Christmas markets in Europe
Discover the best Christmas destinations in France, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK with Eurostar.
Explore the best European Christmas markets
Christmas is a magical time of the year, with twinkling lights, decorated trees and festive food and traditions. A perfect way to get into the festive spirit is to visit one of the best Christmas markets in Europe with Eurostar.
Christmas markets originated in Germany back in 1434, but now you can find them all over Europe. Snow-covered wooden chalets selling Christmas-themed goodies such as handmade gifts and baubles, Glühwein (a hot mulled wine), traditional gingerbread and festive treats.
Find out everything you need to know about the best Christmas markets in Europe 2024.
Where are the best Christmas markets in Europe?
You can travel to some of the top Christmas markets in Europe on Eurostar. Go direct to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne or Lille or take a connecting train to Strasbourg. So, the perfect European Christmas market break is just a train or two away.
Paris Christmas markets
Paris has around 15-20 Christmas Markets which run from 16 November 2024 until 7 January 2025. Get immersed in the French culture by sipping hot mulled wine and sampling tasty sausages, cheese and chocolates. Some of the main ones include one opposite Notre Dame in the 5th arrondissement at Square Viviani, another outside the church at St Germain des Pres and one in the Tuileries gardens this year.
Get the Eurostar from Brussels Midi/Zuid to Paris in just 1 hour 23 minutes so you'll be sipping mulled wine in no time.
Cologne Christmas markets
The Christmas markets in Cologne are magical and definitely worth the trip. At only 1 hour 52 minutes from Brussels, you’ll be exploring the ‘cathedral city’ and sipping glühwein in no time. Cologne Christmas markets 2024 run from 18 November to 23 December.
Cologne has several Christmas markets spread across the city, the largest is in the shadows of the city’s stunning cathedral.
London Christmas markets
Christmas in London is absolutely wonderful. There are a lot of activities to do, London Christmas lights to see and many London Christmas markets to check out.
Winter Wonderland 2024 will also return to Hyde Park this year from 22 November 2024 to 31 January 2025. It's the biggest outdoor ice-skating rink in the UK, with festive attractions and stalls that are perfect for some Christmas shopping.
Find out more - London Christmas markets
Amsterdam Christmas markets
Amsterdam Christmas markets transform the city's squares with stalls selling food, mulled wine and festive gifts. Discover the best places to ice skate, eat and enjoy a bit of Christmas shopping.
The Amsterdam Christmas markets 2024 run from 15 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.
You can take the Eurostar direct from Brussels to Amsterdam in 1 hour 52 minutes so you'll be sipping mulled wine in no time.
Strasbourg Christmas market
Strasbourg is considered the ‘Capital of Christmas’ with the oldest Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570. It is also one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Europe with over 300 wooden chalets spread across the city’s main town squares.
Strasbourg Christmas market 2024 runs from 27 November to 27 November 2024.
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