As we get deeper into autumn, it feels as if we’ll blink and Christmas will be upon us.
With the festive season comes new opportunities to book a winter trip away, and a favourite must-do for many travellers is to visit a Christmas market.
There are more than 1,500 in Europe alone, and this year more than 800,000 travellers have voted for their favourites via the European Best Destinations platform.
A total of 20 were included in the final ranking, and we’re taking a closer look at the top five to give you some inspiration on where to go to shop, drink gleuwein and get into the festive spirit in 2026.
European Christmas markets: The top picks by travellers
Craiova, Romania
You might never have heard of Craiova, but the Romanian city has pipped far more famous Christmas markets to the top spot.
It’s an absolutely huge space, with more than 280,000 square meters transformed into a festive wonderland each year.
The theme in 2026 is The Nutcracker, and visitors will be able to see giant ornaments and toy-shaped sculptures along with countless sparkling lights.
The market, which runs from mid-November to early January, will also boast Eastern Europe’s highest-flying Santa sleigh, as well as an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and traditional hand-painted chalets.
Visitors to the Craiova market also sing the praises of the food on offer here, which celebrates the flavours of Eastern Europe and beyond, serving dishes from the likes of Armenia, Georgia, Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich may be better known for its chocolate and banking than Christmas markets, but the Swiss city has made a name for itself as one of Europe’s top festive destinations.
The main attraction is Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz, between the Opera House and Lake Zurich. The market is filled with wooden chalets, twinkling lights and a huge Christmas tree, combining traditional Alpine touches with the city’s more polished feel.
There’s plenty more to discover beyond the main market, which was also voted as the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe. Weihnachtsallee near the main station is now in its third year, with around 80 rotating stalls selling international food, design-led crafts and, of course, plenty of fondue.
There’s even a dome dedicated to mulled wine, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors looking to warm up.
Zurich also puts its own artistic spin on the festive season with the Illuminarium at the Swiss National Museum. The courtyard is transformed with lights, music and immersive displays, adding something a little different to the city’s Christmas celebrations.
Riga, Latvia
Riga may not have the same name recognition as some of Europe’s bigger Christmas destinations, but Latvia’s capital puts on a seriously atmospheric festive display each winter.
The main market takes over Doma Square in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, with wooden chalets selling Latvian crafts, cosy knitwear and local treats.
From late November to early January, the square fills with the smells of mulled wine, roasted almonds and cinnamon, while choirs and folk performers add a distinctly Baltic feel.
But Riga’s Christmas appeal goes well beyond the market itself. The city is known for its spectacular lights, with parks, squares and canals transformed into a glowing winter wonderland.
Head to places including Opera Square, Bastejkalns and Kronvalda Park to see installations inspired by Latvian fairy tales, with light, music and storytelling bringing the festive season to life.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon offers a slightly different take on the Christmas market, swapping snowy streets for mild temperatures and winter sunshine.
Wonderland Lisboa takes over Parque Eduardo VII from late November to early January, with the Portuguese capital’s biggest Christmas market returning for its 11th edition in 2026.
This year’s theme, “The Roots of Christmas”, brings together nature, art, food and entertainment, with local artisans, live performances and plenty of family-friendly attractions.
There’s also a Ferris wheel offering views across the city, alongside a traditional carousel and plenty of opportunities for Christmas shopping.
Food is a big part of the experience too, with the Wonderland Lisboa Food Court serving Portuguese festive favourites, regional specialities and seasonal sweets.
More than 1.2 million people visited in 2025, making it a popular choice for anyone who wants their Christmas market with a side of sunshine.
Debrecen, Hungary
Hungary’s second-largest city may be less famous than the capital Budapest, but it certainly knows how to do Christmas properly.
In the winter, Debrecen’s main squares and pedestrian streets are transformed with glowing installations and wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, toys, decorations and Christmas ornaments.
There’s plenty of food to enjoy too, with classic festive treats including mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and kürtőskalács, the sweet Hungarian chimney cake.
More than 100 cultural events are held throughout the season, featuring more than 200 performers, while families can make the most of an ice rink and the Fairytale Town attraction.
There are also plenty of special events, including traditional advent candle-lighting ceremonies and a St Nicholas weekend complete with a carriage arrival, concerts and a mini train.
The top 20 best European Christmas markets
According to traveller votes via European Best Destinations:
- 1. Craiova, Romania
- 2. Zurich, Switzerland
- 3. Riga, Latvia
- 4. Lisbon, Portugal
- 5. Debrecen, Hungary
- 6. Govone & Asti, Italy
- 7. Valkenburg, The Netherlands
- 8. Vienna, Austria
- 9. Montbeliard, France
- 10. Paris, France
- 11. Edinburgh, Scotland
- 12. Madrid, Spain
- 13. Winchester, England
- 14. Prague, Czechia
- 15. Bruges, Belgium
- 16. Dresden, Germany
- 17. Nuremberg, Germany
- 18. Ravenna Gorge, Germany
- 19. Frankfurt, Germany
- 20. Cologne, Germany