away from where the world-famous Christmas song Silent Night was first written and performed (all the way back in 1818), Austria must be one of the most beautiful and historical places to celebrate the festive season. Come November, the city of Saltzberg already starts embracing Christmas with the song ringing out and 100-stalls popping up across the city’s famous squares like Domplatz and Residenzplatz.  
  
Here, you can stroll the markets and grab all the typical winter market goodies like hot cocoa and mulled wine. But what sets these Austrian markets apart are their beautiful homemade crafts and their musical performances, from choir groups and gospel singers to folk groups and carol singalongs. With such a magical and unique experience like this, it’s easy to see why Salzburg is one of the best European cities for Winter Markets 2025.

Image rights: nationalgeographic.co.uk

Dublin, Ireland

Best dates: November 22, 2025, to January 6, 2026
What makes it unique: Being part of new traditions 
 
You might be surprised to learn that Dublin winter markets haven’t been much of a thing until the past 10 years. Now that Dublin has developed a real appetite for gingerbread cookies, cocoa, and general festive cheer, events like the Dublin Castle Christmas Market have been selling out. You can find many other winter markets dotted around the city. 

Taking place from November 22, 2025, to January 6, 2026, the Winter Wonderland – Guinness Storehouse Courtyard is a fan favorite. Get ready to soak in the festive atmosphere with gourmet food stalls, craft vendors, seasonal décor, and live music. You can cap off your visit by toasting the holidays at the Gravity Bar with a refreshing pint of Guinness and savoring Christmas-themed treats as you explore the festive fayre on all seven floors! 
 
The magnificent grounds of Dublin Castle host the spectacular Christmas at the Castle market, running from November 28 to December 18, 2025, and is a Top Pick. The courtyard is transformed with Christmas trees leading you to over 30 alpine-style stalls offering crafts and festive food. Prepare to experience exciting events, including Spiegeltent performances and a look at the Neapolitan crib, as you enjoy the customary festive food and crafts.

Image rights: gettyimages.ie

Berlin, Germany

Best dates:  November 25, 2025, to January 4, 2026 
What makes it unique: Alternative markets, of course

Winter markets are one of the most famous and beloved German traditions, so of course, Berlin takes part. But, undoubtably, with its own twist. Across the city you’ll find 80-something different kinds of Winter Markets and there’s something for just about everyone, including all of the traditional things you’d love and expect like sausage and gluhwein. 
 
At the Winter Market Schlossplatz Berlin Mitte, get ready to explore handcrafted arts, glassblowing, and woodcarving in a charming historical atmosphere. Enjoy festive stalls with ornaments, unique gifts and mulled wineas well as one on Potsdamer Platz that features all kinds of winter sports like tobogganing and curling. Spandau is the biggest and has cool features like daily shows and a medieval arts and crafts market, but there’s also Weihnachtszaubet on Gendarmenmarkt square that’s just absolutely glittering (and Instagram worthy) and the market on Alexanderplatz that feels like a Winter Market meets fun fair. When all the fun is done, ride your sleigh back to The Social Hub Berlin for a nightcap and to relish in the magic of the day.

Prague, Czech Republic

Best dates: November 29, 2025, to January 6, 2026
What makes it unique: The picturesque scene and food

The Prague Christmas markets are a holiday must-see, spreading festive cheer across the city from Old Town Square to Republic Square. These markets offer a magical atmosphere in Prague's streets with the scent of seasonal treats, glowing lights, artisan crafts, live music, and winter activities, creating an unforgettable winter experience. 
 
Just when you thought Prague couldn’t get any prettier, they usher in Christmas and the festive season with traditional Winter Markets. Make your way to the famous square between the 14th-century twin spires of Our Lady Before Tyn and the city’s famous 15th-century astronomical clock to find garland, lights, and a slew of stalls. 

There are crafts and Winter-themed souvenirs, of course, but what this market is most famous for is its Czech food. Be sure to grab some fatty sausages and cheesy, garlic flatbread fresh off the grill, or go sweet and get a stack of hot, fresh pancakes. But whatever you get, be sure to wash it down with the Czech version of mulled wine called svarak, which is a more citrusy, local take on the famous spiced wine. 

Strasbourg, France

Best dates: November 26, 2025, to December 24, 2025
What makes it unique: Christmas with a French twist  
 
Also known as France’s ‘Capital of Christmas,’ Strasbourg has been hosting these festive events since 1570, and it shows. With centuries to perfect the art of celebrating the holiday season, everything looks perfect, from the 300 wooden, traditional Winter stalls to the giant, sparkling chandeliers and the white, crystal tree.    
  
Across the city’s squares you’ll find incredible treats from local Alsace producers like sausage and traditional bredele butter biscuits alongside to glass-blown candle sticks and colorful baubles. Everything is totally festive and exquisitely French. Could you really need more?

