We’ve spent Christmas in quite a few places across Europe, and today we’re sharing our personal favourites. These are the places we’ve visited that have best Christmas vibe, and would happily return to this year. So if you’re planning a Christmas trip, hopefully you’ll find some inspiration!
Before we start, we’ve added the dates, schedules and locations of the main Christmas Markets in each destination. However, keep in mind that some details may be updated by individual markets after this video is posted. So, we’ve included links to each market in each section. Make sure to check those before planning your trip!
Mittenwald
We stayed in Mittenwald for Christmas in 2025. It’s in the south of Bavaria, Germany. Mittenwald became known for violin making in the 1600s, when local maker Matthias Klotz learned the craft in Italy and brought it back home. His work turned the town into an important center for violins sold across Europe. Today, the tradition continues through a violin-making school and small workshops, and there is also a Violin Making Museum called the Geigenbaummuseum.
What we ate in Mittenwald for Christmas
On Christmas day, we woke up to snow all around us, which was always dream of ours. We walked to the Old Town and had our Christmas lunch at a typical German guesthouse restaurant called Alpenrose in Mittenwald. Guesthouse restaurants are very common here.
We ordered duck with German dumplings (called Knödel) and purple cabbage, which is very typical in Bavaria, as well as three different types of schnitzel. One was breaded with pepper sauce, one came with a creamy mushroom sauce and dumplings that look like pasta called Spätzle, and another was served with a creamy sauce and potato croquettes.
We also ordered Augustiner beer from Munich, the capital of Bavaria.
For dessert mom ordered something called a Germknödel. A large, dome-shaped sweet yeast dumpling filled with spiced plum butter, popular in Southern Germany and Austria.
Christmas Markets in Mittenwald
After lunch, we walked around Mittenwald and absolutely loved seeing all the beautiful houses covered in ornate paintings, very typical in Bavaria.
It’s a very small town, so there aren’t any big Xmas markets, but you can find small sections with stalls all throughout the season.
For dinner one night, we ate at a tiny Christmas market with just two stalls outside the Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul. One selling German sausages in a roll and the other selling mulled wine and other drinks. We originally wanted to go to a restaurant, but since it was the holidays, everything was fully booked. Even on a Monday in a small town, reservations are essential. In the end, we really enjoyed the market’s cozy vibe.
Garmisch
Winter Park Christmas Market – Christkindlmarkt
Garmisch-Partenkirchen or simply Garmisch, really surprised us. We stumbled upon the Winter Park Christmas market almost by accident. And we are so glad we did. It had lots of food stalls and an ice rink in the middle.
We ordered hot Aperol, which had mixed reviews. I really liked it, but my mom thought it tasted like cough medicine, which is a valid take.
For food, we chose cheese-filled sausages in a roll with mustard, and from another stall, we ordered knödels. You could choose up to three flavors, so we tried bacon and cheese, spinach, and tomato. They were served with brown butter sauce, topped with parmesan, and placed on a bed of lamb’s lettuce. Unreal.
We then walked around town, admiring the traditional artwork painted on many of the buildings. We bought cakes to go at Krönner Coffee House and Confectionery, a traditional German-Austrian café that has been around since 1934. At a nearby souvenir shop, we bought two Christmas ornaments for the tree, a nutcracker and a cable car with skis from a place called Alpenwelt Garmisch.
Alpine Christmas Market in Morenplatz
As it got colder, we found an alpine-style Christmas market in Morenplatz, with cozy seating areas and blankets. We ordered a hot chocolate, which was delicious, and everyone there was incredibly friendly. Before leaving, we visited St. Martin Parish Church and were especially impressed by the painted ceiling.
1. Winter im Park – Christkindlmarkt
- Dates: 20 November 2026 – 5 January 2027
- Location: Michael-Ende-Kurpark, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Opening hours: Daily, 12 PM – 9 PM
- 24 December: 12 PM – 4 PM
- 31 December: 12 PM – 6 PM
- Entry: Free
2. Winterzauber am Mohrenplatz – Alpine Winter Market
- Dates: 27 November 2026 – 27 February 2027
- Location: Mohrenplatz, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Opening hours: Daily from 11 AM (closing time not specified)
- Ice-stock curling: Available until 9 January 2027
Oberammergau
Oberammergau is a beautiful little town in Bavaria, Germany, not far from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Austrian border. It’s known for its traditional Bavarian houses, colourful painted facades and woodcarving.
