November 27, 2025, 2:51 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
The best Christmas market in Europe is in Germany! It’s not entirely unknown, as Time Out magazine has ranked the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt at the top.
It’s true that the Christmas spirit doesn’t quite hit in mid-October, but Christmas Eve isn’t too far off. Some winter markets or Christmas markets have already opened here, gradually ushering in the festive season. Time Out magazine is confident that while there are great Christmas markets all over Europe, Germany undoubtedly has the most. It’s no surprise, then, that the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt has claimed the top spot among the best Christmas markets in Europe.
No. 1: Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt in Bavaria is the best in Europe! This accolade is mainly due to its diverse offerings. Families can take photos with golden-haired “angels” weaving through the crowds. In the evening, adults can enjoy mulled wine or local smoked beer in charming souvenir mugs at the bar. Time Out also evaluates what or who exactly this Christmas market is suitable for–the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is ideal for a drink or a toast, it says. The market opens on November 28, 2025, and runs until Christmas Eve.
According to TRAVELBOOK, the city of Nuremberg is very pleased with the excellent ranking. The number of international visitors is steadily increasing–in the last representative visitor survey in 2023, the rate was 16.9 percent, says Thomas Meiler from the city of Nuremberg. He also reveals what will be available at this year’s Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: “Nuremberg gingerbread, fruit bread, baked goods and sweets, typical Christmas items like Rauschgoldengel, nativity scenes or Christmas tree decorations, as well as candles, toys, and handicrafts. Popular souvenirs or gifts from the Christkindlesmarkt are the ‘Nuremberg Zwetschgenmännle,’ figures made from dried plums.”
No. 2: Manchester, England
Manchester ranks second among the best Christmas markets in Europe. While Manchester might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of Christmas markets, the city shines in a special light during the Advent season, it is said. This year, Manchester’s main Christmas market returns to Albert Square, offering sweet treats, mulled wine, and much more in over 200 Alpine-style chalets. The Christmas market opens on November 7 and ends on January 4, 2026.
No. 3: Paris, France
The city of love also seems to be something special when it comes to Christmas markets. The Paris Christmas market on Place de la Concorde ranks third. Paris doesn’t need Christmas lights to look beautiful–but during the holidays, it shows its most glamorous side, it is said. Place de la Concorde is located directly on the Champs-Élysées–thanks to a Ferris wheel, you have the perfect view over the city from there.
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The magazine not only determined the top 20 but also highlighted which markets stand out for their unique features. The Christmas market in Tallinn is considered the most traditional, the one in Gothenburg the most extraordinary. Colmar offers the best atmosphere, Vienna’s is the most popular, and Vilnius’s is the most underrated.
The Top 20 Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Other Christmas markets from Germany are also represented in the top 20. One is in Aachen on Münsterplatz, and all five Christmas markets in Düsseldorf help the city make the ranking.
- Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany
- Christmas Market on Albert Square, Manchester, England
- Christmas Market on Place de la Concorde, Paris, France
- Christmas Market on Vörösmarty Square, Budapest, Hungary
- Vienna Christmas Market, Vienna, Austria
- Christmas Market on Cathedral Square, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London, England
- Lozärner Wiehnachtsmärt, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Christmas Market on Town Hall Square, Tallinn, Estonia
- Christmas Market in Tivoli, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Christmas Market at East Princes Street Garden, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Aachen Christmas Market on Münsterplatz, Aachen, Germany
- Christmas Market in Liseberg Amusement Park, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Krakow Christmas Market on the Main Square, Krakow, Poland
- All six Christmas markets in Colmar, France
- Bruges Christmas Market on the Market Square, Bruges, Belgium
- All five Christmas markets in Düsseldorf, Germany
- Christmas Market in Seville, Seville, Spain
- Christmas Market on Campo Santo Stefano, Venice, Italy
- Christmas Market directly on Avenida Arriaga, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal