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.

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.

Quaint in Stockholm 

The Christmas market at Stockholm's open-air museum Skansen is a truly Scandinavian and cozy experience. There are bonfires creating a warm glow over the area and market stalls sell local delicacies such as peppermint "polka" sweets and saffron infused buns. You can also buy hand-made souvenirs and presents from candles to traditional little elves or "tomtar". Many of the sellers are dressed in historical costumes. The kids will love the place since you can also meet some animals while you are there! If you get hungry for something more substantial, the restaurants of the area serve delicious seasonal meals. 

Bustling in Madrid

Madrid's Plaza Mayor Christmas Market is a popular destination during the season with most of the visitors locals. Over a hundred market stalls are packed with nativity scene figurines, decorations, and kid's toys. The offering is more light-hearted, and party oriented than in the Northern countries and includes things such as fancy dress and joke shop items. On public holidays there are designer and craft stalls as well. There are no amusement park rides on the Plaza Mayor itself, but the city has an ice-skating rink and carousels in the Plaza de Oriente and Plaza de Santa Cruz close by.

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.