The Top European Christmas Markets for Food and Wine Lovers

Vienna, Austria

Each December, villages across Europe come alive with their Christmas markets. In the squares of iconic cities such as Vienna, Copenhagen and Prague, residents and visitors alike gather to celebrate the traditions of the festive season.

Filled with aromas of gingerbread and mulled wine, the markets sparkle with Christmas decorations and colorful lights. Enjoy savory and sweet treats while sipping on a steaming mug of hot chocolate with rum. Stroll among charming wooden chalets where artisans showcase their hand-crafted treasures. With folk music and dance performances, you truly will experience a feast for all senses!

The markets originated in Germany, with the Striezelmarkt in Dresden considered to be the first Christmas market in the world. Nowadays you will find markets throughout Europe, from Spain to Italy to Poland. They are the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit while immersing in the traditions and culture of the region.

I think we can all agree that the very best part of any festival is tasting all the scrumptious food and drink! Grilled sausages, stollen cake, cinnamon liquor - each village has something unique and special to share. Here are some top European Christmas Markets for food and wine lovers to visit.

Strasbourg, France

Nuremberg, Germany

Dating back over 700 years, this is one of the best Christmas markets in the world, with incredible food and drink to savor. Located between Munich and Frankfurt, you can easily reach Nuremberg for a day trip just to enjoy the fantastic Christkindlesmarkt.

Sample some of the most extraordinary Rieslings in the world, with styles ranging from dry to very sweet. You will also want to give Feuerzangenbowle a taste, which is a punch made with red wine and rum. Nuremberg is known to have one of the largest Feuerzangenbowle punch bowls in the world! Of course, no trip to Germany would be complete without sampling the local beer, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy a stein or two.

At the Christkindlesmarkt, make sure you try the sausages that this city is so famous for, particularly the Nuremberg Bratwurst. Pair it with a warm bun and sauerkraut or sweet Bavarian mustard. For something sweet to finish off your visit, buy some spiced gingerbread, which has been baked in Germany for over 600 years. Be sure to pick up a few extra packages to take home as souvenirs.

Vienna, Austria

There are many Christmas markets located all throughout Vienna. On a December trip to the city, you can visit a new market each evening! The most popular is the Viennese Dream Christmas Market, which is located in front of the City Hall. With a stunning backdrop, you’ll enjoy international choirs, children’s folk dancing and entertainment throughout the month.

While in Austria, you must try the Austrian wines and beer on offer, which are served throughout the markets. Glühwein is a delicious mix of wine, sugar and cinnamon - perfect for this festive time of year. One of the most popular Austrian winter dishes is creamy pumpkin soup served in a bread bowl, a great option for warming up as you meander through the market stalls.  The ultimate comfort food is schnitzel, which is a required dish on every visit to Austria!  To finish off your day, enjoy a slice of Stollen or a Lebkuchen, a biscuit that’s flavored with spices like star anise and ground ginger.

Read more of our top picks for food and wine in Austria here.

The traditional mulled wine, Glühwein:

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is home to the biggest Christmas market in northern France, and the Strasbourg Christmas Market is a fantastic sight for all visitors to see. With over 300 chalets to stroll around, you’ll appreciate the efforts that go into creating this magical winter setting. Don’t miss seeing the Great Christmas Tree, which makes for a fantastic photo opportunity, day or night.

As Strasbourg is located in the Alsace wine region of France, you will get to enjoy the area’s beautiful, aromatic white wines including Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Although not as well-known as the white wines, Alsatian red or rosé wines made from Pinot Noir are quite delicious and pair well with the region’s hearty food.

While at the market, don’t miss the chance to savor some local delicacies including the Bretzel, the French version of a pretzel, beignets and chouquettes, the small choux pastry with sugar sprinkled on top - some stacked like a Christmas tree. For a savory dish, enjoy choucroute, which features grated cabbage pickled in wine that’s accompanied by pork and sausages.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is home to multiple Christmas Markets, which are open every day from the end of November until early January. The biggest markets are held in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, which are just five minutes’ walk from each other.

The most popular drink to try in Prague is, of course, beer. However, if you prefer to drink wine, try Svarak, which is a hot wine that’s served during the winter at Christmas markets.

The traditional spit-roasted ham, Pražská Šunka, and klobása barbecued sausages make for a great meal while listening to Christmas carols. Don’t miss out on their delicious meat dumplings, and to finish off dinner, enjoy Trdelnik cake. This chimney cake is prepared with dough that is wrapped around a stick, baked on an open fire and topped with a mixture of cinnamon sugar and walnuts - sometimes filled with ice cream or Nutella.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is fascinating year-round, but Christmas is the most magical time of year to visit. Don’t miss out on a trip to the Tivoli Gardens with their incredible festive light display. The best Christmas market in the city is located on Højbro Plad, but there are a few other smaller ones that are fun to visit too. Carlsberg is the most well-known brand of beer in Denmark, but wine drinkers will enjoy the fruit wines on offer in the city. For something a little stronger, try Akvavit, which is a local liquor made from grains and potatoes. At their Christmas markets, enjoy Flæskesteg, a scrumptious pork roast with crackling skin on the outside. Gløgg is the Danish version of mulled wine, which is sweeter than others on the continent and is made with cloves and cinnamon.

Whichever Christmas market you choose to visit in Europe, you are bound to have a fantastic time. Immerse yourself in the traditional festivities while sampling all the delicious treats – the highlight of any trip!

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