We actually drove through Oberammergau during Christmas in 2025, and unfortunately, we weren’t able to stop for very long. But even just driving through, we thought it was one of the cutest and most magical Christmasy towns of our entire trip. It was covered in snow, with traditional Christmas decorations everywhere and the most charming little houses. It honestly felt like stepping into a Christmas postcard, and we would absolutely love to return and spend more time here.
Oberammergau Christmas Market
If you’re visiting during Christmas 2026, one of the main highlights is the Oberammergau Christmas Market, which takes place on 29 November 2026, from 10am to 6pm, in front of the parish church of St Peter and Paul. You’ll find stalls selling handmade Christmas decorations, local crafts and plenty of traditional German Christmas treats, with live music.
The town is famous for its woodcarving, and during Christmas, you’ll find beautiful nativity scenes displayed in shop windows throughout the town. You can also visit the traditional woodcarving workshops and walk through the charming streets.
If you’re planning a Christmas road trip through Bavaria, I would definitely add Oberammergau to your itinerary.
Seefeld
Seefeld is an alpine town in the state of Tyrol. There, we came across a small Christmas market covered in snow in the Dorfplatz by St. Oswald Church. There were outdoor fireplaces, so we warmed up with eggnog and warm buttery pretzels. It was my first time trying eggnog and I wasn’t a fan, but mom really enjoyed it.
We also walked around to see the Seekirche behind the ice rink, which is connected to the Olympia Sport and Congress Centre. In winter, you can enjoy the saunas there or relax on the lounge chairs inside while looking out at the snowy sunset view from the pool.
1. Seefeld Christmas Market (Seefelder Weihnachtsmarkt)
- Dates: 20 November 2026 – 6 January 2027
- Location: Seefeld pedestrian zone, including the village centre and Dorfplatz, Seefeld, Austria
- Opening hours: Daily, 2 PM – 9 PM
- 24 December: Individual stalls decide their own opening hours.
Krakow
The Kraków Christmas Market takes place in Rynek Główny, the main square in the Old Town, and runs from 27th November 2026 to 6th January 2027. The market is open daily from 10am to 8pm, with selected food stalls staying open later.
You’ll find traditional Polish food, handmade gifts, Christmas decorations and regional products from Poland and neighbouring countries. There are also live performances, folk music and dance, and festive events throughout the season.
What to eat in Krakow during Christmas
Food-wise, expect Polish favourites like pierogi (Polish dumplings), oscypek (a smoked cheese) grilled with a side of cranberry or lingonberry jam. There are also grilled sausages, traditional soups, roasted nuts, gingerbread, pastries like pączki (a Polish doughnut) filled with cream or, more traditionally, jam (like rose petal or plum). And grzaniec galicyjski, a traditional Polish mulled wine sweetened with honey instead of sugar. You’ll also find plenty of stalls selling handmade Christmas decorations, ceramics, wooden gifts, jewellery and other souvenirs.
To get there, take tram lines 1, 3, 8, 10, 13, or 18 to Plac Wszystkich Świętych, which is close to the Old Town, or use buses 208 or 252 if you’re coming from the airport.
We have an entire post on our trip to Krakow where we show you everything we visited and ate, so, if you’re interested, definitely go check that out!
– Christmas Market on Mały Rynek
- Dates: 30th November 2026 – 6th January 2027
- Location: Mały Rynek, Kraków Old Town
- A smaller, traditional market with handmade crafts and local products.
– Christmas Fair in Podgórze
- Dates: 28th–29th November 2026
- Location: Rynek Podgórski, Kraków
- A weekend market featuring local makers and handmade gifts.
– Christmas Market on Plac św. Marii Magdaleny
- Dates: 30th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027
- Location: Plac św. Marii Magdaleny, between the Main Market Square and Wawel Castle
- A new market for 2026
Munich
Munich is another one of our favourite Christmas destinations, and there’s so much to see and do here.
Marienplatz is the heart of the city, and during Christmas, it’s especially beautiful with its huge Christmas tree and festive market. You’ll also find the famous Glockenspiel in the New Town Hall. It performs at 11 am, 12 pm and 9 pm during the Christmas season, including special Advent music alongside the traditional ones.
For food, we absolutely recommend trying traditional Bavarian dishes like schnitzel, German sausages, and Kaiserschmarrn, which is one of our favourites. Shredded pancakes fried in butter and served with powdered sugar and berry jam or apple sauce.
And if you want to enjoy something a little more luxurious without spending a fortune, Dallmayr is a beautiful gourmet food store with its own restaurant where we had a delicious Christmas lunch.
You can also visit the beautiful Frauenkirche or climb St. Peter’s Tower for some of the best views over Munich.
We have a full post on Munich with all the details of what we ate for lunch and all the must-see sights, so definitely check that out if you’re planning a visit!
Main Christmas Markets (updated dates and locations)
- Munich Christkindlmarkt: 20 November – 24 December 2026 | Marienplatz, Rindermarkt and pedestrian zone | Mon–Sat: 10 AM–9 PM, Sun: 10 AM–8 PM, 24 Dec: 10 AM–2 PM. Closed 22 November.
- Christmas Village at the Residenz: 16 November – 22 December 2026 | Kaiserhof courtyard, Munich Residenz, near Odeonsplatz | 11 AM–9 PM (official daily schedule should be checked).
- Medieval Christmas Market: 20 November – 23 December 2026 | Wittelsbacherplatz, Brienner Straße 6–10 | Opening hours vary by day.
- Viktualienmarkt Winter Magic: 20 November 2026 – 5 January 2027 | Viktualienmarkt | Regular market hours; individual festive stalls may vary.
- Sendlinger Tor Christmas Market: 20 November – 22 December 2026 | Sendlinger-Tor-Platz | Opening hours to be confirmed.
Now we’re going to talk about a few Christmas markets in Alsace, a region in France home to some of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe that look straight out of a Christmas movie…
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, also known as the « Capital of Christmas », has one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, called Christkindelsmärik, which lights up the entire city center. The market is filled with stalls selling handmade ornaments, gifts, and traditional Alsatian treats like Bredel and . Near the market, you’ll find Strasbourg’s stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral, which adds even more magic with its towering Gothic architecture and decorations. However, there are 12 different Christmas markets in Strasbourg with over 300 stalls spread across many squares.
And don’t forget to walk through the side streets to see all the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations!
Main Christmas Markets (updated dates and locations)
- Christkindelsmärik: 27 November – 24 December | Place Broglie | 11 AM – 9 PM
- At the Foot of the Great Christmas Tree: 27 November – 24 December | Place Kléber | 11 AM – 9 PM
- Around the Cathedral: 27 November – 24 December | Place de la Cathédrale & Place du Château | 11 AM – 9 PM
- La Petite France: 27 November – 24 December | Place Benjamin-Zix & Place Saint-Thomas | 11 AM – 9 PM
- Carré d’Or Market: 27 November – 24 December | Place du Temple-Neuf | 11 AM – 9 PM
- Quai des Délices: 27 November – 24 December | Terrasse Rohan & Place du Marché-aux-Poissons | 11 AM – 9 PM
- Alsatian Small Producers Market: 27 November – 24 December | Square Louise-Weiss | 11 AM – 9 PM
- Marché OFF: 27 November – 24 December | Place Grimmeissen | 11 AM – 9 PM
Opening hours:
- 27 November: 2 PM – 9 PM
- 28 November – 23 December: 11 AM – 9 PM
- 24 December: 11 AM – 6 PM
Colmar
Colmar’s Old Town is covered in festive lights, and its colourful half-timbered houses make it feel like a real-life Christmas fairytale. There are six Christmas markets spread throughout the historic centre and Little Venice, all within walking distance of each other, so you can easily explore them on foot.
Follow the map of all of Colmar’s Christmas Markets.
Colmar Christmas Markets
The Colmar Christmas Markets run from 23 November to 29 December 2026. Each market has its own theme, with wooden stalls selling handmade decorations, gifts, local crafts and traditional Alsatian food. One of the highlights is the Gourmet Market on Rue de la Montagne Verte, where nine local chefs serve dishes made with regional ingredients. It’s a great place to try some Alsatian specialities, similar to the food you’ll find in Strasbourg, as both cities are in the Alsace region.
The general opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 11am to 7pm, and Friday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm. On 24 December, the markets close at 5pm, while they remain open until 8pm on 25 and 26 December.
