Winter is a wonderful time to visit European cities and some of the most beautiful Christmas markets, especially if you are looking for gifts or simply want to surrender to the Christmas atmosphere.

1. London

Spectacular Christmas destination is “Winter Wonderland” at Hyde Park. It lasts for 6 exciting weeks, starting on 20 November. Entrance is free and there have more than 100 attractions – something for everyone.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

2. Birmingham

Birmingham has the largest authentic market in Europe with 5.5 million visitors a year. This year there are even 180 stalls. The market runs from 12 November to 22 December.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

3. Vienna

On the eve of Christmas, each year Vienna turns into the open market. Smell of punch and Christmas cookies nowadays fulfill the most famous squares in Vienna.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

4. Cologne

From 23 November to 23 December, you can feel the magic of Christmas in this formally decorated town.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

5. Lille

In the heart of winter, Lille shines with joy. The whole town looks like it was spend a magic wand and welcomes all those who want to be left of the Christmas magic. The market runs from November 18th to December 30th.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

6. Dresden

The city of Dresden has 11 markets. There you can experience the holiday story through theaters, special exhibitions and performances. It runs from November 26th to December 24th.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

7. Leipzig

Christmas Market in Leipzig is one of the oldest in Germany. It dating from 1458 and has 6 special market sectors located throughout the historic fascinating sight in the city center.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

8. Nuremberg

The smells of warmed wine, roasted almonds, punch and warm bread fill the air in Nuremberg. It all starts with the opening of Christkindlesmarkt.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

9. Brussels

The market in Brussels is filled with joy, light and festive atmosphere. It opens on November 27thand runs until January 3rd.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

10. Colmar

Colmar is a city where you can experience the magic of Christmas for 6 weeks through the maze of small alleys and venerable old houses in a unique and intimate atmosphere.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

11. Aachen

Every year before Christmas the squares and streets in front of the main cathedral of Aachen converted into a paradise of lights and colors, cheerful sounds and seductive smells.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

12. Zagreb

The first city on the list of best European destinations for Christmas is Zagreb. The streets of this city invited you to participate by singing, dancing and other types of entertainment. The market runs from November 28th to January 10th.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe