Our top 10 Christmas markets

Christmas Markets have become a big deal over the last few years, and it's no wonder why - when you think of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit, there's no better way than by strolling through a European citie's twinkly-light lit stalls with a hot drink in your hands and the smell of cinnamon and mulled wine in the air.

It's one of Mynt Travel's most popular times of year for city breaks and that's all thanks to the great packages we put together involving some of Europe's best Christmas Markets, so I got thinking, why not put them all in an article to help you decide which one you want to visit next.

Don't forget - with every Christmas Market weekend break we book, we can include everything for you from flights & accommodation, to excursions and even eSims.

Number 10 - Bath, England

Set among the city’s Georgian streets, with wooden chalets that blend into the architecture rather than overpower it. It’s smaller, more relaxed, and focused on quality over quantity.

Beyond these amazing markets, Bath is a city you can take at your own pace. The Roman Baths, the sweeping Royal Crescent, and the chance to unwind at the modern Thermae Bath Spa all add to the experience.

It’s an easy, low-effort kind of trip — the sort where you arrive, settle in quickly, and just enjoy the atmosphere without needing to plan too much.

If you live in South Wales, you can check out our coach daytrips to Bath here.

Number 9 - Vienna, Austria

Vienna Christmas Markets are, in true Vienna form - elegant. Everything feels considered — from the layout of the stalls to the setting in front of the grand Rathaus. It’s festive, but in a more refined, understated way, much like the city it lives in.

Beyond these amazing markets, Vienna is all about culture and atmosphere. Historic coffee houses where you can sit for hours, classical concerts in stunning venues, and museums that give you plenty to dip into between market visits.

The whole city feels like it was made for this time of year — calm, beautiful, and just a little bit indulgent.

Number 8 - Tuilleries, Paris, France

It doesn't get much more magical than Paris - but at Christmastime it's simply something else! It's home to a few different markets but my favourite is definitely Tuileries — right in the beating heart of Paris — and it feels more like a full festive experience than just a traditional market. Think lights, rides, food stalls, and that unmistakable Parisian backdrop tying it all together. Don't forget to stop for a selfie in front of the Louvre on your way home.

Beyond these amazing markets, Paris in winter is hard to beat. Walks along the Seine, the glow of the Eiffel Tower at night, world-class museums, and cafés that feel even cosier when it’s cold outside.

It’s less about tradition here and more about atmosphere — and Paris does atmosphere effortlessly.

Number 7 - Budapest, Hungary

Budapest Christmas Markets are some of the most visually impressive, especially the one in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, where light shows are projected onto the building and the whole square feels alive from day into night. It's a sure spectacle!

Beyond these amazing markets, Budapest is a city you can really settle into. The thermal baths like Széchenyi Thermal Bath are an experience in themselves — especially in winter — and the views along the Danube, with Parliament lit up at night, are hard to beat.

It’s also great for food and nightlife, with ruin bars, hearty Hungarian dishes, and that slightly edgy, creative feel running through parts of the city. It’s festive, but with a bit more going on beneath the surface.

Number 6 - Gdansk, Poland

Gdansk is a little different, and that’s exactly why it works. Instead of one central square, the stalls stretch through the historic streets, framed by colourful merchant houses that give the whole thing a slightly more vibrant, modern feel.

Beyond these amazing markets, Gdansk has a strong identity. Its maritime history is everywhere — along the waterfront, through the museums, and in the architecture — and it gives the city a slightly different energy to the more traditional inland destinations.

You’ve got riverside walks, cosy bars, and a growing food scene that mixes classic Polish dishes with something a bit more contemporary. It’s festive, but with a bit more personality.

Number 5 - Strasbourg, France

Welcome to Strasbourg - the Capital of Christmas - iconic because the entire city becomes part of it. It’s not just one square — it’s multiple markets spread across the old town, all centred around the towering Strasbourg Cathedral, with lights and decorations tying everything together.

Beyond these amazing markets, Strasbourg has a unique charm thanks to its blend of French and German influences. The canals of La Petite France, the half-timbered houses, and the overall layout of the city make it feel completely different to anywhere else.

Food plays a big part too — hearty Alsatian dishes, local wines, and cosy winstubs where you can settle in for the evening. It’s festive, but with real character behind it.

Number 4 - Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn Christmas Market is simply magical — set in the medieval Town Hall Square, surrounded by snow-dusted rooftops and centuries-old buildings that look like they haven’t changed in hundreds of years. It’s smaller, quieter, and all about atmosphere.

Beyond these amazing markets, Tallinn is one of those cities that’s just a pleasure to wander. Cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, and viewpoints up on Toompea Hill that give you that postcard-perfect view over the old town.

There’s also a strong café culture here — warm, candlelit spaces to escape the cold — and a slightly creative, modern edge once you step outside the old town walls. It’s calm, different, and feels a world away from the busier European hotspots.

Number 3 - Birmingham, England

Birmingham is the city that keeps on giving, especially at Christmastime — it’s home to the largest German-style market outside Germany and Austria, and it really does feel like a slice of Bavaria dropped into the UK. Long wooden bars, live music, and that proper festive buzz that builds as the evening goes on.

Beyond the markets, Birmingham has quietly become one of the UK’s most underrated city breaks. The canals around Brindleyplace are home to some great bars and restaurants where it gets really lively at night, then the Bullring covers you for everything retail, and the food scene — from street food to Michelin stars — is genuinely impressive.

It’s easy, lively, and perfect if you want something festive without the need to travel far. If you live in South Wales, you can check out our coach trip to Birmingham here.

Number 2 - Krakow, Poland

Kraków Christmas Markets are special because they feel properly traditional — set in one of Europe’s largest medieval squares, with the Cloth Hall right at the centre, surrounded by wooden stalls, horse-drawn carriages and that soft glow of lights against historic buildings. It’s festive, but never overdone.

Beyond these amazing markets, Kraków has a depth that gives the whole trip more meaning. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore, the climb up to Wawel Castle gives you those classic views over the city, and everywhere you turn feels steeped in history.

It’s also a brilliant winter food city — think pierogi, warming soups, and cosy underground restaurants where you’ll happily lose a few hours.

Add in day trips like Auschwitz-Birkenau or the Wieliczka Salt Mines if you want something more reflective, and you’ve got a city break that feels far more rounded than just a festive getaway.

Number 1 - Prague, Czechia

Prague Christmas Markets are some of the most atmospheric in Europe because of their setting — you’re not in a purpose-built square or a modern centre, you’re right in the middle of a fairytale Old Town, with gothic towers, baroque buildings and that huge Christmas tree anchoring it all together. It feels authentic without even trying.

Beyond these amazing markets, Prague is effortlessly beautiful in the winter — especially after a light dusting of snow — and it has that rare ability to feel both grand and cosy at the same time. You’ve got early morning walks across Charles Bridge before the crowds arrive, the skyline views from Prague Castle, and quiet side streets that always seem to lead to somewhere worth stopping.

It’s also a city that leans into simple pleasures. Proper Czech beer halls where it’s warm, busy and unpretentious, river cruises along the Vltava with the city lit up around you, and food that’s hearty enough to make the cold feel like part of the experience rather than something to escape from.

It’s got that perfect mix — big sights, great atmosphere, and just enough going on that you can fill your days without ever feeling rushed - and that's what makes Prague our #1 choice for a Christmas Markets break this winter!

So, what are you waiting for?

Whichever Christmas market city break ticks the boxes for you - get in touch with us today to start planning your fairytale escape.