Other Christmas Activities in Colmar
If you’re visiting after Christmas, there’s still a reason to stop by. The Gourmet Market and Ferris wheel remain open until 3 January 2027, from 11am to 10pm daily, except on 31 December when they close at 5pm. So you can still enjoy a little Christmas atmosphere even after the main markets have closed.
When in Alsace during Christmas, we suggest you visit the smaller towns close to Colmar like Eguisheim, Riquewihr and Kayserberg. They are just as magical as the more popular places and are a must-visit during the festive season.
Eguisheim
Eguisheim is a beautiful little village in the Alsace region of France, just 7 km from Colmar, which is around a 10-minute drive. It’s known for its colourful half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and traditional Alsatian architecture, which look even prettier during Christmas.
The village has a small Christmas market in Place du Château Saint-Léon, with around 30 wooden stalls selling handmade decorations, gifts and local products. The 2026 market runs from 27 November to 30 December, with a break from 24 to 26 December. It’s open Monday to Thursday from 12pm to 7pm, and Friday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm until 10 December. From 11 December, it opens daily from 10am to 7pm. Entry is free.
Apart from the market, take some time to walk through the village’s narrow streets, admire the Christmas decorations and visit the little squares and fountains. It’s a lovely place to explore, especially if you’re already visiting Colmar and want to see another traditional Alsatian village.
Next, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr
The Kaysersberg Christmas Market takes place from 27 November to 20 December 2026. It’s open Friday to Sunday, from 10am to 8pm, with around 30 wooden chalets in the Cour de l’Arsenal and behind Sainte-Croix Church.
There’s also a farmers’ market at Place de la Mairie, where you can try local Alsatian treats, and a Christmas exhibition that is great to visit if you have kids.
Riquewihr is one of the most photographed villages in Alsace. Start at the arch by the Musée du Dolder and walk down Rue du Général de Gaulle to the arch at Hôtel de Ville. Don’t forget to explore the side streets and passages, as there are hidden Christmas market stalls everywhere.
Christmas Market foods in Alsace
Here are a few specialities worth looking out for:
Bredele (Bredle): Small Alsatian Christmas biscuits made in different shapes and flavours, often with cinnamon, butter, almonds or anise.
Pain d’épices: Traditional French gingerbread made with honey and warming spices. It is especially popular during the Christmas season.
Flammekueche (Tarte flambée): A thin, crispy Alsatian flatbread topped with cream, onions and bacon.
Spaetzle: Soft egg noodles, often served with cheese or a hearty sauce.
Bretzels: Traditional Alsatian pretzels, often served warm and sometimes topped with cheese.
Vin chaud: French mulled wine made with winter spices and orange. Alsace also offers a local version made with white wine.
When in Alsace, you’ll find not just the usual red mulled wine (vin chaud rouge), but also white mulled wine (vin chaud blanc) or rosé (vin chaud rosé). It’s made the same way, just with white wine or rosé, and it’s just as tasty if you want to try something different. Some places even add cherries, which is delicious, so keep an eye out for it.
Ghent
Ghent is located in the Flemish region of Belgium, and it’s one of our favourite places to visit during Christmas, alongside Brussels and Bruges, which we covered in last year’s post, so make sure to check that out too. Ghent has beautiful medieval architecture, canals and little cobbled streets, and the trams passing through the city add to the atmosphere.
Ghent Christmas Market
The Ghent Christmas Market, also called the Gentse Winterfeesten, runs from 3 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
More than 150 wooden huts are spread throughout the historic centre, starting at Sint-Baafsplein and continuing along Botermarkt and Klein Turkije, all the way to Korenmarkt. You’ll find plenty of stalls selling Christmas decorations, handmade gifts, food and drinks. You can also enjoy a mug of mulled wine or Belgian beer, and keep an eye out for some of the local festive drinks, including hot cherry beer.
Other Christmas Activities in Ghent
There’s plenty more to enjoy besides the market stalls. You’ll find a big Ferris wheel at Korenmarkt, an ice-skating rink underneath the City Pavilion (Stadshal), and festive attractions throughout the city. Another highlight is the Winter Wonder Castle at the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen), which runs from 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
What to eat in Ghent during Christmas
And of course, you can’t leave Belgium without trying some Speculoos cookies. These thin, crisp, spiced biscuits are traditionally flavoured with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger. They taste a little like a mix between gingerbread and biscoff biscuits and are especially popular during the Christmas season.
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