Image rights: europebestdestinations.com

Vienna, Austria

Best dates: November 14, 2025, to December 31, 2025
What makes it unique: Viennese food 

Vienna’s famous Christmas market, Christkindlmarkt, set in front of the grand Rathaus city hall, boasts a stunning Christmas tree and countless festive stalls. Just steps away, an illuminated park offers delightful photo spots, including a glowing heart tree and scenic ice-skating trails. A Viennese Winter Market, also known as Weihnachtsmarkt, is not to be missed. If you’re lucky, chilly and snowy weather will blanket the city at the same time the décor comes out, creating a cool, wintry scene that looks straight out of a Wes Anderson film. 
 
Instead of popping in and out of the city’s famous cafes with steaming coffee, take this visit to Vienna to walk the Habsburg-lined streets and explore the magical markets. You can’t miss the opportunity to stuff your face with some Austrian food, too, like baked potatoes, fresh bread, strudel, hot pretzels, and candied nuts. The smell is magical and unique, the only time these storied streets smell of all these treats at once. After you’ve gotten your fill, you can head back to The Social Hub Vienna to warm up and get ready for more.

Tallinn, Estonia

Best dates: November 21, 2025, to December 27, 2025
What makes it unique: It’s quaint size

With one of the oldest Christmas Tree traditions in Europe, Tallinn’s Winter Market celebration is both grand and quaint. Every year since 1441, the citizens of Tallinn have put up a Christmas tree in the Town Hall Square. Today, that tradition is further celebrated with a small market, only 30 or so stalls, which host all the typical fairs with the epic backdrop of a small, medieval old town.   
  
Like so many of the places on this list, the Winter Market is the perfect opportunity to hop around and try different local dishes like mouth-puckering sour cabbage and rich black pudding alongside hot, rum-based Vana Tallinn liqueur and sweet, sweet gingerbread treats. And since this is Estonia, you know it’s bound to be cold this time of year. Be sure to shop the stalls for some warm, festive holiday wears like wool hats or plush jackets. 

Brussels, Belgium

Best dates: November 28, 2025 to January 1, 2026
What makes it unique: Grand markets and celebrations 
 
The cosmopolitan Brussels Winter Markets are just as grand as you’d expect, spread out across the city’s famous spots like the Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons with everything from frosty skating rinks and gigantic Christmas trees to charming wooden vendor stalls.   
  
This year, the City of Brussels is celebrating the 25th edition of Winter Wonders, a free festival that adds even more festive magic to the scene. One of the biggest highlights is over at the Grand-Place, aka the Grote Markt, where they host the epic 360-Degree Sound & Light Show that is newly designed every year. But what you absolutely can’t miss are the Belgian treats that are waiting to be devoured like toasty yet fluffy Belgian waffles with melted sugar alongside piping mulled wine, Belgian beers and chocolates.

Basel, Switzerland

Best dates: November 27, 2025, to December 23, 2025
What makes it unique: Grand markets and celebrations 
 
Everything in Switzerland seemingly lends itself to the winter wonderland theme, right? From quaint houses to snow-capped mountains, this country is the perfect backdrop to holiday festivities. But the Winter Markets in Basel are widely considered the biggest and most beautiful you can find anywhere in this picturesque landscape.   
  
One of our favorite things to do is climb up the St. Martin’s tower and look out over the 160 meticulously decorated stalls that have popped up across Barfuserplatz and Munsterplatz, or the famous Christmas pyramid that’s lit up with 13-meters of lights. From up there you can practically smell the steaming fondue and authentic Basel Lackerli, which is a local twist on gingerbread. Thanks to all the calories you’ll burn on the climb, you can totally indulge in raclette, boozy hot punch and then maybe some local handmade fares.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Best dates:  November 15, 2025, to January 5, 2026
What makes it unique: Christmas hygge 
 
If you’re looking to enjoy a chic, cozy and Scandi-Winter wrapped up in perfectly chunky sweaters, look no further than Copenhagen. Here, there are a few Winter Markets to explore, but the events at Tivoli Gardens are by far the biggest and brightest.  
  
This year for the first time ever, Tivoli will light up a Christmas Tree in the lake. But that’s not nearly all the décor on display, with the team counting some half a million twinkling lights, 70,000 Christmas baubles and 1,000 Christmas trees across the event. For the best views, be sure to ride the Ferris wheel to admire the twinkling lights and the 60 Scandinavian-style wooden huts. And if you’re hungry, be sure to grab a local treat of caramelized almonds and cinnamon infused glogg, which is the Dane’s take on mulled wine.

Celebrate the holidays with The Social Hub!

Explore the best European cities for Winter 2025 and stay with The Social Hub! With hotels in Porto, Glasgow, Madrid, Amsterdam City, Amsterdam West, Vienna and Berlin, you can use our hubs as a jumping off point to exploring these cities and their beautiful, festive Winter Markets. Plus, be sure to check out our Instagram channels for what winter activities we have going on at our hubs! You can always stay in the loop by signing up to our newsletter via the box below.